FLOATING

It has been said that truly big dogs don't need to bark. This folksy adage would fit well into the dialogue of Robin Troy's novel, FLOATING, and the book would do well to heed those words. The recording begins with positive reviews and the statement that FLOATING won the MTV Fiction Award, but would a great book need to brag? The plot starts strong; sassy Ruby is about to make a choice between her no-account husband and his rambling cowboy brother. Karesa McElheney's performance is right-on, capturing the raucous Western goings-on with an emphatic purr. McElheney sets scenes well, and the novel helps with bright spots. Ultimately, however, the focus floats away. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]