Kincaid's memoir to her brother, Devon Drew, who died of AIDS just over a year ago, extends her heartbreaking loss to listeners. She writes and reads it as a lyric poem. There is almost a refrain, repeated after mention of her mother, or her brother's father. Aspects of Devon's life, the family they shared and the sequence of his dying have an elliptical nature, recurring through the narrative. Kincaid's voice has the syncopation of the West Indies. The crisp, staccato sounds have a sharp edge that makes the words penetrate. As she draws a vivid picture of her native Antigua, emphasizing the colors and the light, the grim waste of Devon's life is infused with sadness. Projecting her mother's sinister force, Kincaid both credits and condemns her ceaseless caring for her children. This is a powerful listening experience.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1997
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Penguin Audiobooks
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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