Narrator Paul Boehmer straightforwardly delivers journalist Schmitz's chronicle of a street in Shanghai. Boehmer leaves the spotlight on the stories themselves as the author delves into the lives of residents and business owners, illuminating the history and culture of China as well as daily life today in one of the world's largest cities. Boehmer handles languages and accents well, and his relatively dispassionate performance is appropriate for a journalistic piece. However, at times his neutral tone seems at odds with stories that involve people who are trapped in labor camps or forcibly evicted from their homes by the government. Fascinating and thought-provoking.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
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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