Most people associate Francis Scott Key with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” SNOW-STORM IN AUGUST offers a different perspective of Key, who was also the City of Washington district attorney, and a staunch defender of slavery. The book reveals Key as a politically ambitious prosecutor who was willing to send an innocent black youth to jail and to do virtually anything to preserve his reputation. As is often the case, current events intervened, including two controversial trials and the 1835 race riot. Peter Jay Fernandez is the ideal selection as the book’s narrator. His measured delivery allows the listener to recognize Key’s strengths and weaknesses. In addition, Fernandez provides each character with a unique presence—especially Andrew Jackson, who helped thwart Key’s efforts—and allows the gripping story to be the focus.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2012
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781464026300
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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