OPTIMISTS DIE FIRST

Narrator Julia Whelan expresses this YA heroine’s sardonic tone so well that 16-year-old Petula risks becoming an unlikable character. Thankfully, Whelan is also expert at conveying the story’s witty tone, Petula’s fragility, and the chemistry she has with Jacob, “the bionic man.” That chemistry doesn’t begin well. Though Jacob seems comfortable with his prosthetic, Petula’s been insular and phobic since the death of her baby sister. Whelan’s delivery of dialogue brings out the similarities in Petula’s and Jacob’s sarcasm, disguised vulnerabilities, and hidden guilt. When a shared project brings them together and they gradually open up to each other, Whelan depicts their developing love, trust, and discord. Whelan also portrays minor characters’ unique traits, preventing them from being flat characters who merely represent issues. In this coming-of-age story, Whelan balances grief and heartbreak with humor and hope. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2017]