HIGHLY ILLOGICAL BEHAVIOR

Solomon is a 16-year-old who hasn’t left his house since eighth grade, when panic led him to strip to his underwear and immerse himself in the school fountain. Narrator Robbie Daymond emphasizes Solomon’s upbeat and agreeable outlook and his solid, loving family. In contrast, Julia Whelan portrays Lisa as an irritating, insecure manipulator who targets Solomon to feature in an essay that will win her a scholarship to a college far from home. Whelan’s portrayal of Lisa’s boyfriend, Clark, is warm and genuine. Both narrators reflect marked changes as relationships deepen and the characters take risks and become more honest with each other and themselves. Mental illness is merely a backdrop. Well-rendered characters; witty, intriguing conversations; and complex friendships are center stage. S.W. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2016]