David Colacci gives a superb performance as he narrates Blum's account of how U.S. intelligence and counterintelligence agencies, along with some fortuitous assists from allies, unmasked the massive Soviet penetration of the U.S. government in what is now known as "Venona." In the 1940s, the Soviets were after U.S. atomic secrets and called their effort Operation Enormoz, which it was. The story focuses on how the Rosenberg spy ring was discovered and ends with their execution. Colacci has a Midwestern accent and an expressive voice that moves at a leisurely pace. This reviewer had a hard time breaking away from this production.
Pub Date: Feb. 20, 2018
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062798657
Publisher: Harper 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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