Glass, Julia. Three Junes.

GLASS, Julia. Three Junes. Read by John Keating. 12 cds. 14 hrs. Books on Tape. 2002/2006. 1-4159-2991-2. $99.00. Vinyl; plot notes. SA

This novel relates events taking place during three Junes; the three parts are loosely connected by the lives of a family of Scotsmen. In June of 1989, newspaper publisher Paul McLeod, who has recently lost his wife, travels to Greece. There he finds himself lonely and attracted to a young American woman, Fern Olitsky. His interest in Fern forces him to confront some truths about his own marriage, his sons, and the way he has lived his life. Six years later, his sons are reunited on the death of their father and they must deal with their own relationships as well as what they are doing with their lives. Four years later, Fenno, the oldest son, who is gay, serendipitously meets Fern, who is now unmarried and pregnant. Although the meeting of Fern and his father is never overtly explained, the subtle connections of chance encounters, the conflicts and palpable connections of family are all compassionately made. The character of Fenno is especially well drawn and Keating's reading turns what could be a grating, gravelly Scottish accent into a smooth and almost lilting addition to the story. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL

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.