Far and Away

The episodic structure of this book and its first-person point of view make it eminently suited for audio. The author recounts his experiences across the globe--from walking a protest line in Moscow to riding a reindeer in Mongolia, getting kidnapped in Ecuador, and lamenting the loss of historic culture in Afghanistan. His eye for detail brings scenes to life. The varied selections, which include published reports dating back to the late 1980s as well as new reflections, make this especially effective for listeners who can't invest long stretches of time. But the author's presentation falls somewhat short of his material. While his diction is clear, his pacing is sometimes too slow to effectively engage listeners. A more animated narrator would have made these essays more lively. Nonetheless, persevering listeners will enjoy these accounts of historic change. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine