WRESTLING STURBRIDGE

In a small Pennsylvania town athletics and parties are the dominant themes and wrestling the dominant sport. Ben, second-best wrestler, thinks about being number one, his relationship with his girlfriend, his future and life in general. As the season progresses, Ben does a lot of growing up in this quintessential coming-of-age story, told in diary format. Heller is totally convincing as a 17-year-old, narrating in a mostly straightforward, undramatic fashion that is surprisingly effective. Because much of the story focuses on the technical details of wrestling, the story will appeal mostly to boys who are knowledgeable about the sport. Heller's good pacing and tempo will help other listeners negotiate these passages. S.S.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 97]