This muckraking audiobook is full of sound and fury concerning the wealthy people who control the economy and the justice system, and the poorer citizens who make up the majority of those in jail. These groups form the divide in American society, according to journalist Taibbi, and they're getting farther apart by the minute. Narrator Ray Porter has the kind of deep, authoritative voice that can be a cliché in narrators who are discussing current social issues. But Porter breaks out of the mold and injects his personality into the work. He sounds like he's speaking to listeners individually and reads with pauses and emphasis that personalize the information. There are times when he runs out of breath or ends sentences awkwardly, but his efforts do make the book more relevant and interesting.
Pub Date: April 8, 2014
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780804128056
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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