ALL FRIENDS ARE NECESSARY

At the heart of this audiobook about how communities can heal a broken heart is Efren "Chino" Flores, a middle school teacher who has moved back to his California hometown in the wake of a personal tragedy. Andrew Joseph Perez brings a natural warmth to Chino's story. His voice is defined by liveliness that lifts up the joyful moments and softens the heavy ones. Each person in Chino's life is given a distinct voice. Characters range from his eccentric best friend, Metal Matt, to the women and men he falls in and out of love with as he gets back on his feet. All of these elements together make for a cathartic listen. C.J.C. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2024]