POP

While training for football tryouts in his new town, Marcus befriends a middle-aged man named Charlie, who is a former NFL star and a practical joker. Charlie is also suffering from early dementia. Their friendship rankles Charlie's son, Troy, a big man on campus at the high school. Troy feels that Marcus should back off—from his father, from wooing his ex-girlfriend, and from coveting his position as quarterback. Korman's touching sports story is read with care by Nick Podehl. Although listeners will never believe his female voices and his upstate New York accent is not fully convincing, these are minor quibbles. Podehl transitions from teen to adult seamlessly; his growling coaches are especially charming. This is a captivating and heartbreaking audiobook. G.A.D. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2010]