Paul Hecht’s deep, slow voice adds gravity and interest to this chronological account of the events of 1961 in the isolated, divided city of Berlin. These events included the construction of the Berlin Wall—perhaps the iconic artifact of the Cold War. According to Kempe, these events also brought the world to the edge of nuclear war. Kempe’s account is careful and exhaustive. The main characters—Kennedy, Khrushchev, Adenauer, and the like—are sufficiently few and sufficiently colorful for a listener to remember easily. As its title makes clear, this is a history of one important year, not the entire Cold War.
Pub Date: May 17, 2011
Duration: 20 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781461803829
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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