Irises

When their father, the local preacher, dies, sisters Kate and Mary—whose mother is trapped in a permanent vegetative state and who are just becoming adults—must make some serious decisions about their futures. But increasing demands, complications, and their mother’s health make those decisions that much harder. Narrator Carrington MacDuffie’s performance is somewhat lacking. Her voice sounds distant and devoid of emotion. Conversely, the voices she lends characters are often ineffective: Kate and Mary often sound too similar and listeners may have difficulty distinguishing them at times. And while some of the narrator’s male voices are believable, others lack personality. However, MacDuffie does shine during emotionally pitched moments of the story, which she narrates in an energized tone that corresponds with the scene. Ages 14–up. An Arthur A. Levine hardcover. (Jan.)