Ratigan’s opus is a manifesto rant that obnoxiously crusades for the inarguable necessity of separating U.S. money policy from U.S. politics. The cable television financial reporter and host speaks loudly, literally and figuratively, explaining his theory of “extractionism”—our government’s taking of money from others without creating anything of additional value. The provocative title and comic-book-styled jacket support Ratigan’s crusade, a crusade not served well by his pedestrian, alarmist, and uninspired narration. In fact, listening is unpleasant and assaultive. Few will take issue with the author’s spotlighting of our country’s failing educational system, problems with accessibility to healthcare, addiction to foreign sources of energy, and acceptance of the revolving door between politics and lobbies, but the less-than-cogent remedies suggested here are suspect—and certainly not factually or appealingly presented either in the writing or the frantic narration.
Pub Date: Jan. 10, 2012
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781442344501
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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