A SEASON OF GIFTS

Grandma Dowdel is back! She's up to her old tricks of bestowing her "gifts" upon the unsuspecting, this time her new neighbors, a young minister and his family. Peck’s story portrays life in a small American town in 1958. Ron McLarty’s pacing, cadence, and tone fit the setting and characters perfectly. McLarty saves the best for Grandma Dowdel. His rich, gravelly, no-nonsense vocalization carries her all-knowing sagacity and wry sense of humor. Once again, we fear not for our young protagonist or his family because Grandma Dowdel is there. McLarty knows we are relying on Grandma Dowdel to work her quiet magic, and his delivery reassures us that she will. Peck has treated readers to another literary gift, and McLarty reads it with aplomb. J.K.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2010 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2009]