Author/narrator Anand Giridharadas has a serious message about economic inequality, but his lively pacing and gently mocking tone provide the spoonful of sugar that makes WINNERS TAKE ALL an engrossing and enjoyable audio experience. He argues that superrich philanthropists are something of a contradiction. They want to make the world a better place but without changing the rigged economic system that advantaged them while exacerbating inequality for everyone else. Giridharadas's voice exudes enthusiasm, sincerity, and a lot of amused disbelief. He states that the market would be fairer and more efficient if companies paid their employees a fair wage instead of government anti-poverty programs making up the difference while shareholders reap the benefits. Thought-provoking and damning but wryly funny, too.
Pub Date: Aug. 28, 2018
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525643029
Publisher: Random House 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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