“We’re not rational animals, or laboring animals—we’re social animals. We emerge out of relationships and live to bond with each other and connect to larger ideas.” Arthur Morey expertly delivers Brooks’s complex blend of historical and scientific fact, opinion, and philosophy, which are imbedded in a fictional backdrop. Morey’s pacing is impeccable as the narrative flows over greatly varying terrain—from the quotes of towering scientific thinkers to the interpersonal angst of a boy and girl falling in love. All of Brooks’s wry wit is captured in Morey’s clean narrative style. The listener can almost hear the familiar voice of the author, a frequent television pundit, in Morey’s pitch-perfect delivery. Essential listening for those who seek to understand what makes us human.
Pub Date: March 22, 2011
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307739018
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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