These quick commentaries on news and events--large and small, local, national and international--offer a unique personal glimpse of the man behind the anchorman. David Ackroyd makes Dan Rather's essays lively and entertaining, as well as informative. When Rather sometimes strays into sermonizing, the listener isn't sub jected to the tone and delivery of a news reader. Since Rather is privy to all the details surrounding news events that include celebrity murders, the state of America's classrooms and political scandals, he has a lot to say, but he keeps his observations short and thoughtful. Ackroyd's easy skill with these vignettes makes this a delightful listen on short trips around town.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1999
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Dove/ NewStar Media
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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