Complementing the biographies of better known nineteenth-century Americans, this audiobook provides an enlightening history of radical thinkers, activists, and firebrands who promoted everything from free love to sexual abstinence, boycotts of slave labor goods, even veganism. Narrator January LaVoy, who speaks with an appealing combination of authority and clarity, imbues these remarkable stories with her usual energy. While many of the names mentioned have been forgotten, some, like John Brown and Susan B. Anthony, remain in currency. And while their efforts were often unsuccessful in their time, the author argues that shorter workdays, civil rights, women's suffrage, and socialism have their roots in those efforts to create "a different and better world." This is both educational and entertaining listening.
Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2019
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593147979
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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