JUNGLE How Tropical Forests Shaped the World--and Us

At first, Leighton Pugh gives his narration echoes of the old-time jungle stories that are invoked by author Patrick Roberts. But Pugh shifts to a more informative tone as Roberts, an archaeologist, works to counter those pop culture myths. Pugh's British accent lends authority to this work, despite the author's tendency to get bogged down in details. Roberts takes listeners back through the evolution of jungles and tropical forests, tracking their history through their fossils. In a lively voice, Pugh delivers memorable moments of Roberts's field experiences, such as dealing with "cunning leeches" in Sri Lanka. Pugh's voice becomes ominous as Roberts observes the effects of climate change and stresses listeners' responsibility for dealing with it. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2021]