Amaryllis.

AMARYLLIS. Craig Crist-Evans. 2003. Read by Daniel Passer. 4 cds. 4 hrs. Listening Library. 14000-9501-8. $55.50. Vinyl; plot, author, reader notes. SA

From the review of the book in KLIATT, July, 2003: "... The [book and audiobook] cover depicting surfers as well as ghostly soldiers and choppers will draw readers in, and this poignant coming-of-age tale about war in a household as well as 'in country' will resonate with teenage boys struggling with family relationships or wondering what the Vietnam War was really like. The unflinching descriptions of violent deaths in the war, as well as a few profanities, recommend this to more mature readers."

The maturity of Passer's voice accurately represents the age of the character as he reflects on the effects the Vietnam War had on his life, his family, and his father's alcoholism. His pacing is wonderful--appropriately quick or lingering depending on the action. With nary an accent, his characterization is precise for a young man whose family had moved from region to region within the US, and finally settled in Florida. Sunnie Grant, Hampton, NH

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advance students and adults. This code will help librarians and teacher working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.