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FLOODS, FAMINES, AND EMPERORS

EL NINO AND THE FATE OF CIVILIZATION

Professor Fagan addresses the complex relationships of the oceans and the atmosphere. He travels through time and around the globe, relating weather to the humans it affects. Since scientists know more about El Nino than other climatic phenomena, it takes center stage. However, discussing changes such as ice ages, rain, famines, and trade winds brings the plethora of figures and facts to a more practical and understandable realm. John Haag’s unadorned narration does little to maintain one's attention, especially in view of the endless details he must deliver. Of course, audio lacks any maps of the numerous geographical references or any tables and graphs to facilitate the numerical data. Although divided into chapters, the narrative wanders beyond most listeners' ability to stay oriented.

Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2009

Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins

Publisher: Audible, Inc.

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    GRATITUDE

    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

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      SAVAGE INEQUALITIES

      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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