Jill Lapore has written an engaging and enlightening book on historical American attitudes toward life and death, and it deserves attention. Lapore, a regular NEW YORKER contributor, writes for the educated general reader. But perhaps her producers felt her subject needed some enlivening. Coleen Marlo is a skilled performer, but she infuses every phrase with expression—here a roll of the “r,” there a breathy Jackie Onassis whisper. She’s an electric keyboard to Lapore’s acoustical guitar. Her rendering is serviceable, and after a time one grows accustomed to its unrelenting expressiveness. But for this title, the recommendation is for the written text.
Pub Date: 2012
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781455882748
Publisher: Brilliance 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:
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:
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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