Download Most Popular Audiobooks in Nonfiction, Social Sciences

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Title: Slackonomics

Subtitle: Generation X in the Age of Creative Destruction

Author: Lisa Chamberlain

Narrator: Roxanne Hernandez

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-10-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

Here's why Gen Xers - waiting for Boomers to retire - have made the choices they have, and how their creativity can save us from economic ruin.

Generation X grew up in the greed-is-good 1980s, before the Great Middle-Class Squeeze and the roller coaster of economic insecurity and tech revolution began driving Xers' cultural trends, lifestyle choices, and sociological circumstances. And while some foresee a disastrous financial future for all but those at the very top of the pyramid, Slackonomics reveals how a generation forged in such destruction - with the creativity of apathetic slackers, damn-the-torpedoes daytraders, deficit-spending consumers, and permanent freelancers - can bring the economy back from the brink.

One part Freakonomics, one part Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, Lisa Chamberlain's debut is a must-listen for anyone interested in our nation's future as the Boomers begin handing over the reins to the Xers.

©2009 Lisa Chamberlain; (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"Studded with insight into pop culture and today's turbulent society." (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Members Reviews:

Stop Slacking and Read

My wife and I were both born in 1969. We are firmly Generation X'ers. We've been active perpetrators and victims of the dot-com and housing boom and busts. Slackonomics might not be a great book - but it is a good enough book - and I recommend it to anyone born between 1965 and 1975. We are children of the divorce and internet revolution. The rise of the PC and the Web, the demise of the stable job or predictable career, and the erosion of middle-class wages.

Entertainment is way better then it was for us growing up in the 1970s - we have Netflix and premium cable. We spent maybe a million hours growing up as latch-key kids watching bad television (did I really watch re-runs of Hawaii Five-O after school each day?) - today our kids spend maybe as much time on YouTube and with their iPods. It was our generation that was supposed to ride the advantages of a baby bust - both more educated then any previous generation with a multitude of available jobs left opening by the retiring boomers. It didn't quite work out that way - we got the economic (bubbles, recessions) and social stocks without the jobs.

But we are lucky in that our priorities and aspirations are pointed towards our families and our creativity, as we have seen the dangers of relying on employers and institutions. Keep your expectations for analytical and economic analysis low, and enjoy hearing our story.

Great book

Lisa Chamberlain does an excellent job of getting to the heart of Gen X and explaining how it approaches work and life and why it is different than Boomers. She needs to update it for the most recent economic crisis...because a lot has changed since she published the book and Gen X is now poised to move into leadership positions.

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Title: The Wolf in the Parlor

Subtitle: The Eternal Connection Between Humans and Dogs

Author: Jon Franklin

Narrator: George K. Wilson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-20-09

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 72 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

As the intellectual pursuit of his subject began to take over Franklin's life, he married a dog lover and was quickly introduced to an ancient and powerful law of nature: love me, love my dog. Soon Franklin was sharing hearth and home with a soulful and clever poodle named Charlie. And so began one man's journey to the dogs, an odyssey that would take him from a 12,000-year-old grave to a conclusion so remarkable as to change our perception of ourselves.

Building on evolutionary science, archaeology, behavioral science, and the firsthand experience of watching his own dog evolve from puppy to family member, Franklin posits that man and dog are more than just inseparable; they are part and parcel of the same creature. Along the way, The Wolf in the Parlor imparts a substantial yet painless education on subjects as far-ranging as psychological evolution and neurochemistry.

In this groundbreaking book, master storyteller Franklin shatters the lens through which we see the world and shows us an unexpected, enthralling picture of the human/canine relationship.

Editorial Reviews:

Narrator George Wilson is both saving grace and driving force in his expert rendition of Franklin's plodding narrative. There's a lot that's interesting in this history of the co-evolution of man and dog, but Franklin ekes it out almost grudgingly, while pouring on a heavy ladle of personal memoir and reflection. Wilson smoothes out and, to an important extent, justifies this imbalance between style and substance, providing a balance and purposefulness the text sometimes lacks. Recommended for those who love stories of the dog novice who's eventually won over, and then heartbroken, by the frolics, intelligence, instinct, and all-too-brief domestic career of one irresistible pooch.

