SELECTED SHORTS New American Stories

Four poignant stories recount the divergent experiences of new Americans. Alexie, Adichie, Hemon, and Lahiri all write painfully moving snapshots of recent immigration, hurtful alienation, and bewildered resignation. Each performer delivers a substantial performance before a live audience, and as each story unfolds, the listener is treated to the striking realities of the process of becoming accepted as an American. Boyd Gaines's voice beseeches as the Sarajavan character he portrays in Hemon’s "Good Living"; Rita Wolf’s subtle accent and urgency are just right for Lahiri's “Hell Heaven”; Condola Rashad keenly grasps the daily toils depicted in Adichie's "The Thing Around Your Neck"; and BD Wong's passion and anger suit Alexie's homespun tale of mistaken identity in "Breaking and Entering." Like all Selected Shorts productions, this is an irresistible listening experience featuring ideally paired talent. A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2012 Audies Winner © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]