THE FOUNDING FISH

If it sounds like John McPhee's book about shad, fishing, and conservation is meant to be read aloud as well as in print, it's no coincidence. The author says he reads every section aloud during the revision process to make sure the words flow evenly and interestingly. Also, McPhee lets people tell their own stories and builds on those to make more complex points about biology, ecology, and conservation. The lessons are clear, but they're presented in eminently listenable stories. As a reader, McPhee is solid. His diction is clear. He pauses appropriately, often giving audiobook listeners a chance to digest a complex or essential piece of information before moving on to the next section. R.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]