LIFE BEYOND EARTH

Based on a TV documentary (and using the same script), this accessible study of the search for alien life translates well to audio. In a pleasant, scholarly tone, Ferris explains what scientists have learned about the origins of life on earth, evolution and the possibility of life on other planets. He dignifies the oft-mocked search for extra-terrestrials, confirming that many "serious" scientists find reason to assume that life exists elsewhere in the universe. Ferris addresses the science world's current and potential search methods, including recent space-probes sent to Mars, Europa and Titan to seek organic matter. His explanations are clear and easy to understand, but not dumbed down, and the text uses metaphors that the average listener can understand. For example, Ferris explains that when scientists notice that a particular far-off star seems to "wobble," it indicates that a planet is rotating around that star, because even a small planet exerts a gravitational pull on its star, "like a toy poodle on a leash running in circles around its owner." For the layperson, this is an excellent introduction to an intriguing topic, though listeners may miss the 100-plus illustrations in the hardcover version. Based on the Simon & Schuster hardcover. (Nov.)