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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH HUMANKIND

A PALEOANTHROPOLOGIST INVESTIGATES OUR EVOLVING SPECIES

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: Feb. 20, 2018

Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins

DD ISBN: 9781684410330

Publisher: HighBridge Audio

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    GRATITUDE

    Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.

    Pub Date: N/A

    Duration: 5 hrs

    Publisher: Books on Tape

    Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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      SAVAGE INEQUALITIES

      Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.

      Pub Date: N/A

      Duration: 8 hrs

      Publisher: Brilliance Audio

      Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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