Novelist Murakami turns to nonfiction with this probing analysis of the 1995 sarin attack on Tokyo's subways. The interview format, featuring victims as well as members of the radical cult that was behind the plot, explores some major issues about the Japanese psyche. The narrative ensemble of Feodor Chin, Ian Dale, and Janet Song proves an excellent choice to provide differentiation and personality for the interviewees and for Murakami's musings and personal observations. As a group, they display an impressive command of timing and intonation that deliver an unforced conversational texture and air of intimacy. The hint of an Asian accent in each voice adds authenticity. The narrators' clarity and pace help listeners avoid any potential confusion that lack of familiarity with place names and geography might cause.
Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2013
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780804166713
Publisher: Random House 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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