David Gergen lucidly recounts his years as a member of the Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton administrations. He uses his personal experiences to expound on presidential leadership in the late twentieth century. Not surprisingly, he finds many flaws with all of our recent presidents, but he singles out Reagan and Clinton as more effective than others, despite their problems. The author's voice is a bit of a monotone, but his pacing and style are clear and easy to like. The excellent recording makes this cassette set perfectly audible in a car. Gergen's fascinating insights are backed up by illuminating, if restrained, insider information. The abridgment is excellent, leaving the reader fully satisfied.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Soundelux
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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