Dion Graham is about perfect in performing this gritty nonfiction audiobook. It includes the dialogue and interior thoughts of the junkies, grifters, and struggling citizens who populate the corner of the crime-ridden drug market that is the intersection of Baltimore's West Fayette and Monroe Streets. Graham does it all extremely well. He gives characters their own voices: He is convincing as an impoverished pregnant teen, a high school-aged drug dealer, and a mother trying and failing to get straight, among many others. Their lives are generally difficult, but Graham, thankfully, does not overdo the pathos. This audiobook is long (more than 25 hours) and, though there are hopeful moments, ultimately pretty bleak. Graham's excellent, empathetic narration should keep listeners engaged, even when it's hard.
Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2020
Duration: 25 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593343098
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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