HEROES OF THE FRONTIER

Josie flees north to Alaska, filled with angst about where her life is leading her and her two children. In escaping the ennui of daily life, she's trying to provide her children with something more than a programmed childhood of school, playdates, and babysitters. Narrator Rebecca Lowman captures Josie's frustration and lack of direction with enough nuance to make Josie's experience feel real. Lowman's clear voice and cadenced rhythm deliver well-place emphasis and emotion in moments when Eggers explores Josie's thoughts. Lowman also provides consistent and unique voices for all the characters, excelling at Josie and her children. The toddler's voice is characterized by appropriate mispronunciations and a tone that is equal parts innocence and mischief. L.E. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2016]