by John McPhee ; Read by Grover Gardner ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 14, 2023
Grover Gardner imbues this exploration of a charming section of rural New Jersey, first published in 1968, with a knowledgeable and authoritative tone. The celebrated and groundbreaking NEW YORKER reporter John McPhee runs into several colorful characters, now long gone, during his visit. This look back at a simpler, more rural time both entertains and informs. Gardner's even and rhythmic delivery explains how seventeenth-century residents first used the name Pine Barrens for the vast area in the state's center. One of the best feature writers ever, McPhee uncovers the importance of its pine trees and loamy soil. Gardner pairs an inquisitive tone with McPhee's uncanny abilities as a reporter to survey this territory and its inhabitants.
Pub Date: Nov. 14, 2023
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798350855326
Publisher: Tantor Media
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 Jonathan Franklin ; Read by George Newbern ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 17, 2015
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When Captain Salvador Alvarenga and his young assistant, Ezequiel Cordova, set out from Costa Azul, Mexico, on a fishing expedition, the experienced captain could not possibly have expected the type of journey that lay ahead. Narrator George Newbern does an excellent job delivering the story of Alvarenga's struggle to survive at sea in an open boat for 438 days before finally coming ashore on a remote island many miles away in the South Pacific. Newbern’s consistent pace and varied tone keep the compelling story going, communicating the harrowing aspects of the journey as well as Alvarenga's inspirational will to survive his extended ordeal at sea.
Pub Date: Nov. 17, 2015
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781442396029
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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