Banks, mortgages, social clubs--nothing escapes this examination of the social ecosystems of modern life. Narrator Paul Slack manages to convey the dense explanations in a way that makes them accessible for the non-academic listener. His pronunciation is crisp, his delivery consistent, and he makes long sentences easily understood by pausing when necessary for emphasis. The listener could get lost in the building arguments, which require an understanding of the ideas preceding them. Yet Slack's variations in tone, pitch, and cadence draw one's attention to the key concepts, making comprehension of the book's themes much easier. The author has a strong personality, and Slack's delivery also conveys this to the listener.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Duration: 4 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781470351311
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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