After tasting a little-known red wine while on assignment in Jordan, journalist Begos set off to find the origins of that bottle and to learn why most commercial wine is produced from only a handful of grape varieties. Narrator PJ Ochlan's pleasant, expressive delivery takes listeners on this journey, which explores wine's role in ancient history, religion, culture, and agribusiness. It also delves into wine research (for example, on genetics), experimental fermentation methods, and the effects of climate change. Ochlan's pronunciations of the many non-English words sounded believable, but he doesn't clearly distinguish between narrative and quotations or between different speakers in dialogue, occasionally tripping up listeners. Nevertheless, wine lovers will be inspired to support local winemakers and to seek out Begos's recommended vineyards.
Pub Date: June 12, 2018
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781684411818
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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
Narrator Lisa Flanagan has a wonderful vocal personality--lithe with a broad palette of pitch patterns and a range of believable emotional tones. Her friendly voice works well with this lighthearted overview of how dramatically the Internet has changed the world in the past 30 years. Though being digitally connected has improved life in many ways, the author says we've lost many of the interpersonal experiences that used to sustain us. We have less privacy, don't need all those reference books, and have largely forgotten how to have vocal conversations with other people. The audiobook is entertaining nostalgia for anyone who feels incompetent navigating the World Wide Web, and a soothing reminder that those of us who miss the simplicity of the pre-Internet era are not alone.
Pub Date: Oct. 26, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593418055
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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