The Callahan Chronicals - Brief Article - Young Adult Review - Audiobook Review

Kliatt, Jan, 2004 by Carol Kellerman

Spider Robinson. 1997/2003. Read by Barrett Whitener. 12 tapes. 16.5 hrs. Blackstone Audio. 07861-2460-1. $83.95. Vinyl; plot, reader, author notes. SA

This collection of stories brings together the weirdest clientele of any bar in our galaxy or any other. This menagerie of unique characters gathers at Callahan's Place, where good cheer mixes with terrible puns. Human caring abounds with tall tales that lead the barflies to throw their glasses into the fireplace as a tribute to the acceptance of this bizarre blend of aliens, humans, time travelers, and even a talking dog.

Award-winner Whitener does an outstanding reading. Especially noteworthy is the Irish brogue he creates for Mike Callahan, the patient, understanding barkeep who has his own secrets to share. Whitener does not try to create a separate voice for the numerous other characters, but he definitely expresses his personal enjoyment of these characters and their individual, often playful tales. Included in this collection are: "Callahan's Crosstime Saloon," "Time Traveler's Strictly Cash," and "Callahan's Secret." Carol Kellerman, Santa Fe, NM

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.