Narrator Mark Deakins does a fine job propelling one of the first consequential books about the Bush presidency. It's written as a lively, compelling account of the two men who ran the country from 2001 to 2009. Deakins uses his deep, resonant voice to enunciate the author's major points and to make them accessible to a wider audience than just political fans. He doesn't produce any character voices, but that's not necessary as there are too many real people here for that to be practical. For all that Deakins does well, he can't completely surmount the challenge of long narrative passages, sometimes falling victim to waning vigor in the middle of the book.
Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2013
Duration: 29 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780385362351
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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