by Carlo Rovelli ; translated by Simon Carnell & Erica Segre ; read by Roy McMillan ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 24, 2017
Here's a flawless, up-to-date history of physics, from antiquity to yesterday (almost). One can't tell that it's translated from Italian, so smoothly does the narration flow. Narrator Roy McMillan's voice gives the impression of a learned speaker embarking on a friendly explanation of abstruse concepts and discoveries. Having listened to many science audiobooks and other presentations, this reviewer says that this is one of the best. For example, quantum theory, well known to be opaque to even highly trained scientists, is described so lucidly that the listener almost understands it. That's saying something.
Pub Date: Jan. 24, 2017
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781524749583
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Jane Davidson ; read by Jane Davidson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2020
The author describes her efforts to implement a meaningful sustainability initiative for Wales and the world at large. An educator and minister of the environment, sustainability, and housing in her tiny country, she's a wonderful narrator who sounds at once relaxed and passionate, likable and dignified. Her voice is a perfect vehicle for amplifying her humanitarian intentions as well as the breadth of her methodical thinking. But what makes this audio so inspiring are the personal asides she shares throughout concerning her willingness to be vulnerable and her calm resolve to do something for the world's future generations. Davidson's descriptions of the laborious process of cultural transformation would have been dry listening without her pleasing UK speaking voice.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Pamela Paul ; read by Lisa Flanagan ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 26, 2021
Narrator Lisa Flanagan has a wonderful vocal personality--lithe with a broad palette of pitch patterns and a range of believable emotional tones. Her friendly voice works well with this lighthearted overview of how dramatically the Internet has changed the world in the past 30 years. Though being digitally connected has improved life in many ways, the author says we've lost many of the interpersonal experiences that used to sustain us. We have less privacy, don't need all those reference books, and have largely forgotten how to have vocal conversations with other people. The audiobook is entertaining nostalgia for anyone who feels incompetent navigating the World Wide Web, and a soothing reminder that those of us who miss the simplicity of the pre-Internet era are not alone.
Pub Date: Oct. 26, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593418055
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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