Narrator Eric Paulins does a serviceable job with this audiobook, whose central debate is over which symbol we want to best represent our nation--the open frontier or the border wall. He is easy to understand and presents each word flawlessly, using a low-pitched voice with a slightly nasal tone. Paulins also succeeds at putting some emotion behind his narration to push this history along. Diction, though, can be tricky, and Paulins sounds like he is delivering each word individually in a staccato intonation rather than weaving them together into sentences and ideas that flow and coalesce around a theme. Picking up his pace would have helped make this audiobook a more seamless experience.
Pub Date: March 5, 2019
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250203175
Publisher: Macmillan 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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