Epstein traces the history of gossip, its various manifestations, and the reasons why humans are so engaged in it—to the extent that there is even a gossip industry. Arthur Morey delivers a clear and uncomplicated narration. He deftly teases out emphasis and nuance as Epstein plunges into issues of innuendo, subtlety, and the doublespeak that can accompany gossip. But even though his voice and performance are agreeable, the audiobook doesn’t sound fully realized. Epstein stocks his prose with jokes and asides that Morey doesn’t utilize to their full potential. The asides and jokes are meant to some degree to replicate gossip itself, and Morey’s straight narration of them detracts from the reading.
Pub Date: Dec. 12, 2011
Duration: 8 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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