Call obituary writers “obituarists.” The author and others of her ilk meet once a year to discuss their art and hear speakers who also write about the recently departed. The short paragraphs in Marilyn Johnson’s audiobook bespeak her journalistic training. By hearing her own narration, listeners can also experience the writer’s personality in a way they couldn’t with a performance delivered by an actor. Her interview with Jim Nicholson, an obit writer for many papers, which took place in the twilight of his life, serves as an excellent example of her skill at ferreting out the revealing details that can make any life unique. She cites an example of discretionary omission in the obituaries of playwright Arthur Miller, which left out Marilyn Monroe, although he was married to her for five years.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2010
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062062116
Publisher: Harper 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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