HOW TO BE A FRIEND TO A FRIEND WHO'S SICK

This highly practical guide by a terrific social issues writer and women’s advocate has a delightful spunkiness that keeps the action going and promotes engagement. Narrator Pam Ward captures Pogrebin’s delightful confidence by adding a smart-aleck vibe that entertains listeners but never diminishes the book’s intentions. Pogrebin, self-assured at age 74, writes with assertiveness that gives her suggestions credibility. People with all kinds of illnesses—minor, fatal, chronic, disfiguring, unexpected—were interviewed about the way they were treated by friends. The suggestions culled from these interviews apply to every conceivable type of friendship, every level of involvement in a friend’s illness. Ward’s mature vocal tone is perfect for the veteran writer, yet her performance always sounds fresh and energetically phrased, especially in quotes and dialogue. T.W. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2013]