More than 90 writers contributed essays, poems, and interviews to create this historical snapshot of how a group of authors are living through the current pandemic. The writing is diverse in sensibility and form and is enhanced by the performances of similarly diverse narrators, who also worked gratis so that income from the production can provide relief for independent booksellers who are economically affected by COVID. These intimate stories of people reacting to a variety of losses are served well by the efforts of these voice actors; their performances seem animated by a deep well of empathy for writers and audio listeners alike. With the pandemic still ravaging what all of us used to call our normal lives, this is an audio that will make a lot of traumatized and isolated listeners feel less alone.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781774245910
Publisher: Podium 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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