I bought and "read" this story in the unabridged, audiocassette version. I highly recommend it for anyone from about age 15 and up because of the story and as an excellent example of the benefits an audio book can provide.
In terms of the story itself, I was greatly intrigued by the ambiguity over Steve's actual guilt or innocence: Was he in the store as a lookout and gave the signal as the prosecutor and witnesses claimed? Or, was he simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and was acquainted with the wrong people (the perpetrators of the crime). I went though parts of the audio a second time to see if Steve ever admitted to himself or anyone else that he was there as a lookout and gave the "all clear" signal." But, I still couldn't find the answer - part of Myers' great storytelling. He leaves it ambiguous so readers can draw there own conclusions and, even if he was the lookout, whether he deserved a life sentence for that small part.
The story was also interesting from other perspectives, such as: 1) How your life can unexpectedly and dramatically change in minutes; 2) How other's perceptions of you can affect your own perception of yourself to the point when you believe them or, at the least, become very confused about yourself; 3) the horrors of prison life; 4) the trauma of being on trial for murder; and 5) issues of equality and fairness of punishment for differing degrees of misbehavior/culpability. The story has a multitude of interesting issues for discussion and lessons to teach.
Often audiobooks are performed by a single actor. Not this one. It is expertly performed by a full cast with varying voices, tones, and emotions that truly enliven and enrich the story. It was easy to visualize the different settings and personalities of the characters through their excellent portrayals. The writing and performance seemed so realistic that I thought I heard background noises in key scenes. I listened to some key scenes again, but didn't hear any background noises. The writing and performances were so vivid that I apparently imagined them.
The audio starts with Myers himself explaining the inspiration for his book and other intriguing background. Being unabridged, the story was performed exactly as it is written - as a screenplay. It took a little while to get comfortable with this unique format in an audio book. The problem stemmed more from the use of flashbacks than the screenplay format. Actually, the voice-over readings of screenplay terminology helped the "flashback" problem and seemed normal relatively quickly.
This small disadvantage is greatly outweighed by the added drama, suspense, and fast-pacing provided in this audio version. I may be biased, but the dramatic, sympathetic characterizations of Harmon, his family and his defense attorney won me over to their side. At the same time, the performances of the other characters where equally compelling, each in their own way - e.g., the hardnosed female prosecutor, the other attorney, other defendants, various witnesses, and the prison inmates.
In addition to the awards/honors won by the print version of the story,this audio version received an AUDIOFILE "Earphones" award and its review concluded: "[I]t's difficult to imagine how it might have been accomplished more effectively." I wholeheartedly concur!
For those like me who were uncertain about AUDIOFILE "Earphone" awards", they are similar to "Starred" reviews in other journals. According to the AUDIOFILE website, it awards "Earphones to truly exceptional presentations that excel in all the following criteria: Narrative voice and style; Vocal characterizations; Appropriateness for the audio format; and Enhancement of the text."
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Reviews with images
Good Book, came in damaged a little
on the right corner there’s a little damage, nevertheless great book and easy to read
Top reviews from other countries
Sergio
creía que se descargaría para poder leer en mi tablet
Reviewed in Spain on October 5, 2016