THE LOST PRAYERS OF RICKY GRAVES

Multiple narrators reveal the lives of ordinary people who are caught up in the aftermath of tragic circumstances. The story is told through alternating first-person accounts, email exchanges, and chat room transcripts. When high school student Ricky Graves, who is thoughtfully portrayed, shoots a classmate and himself after a prank, the shock reverberates throughout his New Hampshire town. Despite Ricky's eagerness for affirmation online, he struggles to make meaningful connections. Listeners catch additional glimpses of him as family and acquaintances reflect on their lives and relationships with him and each other. The narrators provide candid performances of key characters--including Ricky's older sister, Alyssa; online chat room confidant, Jeremy; and classmate and former bully, Mark. As narrators, they're especially skilled at drawing out the nuances of social media and "real-life" communication. By turns heartbreaking and hopeful, this stirring and thought-provoking production provides no easy answers. J.R.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2018]