by James MacGregor Burns ; Read by Norman Dietz ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2009
Most U.S. citizens of the 21st century take for granted that the Supreme Court will decide the most divisive issues of our day—but this is not what the Constitution's framers had in mind when they wrote that document. The author's argument is that the Court has become too partisan and has misused it power to overturn state and national legislation. Narrator Norman Dietz has a deep, assured voice that lends authority and gravitas to the book. His tone and pacing make it easy to follow the constitutional arguments, and he pauses at crucial intervals to allow listeners to consider Burns's ideas. At times, he sounds like a professor at the lectern, but he's an interesting professor who demands our attention.
Pub Date: 2009
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; Read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
by Jonathan Kozol ; Read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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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