THE HOUSE ON BEARTOWN ROAD: A Memoir of Learning and Forgetting

Dunne's gentle, melodic voice is the perfect match for this poignant memoir, which describes the author's struggle to care for her infant daughter and her Alzheimer's-stricken father. The sprawling New York farmhouse on Beartown road seemed like the perfect place for Cohen and her husband, Shane, to raise their baby, Ava. But a month after Cohen's father comes to live with them, Shane abruptly abandons the family, leaving Cohen to care for both Ava and her rapidly deteriorating father during a harsh, blizzard-filled winter. Dunne's narration is heartfelt and sincere, so much so that listeners will be fooled into thinking that Cohen is conveying her frustrations, triumphs and sorrows first hand. Dunne also captures the creaky, elderly voice of Cohen's father and the high, piping tones of little Ava. With its skillful narration and lyrical prose, this moving audiobook will linger with listeners long after the last disc has been played. Based on the Random hardcover (Forecasts, Feb. 17, 2003). (Aug.)