THE GIRL WITH THE MERMAID HAIR

Sukie is a self-absorbed, friendless teen hiding in a fantasy life in which she elevates herself above her “less intelligent” and “less beautiful” peers. Mom uses alcohol and plastic surgery to distract herself from her loneliness while Dad tries to flirt his way to a more satisfying life. Narrator Sarah Drew captures Sukie's snarky attitude, which hides loneliness and lack of confidence behind a mask of bravado. Drew also nails Sukie’s whiny, neglected mother and the false sincerity of her father, who thinks he's everyone's best pal. Thanks to the magic of an antique mirror that belonged her grandmother, Sukie ultimately sees her own emptiness and becomes the most mature character in this story. But the listener may have abandoned this pathetic family long before that happens. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2010]