Hal Herzog is a friendly anthrozoologist—a person who studies human-animal relationships. He presents listeners with a fascinating look at the inconsistencies and hypocrisies that humans have when it comes to animals. Why do we love kittens but hate snakes? Why do so many people oppose cockfighting but eat factory-farmed chicken? How many mice should we sacrifice to discover a cure for dengue fever? For baldness? Mel Foster adeptly translates Herzog’s whimsical tone, complete with wondrous and gee-whiz reactions. But Herzog is serious too, and Foster unfailingly holds the listeners’ attention through accounts of multiple research studies. Foster doesn’t do accents well, and trying to imitate Chris Rock is definitely a mistake, but these are minor irritations in an entertaining performance.
Pub Date: Sept. 7, 2010
Duration: 11 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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