THE STORYTELLER

Curtis Michael Holland's delivery conveys the anxiety and innocence of sixth grader Ziggy, whose mother is missing. He believes the Nunnehi spirits that live in the desert caves have helpful information, so he and a group of teens search for them one night. In doing so, they come across a menagerie of creatures with ties to Cherokee legends who tell stories that add meaning to Ziggy's quest. Holland's depiction of Ziggy emphasizes his character with a slower cadence and a sense of awe as he navigates the characters he meets on this fantastical night. Subtle shifts in pace and tone help define each character. Overall, Holland's evenness brings the right amount of gravity to the themes in this novel. S.K.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2023]