Dreaming in English

A Novel

De: Laura Fitzgerald

Narrado por: Angela Dawe

Knowing she could never be happy in Iran, Tamila Soroush took her mother’s advice to “Go and wake up your luck” and joined her sister in the United States, where amazing freedoms awaited her. Now, after a spur-of-the-moment exchange of “I do’s” with her true love, Ike Hanson, Tami is eager to start her new life.

But not everyone is pleased with their marriage, and Tami’s happily-ever-after is no sure thing. As tensions escalate, Tami’s sense of self-worth takes a beating, especially when her earlier attempts to find a husband on a visitor’s visa return to haunt her. And there are her parents, stuck behind in a country that betrayed them. How can she be happy when they are not?Tami is beginning to understand that freedom is not for the faint of heart. With so much stacked against her, and her immigration interview looming, she wonders whether she’s got the right stuff when it comes to love, American-style. Maybe her luck is running out... or maybe she’ll step up to the plate and claim her American dream.

©2011 Laura Fitzgerald (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Dreaming in English

You know how you do not want the book you are reading to end?: This is one you do not want to end; there are so many emotions, points of view, anger, happiness..Listen to this book, so worth your time

A Thoroughly Enjoyable Read

This was a very enjoyable book........something entirely different. I listened to it in just two days and hated to see it come to an end. The reader was excellent and it was nice to have characters you could really care about.

Quite beautiful

Where does Dreaming in English rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'm not sure its at the very, very top but certainly one of the best listens. Many thanks to the other reviewer here who said "what a ride this book turned up to be".

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dreaming in English?

Well the depeche mode song at the very beginning pretty much set the tone :))) But seriously there are many sad and happy and touching moments here and I thoroughly enjoyed this book/listen.

Have you listened to any of Angela Dawe’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Nope.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

In the name of love: an iranian-american love story.

Any additional comments?

Very deep characters and relationships. Makes you appreciate the things and people in your life.

Lots of food for thought in this one

This story was not an easy listen for me, because it made me constantly consider my own views of our country's immigration laws. One moment I wanted to cheer for the main character, and in the next moment, I was angry with her. She had so many admirable traits, but there were also some times that I felt she and others in her social circle were abusing the privileges extended to them. Ironically, I can't say that I wouldn't behave the same way were I in their positions. I cannot count the number of times that I felt thankful to be born an American as I listened to this story.
Overall, the story line was interesting. Many of the characters, though perhaps not exactly likeable, were performed very well. This was an easy listen on the surface, but I think it should make a person examine his/her own prejudices and thoughts about immigration.

Yay! A sequel!

Would you listen to Dreaming in English again? Why?

YES! I've already listened to it 4 times! I am so glad they made a sequel! I love that they showed what happened after Tamila married Ike, the whole immigration process, and the people who were against them.

What other book might you compare Dreaming in English to and why?

I'm not sure I've read another book like this.

What about Angela Dawe’s performance did you like?

She really sounds Persian!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I get so mad every time I hear Ike's mother saying negative things about Tami. I get so defensive of her!

Wow, what a book this turned out to be!

This book is such an incredible read! The narrator is authentic as well. Her take on the accents involved within the culture is so on point I couldn't believe it. All of the characters have different voice inflections instead of having the same accent across all of the Iranian characters.

This story is one of love across 2 countries, and the main character is just a jewel to listen to! She is so refreshing! I hope that the author will continue to write about Tamila and Ike, because the way that the book ended left SO much to say in the future!

Get this book! You will be so pleasantly surprised and so glad that you did!

Interesting and captivating romance

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Time was well-spent because it was an interesting romenace with cultural insights.

Would you be willing to try another book from Laura Fitzgerald? Why or why not?

I would try another of her books.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes

delightful story

What made the experience of listening to Dreaming in English the most enjoyable?

The characters were so genuine. The story really enveloped you. It was mesmerising. She created people which you could empathise with.

What other book might you compare Dreaming in English to and why?

In some ways it was like a Thousand Splendid Suns. Not in content, but in plight of human spirit.

What does Angela Dawe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The reader has a fantastic talent with accents and voices. Unlike too many other audio books, this reader had the absolute ability to switch you from character to character, it was seamless.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A book of prejudice, fear, hope and heartbreaking love.

Any additional comments?

This book makes audio listeners wanting more. If only they were all so beautiful. And all audio readers this talented. So many good stories are spoilt by the reader.

Read this!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I seldom write reviews, but this is a GREAT book. Everyone has got to read "Dreaming in English by Laura Fitzgerald." It's a love story, it's all about what it means to be an American, what FREEDOM means. It will warm your heart and make you look at your life, and think again about what the meaning of HOPE is. Man or woman, it fills your heart.

LOVE IT!

I bought the first book, Veil of Roses, seven years ago (when I was 11-12 years old, now I'm 18). I've reread it at least 3 times. It is my favorite book in my small collection. I discovered the sequel last month and I knew I had to read it. It's so awesome to see Tami change and finally speak up for herself! I love this story! Definitely recommend this book!!! You won't regret it.