by C.J. Chivers ; read by Scott Brick ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 14, 2018
Scott Brick's skills as a narrator are put on display in this grunts'-eye view of combat in the seemingly unending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chivers is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former Marine infantry officer. As he presents the personal experiences of six soldiers, the listener hears unvarnished and unfiltered views of the gritty reality of war. There is no grand strategy view here; instead, one is with these service members in their moments of engaging the enemy. Listening to these accounts, this reviewer came away with the impression that the United States has not had a strategy to win a war since 1945. Brick's enunciation is perfect, as is his pacing. His expression and inflection are always appropriate for the text.
Pub Date: Aug. 14, 2018
Duration: 13 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781508260936
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
by Jonathan Kozol ; read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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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