THE NEXT BEST THING

Narrator Olivia Thirlby captures the youthful cynicism and insecurity of young Ruth Saunders, who is disfigured in a car accident that claims the lives of both her parents. Ruth's grandmother steps in to raise her and also relocates to Los Angeles when Ruth follows her dream to become a screenwriter. Though Ruth's script receives a thumbs-up, she struggles against the superficiality of the industry and, in particular, a diva actress, whom Thirlby amusingly portrays with a whiny huffiness. Thirlby uses a facetious tone to reflect Ruth's increasingly spunky comebacks and a quieter, fearful voice to reveal Ruth's private pain about her appearance. Though the plot dwindles at times, Thirlby's consistently clear characterization keeps the listener engaged with the story. M.F. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2012]