FINN

The star and narrator of this nicely executed first novel--the publishers call it a modern-day HUCKELBERRY FINN--is a bright, mischievous teenaged girl who has a lot of growing up to do when she runs off with her grandparents' recently fired pregnant Latina maid. To this reviewer, a childless, middle-aged bachelor, the male author has convincingly drawn a rich character in his heroine and told a story with warmth, insight, and humor that should interest a wider audience than the teens for which he intended the slim volume. Unfortunately, his recitation skill does not measure up to that of his writing. He has a drowsy, untrained voice and seems intimidated by the microphone. No one has bothered to edit out his mouth noises and paper-rattling. Y.R. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 02]