Critic Reviews:

"A welcome - and surprising - view into the canine soul from somebody who clearly understands and loves dogs." (Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, author of the international best seller Dogs Never Lie About Love)

Members Reviews:

More Science than Story

I enjoyed this book though it was not quite what I expected. It does start out slow, stating information about human brain chemistry and wolf brain chemistry and how they relates to the evolution of the dog. However, it eventually comes together and you realize why the author goes into such detail. There are some cute stories about the author's dog, but I would have liked more anectodes. I was hoping for more information about the evolution of specific dog breeds and their orginal uses which did come up briefly, but was definitely not enough. The narrator does an excellent job. This book was just not quite what I expected, but if you are a true dog lover or are just interested in evolutionary science you will probably enjoy this book. If you are looking for anectodes and practical information about dogs, this book will probably be too slow and scientific for you.

One of the best books ever!

I have enjoyed this book tremendously. The author is a science writer who, at the beginning of the book, has little to no interest in dogs. He meets a woman who he eventually marries and who insists that they get a puppy. This sparks his interest and he is intrigued by why we have this other species occupying such a privileged position in our lives.

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Title: The Modern Scholar: Odyssey of the West II: A Classic Education through the Great Books: From Athens to Rome and the Gospels

Author: Timothy Shutt, Kim J. Hartswick, Joel F. Richeimer, Lawrence H. Schiffman

Narrator: uncredited

Format: Original Recording

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-14-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 59 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

This course is an interdisciplinary series of connected lectures delivered by eminent scholars from several colleges and universities. Each professor addresses an area of personal expertise and focuses not only on the matter at hand, but on the larger story-on the links between the works and the figures discussed. The lectures address-in chronological sequence-a series of major works that have shaped the ongoing development of Western thought both in their own right and in cultural dialogue with other traditions.

In the process, the course engages many of the most perennial and far-reaching questions that we face in our daily lives. The lectures draw upon the resources of history, philosophy, literary study, art history, religious studies, political science, and the history of science and technology, in hopes of engaging the rich and profoundly interactive discussions that, over the course of forty centuries, have made Western culture what it is.

Members Reviews:

Not bad

The idea for this series of courses is great. There's literature, history, philosophy. It's a veritable "great courses" series in 84 lectures. However, the individual lectures (and professors) are of mixed quality. Some are outstanding, interesting, well organized; others (e.g., Richeimer) are fairly painful to listen to.

Great selection of topics

Where does The Modern Scholar rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I find MS easier to listen to than most, not all.

Any additional comments?

The connection of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, developed during the Patristic Period, with Paul's theology made me just a little skeptical of everything I was hearing.

For a corrective for the New Testament lectures . . .

. . . see The Case for Jesus by Brant Pitre. Schiffmanns lectures often miss the mark, unfortunately.

Fair but not great

Prof. Shutt is a bit tiring to listen to and sounds more like a sportscaster than an educator. The material is organized as little more than cliffnotes and is a bit disappointing consider the higher quality of other audio books in this series.

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Title: The Modern Scholar: Odyssey of the West II: A Classic Education through the Great Books: From Athens to Rome and the Gospels

Author: Timothy Shutt, Kim J. Hartswick, Joel F. Richeimer, Lawrence H. Schiffman

Narrator: uncredited

Format: Original Recording

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-14-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 59 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

This course is an interdisciplinary series of connected lectures delivered by eminent scholars from several colleges and universities. Each professor addresses an area of personal expertise and focuses not only on the matter at hand, but on the larger story-on the links between the works and the figures discussed. The lectures address-in chronological sequence-a series of major works that have shaped the ongoing development of Western thought both in their own right and in cultural dialogue with other traditions.

In the process, the course engages many of the most perennial and far-reaching questions that we face in our daily lives. The lectures draw upon the resources of history, philosophy, literary study, art history, religious studies, political science, and the history of science and technology, in hopes of engaging the rich and profoundly interactive discussions that, over the course of forty centuries, have made Western culture what it is.

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: Beginner's Guide into the World of Wine

Subtitle: Wine

Author: John Radford

Format: Unabridged

Length: 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-02-08

Publisher: RedRok Media LLP

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

Entertaining and informative - a must for anyone wanting to know the first thing about wine.

Members Reviews:

Doesn't teach you much about wine

The broadcaster speaks in a really fast british accent so you are forced to pay close attention to catch everything he is saying. The first 10 minutes tell you a little about what's involved with tasting wine the rest isn't so relevant to those wanting to learn about wine.

Rather useless.

