Kevin R. Free's upbeat approach to this fun deep dive into the making of a dictionary adds to its charms. Well suited to word geeks, the audiobook explores the evolution of the modern dictionary while chronicling the author's stint as a lexicographer in training at Merriam-Webster. There, he encounters past and present word-mad professionals; learns the stringent, sometimes arcane, rules of word definition; and ponders the role of dictionaries in today's world. The result is both entertaining and informative. Free's cheerful tenor, engaging pacing, and crisp enunciation lighten the prose whenever "fact overload" threatens. A few corrective pitch changes early on are not disruptive. The result is an educational and entertaining listen for anyone who's ever used any kind of dictionary.
Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668149713
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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
© 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.
