Maria Popova, creator of THE MARGINALIAN, has compiled a series of essays by an assortment of renowned writers. All share the theme of the mysteries of the universe and existence itself, along with a dash of poetry. Popova and Lili Taylor alternate the narration of these selections; both employ a measured pace, poetic tone, and pleasantly meandering pace as listeners ponder the space-time continuum. Topics include women in science, the Hubble telescope, dark matter, the cosmos, planets, physics, and singularity. Both Popova and Taylor depict the art of the universe and the art of words as they demonstrate the art of narrative performance.
Pub Date: 2024
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668644980
Publisher: Hachette 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:
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN:
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Emily Woo Zeller is an affable guide through this brisk introduction to paleoanthropology. Paleoanthropologist Sang-Hee Lee assumes that listeners aren't familiar with her field, and it's apparent in most of the lucid, bite-sized chapters on a variety of topics. Coupled with Zeller's polished delivery, the result is less a classroom experience and more akin to an audio museum tour. Zeller's smooth voice makes for easy listening--occasionally too easy, to the point of being lulling. And though the authors aim for a beginner-friendly approach, some chapters are still too dense. Listeners who don't already know the finer points of Homo erectus versus Homo habilis may be scratching their heads. But these are minor faults of an otherwise worthwhile popular science audiobook.
Pub Date:
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781684410330
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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