There's joy in self-described "satellite nerd" James Bridle's British-accented voice as he narrates this audiobook about consciousness and the search for planetary intelligence. For example, he excitedly recalls the moment when he first felt certainty about quantum physics. Even when he's not being so enthusiastic, listeners might be fascinated to learn that slime mold can solve the logistical problems of routing trains or traveling salespeople. Bridle shows his curiosity as he ponders the mirror test --whether a creature reacts to seeing its reflection--or the proper environment in which to create thriving artificial intelligence. Bridle's questioning is peppered with anecdotes that highlight aspects of consciousness--human and otherwise. How can listeners not perk up their ears when he describes a bird who used its own name with varying inflections to communicate?
Pub Date: June 21, 2022
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250856111
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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
First, Simon Winchester, OBE, introduces listeners to the ubiquity of wind and its effects on the world. His careful pronunciation and British accent create an enjoyable backdrop for the conversational style in which stories are integrated with information that demonstrates where and how wind has had a direct influence on all the subjects in the Dewey Decimal System, including culture, arts, science, geography, language, and history. The journalist provides information that is both relatable and educational; topics range from Oz's Dorothy Gale being caught in "America's storm" to examples of how wind has been used for warfare. Winchester's passion for moving air is evident as he reminds listeners that the "wind blows equally for all."
Pub Date: Nov. 18, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063374485
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
