Using data on animals ranging in size from dwarf mice to elephants, the author looks at what we know about the mystery of aging, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. He focuses on experiments and researchers studying free radicals, antioxidants, calorie restriction, and resveratrol. Not written for the scientifically timid, the book contains plenty of the language of genetics, biochemistry, and zoology. Narrator Sean Runnette takes it all in stride. His ability with the extensive technical vocabulary makes it sound like he must have written the book. He reads briskly, which matters little, as no listener will ever remember all the rapidly fired statistics. Of special merit is Runnette’s delivery of the author’s delightful scientific sense of humor.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2010
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Dan Harris traces his experience finding a quieter, more peaceful mind, and life, through the unlikely pursuit of meditation. Deeply skeptical, he’s ultimately convinced by the scientific research showing meditation’s benefits. Harris says the voice in his head, the “inner narrator” he seeks to quiet, is a “total pill”—a voice that “comes braying in, heckling us all day with an air horn.” Unfortunately, his own narration has a way of grating on the ear, especially when he’s describing meditation with a cynical, yet-to-be converted eye or taking a competitive approach to mindfulness. Eventually, the ear adjusts and listeners can absorb interesting glimpses into Harris’s life as a broadcaster and his journey with meditation. However, some still may prefer to read the book to themselves.
Pub Date: March 11, 2014
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062331892
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
While a brief introduction to this audiobook is voiced by Dick Van Dyke himself, the balance is assigned to his friend Tom Bergeron. He does a remarkable, impeccable, and simply wonderful job, narrating with a rhythm and tonality similar to Van Dyke's. One might believe one is listening to the 100-year-old actor himself. In addition to talking about his life, Van Dyke also quite candidly describes living with the health and mobility issues that have touched him in his most recent years. Throughout the presentation, anecdotes and vignettes thoughtfully portray the pivotal influences on the man and his sensibilities. The novel approach of presenting the ever optimistic Van Dyke's "rules for living" works effectively.
Pub Date: Nov. 18, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668652992
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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