109 EAST PALACE

The audiobook’s title identifies the office of the Los Alamos, New Mexico, site that planned and built the first atomic bomb, known as the Manhattan Project. Anne Twomey recounts the story of the bomb’s production in a deep, quiet voice, sometimes nearing a whisper--a narration perfect for the secret undertaking. Her measured pace contrasts with the urgency the bomb-makers felt to produce the world’s biggest explosion. The sixty years of distance from the events under discussion allow the author to focus on the scientists who participated and on the aftermath felt by the world. Simple but engaging language makes this production ideal for a general audience interested in American history. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]