The history of Superman is the history of American popular culture since the 1930s, not just in commercial entertainment but in social, ethnic, and racial values as well. Scott Brick is not, thankfully, a vintage voice, and this is not some campy romp through the history of a commercial brand. As a brand, however, Superman has a long, complicated, and, it turns out, interesting history as a mirror of the times and an exemplar of the rigors of appealing to—and keeping up with—popular taste. Brick’s even-tempered delivery matches the focused informality of Larry Tye’s text, capturing in the language and tone of the narrative its various social nuances and implications while resisting underscoring. This excellent production will engage a general audience as well as fans of comics and pop history.
Pub Date: June 12, 2012
Duration: 13 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307990112
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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