LIKE A FLIP TURN

Cassandra Alling was clearly meant to narrate this poetic story bursting with magical realism in a small town in Pennsylvania. Listeners meet elderly, reclusive Ruby; betrayed 20-something Jenny; and troubled 12-year-old Lydia. Each of Alling's characters is distinct and compelling; past and present events seamlessly intermingle. Ruby, Jenny, and Lydia have tragedies to overcome. Vibrant descriptions of locale, food, and endearing friends and family add atmosphere. Alling is movingly convincing and relatable rendering Jenny's, Lydia's, and Ruby's evolving stages of life. Her portrayal of raspy-voiced Ruby, with her questionable memories, is a standout, as is her portrayal of Jenny, whose "talent" is conversing with wildlife. This audiobook exemplifies the power of audio as a feast for the ears. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2023]