FLORIDA

Groff's Sunshine State features no amusement park. While each story in this collection is richly told, the subject matter is often dark, tense, dangerous. It seems the state itself is safe for no one--not children or their mothers, a father, or man's best friend. That said, Groff's words and performance make this an irresistible listen. She is warm while matter-of-fact and gentle as she shares tales of deprivation and isolation. Her voice seems to love her protagonists just as her pen puts them through trials and torment. The common touch of her narration matches the layers contained in each story--what seems simple is actually full of meaning. While this is not a traditional beach read, FLORIDA is worth the trip. L.B.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2018]