BERSERK

Fatherless, 15, and often in trouble, Chas, is living with his tough-as-nails grandmother and dealing with the death of his brother. On a lark, Chas sends a letter to a death row inmate as a joke. When the prisoner is unexpectedly released and comes looking for payback, Chas's involvement brings increasing danger to his family and friends. Though narrator Jerome Pride sounds a bit old for a teenager, his appropriate accent, expressiveness, and energy make this performance an involving listen. He infuses humor and a mischievous likability into Chas's character, rescuing him from being just another young thug. The listener can't help liking Chas as he perseveres when things become complicated and dangerous. Teenagers will enjoy this walk on the wild side. M.H.N. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2008]