Hayes argues that our society suffers from institutional failure and lack of trust in institutions because our elites, isolated and spoiled, fight against losing privileges; meritocracy has undone itself. He reads with energy and urgency, but, perhaps due to his passion for the topic, he sometimes verges on stridency, as if belaboring the listener, a disservice to an intelligent and thoughtful text. His energy, perhaps, and his familiarity with the text often lead him to read too quickly, making listeners race to keep up, rather than being able to digest his insights and arguments. In his rush, he regularly renders words sloppily or swallows parts of them. Still, he does get this smart and timely book across, and it deserves a hearing.
Pub Date: June 12, 2012
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780449010068
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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