What started with a single crop failure rapidly mushroomed into a pestilence of starvation and disease that killed a third of the population of Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century. Kelly's study looks at the crisis from several angles biology, disease, government response, economic downturn, religious intolerance, and emigration. Gerard Doyle's native Irish speech lends authenticity to the depressing saga of unending grief and desperation. He chooses a solemn, even tone that combines a factual narration with an inner horror at the conditions of the time. He rarely performs any of the occasional dialogue found in the text, instead relating it as though reading from a newspaper. His sober, yet compassionate rendering brings home the sorrow and tragedy with grace.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2012
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
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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