This audiobook is heartbreaking and infuriating. It is also an absolute must-listen. The collection features 36 poems, short stories, and essays by a host of well-known writers, each addressing the complicated interconnected issues affecting America today: income inequality, racism, homelessness, immigration, police violence, and more. Narrators Teri Schnaubelt and Corey Snow alternate selections and smoothly transition between personal stories and those that are more journalistic. Of particular note are Richard Russo's "American Work," addressing the overlooked difference between jobs and work; Rebecca Solnit's "Death by Gentrification," which focuses on police violence and the impact of gentrification; and Ann Patchett's "The Worthless Servant," which looks at homelessness and the difficulty of putting down roots. This powerful collection gives a voice to those who are marginalized and, in small ways, offers hope to our divided nation.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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