Somewhere among these fine collected essays, previously published in THE NEW YORK TIMES, is one on speeches that translate well to print. Turn that around and you have this production--a selection of Quindlen’s musings on the pleasures and absurdities of today’s society which, with the help of a superb reading, become audio gems. With a clear voice and an unhurried pace, Kathe Mazur picks up on Quindlen’s joy in her children, her ache for her long-dead mother, her outrage at the notion that Christmas spending can ease the pain of 9/11, and her puzzlement that “family time” must be scheduled. Although the essays have a definite point of view, Mazur avoids a preachy tone, as does the author. Only the difficulty in relocating a specific column mars this terrific listening experience.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2004
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781415903148
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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