In April 1962, a fascinating collection of intellectuals and Nobel Prize winners gathered for a White House dinner hosted by President John F. Kennedys and the first lady. With his quintessentially American voice, narrator Tom Perkins delivers this well-researched narrative, which celebrates the achievements of mid-century American scholars, scientists, and literati and their experiences that night in the president's home. Perkins provides a mostly straight reading, with a hint of the famous JFK accent as well as Mrs. Kennedy's distinctively polished clip. Thanks to Perkins's almost conversational pace, the extensive background details--from newspaper headlines of the day to the paintings viewed by the guests while dining--are not too cumbersome. Witticisms and polite disagreements by everyone from nuclear physicist Robert Oppenheimer to novelist Pearl Buck are recounted.
Pub Date: 2019
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781684573769
Publisher: HighBridge 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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