Firestarter

This vintage Stephen King is as exciting now as it was 30 years ago when he wrote it. Even if you read it then, listen to this spectacular rendering from Dennis Boutsikaris--it recaptures all the excitement in a whole new way. Boutsikaris flawlessly delivers the atmosphere and pacing of which King is a true master. Boutsikaris delivers a narrative that perfectly portrays the struggles of 8-year-old Charlie McGee, who discovers she has mysterious pyrokinetic powers. (She can start a fire by thinking about it.) At the same time, Boutsikaris's vocal rendering of the adults who vie to use Charlie's power for good or for evil amplifies the drama. Boutsikaris's delivery is a terrific example of the power of a clean narrative voice. M.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine