TWENTY-ONE TRUTHS ABOUT LOVE

Told entirely through a series of lists and notes, this audiobook is appealing in its novelty. Its protagonist, Dan, offers astute observations that elicit laugh-out-loud moments, and narrator James Patrick Cronin captures that side of the character's personality with aplomb. The individually titled lists are surprisingly easy to follow in the audio format, but, as the plot moves forward, the structure languishes. Plummeting into a financial crevasse, Dan becomes increasingly desperate and at times maudlin in his self-pity. Supplemental characters never get a chance to become real to the listener. Although Cronin's narration is solid and well paced, Dicks's commitment to the list format prevents the story from becoming three-dimensional. Overall, this audiobook is a fun diversion, with bright spots that will resonate with many listeners. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]