THE WHISPERS

Narrator Kivlighan de Montebello's youthful voice brings authenticity to the coming-of-age struggles of 11-year-old Riley. His mother has vanished, and Riley hopes to find her with the help of the Whispers she has told him about. De Montebello depicts the innocence and shame of Riley's two "conditions." He struggles with a recent incident of bed-wetting and with his preference for boys. De Montebello's narration holds listeners captive as they follow the mix of Riley's fantastical beliefs, real events, and the prejudices that surround him. Bit by bit, the truth and the depths of Riley's grief are revealed. Narrator Robin Miles portrays Riley's gentle mother. The author narrates his connection to the story in the afterword. S.W. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2019]