by George E. Vaillant ; read by Don Hagen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 15, 2013
Started in the late 1930s, the study followed 268 male students as they "adjusted themselves to life, adjusted life to themselves." Connecting deeply to the significance of each of these lives, Don Hagen delivers a resonant narration that holds attention, even when the book’s sprawling content loses momentum. His appealing tone and relaxed pitch modulations give this audiobook the type of power it needs to deliver the life lessons offered by the study participants, who are now in their 90s. Though the men studied represent a limited slice of the socioeconomic spectrum, the study offers memorable lessons on the enduring effects of such factors as nurturing and disruptive childhoods, lifelong alcohol abuse, health and relationship habits prior to age 50, and character problems as they play out in intimate relationships.
Pub Date: Dec. 15, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
by Jonathan Kozol ; read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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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