Narrators Kirsten Potter and Erik Davies deliver a lively, vibrant reading in this rich, varied, and consistently engaging volume. What's Next: Dispatches On the Future of Science is a collection of essays by a few of the world's most brilliant young scientists on the issues and questions that matter most to them — and to the coming generation. Editor Max Brockman asked these scientists to discuss their work for the general public, and the 18 essays that result are an engrossing peek into some of the most compelling — and consequential — scientific questions of our time. Each scientist takes us to the heart of their research, in fields ranging from neuroscience to theoretical physics to paleoanthropology. In an essay by Katerina Havarti, we learn about the paths to extinction of our own hominid ancestors, and consider the possibility of extinction in our own species. Sean Carroll takes us into the depths of space-time, where it seems we know ever less than was previously thought about the nature of the universe. David M. Eagleman zooms in to the human mind to puzzle out the mysteries in our perception of time. Despite the broad scope of topics, the essays are held together by their common interest in the most fundamental questions of humankind — questions about where we came from, who we are, and where we're going.

In their reading, both Davies and Potter demonstrate a firm grasp on their scientific subject matter, whether they are delving into mirror neurons and the morality of the human mind, as in an essay by Christian Keysers, or leading us on an exploration of the way language shapes our thinking with an essay by Lera Boroditsky. Davies' voice is smooth and controlled — even soothing — but never soporific, and his pacing and tone are sensitive to the complexity and nuance of his subject matter. Potter reads with a voice that is at once melodious and polished, and her experience and talent in fiction narration is evident in her ability to bring the authors' voices to life.

With its solid narration and keen insights on the big scientific questions of our time, What's Next is a captivating listen from beginning to end. —Emily Elert