Pinned

March 14, 2005
The New Jersey state high school wrestling title is the common goal of two driven teenagers in this inviting and suspenseful adaptation of Martino's vivid debut novel. Shanahan sounds young enough to relate to the 17-year-old protagonists, but also just old enough to have a bit of real-world perspective on their travails. Though Ivan Korske and Bobby Zane are from vastly different worlds, both eat, breathe and sleep wrestling. And both are favored to be in contention for the state title in the same weight class. Listeners are privy to their personal training regimes (including strict dieting and copious drills), as well as the challenges of everyday life that keep most teenagers on a topsy-turvy emotional course—raging hormones, burgeoning sexuality, romantic crushes, family strife. Throughout, Shanahan proves a nimble narrator, attacking wrestling terms and on-the-mat action with an affable enthusiasm that puts listeners in the stands. Those familiar with the sport will especially cheer the details of the competitive journey here; other listeners will have enjoyed a bracing ride with two memorable characters. Ages 12-up.