In May of 2008, Cyclone Nargis, the worst natural disaster in the history of Burma, struck the region. Emma Larkin, an American journalist familiar with Burma, investigated and documented the storm’s aftermath. Operating under the paranoid idea that the damage would make the dictators look bad, the military junta ruling Burma did everything possible to obstruct reporting, aid, and relief efforts. Narrator Emily Durante’s soft voice belies what the author describes: death, starvation, and upheaval fomented by an incompetent government. Durante’s skillful and taciturn manner matches Larkin’s diplomatic triumph at obtaining one of the scarce visas, when even aid workers were barred from visiting the hard-hit Irrawaddi River Delta. Some preparatory research would enhance listeners’ appreciation of the historical and geographical milieus.
Pub Date: May 10, 2010
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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