From Publishers Weekly
Landvik's latest light drama opens as Joe Andreson transfers into a Minneapolis high school as a class of '72 senior. Like everyone else, Joe has a major thing for head cheerleader Kristi Casey—a version of Reese Witherspoon's character in
Election. Joe gets some action, but is estranged from Kristi by graduation. As the years pass, and they stay in touch sporadically, Joe, who narrates, can't quite let go of his infatuation. He becomes an innovative grocer, still unmarried at mid-book, and Kristi transforms into a Bible-thumping radio/televangelist. Joe builds solid relationships with his mother and her new husband, and reconnects with high school friend Darva Pratt (who returns to town with her daughter, Flora), while Kristi sets her sights on the White House. Landvik (
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons) deftly mixes humor and pathos in Kristi's ditzy
On the Air with God radio show, starkly contrasted by her quietly powerful portrait of Joe, a man with real family values.
(Sept.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From AudioFile
Lorna Landviks lead character, Joe Andreson, is a lovable guy leading an average life who demonstrates extraordinary integrity. Landviks story starts while Joe is in high school and follows him to his fifties, when he has a wife and a pack of kids. Along the way, we meet his quirky best friend, Darva; his on-again-off-again flame, Kristi; and a warm and loving cast of secondary characters. Robertson Deans deep, mature voice doesnt quite fit the young Joe at the outset, but as Joe grows into maturity and his values evolve, Deans voice comes to be a perfect fit. Dean keeps the dialogue moving and brings a fitting warmth to the characters in Joes life. H.L.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
edition.
