SELDOM DISAPPOINTED

What a privilege to have one of the most popular American novelists read us his memoirs while offering a look into the sources from which characters such as Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee emerged. Tony Hillerman reads without haste, allowing us lots of time to savor memories we may not share with him, but feelings we do. His warm and avuncular voice gives just the right delivery to his subtle humor and reveals a side of his personality not found in his mystery novels. No anecdote is better than that of the first book agent, who told him, "Fine, but leave out the Indian stuff." Although this is highly recommended as a family book, young readers will underestimate the valuable wisdom being imparted. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]