THE SCHOOL OF BEAUTY AND CHARM

Louise Peppers grows up in Counterpoint, Georgia, a town of DAR ladies and social climbers obsessed with position and respectability. After her brother's accidental death, Louise begins a guilt-induced descent into the dark side. She runs away with a carnival, engages in indiscriminate sex, survives a disastrous marriage to the Human Dragon, and sinks into alcoholism. Julia Gibson narrates this tale of a Southern belle out of control with a perky pluck. Gibson does well with the quirky assortment of characters, keeping them lively and likable. However, Louise herself lacks substance, and, despite its best intentions and Gibson's fine reading, the book disappoints. Nevertheless, Melanie Sumner's self-deprecating comedic tone is certain to appeal to older teens and young adults. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE/JULY 05]