There's great drama in Watts's history of Rome from the Punic Wars to the fall of the Republic. However, narrator Matthew Kugler tries too hard to convey it, to engage listeners, and to underline the significance of this story with respect to our own time. He starts with the forced drama and the exaggerated emphases of an announcer narrating the trailer for an action thriller. Such "marquee" reading distances the listener. Still, his voice is strong, and his pacing, though speedy, is basically good. He does moderate his tone eventually, still emphasizing too many words but allowing the story, and his essential intelligence, to come to the fore. His performance of Watts's quick-moving history is flawed, then, but not fatally.
Pub Date: Nov. 6, 2018
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549199721
Publisher: Hachette 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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