The author compounds several of his science reports reprised from articles in the NEW YORKER. Although the articles may seem eclectic, the gestalt demonstrates "how few degrees of separation there are between far-flung areas of scientific endeavors." Narrator James Lurie assumes the role of the author, who writes in the first person. Lurie’s testosterone-stoked voice strikes a rapid pace, undaunted by the abundant technical terms. Two of his impersonations stand out. One is the voice of a Russian-Jewish émigré and computer whiz working on pi to several billion digits. The other interviewee suffers from a gruesome genetic syndrome, and Mr. Lurie speaks for him as though he had cerebral palsy. Done without mockery or indiscretion, the result imparts a deserved empathy for the disorder.
Pub Date: May 27, 2008
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Random House 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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