Social critic Camille Paglia refers to herself as "abrasive, strident, and obnoxious." And those words also apply to her narration. This intelligent, opinionated academic offers an array of provocative philosophical and historical perspectives that span a range of topics. She covers Madonna, Queen Nefertiti, Freud, and the importance of understanding football as a strategy for women who are stepping into the public arena, just to name a few. She's clear about her stance. Not only does she enunciate her words, she also projects them, as if to prove a point to those who have devalued her work. For example, a fifth-grade teacher once kept her after school to research the word "aggressive," suggesting that it's a negative characteristic for girls. She's been shamed and also praised. This collection offers a fearless in-your-face narration of her work.
Pub Date: March 14, 2017
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525495536
Publisher: Random House 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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