CRUISE CONTROL

Paul McDaniel, a high school senior, is expertly characterized by Andy Paris in this first-person narrative. Adolescent angst is heightened as Paul fluctuates between anger, compassion, and despair over the plight of his severely disabled brother. Sean's daily seizures and need for total personal care take an immeasurable toll on Paul and his family. As Paul strains with the effort to appear "normal" in the midst of his family's struggle, his rage towards his absent father is made palpable in Paris's delivery of adolescent sarcasm. Paris's performance forces the listener to empathize with Paul's feelings of despair and futility, as well as his developing understanding of the thin line between joy and tragedy. L.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]