Dan Woren’s vocal calmness and smooth phrasing create a compelling performance of this thoughtful book, translated from French, about how to become a better human being. Woren’s pacing has the distinctive quality of being slow and determined without sounding labored or overdramatic. The life quest of the author, a long-serving French translator for the Dalai Lama, is to use the traditions of Buddhism, science, and Western philosophy to balance the contemplative life with serving others effectively. His colorful international stories embody the wisdom of many spiritual leaders and tell us that compassion without action is hypocritical. Advocating that we cultivate an appreciation for the future of our planet as well as for each passing moment, he says we need to make the combination of compassion and altruism a continuing part of our culture.
Pub Date: 2015
Duration: 30 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781478983248
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Nashville actor, comedian, and activist Tyler Merritt performs this rollicking account of his treatment for cancer and the life lessons it provoked. Full of spontaneous asides and unscripted conversations with his producer, co-writer, and others, the soundscape is enormously entertaining. Merritt's vocal theatrics are outrageous and often funny but, for most listeners, will not upstage his humanity and wisdom. His message, a rich combination of insights about himself and the world around him, will be deeply satisfying for a wide range of listeners. The lessons he learned from confronting a life-threatening illness will remind listeners that time is precious and that we can enjoy life's richness best when we confront threats in our lives and are honest about the emotions that arise from such challenges.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668647011
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
As eminent physicists born in the 1940s, authors Lightman and Rees must be troubled by the erosion of public confidence in science. This audiobook examines the nature of scientific thinking. Christopher Grove's narration is well suited to the authors' message that scientists are real human beings with diverse backgrounds, personalities, motivations, and goals. The production also features profiles of individual scientists that seem to be aimed at young listeners who are considering careers in science. These are presented as sidebars featuring giants such as physicist Werner Heisenberg and cytogeneticist Barbara McClintock. Grove handles all aspects of the production with a voice that is welcoming and conversational.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217165384
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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