Journalist Loren Grush's compelling history of the first women selected for NASA's astronaut corps is perfectly paired with Inés del Castillo's conversational and sensitively attuned narration. While these women's lives became inextricably bound through their historic service, this engaging audio production explores their individual experiences, both personal and professional. Their invaluable contributions as medical doctors, scientists, and engineers enhanced the Space Shuttle program's new mandate to conduct scientific studies and make space travel a routine occurrence for an increasing number of commercial and government partners. Though del Castillo doesn't always clearly delineate between quoted passages and the author's voice, she embraces the celebratory tone of this work. Sally, Judy, Anna, Kathy, Shannon, and Rhea's life-altering journeys as the first American women astronauts continue to inspire.
Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2023
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797160610
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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