Kevin Free narrates this timely audiobook forcefully, clearly, and with the gravitas it deserves. He ably guides listeners through the political thickets that author David Shimer's work identifies. Free gives an authoritative tone to the many experts, former officials, and stories the text reveals. The author evenhandedly discloses the "covert election influence" of both the Russians--formerly the KGB, now the FSB--and the CIA, whose operations opposed the Russian-backed candidates in places like Italy (1948) and Chile (1964), two campaigns in which the U.S.'s preferred candidates prevailed. While the United States no longer pursues election meddling, not so the Russians. Putin, a former head of the KGB, sees sowing chaos in democracies as a strategic goal--the presidential election of 2016 being a case in point.
Pub Date: June 30, 2020
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593339749
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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