Would you consider the audio edition of See Me to be better than the print version?
To survive bullying at school, Adrian DeSoto had to develop a second skin, a tough one, and that experience helps him to become a very successful Drag Queen, Adrienne. But what happens when a face from the past turns up in the audience while Adrienne is performing? Will Adrian get his revenge?
This is an entertaining story about a boy who was bullied at school, and decided to fake tough to survive. Adrian learnt to develop a façade of immunity to the jocks who torment him. Years later, this ability and his wonderful voice have helped him to become Adrienne, drag Queen extraordinaire. One night, during his one of his acts, Adrien spots a familiar face in the audience. It is Martin Cavanaugh, one of the jocks who made his teen years a living hell… But one he had always had a crush on. When Martin gets obsessed with having a date with Adrienne, the Drag takes the reins and humiliates Martin in front of the audience. But revenge is not sweet, it leaves a bitter taste for Adrien, who decides to look for Martin and apologize… Only to find that he was not the only one hiding a secret crush. They decide to give themselves a chance and… they get a very sexy and happy HEA. In short, the story is ok, but there is too little detail in the building of Adrien and Martin’s relationship. They go from virtual strangers to being in love in no time at all. It is not credible because we do not see it. Besides, the change in Martin is too fast, too big. He moves from homo jerk to out-and-proud without hesitation or drama. I should have imagined that for someone so deep in the closet, coming out should be a bit more traumatic. On the other hand, Adrian/Adrienne is a great character, I really enjoy both his personalities. In the end, it all comes down to the fact that both characters wear a mask, one with pride, and the other with shame. Their chance at happiness is showing their real selves and hoping the other one accepts them the way they are
Joel’s performance is outstanding, as always. It always amazes me the wide variety of registers he achieves, for example, how he can make Adrian and Adrienne perfectly discernible from each other, while retaining some common characteristics. He brings characters and histories alive with his voice, every single one of his books I’ve listened so far has been an entertaining experience. He makes me cry, he makes me laugh, he even makes me blush…. And I love it.
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I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.