Steven

Be warned, Mr. Bradbuy is not an actor and that comes out clear as day in this audiobook. This is more of a collection of short stories/episodes, that happen to occur on Mars. Most of the topics are moral issues, and the "emotional" parts are over acted. If you are looking for a reviting high risk adventure, your time could be better spent.

To give you an idea of the type of story it is, let me make this comparison. It's like watching a Classic Star Trek episode where you land on a planet with sufficent air. The people look human with just a few cosmetic differences, and it's a utopian society that was perfect. I am not trying to rediclue the story, just putting it in it's 1950's context.

This book is the first audible book that I stopped listening to. I don't know if it was the non-impressive reading, or the lack of concise plot that drove me to pull the CD out of my car and toss it in the back. Now possibly just after half way into the book some original comedic literature starts, I just can't tell because I did not make it that far. The "Funny" elements are worse than the shabby and un-interesting characters. The only character that has any substance is guy who end's up getting killed not to far into the book, and I assume is resurrected by this "Angel" that randomly shows up. The tragedy in this book which I assume is what's supposed to make it so funny was very predictable and dull. What a waste, there are many more books on Audible that are a much better listen than this.

Bill Bryson does a wonderful job of introducing the world we think we know in a new light that you never to look for. This book is part science, part history and part theory. He goes deep enough into each subject so you have a firm grasp on what it all means without loosing yourself in the science. It was a wonderful listen. Personal I am more of physics person, but I found the biology and geology subjects extremely enjoyable. The narrator on this book is also very pleasant to listen to.