WHO ASKED YOU?

McMillan's vivid characters sparkle brightest on audio. BJ, who delivers room service in a hotel, has a husband suffering from Alzheimer's, a son in prison, a five-times married (all to white women) son, and custody of two grandsons whose mother died from a drug overdose. The narrators (including McMillan herself) expertly rotate chapters, each giving different—though consistent—voice to BJ and her wide circle. Snobbish Quentin is black in color only and hilarious in his white-sounding seriousness, while Luther and Ricky are true-to-life kids who successfully navigate the "hood." Best, by far, is BJ herself, who sounds sublimely realistic, loving, and humane. Audio enables listeners to share the joys and sorrows of these engaging characters. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2013]