OVER THE WALL

Ritter's novel tackles questions about the effects of personal guilt, inherited guilt, and national guilt. Thirteen-year-old Tyler, a short-fused scrapper, has suffered ten years of fallout from the guilt his father endures after running over his daughter. With the authenticity of feeling he is acclaimed for, Johnny Heller captures Tyler's anger and longing in this first-person narration. He enlivens each character, Tyler's eager cousin, Louie; fast-talking salesman, Uncle Phil; the rough but sympathetic Coach Trioli. Tyler's New York City summer, spent playing baseball in Central Park while exploring his family's history and his country's guilt at the Vietnam War, is a time of self-discovery and forgiveness. The personal interview with Ritter is fascinating, a welcome addition. Unfortunately, the photo cover of a very young boy will not attract the focus audience for this audiobook. T.B. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]