THE SUMMER I DARED

A life-affirming and comforting novel is apparently intended for anxious middle-class female consumers. Our heroine, who has heretofore devoted her life to others, survives a disastrous ferry boat accident in the waters off the Maine coast. The experience awakens her to life's potential and brings her to investigate its imponderables--or, as we read on the back cover, she begins "learning how to finally take command of her life and sail in the waters she chooses." The youthful-sounding Julia Gibson contributes far more sincerity and energy than technique or finesse. Y.R. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]