Narrator Matthew Blaney carefully takes listeners through a history of "The Troubles" in Ireland to explain the complicated and tragic murder of Jean McConville. In this period of great turmoil, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) fought with guerrilla tactics to try to free Northern Ireland from British rule. During this time, a widow with 10 children was taken from her bed and disappeared. Blaney's gentle Irish accent helps listeners endure some of the more horrifying details of violence perpetrated by the IRA and helps direct the listener through a murder investigation that took decades to solve and that led detectives all the way to Boston. Blaney's sober voice is measured and careful, highlighting the subject matter even as he delivers a powerful performance.
Pub Date: Feb. 26, 2019
Duration: 14 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781984841131
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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