LOTTERY

As Perry L. Crandall tells us, his IQ may be 76, but he is not retarded. In fact, he has a job and lives well and happily with his Gran. Then, in quick succession, Gran dies, and Perry wins $12 million in the Washington State Lottery. Somehow, Perry must cope. Pacing his reading so that we hear the deliberation of Perry's speech, Paul Michael offers up a complex portrait of a stubborn, simple everyman. He also does well with the other characters, choosing to evoke personality rather than create radically different voices. The writing is sweet, but Michael's robust voice keeps sappiness at bay and creates an emotional listening experience. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]