Thomas Judd misses an opportunity in his narration of Kingsley's important new book about the refugee crisis facing Europe and the world. Much of the audiobook is story and character driven, but Judd doesn't do much to dramatize the action or separate the main characters from the background. The story of Hashem al-Souki, a Syrian refugee looking to make his way to Europe via hazardous routes, is the thread that holds the audiobook together. But Judd's performance just doesn't capture the difficulty and the hardship involved. His descriptions of the desperate journey are delivered in the same voice and the same rhythms as his discussions of immigration policy. Judd's performance might capture listeners' minds, but it won't tug at their heartstrings.
Pub Date: Jan. 10, 2017
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781524734251
Publisher: Random House Audio
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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