Ehrenreich, a writer in her fifties, went undercover in multiple low-wage jobs in three regions of the country to see what it was like to do the work and get by on the pay. Answers: hard, and nearly impossible. Cristine McMurdo-Wallis's voice fits Ehrenreich perfectly--wry, no-nonsense, compassionate, mature; this could BE Ehrenreich. She brings out the humor and pathos of the material and reads statistics and narrative reportage with clarity and intelligence. It's hard to imagine anyone doing a better job of this important book, an indictment of American greed and hard-heartedness, a warning of our shift to a nation of gated haves turning their backs on the have-nots.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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