This is a thoroughly engrossing account of the “bacha posh” girls of Afghanistan. Dressed as boys, they secure higher status for their families by way of fulfilling the sought-after role of sons while gaining greater personal freedom or bringing luck to their parents' attempts to conceive future sons. Narrator Kirsten Potter takes an intellectual-sounding approach that befits the author, a journalist who conducted extensive personal interviews during research in Afghanistan. Potter's tone is analytical as she dissects the cultural and personal reasons that lead families to transform their daughters into bacha posh before they have to switch back at puberty to the restricted norms of Afghan females.
Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2014
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780804166317
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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