Andersen traces the historical roots of what he calls the American obsession with defying reality. He provides a myriad of examples--from the magical thinking of religious founders who believed Satan walked among us to the marvels of the circus and carnival worlds and the contemporary political fantasies that got Donald Trump elected president. As narrator, Andersen owns the prose. He moves through the audiobook effectively, with a strong projection that at times communicates his frustration with the nation's moves away from reality-based living. Overall, his lightly throaty timbre holds the listener's attention. Though the production has a handful of vocal shifts indicating that retakes were necessary, his engaging energy makes listening enjoyable.
Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2017
Duration: 19 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525528142
Publisher: Random House 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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