Oates, Joyce Carol. Missing mom.

OATES, Joyce Carol. Missing mom. Read by Anna Fields. 12 cds. 14.5 hrs. BBC Audiobooks America. 2005. 0-7927-3767-9. $110.95. Vinyl; plot, author, reader notes. A

This is an engaging story with exceedingly well-crafted characters. Nikki Eaton is a reporter who sports a punk hairstyle and is defiantly unapologetic about her open relationship with a married man, separated from his wife. Nikki's mother, now widowed, has always been the solid center of the family, and remains indefatigably perky and upbeat--a loving, giving, generous friend to all who need her. On Mother's Day, Nikki and her married sister gather at the family home, along with an eclectic bunch of friends her mother collects like stray cats. With Oates's skillful portrayal, the listener begins to see some of the fault lines in the family dynamic but also a determined love. Then, tragedy strikes in the form of the mother's brutal murder by a drug addict she hired to do odd jobs as part of a church program designed to aid ex-offenders. Grief, like an earthquake, splits open the fault lines and exposes raw nerves in both sisters.

Fields reads with force and distinction, although I find her low pitch for the male characters a bit forced. Nancy Crowder Chaplin, Libn., VCCW, Goochland, VA

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 help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.