The author/narrator has the perfect vocal tone and style for drawing listeners into his discussion of how people connect with others in effective communities. Countering the view that humans are primarily aggressive and self-centered, he draws on his extensive knowledge of the socioeconomic, biosocial, and evolutionary causes of behavior to argue that people are wired to cooperate, respect individual identity, and embrace their commonalities. His laid-back enthusiasm for this body of knowledge makes his performance especially effective. Delivering inspiring stories of people creating cooperative structures and caring for each other, his cheery confidence is prominent. But he also knows how to keep it throttled back so that listeners will find their curiosity genuinely stimulated, rather than feeling pulled in by an author who sounds too excited about his own ideas.
Pub Date: 2019
Duration: 15 hrs
Publisher: Audible, 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:
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:
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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