THE DISCOMFORT ZONE

Jonathan Franzen is one of those rare authors who read their own work with skill. He may not have quite the panache that a professional audiobook narrator would bring, but his lively and well-paced reading of his memoir is delivered in a pleasant voice that is easy to listen to. When he's remembering his complex relationship with his parents, he is fascinated and mystified; when he considers the state of the country, he's furious; and when he's recalling his early pursuit of sex, he is painfully funny. Through it all, he is articulate. Franzen says that in real life he's a "bit of a mumbler." Can't tell it from this excellent production. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]