Chatter is a surprisingly interesting and eye-opening examination of the United States-led global surveillance network known as “Echelon.” In the book, Patrick Radden Keefe explores the nature of this vast program of worldwide communication interception, which sounds Orwellian yet remains all too real. The strength of the book lies with the detail of Keefe’s research and in the many characters whom he describes. Robertson Dean’s stentorian voice sounds authoritative and lends an additional level of credibility to the book. Dean relishes its many tales, which range from humorous to chilling. If the book has a weakness, it is Keefe’s failure to delve more deeply into the implications of this intelligence network and the way it serves as “Big Brother” to the world.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2005
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
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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