Anne Twomey's narration effortlessly knits the twin threads--America First and the American Dream--that animate this history. She adroitly shares the despicable actions of the KKK and the terrible stories of lynchings and horrific crowd behavior. The listener is reminded that America First, despite its attracting well-known Americans, was often used as a cover for racism and anti-Semitism. Author Churchwell also examines the development of the term "the American dream," exploring its original meaning of equality of opportunity and describing how it has turned into a synonym for material wealth. There are villains--Charles Lindbergh, Father Coughlin--and heroes, too. Writers Walter Lippmann and Dorothy Thompson both warned fellow citizens in the 1930s about fascism and decried America First.
Pub Date: Oct. 9, 2018
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549174957
Publisher: Hachette 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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