cover image The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving:

The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving:

Jonathan Evison, read by Jeff Woodman. HighBridge Audio, unabridged, eight CDs, 9.25 hrs., $34.95 ISBN 978-1-61174-899-4

To avoid facing his past, Benjamin Benjamin sets to helping others as a caregiver. After taking a class called the Fundamentals of Caregiving at a local church, his first job lands him with Trevor, a 19-year-old with advanced muscular dystrophy who has disengaged from the world. But a road trip and a series of exploits find the two men returning to worlds they thought were lost. Narrator Jeff Woodman’s portrayal of Benjamin captures his contradicting self-awareness and self-deceit as well as his vulnerabilities. But his rendition of Trevor’s voice is the most impressive. Woodman avoids the pitfall of trying to portray the character’s disability, instead using a minimalist approach that captures Trevor’s essence. Additionally, Woodman lends the supporting cast distinct, vibrant voices and provides narration that will keep listeners engaged until the very end. An Algonquin hardcover. (Aug.)