Narrator Sam Rushton creates a compelling audiobook experience as he guides listeners through the world of wild cacao that is unique to the terroir of the Bolivian Lowlands, Brazilian Amazon, and parts of Mexico. This engaging narrative weaves the complex social and economic history of wild chocolate--from its medicinal, ritual, and familial uses in ancient and contemporary Mesoamerica to the voracious appetites and commercial enterprises governing contemporary global consumption today. Rushton's affable performance brings together the farmers and entrepreneurs involved in production and quality-conscious movements like bean-to-bar chocolatiers and other international organizations and locally based companies who create sustainable cacao farming within their communities. A thought-provoking listen that encourages listeners to look beyond the wrapper of their favorite treat.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2024
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: N/A
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
