THE TRUTH ABOUT WHITE LIES

Mela Lee’s narration shines as Cole’s realistic young adult story about fitting in at a new school illuminates our nation’s inability to face our history of white privilege. Lee honors the cultural ethnicities of the various characters, helping the savvy listener to recognize the unconscious biases we must face in order to move forward. She gives Shania a timid, young voice as she struggles to find her place in a new school and community. Catherine, the entitled queen bee, seems friendly as she draws Shania into her orbit. Golden boy Prescott’s mercurial moods, hidden by his smooth words, and Michelle’s confidence in her own value come through in Lee’s delivery. Will Shania find a way to accept her past without repeating its errors? N.E.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2022]