It must be genetic because every generation produces writers who want to search for their manhood and then write self-deprecating, sarcastic memoirs that detail their folly. Here’s the Gen X version, and it’s a funny book. Stein is also the narrator, and with this effort he falls into the traps encountered by many author-readers. He has a regular-guy voice, which is pleasant and complements the book’s tone, but he’s prone to mumbling and skipping over words because he reads too quickly. He also tends to trail off at the ends of sentences. This doesn’t ruin the book: Stein has a charming way of making us want to hear what he has to say. We just need to temper our expectations.
Pub Date: May 15, 2012
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781611134360
Publisher: Hachette 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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