Roya Hakakian's voice softens as she recalls her first view of America, which took place from a plane after fleeing Iran in 1984. Even as she describes Iran's customs in calm tones, her voice takes on excitement when she describes her new freedom from strict dress codes. Her writing offers advice for new immigrants with a passion that comes from her own "bifurcated life" in exile. Hakakian has a keen sense of humor and a strong point of view, whether she's describing timed sprinklers that remind her of gunfire or telling listeners how language shapes feelings and behavior. While Hakakian is always addressing immigrants, her words may provide a user's guide to listeners born in the U.S. as well.
Pub Date: March 16, 2021
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593291979
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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