THE GREAT PEACE A Memoir

Mena Suvari, an actor featured in AMERICAN PIE and AMERICAN BEAUTY, narrates her memoir, which is replete with ego, self-righteous negativity, and childlike pouting at every turn. Providing no clear context for what follows, Suvari plunges into explaining that a poem she wrote as a teen called "The Great Peace" has provided valued comfort throughout her significant life challenges, which include drug dependence and abusive relationships. Her tone and affect are workmanlike, varying little throughout despite a life that has thus far included great trauma. Listeners will likely empathize, but the weak conversational writing and bland narration compromise a potentially fascinating listening experience. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2021]