It's quite a feat that Arthur Morey can narrate this somber overview of the declining American dream with the gravitas it demands without overdoing it. Along with sensitivity to the book's tone and accessible phrasing, his performance also embodies the measured perspective necessary for listeners to hear this book as a wake-up call instead of a death knell. Though it focuses on what's wrong, the book balances rigorous research and gripping life stories to show how today's young people lack the social and career opportunities their parents had. Women and minorities have made gains, but being in a lower social class, with all that comes with it, limits educational opportunities, traps kids in their social groups, and locks them into lifeless jobs with no potential.
Pub Date: March 10, 2015
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781442387553
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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