The impact of viruses on human psycho/social/sexual development is the timely topic of this audiobook, narrated by the author, a biologist who loves the art form of writing. Light on actual science, the work sounds like a collection of diary entries, eulogies, and stream-of- consciousness musings. Osmundson excels at expressing his emotional connection to the subject matter, but he makes many rookie mistakes with his performance. He narrates an entire chapter on the verge of sobbing, something emotionally effective for a passage but uncomfortably unlistenable for any longer. The author/narrator chooses slow, deliberate pacing that savors the sound of each word. This decision would work for a collection of poetry, but not a lengthy collection of essays.
Pub Date: June 7, 2022
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593635513
Publisher: Random House 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
An empathetic and informed listening experience about the people who find solace and acceptance in AI relationships.
Todd delivers a cutting-edge audiobook on the current status of AI and the people who develop intimate relationships with it. Major platforms providing AI engagement, including OpenAI and Anthropic, promote applications that provide always-on, humanlike support and friendship—with major caveats. User privacy cannot be guaranteed, and in some cases, AI platforms may engage in shockingly unsafe interactions. With a seasoned, engaging voice, Todd relates compelling examples of human-AI relationships. Recorded clips of interviews with experts, providing insights on the impact of these relationships with big-picture analysis, are included.
An empathetic and informed listening experience about the people who find solace and acceptance in AI relationships.Pub Date: July 14, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668179826
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 17, 2026
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