BLIND YOUR PONIES

Traber Burns gives a gentle, straightforward reading of this heartwarming story about a small town on the verge of extinction. Each of the residents of Willow Creek, Montana, has a story of pain and despair—especially the 19 high school students whose boys’ basketball team has suffered 93 straight losses. Then a Norwegian exchange student and a transfer student from St. Paul put an end to the team’s losing streak. The students, the coach, and the people of Willow Creek suddenly dare to hope, to dream, and to bury their demons. This is a story with humor, sorrow, joy—and lots of exciting basketball action. Burns reads with wonderful expression but never intrudes with his narrative style, letting West’s story speak for itself. M.M.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2011]