Narrator Roberson Dean’s strong, appealing tone gives this collection of poignant American stories the power of a documentary film. Written by a reporter, TEN LETTERS provides a sampling of the lives of contemporary Americans who are struggling with war, the economy, the environment, and immigration. Each anecdote about the written exchanges between citizens and their president is told with a mix of dramatic dialogue and narrative backstory. This balance gives the listener a reprieve from what, at times, can be a monotone delivery of current events. Dean’s assortment of true-to-life character voices spans the fabric of American society, adding to the authenticity of these stories of American survival. While built around the written word, the experience of this book is heightened through the spoken word.
Pub Date: Oct. 11, 2011
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307941091
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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