Touching Spirit Bear

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is a young adult novel that explores the themes of anger management, forgiveness, and personal transformation. The audiobook version of this novel, narrated by Lee Tergesen, brings to life the story of a troubled teenager named Cole Matthews who is sent to a remote Alaskan island as part of his punishment for assaulting another student. This article will provide a comprehensive review of the Touching Spirit Bear audiobook, exploring its plot, characters, narration, and overall impact.

Plot Summary

The Touching Spirit Bear audiobook follows the story of Cole Matthews, a fifteen-year-old boy with a troubled past. After years of abuse and neglect, Cole has become a violent and angry teenager who frequently gets into trouble. When he brutally attacks another student, he is given a choice between going to jail or being sent to a remote Alaskan island to participate in a program designed to help troubled youth.

On the island, Cole must learn to survive in the wilderness and confront his inner demons. He is visited by a mysterious white bear, which he comes to see as a spirit animal. Through a series of harrowing experiences, Cole gradually learns to control his anger and take responsibility for his actions. He also begins to develop a deeper understanding of the people in his life, including his abusive father and the boy he attacked.

Characters

The Touching Spirit Bear audiobook features a cast of well-developed characters that help bring the story to life. Cole is a complex and flawed protagonist who undergoes a significant transformation over the course of the novel. He is initially presented as an angry and violent teenager, but as the story progresses, he begins to show signs of growth and self-awareness.

The supporting characters in the audiobook are equally compelling. Garvey, the Tlingit Indian who runs the program on the island, is a wise and compassionate mentor to Cole. Peter, the boy Cole attacked, is presented as a sympathetic and complex character who struggles with his own issues. Cole's father is also portrayed in a nuanced way, as a man who is deeply flawed but still capable of redemption.

Narration

The Touching Spirit Bear audiobook is narrated by Lee Tergesen, who does an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Tergesen's voice is clear and engaging, and he is able to convey the emotional depth of the novel without overacting. His pacing is also well-suited to the story, allowing the listener to become fully immersed in the world of the novel.

Impact

Touching Spirit Bear is a novel that has resonated with readers of all ages since its publication in 2001. The audiobook version of the novel is no exception. The story is well-written and emotionally powerful, and the themes of anger management, forgiveness, and personal transformation are universally relevant. The narration by Lee Tergesen only enhances the impact of the story, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in young adult literature or personal growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Touching Spirit Bear audiobook is a powerful and engaging novel that explores themes of anger management, forgiveness, and personal transformation. Narrated by Lee Tergesen, the audiobook version of the novel brings the story to life in a way that is both emotionally resonant and immersive. Overall, this audiobook is a must-listen for anyone interested in young adult literature or personal growth.