Is the United States intentionally creating a class of people whose rights are being violated in the name of public safety? Are we intentionally excluding an entire subgroup of citizens—convicted criminals, who are mainly African-American males—from participating in our democracy? This book tackles these provocative questions, and the answers are not pretty. Narrator Karen Chilton reads this work as an academic analysis and a social critique, and she succeeds on both levels. Her slightly nasal voice is calm and assured, and she paces herself so we can follow the potent arguments presented by the author. At times she sounds too professorial, a style that causes her to lose energy, but overall Chilton effectively captures the tone and intent of this important study.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2012
Duration: 13 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781464046162
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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