Cann, Kate. In the deep end.

CANN, Kate. In the deep end. Read by Nicky Talacko. 5 cds. 5.75 hrs. Bolinda Audio. 1997 17409-3786-4. $40.00. Vinyl; plot, reader notes. SA

When hedonist Art invites his new girlfriend, the virginal Coll, on vacation with his father and stepmother, assumptions clash on whether she would, as previous girlfriends had, share his bed. Her outrage triggers a breakup and public explosion that turns her family and friends against Art. Their reconciliation is not welcomed by anyone but the couple. Coll thinks about sex, talks about sex, and eventually begins a sexual relationship with Art, with repercussions for both of them. Will their affair survive hostility, exams, and growing maturity? Cann uses Brit slang like git, cow, and yob that should be understandable from the context.

The first-person narrative lends immediacy to the story. Nicky Talacko ably narrates with subtle yet telling accents for the various characters. The lilting interludes at the beginning and end of each CD are mostly gentle guitar riffs, with a final jangling discord--not happily-ever-after music. This book is recommended for those comfortable with reading about sex and abortion. Jeanne Munn Bracken, Ref. Libn., Lincoln PL, Lincoln, MA

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

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