THE BEAT I DRUM Life of a Cactus

Matt Godfrey narrates the emotionally charged story of Connor Bradley, a secondary character in Bowling's other Cactus audiobooks. Connor has Tourette syndrome, and Godfrey uses a sarcastic tone as Connor describes his recent move and his anxiety over attending a new high school where no one knows him. As Connor's estranged father reenters his life, Godfrey recounts the painful time his father yelled at him to "Stop it!"--as if he could control his tics and barks whenever he wanted. Hardships are balanced with positives as Godfrey depicts the tenderness of a music teacher who helps Connor find healing through music and friends who also have differences and who accept him warmly. Godfrey's narration ensures that this is an empathetic journey with a satisfying ending. S.W. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2025]