Richard Rhodes traces the history of atomic weapons from the beginning of the Cold War in 1945 to the present, including weapons currently in the Middle East. Not only does he use his vast vocabulary to spectacular effect, but he also demonstrates his knowledge of scientific concepts and an ability to express them in understandable terms. Unfortunately, he resorts to so many unfamiliar abbreviations and acronyms—such as IAEA and HEU—that listeners may sometimes feel outwitted. Narrator Robertson Dean finds no difficulty with any of the words. He pronounces all the Russian, Korean, and Arabic names as though they were his native language. He never mumbles and chooses just the right speed to maintain listener interest without bogging down or forcing anyone to back up and listen again.
Pub Date: Aug. 24, 2010
Duration: 13 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307736680
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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