HAPPYISH

Narrator Vivia Font provides a vibrant characterization of Alex, who is having a challenging year made worse by learning she has a brain tumor. Alex is petrified; her sister died of cancer, and her family was devastated. Font successfully conveys Alex's stress by increasing her tempo and pitch. Reflecting on her sister's short life, Alex decides to travel. She hikes the Grand Canyon and then goes to Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. Reflecting on past relationships and building new relationships allow her to face her surgery and recovery. Font successfully switches from English to Spanish when needed. She does an excellent job portraying Alex's mother, a Cuban immigrant, with empathy and humor. Each character has a distinct voice. A.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2022]