★Better Nate Than Ever
Federle, Tim (Author) and Federle, Tim (Reader)
Talented author Federle proves himself to be an equally delightful narrator when reading his entertaining and funny novel about a 13-year-old musical-theater fanatic who travels to the Big Apple to audition for an upcoming Broadway extravaganza called E.T.: The Musical. Small-town Pennsylvania boy Nate sneaks away by bus to pursue his dreams of theatrical stardom, and the youthful-sounding Federle deftly conveys his wide-eyed young protagonist’s nearly breathless sense of excitement and wonder as he visits New York City for the first time. Amusing hyperbolic observations and snarky jokes lace the first-person narration, and Federle possesses a flair for comic timing, giving each punch line a nice zing that will tickle listeners. Nate’s eventful and rather haphazard journey meets with obstacle after obstacle, and the action moves briskly in Federle’s hands. He gives distinct voices to the story’s many colorful supporting characters, especially in his satirically broad portrayal of the haughty British choreographer, Garret Charles, who terrifies children at the audition. Through all these absurdly chaotic happenings, Nate’s sweetness and resilience shine through. Listeners, especially young Glee fans, will be pulling for him as he reaches for the stars. — Brian Wilson (Booklist, Issue: February 15, 2014)
