THE LIBRARIANIST

Jim Meskimen presents this tribute to reading, books, and librarians. Listeners meet retired librarian Bob Comet, whose seemingly uneventful life is rich with kindness, challenges, and triumphs. Meskimen's lonely, compassionate Bob, who's lived in the same place since childhood, rescues a lost woman, returns her to her care home, and surprises himself by volunteering there. Meskimen's unhurried pace is appropriate as Bob reveals his life from age 11, when he ran away, to the recent past, when he was betrayed by his wife and best friend. Meskimen flawlessly portrays him with heartbreak and humor. Every character is relatable and endearing, particularly huge, outspoken Linus from the care home, who is easily Meskimen's best creation. A deeply moving conclusion adds to this future classic. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2023]