CARTER FINALLY GETS IT

Will Carter is a 14-year-old trying to find his way through his freshman year. He stumbles through that coming-of-age time with school, friends, peer pressure, parties, sports, an older sister, bullies, grown-ups, and, yes, girls and sex. He's too cool, not cool enough, immature at times, savvy at others. Brent Crawford's story is laugh-out-loud funny and occasionally poignant. Nick Podehl gives a wonderfully animated performance, telling the story through Carter's perspective. His narration is wild at times, but always appropriate. He also does well with minor characters; his portrayal of a particular bully is downright hysterical. In particular, his voices, tones, and inflections for Carter will keep listeners interested as he does indeed figure out what getting through his first year of high school is all about. M.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2009]