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DNA USA

A GENETIC PORTRAIT OF AMERICA

John Curless’s plummy voice and hint of a British accent add a gravitas to this book that could be off-putting. But soon you stop worrying that it might be dull, nerdy stuff and start picking your jaw up off the floor. Sykes uses the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA as evidence for some astonishing assertions. For instance, he believes that European genes appeared among Native Americans as early as 10,000 years ago. Race plays a major role in this book as you might imagine in any historical look at America. Through his use of tone, Curless manages to make you feel you’re right there making discoveries with the author.

Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2012

Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins

DD ISBN: 9781464041235

Publisher: Recorded Books 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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