by Richard Pipes ; Read by George Wilson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 4, 2001
A brief treatise discusses the rise and fall of communism in the Soviet Union and touches upon its advent in Asia. The author clearly does not believe in Marxism, much less the way it has been put into practice. He believes that the fall of the Soviet Union has permanently discredited communism. Perhaps it's something most of us Americans would like to believe. I know I would. But it's too early to drive the last nail into the commie coffin. Aside from such an unwarranted assumption and anti-Marxist bias, the facts are clearly laid out with personality and humor. George Wilson reads them in the same expressive, measured tones that make him so ideal for nonfiction. Y.R.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2001
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; Read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
by Jonathan Kozol ; Read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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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