MICHAEL TOLLIVER LIVES

Yes, all the surviving Tales of the City characters make an appearance in this wonderful book--but, no, this is not a sequel. Armistead Maupin trades in his epic storytelling style for a more personal approach. The result is an introspective audiobook about aging in America, sometimes hilarious, sometimes wistful. The perspective is through the eyes of the title character (known to his Tales buddies as Mouse), a 50-something San Franciscan seesawing between his family in the South and his friends in the city. The author's soft Southern accent, true to Mouse's roots, warms the narration. The diverse characters in this story--including a hairdresser in military camouflage and a pair of gay Bible-toting rednecks--are portrayed with honesty and compassion. R.W.S. 2008 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]