Eula Biss is clearly conflicted about the whole enterprise of becoming a homeowner as she contemplates capitalism and privilege in the U.S. Narrator Alex McKenna has a deep, rich voice, and she knows exactly when to pause and which phrases to emphasize to capture the author's thoughtfulness, ironic observations, and deep probing for truth. This audiobook consists of many brief essays touching on diverse aspects of capitalism, but McKenna keeps us engaged and connected to the whole. Writing is of paramount importance to Biss. As a young woman, she had a variety of jobs, working until she had enough money to quit and write. Now in her 40s, she is a professor with a comfortable income but finds that her university "work" interferes with her real "work" of writing. She concludes, "I need another word."
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
Duration: 7 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593288535
Publisher: Penguin 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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