Drama

John Lithgow's appealing and insightful memoir begins with an evocative tune that hints of the pleasures that lie ahead. The story of Lithgow's peripatetic childhood and early acting career is full of human interest, hard-won truths, laugh-out-loud asides, and just enough gossip to satisfy without being prurient. The author narrates with all the skill and charm that one expects of the talented actor, wielding his vocal tool kit beautifully. He offers helpful pacing that matches the action, a smile in his voice when the anecdote is funny and severity when it's painful, and enough differentiation in voices that conversations remain clear. He's also a pro with subtle tonal variation. There is not a flat note anywhere. A.C.S. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine