THE BOOK OF JOE

Fictional author Joe Goffman wrote his autobiographical book about his hometown as a way of dealing with painful memories. But when he returns to Bush Falls as a bestselling author, he faces the animosity of the outraged townspeople. Most residents shun him or worse, but he uneasily renews his friendships with his high school girlfriend, Carly, and best friend, Wayne, who now has AIDS. Tom Cavanagh reads Joe's first-person narrative with considerable charm, which counterpoints the sarcastic humor and angst, keeping the novel from becoming too cynical. He creates his characters mostly through inflection and vocal personality, with a rebellious nephew standing out as a particularly memorable character. This view of small-town life is mostly negative, but ends with signs of hope. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]