Adam Gopnik's essay is presented as a letter to his teenage daughter, who was "shocked and troubled" by the election of Donald Trump in 2016, a reaction shared by many liberal Americans. That personal connection makes the NEW YORKER essayist a natural choice as narrator, and, indeed, his performance adds an air of authenticity to this audio. As he lays out his defense of liberalism--as opposed to leftist ideology--his pace is lively, his delivery is expressive, and his mild humor is delivered with a light touch. While Gopnik's arguments will no doubt be controversial in our increasingly polarized political climate, they probably shouldn't be. Indeed, the listener may be left wishing for a little more edginess and a little less intellectual meandering.
Pub Date: May 14, 2019
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549176975
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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