A cruel captain, vengeful enemies, menacing icebergs, and a flogging 'round the fleet drive the crew to near mutiny in this little-known true story of an American exploring and mapping expedition in the penultimate days of sail. Under the command of Lt. Charles Wilkes, the expedition discovered Antarctica, surveyed the Columbia River, and charted dozens of new islands in the Pacific. In the story's tempestuous turns, Scott Brick's enthusiasm builds and softens like stormy waves as he portrays battle, insult, punishment, and danger. Scott Brick weathers the seven seas of salty words, except for "fo'c'sle," but, in general, he does well before the mast. J.A.H.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 14 hrs
Publisher: Penguin Audiobooks
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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