THE ICE QUEEN

Contrary to the popular saying, wishing sometimes DOES make it true, as Hoffman’s 8-year-old unnamed narrator learned when she wished her mother dead. Not surprisingly, after that she learned to cope by keeping people at a distance, growing up to be an isolated, suicidal New Jersey librarian. Then lightening strikes--literally. Afterwards, life slowly begins to change as she explores relationships with other lightning survivors who teach her friendship, passion, and the value of reaching outside herself. Nancy Travis’s narration begins tightly controlled, full of cynicism and despair, and broadens slowly and subtly as this young woman opens herself to the world and allows herself to feel pain and passion and hope. J.E.M. 2006 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]