A Corner of the Universe, a (pb) - Softcover

Ann M. Martin's The Baby-Sitters Club series sold over 176 million copies and inspired a generation of young readers. Her novels include the Main Street series, BELLE TEAL, the Newbery Honor book A CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE, HERE TODAY, A DOG'S LIFE, and ON CHRISTMAS EVE, as well as the much-loved collaborations P.S, LONGER LETTER LATER and SNAIL MAIL NO MORE with Paula Danziger, and THE DOLL PEOPLE and THE MEANEST DOLL IN THE WORLD, written with Laura Godwin and illustrated by Brian Selznick. She lives in upstate New York.

The author's comments at the end of this audiobook confirm the personal connection she has with this story of families and tolerance, but listeners have no doubt in the honesty of 11-year-old Hattie Owen. Steeped in a 1950s setting, adults will especially enjoy the fine cultural details and children will easily grasp the different pace and manners of the time, and Hattie's small town life. Judith Ivey is exceptional--conveying striking emotional and compassionate power. Ivey's portrait of Adam, Hattie's disabled, savant uncle who suddenly reenters the family's life, is nothing short of brilliant. His accelerated, charged speech, and rhythmic then agitated tone and timbre is masterfully handled. Ivey masters the dialogue, mimicking "I Love Lucy" shows and making obtuse connections, giving listeners an involving glimpse into Adam's corner of the universe. R.F.W. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine