This audiobook provides a detailed chronology of the Eisenhower vs. Stevenson presidential election of 1952, the first one to be broadcast in great depth by that new medium, at the time, television. Keith Szarabajka’s tone, speed, and inflection offer excellent spot-on character portrayals, first and foremost of the often imitated Republican vice presidential candidate, Richard Nixon. Mattson argues, reasonably effectively, that Nixon’s national paid television broadcast denying illegal benefit from campaign contributors, commonly known as the “Checkers speech,” was the turning point for Nixon’s defense of his position on the Republican ticket. While the appeal of this book will be primarily for political buffs and historians, Szarabajka, by adjusting his volume and intensity in just the right places, provides a fascinating story that highlights Nixon’s intelligence, strategic thinking, and paranoia.
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2012
Duration: 7 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone 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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