LAST MEETING OF THE GORILLA CLUB

Narrator Fred Berman creates realistic fifth-grade characters in this eerie ghost story about two boys who are coping with loss and social anxiety. Josh Duncan is extremely nervous on his first day of school after his family's move to the Pacific Northwest. It's a fresh start for Josh, whose parents want him to leave behind the imaginary friend he calls Big Brother. Meanwhile, Lucas Hernandez is dealing with the mysterious reappearance of his former best friend, Maxie Moon. Berman's portrayals of Josh and Lucas are relatable and sympathetic, while the imaginary characters are slightly unsettling. He gives Big Brother a cool confidence and Maxie Moon a creepy ominousness. The story blurs the line between imaginary friends and ghosts, and Berman immerses listeners in the ambiguous, atmospheric setting. S.C. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2019]