There's more than enough pathos in Adam Verner's performance of this story of engineering creativity, but it sounds oddly disconnected from the drama of the events. Though his near perfect phrasing and articulation make every syllable clear, his hushed intensity sounds forced, often making the colorful writing seem artificial. The story is about teams of engineers who compete to build a car that can go more than 100 miles on the energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline. With plenty of technical details dotting the narrative, the book seems aimed at car buffs and tinkerers. But as it moves toward its conclusion, the energy shifts from the technical triumphs and setbacks to the growth of one team leader into someone introspective and, ultimately, humanitarian.
Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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