Narrator Arthur Morey's voice has a ring of knowledgeable world-weariness as he provides listeners a history of U.S. hegemony. The titular American Century refers to that period of increasing U.S. influence, starting in the 1940s. This audiobook is McCoy's requiem to America's standing, an in-depth overview of U.S. strengths giving way to failed international policies from the fall of Saigon and the end of the Cold War to the war in Afghanistan and the Arab Spring. Delving deeply into our military infrastructure in land, sea, space, and cyberspace, Morey relates McCoy's critical assessments with equal clarity and intelligence, taking listeners through U.S. strengths (e.g., the development of technology) and its policy failures (e.g., the enforcement of torture). Harrowing but important listening.
Pub Date: Jan. 30, 2018
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781538521861
Publisher: Blackstone 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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