WE NEVER ASKED FOR WINGS

Narrators Emma Bering and Robbie Daymond are the best part of this novel, which is unrealistic and abounds with stereotypes. Letty Espinosa had her first baby as a teenager, and her parents raised her children while she worked as a bartender. Things drastically change when her parents suddenly return to Mexico and Letty, at age 33, must care for her kids for the first time. While Bering is ideal as flighty, irresponsible Letty and spirited 6-year-old Luna, she's flawless as Latino parents Maria Elena and Enrique. Daymond inhabits 15-year-old Alex as he copes with school, meets his absent dad, and protects his fragile girlfriend. Daymond and Bering deftly convey compassion for the poor and for immigrants--legal and illegal. However, the novel's contrived conclusion will disappoint many listeners. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2015]