After graduating from college with a liberal arts degree and $32,000 of student debt, Ken Ilgunas worked for several years at low-wage jobs. Adamant that he would never go into debt again, even if it meant forgoing the comforts many Americans take for granted, he made the decision to live in his van while pursuing a master's degree at Duke University, using Henry David Thoreau as his model for eschewing societal conventions. Narrator Nick Podehl reflects the earnestness of Ilgunas, who is critical of society's focus on acquisition and living beyond one's means. While capturing Ilgunas's idealism and belief in his endeavor, Podehl sounds perhaps a bit less contemplative than one would expect of someone like Ilgunas, who spent a great deal of time on his own. Nonetheless, Podehl is effective as a narrator as he communicates Ilgunas's message of the freedom of living without debt.
Pub Date: May 14, 2013
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781469283678
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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
A must-listen capturing the current labor crisis and the rapidly changing demographic makeup of those who seek to unionize.
André Santana's performance succinctly conveys the spirit of this audiobook about modern-day organizing and unionizing. Listeners experience a boots-on-the-ground view via firsthand accounts from employees depicting their shared struggle at several globally recognized companies. The staffers represent the modern face of employment: college-educated baristas, technology representatives, and video game designers, all carrying heavy loads of college debt. Meanwhile, they face dwindling commitment from their employers who, more and more, communicate to workers that what they do has no value. Santana's voice embodies the anger and desire for change that motivates workers to come together. Listeners interested in the rise of powerhouse corporate brands like Starbucks and Apple shouldn't miss this audiobook.
A must-listen capturing the current labor crisis and the rapidly changing demographic makeup of those who seek to unionize.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250436139
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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