Dean is nothing, if not thorough. This lengthy audiobook brings to mind the author's seven-hour opening statement when he testified at the Senate Watergate hearings in 1973. Here, Dean still has a fascinating story to tell, and he makes his points with emphasis. Joe Barrett narrates in what sounds like a perpetual whisper--as if he doesn't want either Nixon or the NSA to hear him. In a way, this perfectly fits the book's theme, but after a while, it becomes wearisome, especially when words drop off at the ends of sentences. This is disappointing as Barrett is a narrator known for his low, raspy tone and excellent diction. He does successfully use character voices to re-create the people he's describing. Overall, the book is worth listening to--in small doses.
Pub Date: July 29, 2014
Duration: 26 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780698153790
Publisher: Penguin 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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