The author of THE END OF POVERTY and COMMON WEALTH offers another blockbuster philosophical treatise. Whether one agrees with him or not, this book provokes the listener into thinking about how and why we got where we are and how to get out of the societal and global jams we’re in. Narrator Richard McGonagle grabs our preconceptions about the world and twists them, possibly irrevocably, as he delivers the text. McGonagle’s excellent pacing overcomes the sometimes tedious nature of the details that are a necessary part of the work. His use of vocal inflection brings this simple, direct narrative almost to the level of a fully voiced listening experience.
Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2011
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307913043
Publisher: Random House 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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