The subtitle of this audiobook is somewhat misleading. The author's point is not really that the world is in decline, merely that there are some grave issues confronting it. Therefore, countries have to work harder to improve themselves. He outlines 10 major challenges facing the world and how specific countries are addressing, and succeeding in solving, these problems. Tepperman reads the introduction with a serviceable but thin voice, while Dan Woren narrates the rest of the book. Woren's animated voice moves the discussion along--at about 85 miles per hour. He accentuates the author's main points but reads far too quickly and swallows too many words. The result is a book that listeners may have to rewind a lot--but it's worth listening because of the importance of the topic.
Pub Date: Sept. 20, 2016
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780735286450
Publisher: Random House 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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