ACCIDENTS OF NATURE

This witty, sometimes angry coming-of-age story shines a unique light on the world of the handicapped. It's 1970, and 17-year-old Jean, who has cerebral palsy, is spending 10 days at Camp Courage, the "crip camp" where she has her first close encounters with other disabled people. It's an eye-opening experience, which Johnson, wheelchair-bound herself, writes about with an honesty and insight that "norms" can't imitate. Jenna Lamia brings every character alive, employing her wide range of verbal skills to re-create Jean's halting, garbled speech; the sharp, intelligent cynicism of protagonist Sara; and the well-meaning but condescending concern of the counselors. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 06]