Olga Dies Dreaming

Bookseller recommendation

“Olga’s mother abandoned her family to fight for Puerto Rico’s liberation, and since then both Olga and her brother Prieto have tried to fill the void she left. Olga seeks attention and approval in meaningless relationships, while Prieto seeks approval and acclaim as a politician. Both finally face truths about their revolutionary mother and themselves and gain their own liberation from the years of heartbreak. This is a story focused on individuals and family and trauma, but it also highlights the far-reaching effects of colonialism.”

— Nancy • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“Olga Dies Dreaming is a ridiculously fun and compelling read, moving from hilarity to heartbreak and everything in between. I adored Olga and her brother Prieto and loved their story of family, politics, ambition, and what it means to be American in the 21st century. The full-cast audiobook was a complete delight, but I loved it so much I'll still buy a hard copy to keep on my shelf! ”

— Kate • Bookmarks

Bookseller recommendation

“Olga and her brother Pedro 'Prieto' Acevedo had a rough start—their activist mother left them to lead a militant group in Puerto Rico; their father died young from AIDS—but they've both found success, Olga as a high-end wedding planner and Prieto as a congressman. Olga Dies Dreaming follows the pair (and some of their loved ones) as they navigate their careers, dreams, responsibilities, and loyalties in the rapidly gentrifying Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. It's a story about family and boundaries, and doing the painful but rewarding work of discovering one's purpose. I fell in love with Olga so quickly, and that's due in large part to Inés del Castillo's narration.”

— Arianna • P&T Knitwear

Bookseller recommendation

“What a debut! If you’re looking for a compelling, well written story about a woman at odds with her heritage, her family and trying desperately to figure out her place in the world Olga Dies Dreaming is the book for you. I couldn’t put it down-I stayed up until 2:30 in the morning because I had to know what happened to Olga!”

— Kathleen • A Great Good Place for Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Loved this one, especially on audio. The narration was excellent, and laugh out loud funny. Perfect blend of contemporary fiction, intrigue, romance, Puerto Rican culture, and the impact of Hurricane Maria. ”

— Jessica • Main Street Books Davidson

Bookseller recommendation

“Left in the care of their grandmother by their radical mother, Blanca, siblings Olga and Preito strive and struggle to make their way as adults in their native Brooklyn, their mother’s decision reverberating throughout their careers, friendships, and romantic relationships. There is a sweet romance at the center of this story that grounds the narrative, as well as gossipy family drama - including a competitive cousin and a no-nonsense auntie. It is a fast moving tale, set in the before and after of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. I giggled, sighed, cheered, cried, and barked with (sometimes cynical) laughter as I took in this sweeping story of love and revolution.”

— Erin • Water Street Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“Olga Dies Dreaming, by Xochitl Gonzalez, was the book that reintroduced me to audiobooks as a medium. I loved the multiple narrators bringing life to the characters. After reading that, I was hooked on audio again! ”

— Lily • Third Place Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Gonzalez puts together a book partly about activism, history, romance, the importance of community and family, the rollercoaster called life, and lastly, being a POC in America. We follow two siblings, Olga and Prieto, of the Acevedo clan in NYC trying to do the best with what they have in their respective lives while being each other shoulder to lean on. An amazing story with many compelling components formed to make a book you don't want to stop listening to. ”

— Q'Nefertahri • Undercover Books & Gifts

Bookseller recommendation

“May every activist cause & social justice movement get themselves a Xochitl Gonzalez. It is a rare gift indeed to be able to write a novel that is so incredibly rich, satisfying, and fun to read while also educating the reader about something as complicated as Puerto Rico’s history of colonial oppression. I rooted for Olga as she fought for her family and to get the life she desires, while taking breaks to google more about Puerto Rican history. ”

— Josh • Underground Books