2008-08-16 (Saturday, 19:53:04)

I'm reading Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma now — or actually, I'm listening to a recording of it on my iPod, mostly on my bicycle while riding to and from work each day. It's thought provoking, but I keep wishing for a reader who better understands the author's personality and intended tone of voice. I have some preconceived notions about that because I heard the author talking about this book on Science Friday a while back and found his voice more pleasing and somehow more enlightening and gently persuasive than the voice of the actor reading this book. I wonder if that's a widely shared impression. What is it that makes some people able to read aloud better than others?