Does chaos theory explain the success of the rock-and-roll song "Rock Around the Clock"? Did Joseph Campbell and Flash Gordon influence the creation of Luke Skywalker? Why are our aspirational desires (I want to want watch more "Nova") so often in conflict with our actual choices (Let's watch "Real Housewives")? Derek Thompson, with his convincing, professional delivery, addresses these and other hit-making theories in music (the importance of repetition), publishing (the real story behind FIFTY SHADES OF GREY), movies (the science of scriptwriting), news (45% of the population gets its news from Facebook), and design (the formula used by America's greatest designer). Hint: Hits often result from successfully marketing a product that combines something familiar with something new. Thompson manages to keep the audiobook moving briskly and, along the way, debunks some myths such as "going viral" and overnight success.
Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2017
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781524735098
Publisher: Penguin 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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