TRUE TO OUR ROOTS

Part history, part business theory, and mostly feel good reminiscence, Dolan’s memoir will appeal to dedicated environmentalists. But it offers little in the way of substantial material to enable the interested business owner to follow his self-styled shining example of sustainability. Reader Barrett Whitener portrays the tone of sanctimony called for by the text, speaking with such conviction that the listener forgets he is a performer, and not the author. Whitener’s occasional mispronunciations jar one back to reality; for example, “cooperage,” meaning a place that builds or maintains barrels, comes out as “co-operage.” Those who would skip the preaching should jump to the last tape for a short course on wine-making and the differences in that process for red and white vintages. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]