PROMISES OF GOLD

José Olivarez's narration of his poetry collection offers listeners a connection with his love circle. The people he loves include his friends, parents, brothers, and wife. Between each poem he provides commentary, which lends the audiobook a conversational tone. Some of the poems are read to audiences and include background sounds of clapping and laughter. There's also a sense of community relating to his Mexican culture. Olivarez connects listeners with his friends at his alma mater, Harvard, and talks about his dad, his brother, and the poems inspired by his wife. His tone is warm, even when the commentary is harsh. The first half of the audiobook is in English, and the second half is in Spanish. T.E.C. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2023]