America and Europe are not simply physically separate; their views on world events are equally disparate. According to Robert Kagan, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the United States essentially has carte blanche to pursue its global interests because America looks at world affairs based upon its military strength, while Europeans, who are relatively powerless, prefer diplomacy. These differing perspectives form the basis for Kagan's essay and explain, for example, why France and much of Europe opposed using military force to oust Saddam Hussein's regime. Robertson Dean reads Kagan's thought-provoking essay expertly; it is like listening to a good lecture. Dean uses the tone of a learned professor and, although the material is weighty, his measured pace allows the listener to absorb the material easily.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
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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