COAL RUN

O'Dell's novel opens with a vivid, gripping, and disturbing description of an explosion at a coal mine in western Pennsylvania from the perspective of a small boy whose father is in the mine. The rest of the story explores the effects of that event on the boy, his friends and family, and the mining town itself. Daniel Passer's low-key narration lets the beauty and strength of the author's writing shine through. At the same time, he creates convincing characters with distinct and recognizable voices. This is a strong, difficult story, beautifully told. J.D.P. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]