In a voice full of curiosity, insight, and the driest sense of humor, author/podcaster Dorian Lynskey takes the listener on a fascinating and comprehensive tour of one of civilization's most durable tropes: the end of the world. Mixing fact, fiction, and prediction, Lynskey smoothly moves from the terror of the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa to the Martian "invasion" of H.G. Welles's "War of the Worlds" to innumerable plagues throughout the centuries and to the ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation. Occasionally, Lynskey's voice betrays a tone of worry or despair. But, for the most part, after cataloging a wide range of books about catastrophes ranging from the works of Rod Serling to those of Mary Shelley and the Bible's "Book of Revelation," she ensures that this audiobook is surprisingly entertaining.
Pub Date: Jan. 28, 2025
Duration: 14 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593912911
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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