2030

The Real Story of What Happens to America

By: Albert Brooks

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Is this what's in store? June 12, 2030, started out like any other day in memory---and by then, memories were long. Since cancer had been cured fifteen years before, America's population was aging rapidly. That sounds like good news, but consider this: millions of baby boomers, with a big natural predator picked off, were sucking dry benefits and resources that were never meant to hold them into their eighties and beyond. Young people around the country simmered with resentment toward "the olds" and anger at the treadmill they could never get off of just to maintain their parents' entitlement programs. But on that June 12th, everything changed: a massive earthquake devastated Los Angeles, and the government, always teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, was unable to respond. The fallout from the earthquake sets in motion a sweeping novel of ideas that pits national hope for the future against assurances from the past and is peopled by a memorable cast of refugees and billionaires, presidents and revolutionaries, all struggling to find their way. In 2030, the author's all-too-believable imagining of where today's challenges could lead us tomorrow makes for gripping and thought-provoking listening.©2011 Albert Brooks (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This is an intriguing vision of America's future. Recommended for fans of futuristic dystopian fiction." ( Library Journal)

terrific

superb narration brings Mr. brooks' future tale to vivid life. you'll listen to this title more than once.

Not What I Expected…

This audiobook is not what I expected, but I’m pleasantly surprised! 2030 caught my attention from the start. Honestly, I never thought that I would like a political story like this and I’m really glad I gave it a chance! It’s probably not for everyone though.

It’s ok, but not amazing

This book does a good job of guessing at some things we may see in 20 years, it does it with a very weak story. Narration was very well done.

Distracting Narration

I love Albert Brook' storytelling. I HATE Dick Hill's narration! My initial disappointment at finding that Brooks did not read his novel himself morphed into disgust at the sound of Hill's recording. His voice and delivery are annoying; his interpretation of the characters cloying. I get the impression that he is trying to capture Brooks' ironic and sarcastic tone. If so, his attempt fails miserably resulting in cheap imitation. Whatever the case, I found Hill's reading to be a distraction from the story though I'm trying to stick with it to the end. A friend of mine is reading the book and says she's imagining Brooks' voice. I think she's enjoying the story much more than I! (Note: I have no idea what Hill is trying to convey when he reads Max's parts. The accent and intonation are downright bizarre!)

Held me to the end.

I liked the plot, characters, and storyline. I thought the political dynamics were unique for this kind of story.