THE YEAR I STOPPED TRYING

Kristen DiMercurio charms listeners with her narration of this light, campy coming-of-age story. Mary has been a perfect student her whole life but has always wondered if she's missed out on anything in not ever having rebelled. She starts small by not turning in her assignments, skipping classes, and trying to hook up with a slacker ex-boyfriend. Little does she know that he has changed, and he turns her whole plan sideways. DiMercurio's narration is straightforward. Mary is depicted as a blunt, brusque teenager who is bitter about her predictable life. Amused listeners will find Mary's constant stumbling in her sophomoric plan quite silly. Every scene is episodic and includes a cast of encouraging friends and suspicious teachers. DiMercurio gives a humorous and engaging performance. G.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]