by Ben Mezrich ; read by Will Collyer ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 7, 2023
This fast-paced story of Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter is delivered with palpable relish by Will Collyer. Recounting the saga from the points of view of several ex-employees, the author attempts to put Musk into context; ex- (and perhaps current employees) talk about a man who is brilliant, engaging, funny, and always contrarian. He is also alone, lonely, and, after a year of running the company, seemingly unsure of how to right his ship. While Twitter was already having problems as a result of its groupthink policy decisions, its downhill trajectory has been alarmingly steep. Foolhardy actions have quickly boomeranged, along with outrageous tweets, polls, and personal vendettas. It all makes for a wild audiobook and, thanks to Collyer, a riveting listen.
Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781549139482
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Mark J. Plotkin ; read by Mark Plotkin & PhD ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
by Thomas Levenson ; read by Mike Cooper ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 9, 2026
Cooper proves a sure guide for Levenson’s argument for the critical importance of vaccines.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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Levenson argues that present-day anti-vaxxers like Robert Kennedy Jr. use historical arguments that may have had some validity when vaccines were first developed but have since been debunked and are now being recycled cynically. Mike Cooper’s energy and British accent ensure clear communication of the history and science behind the safe and effective vaccine system we have today. He occasionally employs a snarky tone that strikes just the right note as Levenson discusses Andrew Wakefield’s discredited beliefs about the link between vaccines and autism and Kennedy’s comparison of vaccines to genocide. Levenson takes on the philosophical question of individual rights and vaccine mandates but notes that state power is being used to prevent mandates that would ensure the health of all.
Cooper proves a sure guide for Levenson’s argument for the critical importance of vaccines.Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217286645
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: July 28, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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