by Sheldon Whitehouse & Melanie Wachtell Stinnett ; read by Michael Bybee & Sheldon Whitehouse ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 11, 2017
In this provocative audiobook, Sheldon Whitehouse, a U.S. Senator from Rhode Island, provides an insider's account of how corporate and moneyed interests have insinuated themselves into our government. His main point is that the Founders didn't see how the economy and corporations would change to the point where they could influence elections and policy. Michael Bybee is the main narrator, while Senator Whitehouse reads the introduction and author's note. Of the two, Whitehouse has the more energetic, captivating voice. Bybee is far more subdued and unemotional, and the audiobook tends to drag when he's reading. Perhaps Whitehouse should have trusted his Senatorial debating voice and narrated the whole book.
Pub Date: July 11, 2017
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780525532897
Publisher: Random House Audio
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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