Fred Sanders narrates Shapiro's well-researched arguments showing how Shakespeare has been used as a road map for society, regardless of people's political leanings. Shapiro matches deciding moments in American history to pertinent excerpts and explanations from Shakespeare. Sanders will remind listeners of a professor who loves his subject as the author asserts that the interracial relationship in OTHELLO disgusted John Quincy Adams, both Lincoln and his assassin were obsessed with MACBETH, there was a furor about the Public Theater's production of JULIUS CAESAR after Trump's election, and many more excellent examples. Same sex relationships? Gender identity? Racism? Political corruption? It's all there, and Americans love to use the Bard to make their points. Sanders makes this audiobook fun for everyone, especially Shakespeare fans and history buffs.
Pub Date: March 10, 2020
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593165171
Publisher: Penguin 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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