For most Americans today, it's difficult to imagine how overwhelming it was to feed a struggling nation during the Great Depression years, which included the drought known as the Dust Bowl. Narrator Susan Ericksen's clear diction and subtle level of drama add spark to this history of the American diet between the two World Wars. Her varied pacing and lively phrasing help listeners connect to diverse experiences such as failing farms, President Roosevelt's White House menus, and life as a hobo. A SQUARE MEAL examines the sociopolitical complexities of helping the needy and includes period recipes, budgets, and nutritional science. This well-researched history is chock-full of information, making it a good choice for commuters and others who tend to listen to audiobooks in short, digestible portions.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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