AN OPEN BOOK

The author, who is editor of WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD, says his early life in Ohio in the 1950s and '60s was hardly the stuff of angst-filled autobiography. Yet his breezy style makes this memoir interesting to listen to. He regularly spices the material with literary allusions and mentions books we might have read, should have read, or might want to read. Jonathan Hogan adopts a conversational tone that suits the writing. He doesn't sound like he's reading a book. Rather, he sounds like he's telling stories from his childhood. His bright tone and well-timed pauses enhance the mood. The author's unabashed enthusiasm for the written word shines through in the narration. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2008]