First, they seem to have selected a nearly random selection of things to discuss. Rieslings, Chardonnays, and then Bulgarian wine. His descriptions are not terribly useful or comprehensible (comparing a good riesling to petrol?). Skip this. It is simply not worth the time. It does not provide enough data for the expert or a useful structure for the beginner.

Great for someone starting out

This was very short audio book for a beginners guide. I felt it wasnt worth the space on my ipod.

not worth buying

Very poor effort - don't waste your money.

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Title: The Infinite Field of Possibilities

Subtitle: Viewing Change Through a Kaleidescope

Author: Angeles Arrien

Narrator: Michael Toms

Format: Original Recording

Length: 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-31-08

Publisher: New Dimensions Foundation

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

Angeles Arrien is an anthropologist, educator, and a consultant to the medical, academic, and corporate communities worldwide. She has taught at the University of California, California Institute of Integral Studies, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, and the Alaya Institute, and is the founder of the Angeles Arrien Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research. She is the author of numerous articles and books, including The Tarot Handbook (Arcus Publishers 1987), The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary (HarperSanFrancisco 1993), The Nine Muses: A Mythological Path to Creativity (Tarcher/Putnam 2000), and The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom (Sounds True 2005).

Members Reviews:

9/11 as recovery, struggle, awareness, ramble

Universally recognized deeds and universal taboos, how creativity flows/stifles in our perception of our circumstances.

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Title: Evolution, Intelligence, and the Future

Author: Joseph Chilton Pearce

Narrator: Michael Toms

Format: Original Recording

Length: 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-08

Publisher: New Dimensions Foundation

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 24 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

The awesome potential of the human brain can only be tapped by providing the best possible learning environment at the earliest possible age. Scientific research has shown that television damages the full neural development of children's brains, crippling their capacity for symbol and metaphor. Other factors also contribute to antisocial behavior later in life, putting the future of even the most affluent societies at serious risk. "We forget that quality of life, to a child," says Pearce, "has nothing to do with standard of living." He envisions a society in which our brains and spirits can develop to their highest potential. Whether or not you are a parent, this is highly-compelling information relating to our future quality of life and evolution. Pearce is the author many books including

Crack in the Cosmic Egg (Simon & Schuster 1971),

Magical Child (Bantam 1980),

Magical Child Matures (Bantam 1986),

Evolution's End: Claiming the Potential of Our Intelligence (HarperSanFrancisco 1992), and most recently

The Biology of Transcendence: A Blueprint of the Human Spirit (Park Street Press 2004),

The Death of Religion and the Rebirth of Spirit: A Return to Intelligence of the Heart (Park Street Press 2007).

©1992 New Dimensions Foundation (P)2008 New Dimensions Foundation

Members Reviews:

BRILLIANT

If you could sum up Evolution, Intelligence, and the Future in three words, what would they be?

Absolute Must Listen

What did you like best about this story?

The early development of the brain and the frequency of intelligence.

Any additional comments?

Audible, PLEASE add more titles from this author.

Folk psychology, and little more

Can you handle an argument based around how intelligence and intellect are opposites? Me either. They blame most social problems on the faulty mom/baby bonding perpetuated by hospital births. Yah, Big-Medica is out to get us. They claim that the American child is the most emotionally deprived child in the world. Poor USA. Those tsunami orphans have it so much better.

Even though they mention academic papers, this interview strikes me as unscientific opinion. Merely folk psychology.

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Title: Old Friends

Author: Tracy Kidder

Narrator: Lowell George Seibel

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-29-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

The narrative takes place entirely in a nursing home and focuses on two old men struggling with their circumstances, their memories, and their mortality.

Members Reviews:

Had to stop listening

I read this book a few years ago and loved it. I decided to purchase it yesterday and so looked forward to listening. I have only made it through the first chapter and won't continue on with the book. The narration is simply awful. The fellow that is narrating reads as if he has to get through this book as quickly as humanly possible and his voice grates on my nerves like I can hardly believe! I am so disappointed, as the book is just so good ~ one of my favorites that still sits on our coffee table. I wasted my money on this one.

I will keep my eyes open for Old Friends to come out with a different narrator and will happily purchase it again.

disappointing narration

I purchased this book dispite the other reviews about the quality of the narration because the story sounded so good. Regretfully when you "listen" to an audio book the narration far more essential than I gave credit. I found this book to be almost unbearable. I have yet to hear anything like it. The narrator is monotone and does not use inflection to emphasise anything. He reads quickly and I found myself rethinking passages trying to add emphasis where it was needed. Almost impossible unless you have insomnia and need to sleep.

