SOUNDS WILD AND BROKEN Sonic Marvels, Evolution's Creativity, and the Crisis of Sensory Extinction

Just like many things in nature, wild sounds are quickly disappearing, a casualty of our modern world. This work explores the sonic world, seeking to inspire people to be more attuned to this neglected realm. The author describes many of the sounds--such as waves rolling onto the shore and seals barking in the distance--in somewhat lyrical terms. Narrator Steven Jay Cohen renders these passages effectively. He keeps a quiet, even tone, which suits the material but produces a somnolent quality that can make it hard for listeners to concentrate at times. Finally, it's sad that the unique nature of audiobooks couldn't have been utilized by including some of the actual sounds being discussed, such as the bells of the Hiroshima memorial in Japan. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2022]