by Ken Auletta ; read by Jim Bond ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 3, 2009
While Google has been around for only a dozen years, the company has already changed the Internet and is on its way to becoming the leading player in online games. Auletta follows the company from its early days and draws portraits of its key players. While Google provides many free services, its rapid growth has scared many other Internet companies. Jim Bond's narration can be frustrating. He speaks too slowly sometimes, lessening the appeal of this unique story and making it difficult to stay interested. Additionally, some parts of the book itself are slow, and Bond's inconsistent pace makes the listener want to skip ahead. But overall, the book itself is fascinating enough to trump the lackluster narration.
Pub Date: Nov. 3, 2009
Duration: 14 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
by Jonathan Kozol ; read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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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