THE DRY GRASS OF AUGUST

Mayhew’s debut novel, set in the 1950s, moves back and forth between a family Christmas in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the summer when the family goes to Florida on vacation, taking with them their “girl,” Mary. Thirteen-year-old Jubie tells this coming-of-age story, which endeavors to hit as many hot-button issues as possible—from racism and child abuse to adultery and sibling rivalry. Although there’s a powerful story in here, it’s diluted by too many issues and characters. Karen White’s delivery is adequate but doesn’t add breadth to the one-dimensional characters. Her pacing is disconcerting, especially when her delivery blurs the lines between speakers and when the story moves from Charlotte to Florida and back again. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2012]