Narrator Kevin Stillwell delivers Meredith's extensive work--not so much a history of Africa per se as a history of its relations with Europe. Stillwell deserves special credit for care in weighing the meaning of sentences and working to make them clear through emphasis and emotional weight. He also exhibits good pacing and unflagging energy. But the audiobook is marred by mispronunciations. Stillwell seems to feel his way among its complex names and specialized terms, but even simple words are mispronounced, sometimes to the point of confusion to the listener. Even the mispronunciations aren't consistent; pronunciations can change in the space of sentences. The frequent, sometimes jarring errors make the audiobook difficult to enjoy. Stillwell deserved better publisher support.
Pub Date: March 19, 2019
Duration: 26 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549120664
Publisher: Hachette 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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