Antsy Does Time

Neal Schusterman knows his material in terms of both narration and writing. His slight Brooklyn accent and excellent timing give a strong picture of Antsy (Anthony) Bonnano, and minor characters are just as lively. Then there's the mix of fast-paced story, hilarious imagery, eccentric characters, and bizarre incidents sure to please teen listeners, and even make adults laugh aloud. Antsy is determined to change the mood of exchange student Gunnar Umlaut, who has an unpronounceable disease--meaning, as Antsy explains, "Your own body fails the smog test." Gunnar is sure he'll die in six months, so Antsy organizes friends to give Gunnar a new lease on life. And that's before Antsy realizes that Gunnar has an oh-so-hot older sister. Familiar characters add even more appeal to this vivid sequel. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine