Captain Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth.

HOOK; THE ADVENTURES OF A NOTORIOUS YOUTH. J.V. Hart. 2005. Read by John Keating. 7 cds. 8.5 hrs. Harper Audio. 0-06-082075-6. $25.95. Cardboard; plot, author notes. JSA 

Hart's wildly entertaining fictional biography of James Matthew, the bastard son of a nobleman in the Queen's court, details how he evolves into the pirate Captain Hook. The book begins with 15-year-old James as a new student at prestigious Eton College. He exudes attitude with a capital A, and he has a high threshold for pain and a flair for seeking revenge against those who wrong him. His primary nemesis at Eton is one Arthur Darling. Romance enters young James's life when he meets the beautiful Sultana Annanova and James dreams of a special magical island that he can take her to, a "neverland," a place where nobody ever gets old. When James's reckless doings at Eton finally get him expelled, he's sent to sea on one of his estranged father's slave ships. James leads a rebellion and frees the slaves. Several of the men (including a seaman named Smee) give their allegiance to James, especially after seeing his bravery and leadership. As the battle comes to a close, a gaffing hook becomes his weapon of choice and his newly loyal crewmates shout out his praises as James renames himself Captain Hook.

Keating performs in award-winning style; he speaks for many characters, and all are distinct and defined. He makes this a magical, enthralling listening experience. Though some of the terms and customs from life at Eton and aboard the ship may require explanations for younger readers, this is an audio for all ages. Miles Klein, Frisco, TX