BREAM GIVES ME HICCUPS

Here's the perfect audiobook for listeners needing reassurance of their own normalcy. The story collection features a slew of neurotic characters whom one wouldn't expect to challenge actor Jesse Eisenberg, author and narrator. However, his overall performance is inconsistent. The 9-year-old in his opening piece sounds unconvincing as a youngster innocently observing his dining experiences. But then Eisenberg delivers a spirited, fully credible performance of a college student who is desperately needing psychotherapy. Eisenberg's supporting narrators add excellent color, even outshining him at times. And while the sound effects accentuate the reading, they often arrive unexpectedly, catching the listener off-guard. For a humorous audiobook, pass on this one unless you're a staunch Eisenberg fan. J.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2015]