THE LAST SONG

Sparks's legions of admirers will relish this emotional roller coaster ride narrated in two voices. Pepper Binkley and Scott Sowers alternately read sections of the story. Binkley portrays the female characters, including 17-year-old Ronnie Miller, who seeks to reconnect with her estranged father during summer vacation in Wilmington, North Carolina. While Binkley's voice is suitably youthful for the teenaged Ronnie and her Southern accents are consistent, she often recites in a stilted manner. Sowers presents the story from the points of view of Ronnie's father and the other male characters. His deep, serious voice imbues Steve's quest for religion and family with purpose. Background piano music underscores the wistful yet uplifting mood of the story. C.A. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2010]