The author traces the Lone Star state’s history, from the genesis of its ardent states’ rights positions to the issues that shape its influence on the country. Schools, sex education, global warming, and business development are all covered. Collins delivers her own work. Her narration works in that it has the exact amount of emotion—an often incredulous, at times snarky, tone—with no campy Texas twangs. The book’s importance can be summed into one prediction: At some point in our lifetimes, 10 percent of the U.S. workforce will be Texans-- citizens who grew up with a politicized or clouded education. Collins lays out the facts—and verbally rolls her eyes in the narration.
Pub Date: June 5, 2012
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307969880
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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