When overwhelming evidence emerged that Jefferson had fathered a child with one of his slaves, his reputation was tarnished, but it also allowed us the opportunity to reassess this Founder. The result is a fuller picture of a man who was a genius, an iconoclast, and, ultimately, a complicated human being. Narrator Brian Holsopple has a deep, distinctive voice that captures our attention and is easy to listen to. He has terrific diction and paces the story well, enabling us to follow the account while allowing us time to analyze what we’ve heard. Holsopple’s narrow vocal range makes him sound professorial at times. This isn’t bad, but his performance is best experienced in small, focused intervals. It might take longer to hear, but the book’s payoff is certainly worth it.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2012
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781611749908
Publisher: HighBridge 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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