Guitar Boy

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by M.J. Auch

Travis Tacey is in a peck of trouble. His mother is hospitalized from a serious accident and his father, lost in a haze of grief, has focused his anger and guilt on his oldest son. Which is why, at age fourteen, Travis finds himself out of a home and on the road in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains.

With no more than a few dollars, a change of clothes, and his great-great-great grandfather’s guitar, Travis wonders how he is going to survive. But the world is not always cruel, as Travis discovers when he is befriended by guitar-maker Scott McKissack and realizes that with luck, and music, he might even be able to reunite his shattered family.

Richly populated with vivid and endearing characters, resonating with a love of music, this recording of MJ Auch’s novel will speak (and sing) directly to the hearts of listeners of all ages.

Author M.J. Auch
Narrator David Baker
Length 7 hrs and 22 mins
© Copyright 2010 Author
℗ Audio Copyright 2010 Full Cast Audio

Reviews:

“David Baker lends his voice to Travis portraying him as an insecure and scared teen with a love of music, which is pitch perfect for the text. The production also uses the melodic sound of the guitar to lend a unique and rewarding experience for the listener. This is a wonderful audio version that would be a great listen for teens interested in music.” — SoundCommentary February, 2012 [udesign_icon_font name=”fa fa-star” color=”#dd9933″ size=”1em”] Starred Review

“David Baker’s narration will pull [listeners] in . . . and have them rooting for this plucky, resourceful boy. Baker’s straightforward delivery emphasizes the hard-scrabble, community-centered existence of mountain life. Snatches of gospel songs, including guitar strumming, serve as transitions between chapters and add atmosphere to Travis’s redemptive story.” — AudioFile December, 2010

“[David] Baker competently narrates this coming-of-age story, softening his tones for Travis and filling his voice with high-strung gravel to reflect Travis’ dad. . . . Chapter breaks of guitar music, courtesy of musician and composer Todd Hobin, help sum up the story’s direction—hopeful, sad, and bittersweet by turns. Listeners will also enjoy pleasing vocal snippets of folk songs that conclude some segments. ” — Booklist Jan. 1, 2011


Listen to samples from this audiobook:
  1. Guitar Boy 1:15


Meet the Cast:
David Baker Narrator
Directed by: Daniel Bostick
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