by Douglas T. Kenrick ; Read by Fred Stella ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 4, 2011
Kenrick’s book, with its sensationalistic title, is actually the academic’s account of his work in the field of evolutionary psychology, with personal stories helping to illustrate scientific insights into human nature. Kenrick’s sometimes overly feisty tone is tempered by Fred Stella’s smooth voice, ready expressiveness, and geniality. His voice is slightly husky and pleasant to listen to. The author mentions having a New York accent, but Stella’s is inconsistent—now here, now, where we would expect it, not. But the distraction proves minor, and the reading lets the book’s positives—the frequently interesting subject matter and Kenrick’s intelligence—come through.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2011
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781611744446
Publisher: HighBridge 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 Jamie Woodward ; Read by David Linski ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 7, 2026
This one-volume history of Earth is a fascinating trip made that much better by the narrator’s effective delivery.
This work is like a one-semester course in geology, and it’s easy to imagine narrator David Linski standing in front of a class delivering the lectures. The audiobook is aimed at lay listeners; the science isn’t dumbed down but no background in Earth science is required. Linski’s delivery is solid, and he effectively adjusts his pace to fit the material and keep listeners engaged. He handles technical terms with ease. Author Woodward takes listeners from the formation of the universe to Earth as we know it today.
This one-volume history of Earth is a fascinating trip made that much better by the narrator’s effective delivery.Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798228699564
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
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