WARM BODIES

Narrator Kevin Kenerly is wonderful as the witty hero, R, who tells us, “I am dead, but it’s not so bad. I’ve learned to live with it.” After a series of apocalyptic events, living humans occupy an “Escheresque cityscape” within a giant stadium. Outside are toppled buildings and a crumbling infrastructure, while an abandoned airport houses bloodthirsty zombies. Kenerly grunts out syllables as R discovers his inner human, feeling the need to protect, not devour, a young living beauty named Julie. R remains “gastronomically celibate” in his efforts to protect Julie, providing many wry comments and laugh-out-loud moments. With a tender love story at its heart, Isaac Marion’s refreshing, brainy novel might be retitled “Romeo and Juliet with Zombies.” Kevin Kenerly’s performance will win your heart. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]