The Road to Roswell

Francie, an alien skeptic, is in Roswell, NM, for her best friend’s UFO-themed wedding when she is abducted by a tumbleweed-shaped alien. The alien can only communicate by gesturing with his tentacles, but he clearly wants her to take him somewhere outside of Roswell. Along the way, they pick up additional abductees: handsome con man Wade, increasingly unhinged UFO conspiracy theorist Lyle, card shark Eula Mae, and Western movie–loving Joseph. Francie quickly begins to care for the alien, whom she and Wade nickname “Indy” for the way he uses his tentacles like whips (a reference to Indiana Jones). Jesse Vilinsky skillfully narrates Willis’s novel, offering an animated, brisk performance and giving each character a unique, easily distinguishable voice. Her narration of Indy’s gestures perfectly brings out his lively and endearing personality. Vilinsky’s comedic delivery is exquisitely timed, and she also communicates the sensitive side of this engaging story, imbuing the characters’ relationships with depth and charm.