People are fascinated by movie actors, but sometimes that adoration goes too far. This audiobook tells stories of actors whose lives were affected, sometimes destroyed, by Hollywood. Narrator Romy Nordlinger performs the work in a breathy voice like that of a radio gossip columnist, which is highly effective, considering the subject matter. Some of the stories are familiar; others are new and shocking, conjuring sympathy for actors such as Judy Garland, Dorothy Dandridge, and Jean Harlow for the horrific price they paid for fame. The offstage lives of Montgomery Clift, Humphrey Bogart, Douglas Fairbanks, and others were as interesting as the characters they played. The audiobook ends rather abruptly and would be improved by an epilogue to talk about lessons learned by Hollywood, if any.
Pub Date: Sept. 30, 2014
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 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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