PARADISE LODGE

Narrator Helen Baxendale splendidly captures the spunky voice of 15-year-old Lizzie Vogel, who has taken a job at Paradise Lodge Nursing Home because she wants to buy better shampoo than her struggling family can afford. Baxendale expertly recounts the humorous narratives as well as the voices of the diverse elderly residents and nurses. As Lizzie becomes too deeply involved in the lives and care of the residents, to the point of nearly failing in school, Baxendale maintains a light, upbeat tone. Listeners are not to feel sorry for Lizzie--she can take care of herself! This isn't a sad tale of the elderly either. It's a hilarious story about living life to the fullest. This perfectly narrated sequel to MAN AT THE HELM can stand on its own. M.M.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2016]