We don’t pretend to understand all the thinking behind this political discourse as the author makes it difficult to follow with his use of adjectives he never explains. Terms like “Wilsonian,” “Bismarckian,” “Metternichian,” “Machiavellian,” and “Carthaginian” deserve clarification. Furthermore, the writer jumps around in time and place so much that his historical compass spins like a top. Rose admits that few know why WWI started but presumes to interpret its ending. There’s no help from the inept narrator—alas, the author. He inflects the prose by shouting some words and dropping those at the ends of sentences. Many words he just plain mumbles. This narrative would be better enjoyed in print, with a computer at hand for reference.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2010
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audible, 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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