by Dorothy Roberts ; read by Janina Edwards & Dorothy Roberts [Prologue] ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 5, 2022
Janina Edwards's voice is direct and concise. Her narration captures the author's tone of serious consideration. While the mainstream public may view child protective services as benevolent, if underfunded, state agencies seeking to provide support and care for children at risk, Roberts provides insight into their systemic racism and bias. These entrenched interventional models lead to traumatic family separations arising from children being needlessly placed in foster care. Worse, Black families are disproportionately affected by a wide margin. Roberts's audiobook makes the case for abolition with a vision of how a different system could actually help families without criminalizing them. Edwards's performance gives the appropriate level of gravitas to this difficult subject.
Pub Date: April 5, 2022
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549193170
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Jonathan Kozol ; read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
by Rebecca Solnit ; read by Rebecca Solnit ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2026
Solnit presents a clear and coherent explanation of contemporary liberalism.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
Solnit is known for expressing the liberal approach in her essays, and in this book, she specifically addresses ways of reshaping the world in accord with her principles. Unfortunately, while her voice is expressive, it is rather soft, which diminishes the effect of her sometimes-passionate arguments. Still, she knows what she wants to say, and she says it clearly. Drawing often on her own experiences and background, she lays out the case for liberal ideals and action. Her main concerns include Native American rights, our relationship with the biosphere, and the importance of empathy in public decision-making. She lacks empathy, however, for those who disagree with her.
Solnit presents a clear and coherent explanation of contemporary liberalism.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798318565045
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.