Why is a British voice narrating the history of the Spanish conquest of Aztec Mexico? That's just one of the questions this fascinating revisionist history leaves behind. The author believes every other historian got it wrong, and that after 499 years he has the real story. But it's often hard to tell what he's getting at or exactly where the differences lie. Steven Crossley is a focused and highly skilled narrator, commendable, in particular, for his fluid handling of Aztec nomenclature. You can listen for hours to this vivid re-creation of the world of the Aztecs, rendered in scrupulous detail. But here is one case where the parts outweigh the whole.
Pub Date: Jan. 30, 2018
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062797902
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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