Picoult, Jodi. The tenth circle.

PICOULT, Jodi. The tenth circle. Read by Carol Monda. 9 tapes. 13.5 hrs. Recorded Books. 2006. 1-4193-7569-5. $119.75. Vinyl; plot notes. SA

Ninth grader Trixie Stone is devastated when her handsome star-athlete boyfriend Jason breaks up with her; she begins cutting herself. When she realizes that his only interest in her is sexual, she tells everyone that she tried unsuccessfully to stop his advances one night at a party when she was drunk. Her rape accusation reverberates through her family, his family, their high school, and the entire small Maine town where they both live. In the aftermath of her rape, Trixie's family and friends must face issues of trust, caring, forgiveness and the true meaning of parental responsibility in this sad, complex story. Her father, now a well-known comic book writer and illustrator, has been able to keep the violence of his childhood in check until he realizes that he has not been able to protect the daughter he loves so much. Add to this already volatile situation Trixie's mom, who admits she is having an affair with one of her students at the college where she teaches courses on Dante.

Monda's reading of the emotional, heartrending tale is outstanding. Her voice becomes slightly husky for the male characters, but there is never any confusion about who the speaker is. When Trixie runs away to investigate the native Alaskan village where her father Daniel grew up, Monda reads effortlessly the few words and sentences in the Yupik language. Librarians can expect demand for this title based on its bestseller status and the popularity of Picoult's 12 previous novels. Carol Kellerman, Libn/Media Spec. (retired), Santa Fe, NM

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 help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.