While television viewers may find Maddow a delight , this 15-hour audiobook may challenge their enthusiasm. Nonetheless, the work certainly has its insights. Russia, U.S. international relations, and oil extraction intersect in Maddow's investigation of Putin's rise to power, Rex Tillerson's ascendance to the position of secretary of state, and the implications these have for geopolitics and the climate crisis. In some areas of the audiobook--as she explains agreements, legalities, or business background--her raspy voice can lose the listener as dry details mount up without a clear end in sight. On the bright side, along with her clarity of language and emphasis, Maddow employs her usual vocal theatrics: enthusiasm, timely quips, and a jovial tone that increases as she closes in on her points.
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2019
Duration: 15 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781984846730
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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