PERFECT

Hopkins, who is known for writing novels in free verse that tackle tough issues like drug use and homelessness, explores the struggle for perfection and the damage it can do. Four actors introduce the characters with the ennui of typical teens describing how their lives fail to meet parental or societal expectations. As the story unfolds, each narrator bares the soul of his or her character; none falls short of excellent in doing so. Since this is a spoken performance, minor distinctions in delivery, such as odd pacing at line breaks, indicate the print is in free verse. Only Tristan Wilds, as Andre, consistently stresses the title of each poem. Usually with an ensemble cast, one voice falls short but not this time. The title says it all. M.M.O. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2012]