MARY JANE

Caitlin Kinnunen demonstrates superb range in her narration of this sweet, funny coming-of-age story set in 1970s Baltimore. At 14, Mary Jane is rooted in her conservative family’s routine, so she’s shocked when she nannies Izzy, the daughter of a psychiatrist who has a rock star and his wife, an actress, staying with them. Mary Jane’s worldview expands as she witnesses liberal lifestyles and overhears conversations about sex, drugs, and rock and roll. From the gravelly voiced musician to the high-pitched Izzy, Kinnunen gives each character a distinct voice, making listeners feel as though they are part of the loving, chaotic home. Kinnunen takes advantage of musical sound effects with a strong delivery of singing and a periodic refrain of “cha, cha, pop” spoken with pep. A.L.C. 2022 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2021]