AUSSIE BITES Volume 8

These four "bite-sized" stories from Australia offer a pleasing variety to listeners. Though the collection touches on familiar subjects like friendship, loss, and family, these are treated in re-freshingly different ways. Here "happy endings" are bittersweet, children's grief isn't glossed over, and rage between best friends (though silly) is given full voice. A capable, enthusiastic reader, Stig Wemyss performs the nagging parent, sorrowful child, and angry friend equally well. The collection's format appeals too--each story ends with a reflection from the author about its inspiration, followed by an amusing anecdote from the narrator. Both comments enrich the stories and encourage listeners to connect them to their own lives. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 02]