Two accomplished narrators, Bahni Turpin and Dominic Hoffman, alternate reading chapters in this rigorous discussion of what helps and deters black boys who want to become their best selves. Subdued but clearly engaged with this thoughtful book, the narrators succeed in communicating its heavy implications. With only minor stumbles, they do remarkably well phrasing convoluted sentences. The writers, who summarize voluminous research and chronicle the development and schooling of their son, pull no punches as they describe the ways mothers, fathers, peers, and institutions create barriers for African-American boys. Though the authors' courageous scholarship will challenge the facile blaming and entrenched views in both white and black culture, their evenhanded writing and the narrators' respect for this material combine to give the audio balance and poignancy.
Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2014
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780804148504
Publisher: Random House Audio
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
Eric Jason Martin narrates this timely treatise on writing and AI by longtime English professor and writer John Warner. The author emphasizes that Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT cannot think or write; they merely use algebraic algorithms to deliver tokens (AI-speak for words) that follow a plausible pattern. The author warns that by outsourcing human thought processes, we risk losing those abilities. He makes his case with considerable wit. However, Martin misses almost every chance to showcase the author's message. Ironically, he narrates in an almost robotic fashion. Despite this, his slow pacing and crisp enunciation give the listener every opportunity to mull this well-reasoned argument. Final chapters offer suggestions for when, why, and how to push back against the AI onslaught.
Pub Date: July 1, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798228499201
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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