NPR's "Fresh Air" guest host and TV critic narrates his less-than-entertaining look at television's programming quality over the years. The author's plodding narration strangely parallels what too often seems like endless lists of series cast members. Bianculli arbitrarily identifies examples of television's evolving quality without convincing or thoughtful discussion. He often sounds like press releases for many of the television series discussed. Brief interviews with key players such as Mel Brooks pepper the work. Overall, there is insufficient interpretation, insight, and critical perspective in this book, and the workmanlike narration is congruent to it.
Pub Date: Nov. 15, 2016
Duration: 23 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780735285224
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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