As the audiobook title suggests, essayist Rebecca Solnit is not interested in pretense or adulteration. Too much is at stake, particularly related to America's political climate when considering issues of social justice, gender and racial equality, and the environment. Similar to the essays themselves, narrator Cassandra Campbell is unrelenting in her steadiness, and her understated performance offers a perfect counterweight to the challenging themes and ideas. Solnit's essays are political and provocative, sometimes sobering, sometimes infuriating, and always resolute in their underlying exhortation for more awareness and more justice. Interestingly, to the attuned and politically allied listener, Campbell's even modulation may actually increase the vitality of the essays--and by extension, the consternation of the listener. A judicious pairing.
Pub Date: Sept. 4, 2018
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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