This audiobook about American presidents clearly works better on audio than in print. Through taped discussions with historians, author David Rubenstein examines the lives and influences of prominent U.S. leaders. In print, these conversations are in an impersonal question-and-answer format. But on audio, they really are conversations. You hear the depth of respect and warmth each historian has for their subject. There even are bits of humor that are mostly likely lost in print. While none of the profiles are in-depth examinations, even listeners who are well versed in U.S. history will come away with new information. Rubenstein delivers a preface to each section in a clear voice and straightforward tone but generally tries to stay out of the way the rest of the time.
Pub Date: 2024
Duration: 18 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668113998
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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