Longtime friends Thomas and Beckel just want us to get along. Calling polarization an "insidious disease," the authors set out to debunk divisive political labels. Despite the extremist drumbeat from talk-radio and blog pundits, it is too easy--and inaccurate--to put us all in red or blue states, they say. Their theory is that too many people fall into a gray area that needs representation. Richard Rohan's fair tone brings home the authors' points, which are based on historical and contemporary research. Thomas and Beckel come from opposite ends of the political spectrum. Rohan steps aside to let each in his own voice define himself as conservative (Thomas) or liberal (Beckel), and at the end they appear together in a fun dialogue.
Pub Date: Oct. 9, 2007
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Harper 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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