INSIDE THE RED MANSION is the story of a young British journalist who, assigned to China by mistake, becomes fascinated by the country as it emerges into the 21st century. This story of intrigue, corruption, and shady characters explores China's incredible upheavals as its formerly closed society slowly opens to the modern world. Simon Vance's British accent makes him completely convincing as the main character. With excellent pacing he not only manages the innumerable scene, character, and plot transitions clearly, he also slips seamlessly between English and Mandarin. These shifts could be jarring, but Vance demonstrates why he's a multiple Earphones Award winner, accomplishing them so smoothly that the listener is never lost.
Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2007
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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