The landmark civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education didn't just magically appear before the Supreme Court. It was the result of decades of careful legal work and numerous cases. This book chronicles that struggle and profiles two of its most powerful advocates, Justices Houston and Marshall. For all its legal history, though, the book is accessible to lay readers. Dominic Hoffman offers a solid narration that captures the eloquence of the people profiled. He offers just the right tones: incredulity when describing the strained, illogical defenses for continued segregation and outrage over violence and injustice. His pacing is good, although on occasion it's slightly too measured. Overall, though, his voice exactly suits the material.
Pub Date: Jan. 19, 2010
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307714886
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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