Entomologist, bumblebee expert, and public scientist Dave Goulson narrates this audiobook in a pleasing British accent and non-dogmatic tone. His easy delivery of hard truths makes a powerful argument, which is subtitled "Averting the Insect Apocalypse." He presents his case for immediate and drastic action with the authority of a scientist who knows whereof he speaks, does the work, and shares his knowledge in a nuanced and balanced way. His sections on Monarch butterflies and bumblebees, as well as his insights on insecticides and GMOs, are nuanced, informed, and compelling. His final two chapters matter: One is a dystopian set piece on what the 2060s might be like if we don't act (awful), and the final chapter is on what could and should be done. Listen and learn.
Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063088269
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
High-interest, socially relevant science delivered in a friendly, conversational tone.
Social epidemiologist Werb narrates his extensive exploration into modern urban ecology. As population centers worldwide have increased and expanded, so has the growth of synanthropes: wild animals (and occasionally plants) that adapt to survive and thrive within human-built communities. Werb divides this deep dive into three sections: successful communal relationships, unsuccessful or hazardous ones, and the potential for future harmonious living between humans and the urban wilderness. Werb’s narration is pleasantly informative, maintaining a steady flow of relatable detail in his case studies without overwhelming the listener. His enthusiasm for his subject shines through in his dedication to discussing the whole range of positive and negative outcomes when people and wild animals coexist.
High-interest, socially relevant science delivered in a friendly, conversational tone.Pub Date: July 14, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 23 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217340521
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
Frightening, cinematic, tense, dramatic—this audiobook is easily binge-worthy.
This heart-pumping true story of survival throws listeners into a nightmare come to life and is exactly how gripping narrative nonfiction should be both written and performed. The real-life audio thriller stays tightly focused on three men's moment-by-moment struggle to survive after their fishing boat sinks and they are left adrift in the Gulf of Mexico with nothing but a few bottles of water and two coolers to hang on to. All the author’s explanatory details—from shark anatomy to Coast Guard helicopter rescue equipment—serve the central story well. Narrator Adam Ewer precisely conveys the extreme emotions of the stranded men as they desperately try to swim to an oil platform while sharks circle below.
Frightening, cinematic, tense, dramatic—this audiobook is easily binge-worthy.Pub Date: June 23, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250458650
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: tomorrow
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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