BEE SEASON

Few authors double as readers for Recorded Books, but Myla Goldberg is a happy exception. In a clear, unhurried manner, she brings us four family members affected by daughter Eliza's appearance at the National Spelling Bee. We know the thoughts of the loving but controlling scholar-father, Saul; distant and disturbed mother, Miriam; geek turned Hare Krishna brother, Aaron; and, of course, Eliza herself, as she struggles to be her own person. Though the individual voices aren't memorable, the personalities are. Jewish mysticism interplays with words and letters as action blends with inner turmoil. The author interview is important to understanding the work. You realize also that Goldberg has reined in her natural high-energy speaking pace, which might otherwise overpower this complex novel. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 02]