Barnes, Jennifer Lynn. Golden.

BARNES, Jennifer Lynn. Golden. Read by Jenna Lamia. 6 cds. 6 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2006. 1-4233-1188-4. $74.25. Vinyl; plot, reader notes. JS

High school--a roller coaster of misery. It's not the academics, it's the popularity contest. In a school where you're either a Golden or a Non, Lissy is immediately branded as a loser. But that isn't her biggest problem. Lissy has paranormal sight. She sees auras and reads people by them, the good and the bad. Her math teacher is bathed in an aura so evil Lissy is violently ill in reaction. She is torn between keeping her powers secret and exposing this supposedly model citizen for the monster that he is. Reader Lamia could be in high school herself, with all the meaningful sighs and pauses that teenagers include in normal conversation. Angst writhes through her tone, along with dejection, rejection, frustration and humiliation. Lamia handles the adults with equal ease, though they barely play a supporting role. Unfortunately, the author tends toward repetitious descriptions, something very noticeable in this format. Nevertheless, teens will enjoy Lissy's trials and tribulations. Jodi L. Israel, MLS, Salt Lake City, UT

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.