Cassandra Cassandra carefully modulates her voice as she narrates this fascinating examination of the frequent failure of mass incarceration in the U.S. to solve problems. With strong tones and deliberate pacing she humanizes suspects and potential criminals to help listeners appreciate their situations and vocally unpacks complex and nuanced legal arguments. Bazelon gives listeners an insider's view as she compares two youths and the ways that the criminal justice system hinders, helps, or just makes things worse for them. Through these youth, Bazelon shows the ways the system is failing to achieve effective solutions and some of the efforts looking to resolve such problems.
Pub Date: April 9, 2019
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781984840745
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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