by Safiya Umoja Noble ; read by Shayna Small ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2018
Narrator Shayna Small masterfully handles Noble's criticism of a predominantly white tech industry that presents itself as neutral--but is actually producing problematic search results that demoralize and devalue people of color. When search results reveal questionable associations--for example, interchangeable results of apes and African-Americans or returning only images of white people when searching for beautiful people--the system has an implicit bias problem, says Noble. Small's cool, matter-of-fact delivery captures Noble's prose in a manner that conveys the complexity of the discussion. This blend hints at Noble's frustration with experts who continue to claim that technology is color-blind even when confronted with results that contradict that perception.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2018
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
by Jonathan Kozol ; read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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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