cover image Hot, Flat and Crowded

Hot, Flat and Crowded

Thomas L. Friedman, , read by Oliver Wyman. . Macmillan Audio, $59.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-1-4272-0458-5

At the intersection of leveled economic and technological access (flat) with an aggravated environment (hot) and a surging population (crowded), Friedman stands behind his pulpit as preacher, prophet and promoter of a green revolution starting in the United States. He provides an exhaustive and convincing argument about the need for the United States to transition to more sustainable systems of energy soon or risk any possible chance of maintaining hegemony. His ability to identify and summarize succinctly the issues and controversies over resistance to a green revolution is matched by his clear and definitive solutions to these forthcoming problems. Oliver Wyman provides a congenial and gentle voice that works well with the text. Given its overwhelming nature, Wyman performs without a hint of condescension. He navigates quotes within the text with distinguishing voices that sometimes hints at personality traits not referred to in the text. Impressively, Wyman keeps a consistency of cadence and tone throughout the entire reading. A Farrar, Straus & Giroux hardcover. (Sept.)