AMERICAN OASIS Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest

Andrew Eiden's narration makes learning about the American Southwest a fun adventure. The audiobook is an informative amalgamation of natural history, personal narrative, travel writing, and historical and cultural data that highlights the unique past and present of the region. Eiden mimics the author's zest for exploration but doesn't accurately reflect the vocal characteristics of a Southwestern native. (The author is from New Mexico.) Eiden commits an Arizona cardinal sin by mispronouncing the state's most iconic cactus, the saguaro. He sounds uncomfortable pronouncing the audiobook's ubiquitous Spanish words, names, and locations, speaking them slowly and deliberately, which sometimes makes the otherwise quick pace sound erratic. Although Eiden is an excellent nonfiction narrator, a Spanish speaking actor would have made the production smoother and more authentic. J.T. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2025]