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Title: Hospital

Author: Julie Salamon

Narrator: Karen White

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-18-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 23 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

Located in a community where 67 different languages are spoken, Maimonides is a case study for the particular kinds of concerns that arise in institutions that serve an increasingly multicultural American demographic.

Granted astonishing access by the hospital higher-ups, Salamon followed the doctors, patients, administrators, nurses, ambulance drivers, cooks, and cleaning staff. She explored not just the action on the ground but also the financial, ethical, technological, socioloical, and cultural matters that the hospital community encounters every day.

Drawing on her skills as interviewer, observer, and social critic, Salamon presents the story of modern medicine. She draws out the internal and external political machinations that exist between doctors and staff, as well as between hospital and community. And she grounds the science and emotion of medical drama in the financial realities of operating a huge, private institution that must contend with such issues as adapting to the specific needs of the immigrant groups that make up a large and growing portion of our society.

Critic Reviews:

"A completely unique, three-dimensional, and compellingly human perspective." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

listen only if you want to fall asleep!

I really wanted to like this book. While the topic and content are decent, the reading is HORRIBLE. It's dry, and monotonous. In this case - read the book instead of listening to it!

fascinating!

This was a fascinating and thoughtful insider's view into the mystery of hospitals. Particulary, Salamon draws us into the complexities of managing a large organization in a cultrually diverse area with multiple forces pressing on every decision. This book is far from boring - it will fascinate administrators from other fields as well as health care personnel wanting an intimate view of the top. Narrarator was excellent once she got going.

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Title: The Terror Dream

Subtitle: Fear and Fantasy in Post-9/11 America

Author: Susan Faludi

Narrator: Beth McDonald

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-05-07

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 27 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

Why, she asks, did our culture respond to an assault against American global dominance with a frenzied summons to restore "traditional" manhood, marriage, and maternity? Why did we react as if the hijackers had targeted not a commercial and military edifice but the family home and nursery? Why did an attack fueled by hatred of Western emancipation lead us to a regressive fixation on Doris Day womanhood and John Wayne masculinity, with trembling "security moms", swaggering presidential gun-slingers, and the "rescue" of a female soldier cast as a "helpless little girl"?

The answer, Faludi finds, lies in a historical anomaly unique to the American experience: the nation that in recent memory has been least vulnerable to domestic attack was forged in traumatizing assaults by non-white "barbarians" on town and village. That humiliation lies concealed under a myth of cowboy bluster and feminine frailty, which is reanimated whenever threat and shame looms - as they did on September 11th.

Brilliant and important, The Terror Dream shows what 9/11 revealed about us - and offers the opportunity to look at ourselves anew.

Critic Reviews:

"A brilliant, unsentimental, often darkly humorous account of America's nervous breakdown after 9/11." (

Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

gender and 9/11

I started this book with the vague sense that Faludi was right, that gender politics had been engaged in some retro ways in the American reaction to 9/11, but that she was probably way overstating it. Faludi convinced me otherwise! She's a terrific, very cogent and clear writer who does her research thoroughly. In fact, I had the same experience when I read Backlash, years ago, feeling like she was only a little right, and then reading it and being utterly persuaded.

Faludi goes into a lot of deeper American history to try to elucidate the story that the media applied so readily to the events of 9/11 and its aftermath. It's all interesting, but some of it is less than productive to her main thesis, and ends up being a bit tangential. But when she's treating major episodes of 9/11-related coverage, such as that of the "rescue" of American soldier Jessica Lynch, she is simply brilliant.

Excellent. Faludi outdoes herself once again.

Where does The Terror Dream rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Very highly, but it will not be for everyone. Faludi's work however is meticulously researched and smartly written. She is a very articulate writer who brings together many loose ends and puts them together for the reader.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

That it is factual, and fact.

Have you listened to any of Beth McDonalds other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never heard of Beth McDonald but I was impressed by her forthright attitude.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No. Perhaps surprise.

Any additional comments?

Susan Faludi is an intellect in the USA, and she deserves far more kudos and recognition than she gets. She has an eye to social history and this aspect is crucial for me in making sense of the world today.

Too angry

The author backs up her point with lots of facts, so I have no doubt of the basis for her point of view.