A professor of virtual culture at New York University, Douglas Rushkoff describes manipulative influence as it appears in advertising, shopping center design, cults and multilevel marketing groups. In these realms, normal needs for affiliation, excitement or power are exploited to influence buying and other behavior, according to Rushkoff, who has been a social thinker, consumer advocate and culture/media consultant to corporations. The title and jacket suggest a victimization plot, but the program actually empowers consumers by showing them how illegitimate influence can be spotted and resisted. Sophisticated listeners may find some of the insights overly dramatic or simplistic. This and frequent hyperbole detract from what is an otherwise well-produced, serious and interesting social science lesson.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1999
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
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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