HOPE WAS HERE

16-year-old Hope is being raised by her Aunt Addie; together they work in diners, with Addie cooking and Hope waitressing. An unexpected move from Brooklyn to rural Wisconsin is difficult, but soon Hope is involved in a political campaign, meets a wonderful man who is dying of cancer, and finds a boyfriend. Narrator Jenna Lamia splendidly re- creates the characters of New York and Wisconsin restaurant life, as well as a large number of other memorable people. Lamia becomes each character (not a single one is superfluous) as she generously shares them with listeners. Bauer’s exceptional text is also well presented. This warm and unusual story should appeal to nearly everyone. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]