A richly told story, well narrated.
Author Keefe narrates smoothly as he delves into the apparent suicide of 19-year-old Zac Brettler. His tone has a comforting intimacy that helps listeners understand how he convinced Brettler’s grieving parents, who were driven by heartache and the inaction of London police, to give him years of interviews. As Keefe blends the many strains of his research, he leads listeners on a graceful interweaving of England’s colonial past, the development of London’s banking and housing systems, and the criminal underworld. He offers suppositions about the way Brettler’s lies about being the son of a rich Russian oligarch fell apart and ultimately led to his death. Keefe’s affection, compassion, and respect for Brettler’s parents come through clearly.
A richly told story, well narrated.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 59 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217174072
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 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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