Sociologist Eric Klinenberg wants listeners to understand his call for a national investment in social infrastructure, the environment that affects our human interactions. Narrator Rob Shapiro makes Klinenberg's pitch in a gentle, generally upbeat tone. Listeners will be intrigued as he details plans for projects involving libraries, schools, and abandoned properties. He also describes projects already at work, those involving New York subway riders, for example. Shapiro reveals the author's cynicism when talking about political polarization, gated communities, and the private social infrastructure he sees surrounding the headquarters of that most ostensibly social of companies-- Facebook. Klinenberg's writing, Shapiro's narration, and the stories of projects from around the globe are likely to pique many listeners' interest.
Pub Date: Sept. 11, 2018
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781984827005
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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