The provocative behind-the-scenes story of the launch of the Food Network is one of those audiobooks that engages the listener's attention to the point of eluding life's next tasks. The billion-dollar network had little known humble origins and a myriad of hurdles to overcome. Narrator Julian Fleischer sounds intrigued by the machinations of the exhilarating corporate culture and cleverly hints at the players' distinctive voices to make it all thrillingly familiar. Interviews with famed chefs and cooking show luminaries whet the listener’s appetite before the author plunges into details of the financial perils and triumphs that evolved into the successful venture. Quotes from many high-powered personalities and lots of spicy dialogue as well as juicy scandals and hilarious exposés are vividly portrayed in Fleischer's adept performance.
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2013
Duration: 15 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780698139145
Publisher: Penguin 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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