Andrew Knoll, a Harvard professor and researcher in geology and paleontology, covers a lot of ground in just five hours of listening. But Tom Parks's pacing of the narrative never feels rushed during this primer on the origins of life, geological catastrophes, and mass extinctions, continuing right up to our current climate crisis. Knoll has an approachable writing style; only occasionally does he lapse into textbook jargon that will be a challenge for those without a science background. Parks navigates the technical language well, and while this isn't a breezy listen, it's an accessible and enlightening look at the geological, chemical, and human forces that have shaped our planet's evolution.
Pub Date: April 27, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062853943
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Dr. Plotkin is an ethnobotanist who recounts his experiences searching for new medications in the Amazon rain forest. He makes an impassioned plea for the world to stop destroying this irreplaceable resource. Since the author reads his own work, we can rely on the pronunciation of some unusual botanical terms; however, his voice (presumably not trained for performance) lacks the enthusiasm and fascination the words suggest. Furthermore, with no chapter references and few pauses between sections, transitions, such as the change of location from Ecuador to Massachusetts, are awkward.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
First, Simon Winchester, OBE, introduces listeners to the ubiquity of wind and its effects on the world. His careful pronunciation and British accent create an enjoyable backdrop for the conversational style in which stories are integrated with information that demonstrates where and how wind has had a direct influence on all the subjects in the Dewey Decimal System, including culture, arts, science, geography, language, and history. The journalist provides information that is both relatable and educational; topics range from Oz's Dorothy Gale being caught in "America's storm" to examples of how wind has been used for warfare. Winchester's passion for moving air is evident as he reminds listeners that the "wind blows equally for all."
Pub Date: Nov. 18, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063374485
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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