IN THE HEART OF THE CANYON

A rafting trip down the Colorado River unites an unlikely group of people, and their adventure only gets wilder when a stray dog appears. When their luck turns bad, trip leader J.T. and his motley group must seize what joy they can as they paddle through the Grand Canyon despite injuries, arguments, and surprises. Mark Deakins performs with confidence and competence, making a mildly interesting novel one that is difficult to shut off once the myriad characters take form. Cassandra Campbell's role is smaller, but she too is part of the production’s appeal. Even when the tension increases, the narrators remain consistent. Filled with appreciation for nature's beauty and peppered with incidents that demonstrate human foibles, CANYON is worth the ride. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2009]