Narrator Henry Strozier does a fine job bringing focus and balance to a difficult and uneven text. Diamond (GUNS, GERMS, AND STEEL; COLLAPSE) is a bold and provocative historian, and his critique of how nations meet crisis offers a singular set of examples that include Finland, Chile, Japan (twice), Germany, and Indonesia, as well as the present U.S. Speaking from experience about the countries he's visited and the languages he speaks, he's created a challenge for his narrator, who must deliver a social analysis in the voice of a personal travelogue. Strozier sounds exactly as you'd want Jared Diamond to sound, mellow in years, learned, and well traveled. His rich voice holds our ear--even while the mind wanders and the trail goes cold.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 18 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781490621050
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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