WE RIDE UPON STICKS

Narrator Isabel Keating demonstrates her ability to differentiate characters in this quirky story of a 1989 high school field hockey team. In Danvers, Massachusetts--formerly Salem Village--the perennially losing team finds a book describing the infamous trials. Players begin recording a book of their "sinful" acts, which they name "Emilio." Their luck changes, and they start winning while causing havoc around town as the book "Emilio" grows. As the season progresses and listeners hear from all the girls, Keating deftly changes her accent and pitch to signal who is speaking. At times, Keating's pace is plodding, contrasting with the light and witty writing. Still, this is a great audiobook, which doesn't seem preachy while giving an honest view of the past. S.K.G. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2020]