DOWN AND ACROSS

Sixteen-year-old Iranian-American Saaket "Scott" Ferdowski wants to be successful in life, but he's unsure how to go about it. He embarks on a reckless but courageous journey to Washington, DC, to meet with a psychologist he believes can help. Narrator Assaf Cohen convincingly depicts Scott's awkwardness upon arriving in the city and ably voices the many colorful personalities he encounters. Listeners will delight in the sassiness of crossword-loving Fiora, as well as the unhurried warmth of bartender-politician Trent. Cohen's performance shines with his depiction of Scott's parents, whose concern and comedy is utterly charming and real. Trent's Southern accent is a bit overdone, and there are times when Cohen's comedic timing falls flat. Overall, though, listeners will root for Scott as he learns about friendship, loyalty, and commitment. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2018]