Narrator Lynne Thigpen is the perfect choice to recount this poetic autobiographical sketch of Maya Angelou's visit to Africa in the '60's. Thigpen possesses the same rich contralto as Angelou, a melodious, flexible, simply beautiful voice. Her talent extends from a compassionate telling of Angelou's experiences to true character development through subtle tribal accents and various intonations and language patterns. Thigpen's portrayals encompass moods, as well as the essence of the person, be it a self-important Islamic male or a conceited, uncooperative female secretary. Angelou's astute observations and keen perceptions, her personal growth and self-realization, and her defining of her place in the world are all strongly brought out by Thigpen with humor, grace and reverence.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1995
Duration: 7 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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