ODD ONE OUT

Narrator Dion Graham's portrayal of Courtney "Coop" Cooper pulls listeners into this portrayal of three teens and their complicated relationship dynamics. Coop, who is straight and cisgender, longs for something more with his best friend, Jupe, but Jupe, a lesbian, is oblivious. Their relationship changes when Rae Chin appears and seems to like both of them. Graham excels at emotion, ably expressing Coop's puzzlement at female behavior. His confusion is mirrored by Kim Mai Guest's depictions of Rae's misunderstandings of her two new friends. Guest's portrayals of Rae and her sister are heartfelt and appealing. Author Stone's delivery does not always differentiate characters, but she more than compensates with a complex, poignant look at adolescent friendship, gender, and sexuality. Her story's ending and author's note will satisfy listeners. E.J.F. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2018]