When Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer narrates excerpts from his body of work, there's a hint of wryness and self-deprecating humor. The predictable complaints about naïve liberals are tempered by his gentle voice. The unexpected columns--an ode to a TSA objector, the joys of chess, and a defense of inebriated astronauts--are lively and entertaining. Sadly, Krauthammer turns his audiobook over to George Newbern before the halfway mark. Newbern isn't bad, but there's something missing, especially in discussions of the ethics of euthanasia and stem-cell research. Krauthammer's medical and psychological background infuses his work, so these topics would have benefited from the author's narration. Anyone looking for conservative commentary will want to listen.
Pub Date: Dec. 26, 2013
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780553398304
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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