LOSER

Meet Donald Zinkoff. He loves school and snickerdoodles. He wants to grow up to be a mailman, just like his dad, and he never notices when he "loses." Listeners follow Donald's life from first through sixth grade. He has a zest for life that some find endearing and others just plain odd. Steve Buscemi's performance provides a feeling of familiarity with the Zinkoff family. His low, mellow tones and laid-back reading make for a comfortable listening experience. Characters are undifferentiated vocally, but that isn't necessary here. Because of Spinelli's writing and Buscemi's reading, listeners will find Donald Zinkoff enchanting. J.M.P. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]