A HEART IN A BODY IN THE WORLD

Narrator Julia Whelan drops easily into the uneasy mind and tormented heart of Annabelle Agnelli. The story opens as the 18-year-old is running from Seattle to Washington, DC. Each chapter contains memories that color her present. Though the entire reason she's running isn't clear until the ending, Whelan characterizes Annabelle's wavering moods and the strength of her underlying determination. She also dramatizes the fear and grief that block Annabelle's ability to escape the memories of someone she calls "The Taker." Whelan winds listeners through the story, building the tension and depicting the confusion of Annabelle's PTSD. These are balanced with the tenderness of her quirky, adoring Italian grandfather and an emerging new love. This powerful story speaks to the Me Too movement and school violence. S.W. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2018]