ORDINARY LIFE

These 14 stories all share a common theme--the losses and at times painful awarenesses that are life. The stories range from hilariously funny ("Martin's Letter to Nan") to poignantly sad ("Caretaking"), as Elizabeth Berg adds beauty and meaning to what is normally seen as ordinary. Unfortunately, Laura Hicks provides a pedestrian reading of these works, often failing to bring any emotion to the characters. She reads each story with the same tone and feeling, and alters her voice just enough for male characters to come across as contrived. Despite a lackluster performance, the stories offer an honest and raw glimpse into their characters' lives. H.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]