The late Howard Zinn attempts to correct the "historian's distortion" of the past with a detailed account of the struggles of African-Americans, Native Americans, women, labor, and others. Jeff Zinn, the author’s son, reads with a passionate anger that occasionally overshadows the stories he tells. The historical accounts will prove interesting and important even to listeners who believe George Washington and our Founding Fathers intended more than "the most ingenious system of control in history." The author's socialist leanings will likely irritate rank-and-file Democrats as much as Republicans; he considers both parties gatekeepers of "the system." This is a tough listen—the sheer weight of Zinn’s critique could well leave listeners feeling disheartened and powerless. J.A.S. 2011 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Dec. 13, 2009
Duration: 34 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780061968358
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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