SWALLOWING STONES

The moral dilemma McDonald presents immediately captures the listener's attention: Michael MacKenzie, 17, does not come forward when he realizes he has accidentally killed 15-year-old Jenna Ward's father. The tormented story is told in alternating chapters that focus on Michael or Jenna. While a mature voice is at first unexpected, Ed Sala quickly persuades the ensnared audience of his power to convey Michael's fear and guilt, Jenna's pain and confusion. Sala adeptly recounts the interplay between teen friendships and romance, as well as family relationships. The fluid narration even allows the supernatural some credibility in this book, which is filled with issues that absorb teens. R.N. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 99]