This audiobook, narrated by the author--historian and NEW YORKER staff writer Jill Lepore--provides a succinct history of nationalism for a general audience. Tracking nationalism in the United States from the 1800s to today, Lepore reveals a convoluted web of dual meanings and contradictory ideals--not to mention an abundance of barefaced hypocrisy and racism. In an especially spirited section, Lepore also tries to disentangle patriotism from nationalism. She says, in the broadest strokes, that patriotism is characterized by love and acceptance, while nationalism is rooted in hatred and fear. Listeners may occasionally have difficulty following Lepore's extensive quoting of historical figures, which likely works better on the page. Overall, though, her intelligent, well-articulated narration goes a long way toward clarifying a murky topic.
Pub Date: 2019
Duration: 2 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593155493
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
