TEN THOUSAND SAINTS

Smart-mouthed, self-destructive, and seemingly amoral, the protagonist of this book is not necessarily likable as it begins. Adopted and raised by hippie parents with addictions and other profound flaws, Jude clings to his friend Teddy for security, which too often comes in the form of petty crime and substance abuse. Steven Kaplan’s narration infuses a variety of troubled characters with youthful, earnest voices that quietly convince the listener not to give up on them. Kaplan’s vocals encompass the deliriums of 1980s and 1990s extremes—in drugs, sex, and music—and the human quest for acceptance. He captures Jude’s transition from small-town Vermont to Manhattan’s straight-edge music scene without lapsing into melodrama or coldheartedness. Both the story and Kaplan’s performance are superb. L.B.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2011]