Eric Weiner journeys to places he believes are, or once were, global centers of creativity—from ancient Athens to contemporary Silicon Valley. It’s fitting the author narrates his own work. A former NPR correspondent, Weiner sounds like a radio host whose informal style has no hint of pretentiousness, though his pronunciation of many foreign names is awkward for someone so well traveled. His insightful exploration of how and why geniuses are the products of place and time also includes waypoints such as Hangzhou, Calcutta, Edinburgh, and Vienna. Along the way, he interacts with contemporary denizens of these “genius clusters” and discovers that each place features a unique though often short-lived culture that allowed it to nurture our greatest minds.
Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 14 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781442394087
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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