HEARTS, STRINGS, AND OTHER BREAKABLE THINGS

Crushing on unobtainable people is a familiar phenomenon in young adult romance. Just such a story is perfectly delivered by narrator Laura Knight Keating. College hopeful Edie feels out of place in Mansfield, Massachusetts, where she is staying for the summer with her family. While juggling college applications, enduring makeovers by her insistent cousins, and mending past friendships, Edie develops feelings for two untouchable people: the boy next door, who is already spoken for, and a playboy musician. Keating's dynamic narration ranges from alluring romance to thoughtful observation. She portrays Edie as a pensive and somewhat skeptical lead, and while the romance itself is charming, listeners will find the contrast between Edie and her polished yet outlandish cousins amusing. Truly an entertaining performance. G.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2020]