CHASING FIREFLIES

Andrew Peterson's mellow vocal personality enhances his narration of this warm drama, complete with a well-performed multiplicity of quirky characters. The story centers around Snoot, a mute autistic boy whose mother kicked him out of the car just before she committed suicide by running it into a train. Peterson uses vocal sounds and descriptions of hand gestures to portray Snoot's high intelligence--he plays chess--and artistic ability. His depiction of Chase Walker, a news reporter who is intrigued by Snoot's unfolding story, is performed with empathy and sensitivity. As the emotional pitch ratchets up with the plot, Peterson perfectly renders a believable story the listener won't soon forget. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]