Author/narrator Paul Tough explores the many barriers and processes in place that hinder success in getting into and completing college. Tough's narration comes across like that of a gritty gumshoe detective, in part because of his deep, gravelly voice. Yet his tone also conveys suspicion, especially as his research illuminates the ways that the affluent game the system, such as the Varsity Blues scandal of 2019. Tough contrasts that level of privilege to the egregious complications and limitations of resources most other students run into while aspiring to a first-class education. In another audiobook, Tough's delivery might detract, but in this production it draws out the pitfalls of the specific individuals he has researched and suggests the gloomy outlook for upward mobility in the U.S. today.
Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2019
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780358177876
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
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
Eric Jason Martin narrates this timely treatise on writing and AI by longtime English professor and writer John Warner. The author emphasizes that Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT cannot think or write; they merely use algebraic algorithms to deliver tokens (AI-speak for words) that follow a plausible pattern. The author warns that by outsourcing human thought processes, we risk losing those abilities. He makes his case with considerable wit. However, Martin misses almost every chance to showcase the author's message. Ironically, he narrates in an almost robotic fashion. Despite this, his slow pacing and crisp enunciation give the listener every opportunity to mull this well-reasoned argument. Final chapters offer suggestions for when, why, and how to push back against the AI onslaught.
Pub Date: July 1, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798228499201
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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