Gerald Posner’s history of Florida starts with the Mariel boat lift of 1980, a diaspora of Cubans seeking asylum in the U.S. Those 125,000 refugees changed the state’s culture forever and may have cast the deciding votes that brought victory to George W. Bush in 2000. The author focuses on the roots of crime and power in the state, going back over a century to discover their raison d’être. Narrator Alan Sklar’s baritone voice does not fade into the background as those of more taciturn readers, but his control of the language allows him to master the story in every savory and unsavory detail. For such a long audiobook, he selects just the right rhythm to keep the delivery fresh and captivating.
Pub Date: Dec. 14, 2009
Duration: 18 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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