WE LIVE IN WATER

The 13 stories in this collection are mostly set in the Pacific Northwest. All are told by men who are down on their luck. Many of them have served in the military, all have broken relationships, and most are struggling to connect with their sons. By creating distinct voices for the protagonists and matching his tone and pacing to each plotline, narrator Edoardo Ballerini preserves the stories' individuality. At the same time, he emphasizes their themes by coloring his performance with pain and desperation, defeatism or frantic hope. Ballerini's sensitivity and respect help listeners connect with the characters. Author Jess Walter reads the last piece, which reveals the inspiration for the stories. C.B.L. 2014 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2013]