HARD LOVE

John's world is not perfect. His mother hasn't touched him in six years, his father loathes their weekly dinners, and his one friend has gotten a girlfriend. John's one pleasure is reading zines, especially "Escape Velocity," written by a self-proclaimed "Puerto Rican Cuban Yankee lesbian" named Marisol. John and Marisol become friends, but when he falls in love with her, he learns that love can be very hard indeed. Mark Webber's youthful voice projects all of John's turbulent emotions clearly. The characters' voices are distinct and easily understood in a strong story suitable for older teens. B.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]