The Gorgeous Game

By: Donna Freitas

Narrated by: Romy Nordlinger

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

A chilling novel about the isolation of being stalked and the abuse of power.

Olivia Peters is over the moon when her literary idol, the celebrated novelist and much-adored local priest Mark D. Brendan, offers to become her personal writing mentor. But when Father Mark’s enthusiasm for Olivia’s prose develops into something more, Olivia’s emotions quickly shift from wonder to confusion to despair. Exactly what game is Father Mark playing, and how on earth can she get out of it?

This remarkable novel about overcoming the isolation that stems from victimization is powerful, luminous, and impossible to pause.

©2010 Donna Freitas (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Romy Nordlinger's style and pace exuberantly capture Olivia, her friends and family, her boyfriend, and Father Mark. She also excels at delivering the book's description, lively dialogue, and emotional range…” (AudioFile)

“Young women who have found themselves the object of obsession will relate to the protagonist's ordeal and be inspired by her decision to speak out no matter the consequences.” (Publishers Weekly)

“This novel will resonate with teens who struggle with what appear to be impossible situations and come to terms with the desire to receive attention however unwanted it may be.” (School Library Journal)

Powerful

Would you listen to The Gorgeous Game again? Why?

Vowing to fulfill a New Years resolution to try new genres and to try electronic media, I randomly picked The Gorgeous Game. I was surprised how quickly I became absorbed into the story. The narration was so realistic that I forgot at times that this was a piece of literature and not a person talking to me face to face. I was so impressed with this book and the narrator that I will certainly try more. I am glad I fulfilled this resolution this year.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how current the story is. It is marketed for teens, but adults would like this as well.

Have you listened to any of Romy Nordlinger’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never listened to this narrator before, but now I will search for more books with her as the narrator. She is a great actress and I love her voice.

Serious subject, Bugs Bunny voice

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator shouldn't have used her Bugs Bunny voice for all the female POVs and her normal, good voice for the men. She should have just read the book in her normal voice all the way through. Too bad because I like the story so far. I'm half way through it.

What didn’t you like about Romy Nordlinger’s performance?

Her false voice is fingernails on a blackboard. I keep wanting to stop listening, but I grind my teeth through it because the story itself is good.