edited by Ayesha Rascoe ; read by Ayesha Rascoe , Honorée Fanonne Jeffers , Brandon Gilpin , Nichole Perkins , April Ryan , Karen Chilton & Adam Lazarre-White ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 30, 2024
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are celebrated in this moving, inspirational audiobook. Karen Chilton, Adam Lazarre-White, and original contributors, including author Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, narrate passages about what brought individual students to HBCUs and how their lives were changed. The result is a seamless listening experience. Contributors consistently point out that the HBCU environment provides a space to be challenged and focus on development without the burden of being "other," as is the case at predominantly white universities. Among the recurring themes is the embracing of cultural curriculum. For example, one student learned history through Max Roach and John Coltrane, rather than studying only Eurocentric texts. As one contributor notes, the HBCU environment is a place where faculty "love you to success."
Pub Date: Jan. 30, 2024
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668637012
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Jonathan Kozol ; read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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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by Noam Scheiber ; read by André Santana ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 7, 2026
A must-listen capturing the current labor crisis and the rapidly changing demographic makeup of those who seek to unionize.
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André Santana's performance succinctly conveys the spirit of this audiobook about modern-day organizing and unionizing. Listeners experience a boots-on-the-ground view via firsthand accounts from employees depicting their shared struggle at several globally recognized companies. The staffers represent the modern face of employment: college-educated baristas, technology representatives, and video game designers, all carrying heavy loads of college debt. Meanwhile, they face dwindling commitment from their employers who, more and more, communicate to workers that what they do has no value. Santana's voice embodies the anger and desire for change that motivates workers to come together. Listeners interested in the rise of powerhouse corporate brands like Starbucks and Apple shouldn't miss this audiobook.
A must-listen capturing the current labor crisis and the rapidly changing demographic makeup of those who seek to unionize.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250436139
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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