PROBLEMS WITH PEOPLE Stories

The distinct narrative voices of George Guidall, T. Ryder Smith, and Mark Zeisler contribute a welcome variation to David Guterson's new story collection, which is about angst, hubris, longing, and the missed opportunities we call life. Guidall is rounded and rich, Smith straight-ahead crisp, and Zeisler pleasant, with a hint of Midwest openness--dissimilar, but not so different as to be dissonant. Despite widely varied settings and protagonists, the tone of the slice-of-life stories has a certain sameness. Thus, the benefit of three narrators, each of whom honors Guterson's signature nuance and insight, while adding his own interpretation and rhythm. Between them, the author and narrators have created a fine and thoughtful audiobook. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2014]