by David Halberstam ; Read by Mel Foster ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2002
This is the story of the firefighters at one mid-Manhattan firehouse--Engine 40, Ladder 35. Of the 13 men who responded to the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, only one survived. The book is outstanding in its evocation of the culture of the firehouse and the men who create it. Mel Foster offers a sensitive reading, providing just enough emotion, and letting the fine writing tell the tale. The listener feels connected to the realness of the firefighters and their families, while being fascinated by their responses to the devastating events they share. Attention will never wander.
Pub Date: May 29, 2002
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 159710289X
Publisher: Brilliance 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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