THE TIGER RISING

His mother six months dead, his father locked in emotional denial, his legs covered in itchy, red blisters, 12-year-old Rob Horton has stuffed his feelings into the suitcase he packed after his mother's funeral for the move to the Kentucky Star Motel in Lister, Florida. Not until he finds the caged tiger in the woods, not until he is given the keys to the cage by sleazy Mr. Beauchamp, not until he meets fellow outsider Sistine Bailey does Rob consider opening that suitcase and resuming an emotional life. Dylan Baker effectively captures the Southern bray of the bullying Threemonger brothers; the false sincerity and concern of the principal, Mr. Felmer, who frees Rob from the necessity of school; the gentle, gravelly bossiness of Rob's only friend, Willie Mae, the chambermaid; and the controlled pain of Rob himself. Baker takes the listener on Rob's journey--unlocking the tiger's cage, opening the suitcase, reclaiming his life. T.B. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]