PERSONAL EFFECTS

It’s spring 2007. Seven months ago T.J. died in Iraq, and his younger brother, Matt, is still grieving. With trouble at school and his dad insisting that he ”man up,” Matt struggles to control his anger and grief while searching for a way to connect with his big brother. Nick Podehl narrates this emotionally wrenching story in Matt’s voice, moving seamlessly between details of T.J.’s last leave and Matt’s search for something of T.J. to hold on to. Podehl emphasizes Matt’s urgency and confusion, as expressed in the author’s short sentences. In varying the speed of his narration, Podehl heightens the story’s tension, keeping the listener eager for Matt to find closure. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2012]