At first, this audiobook seems to be just another analysis of Supreme Court cases, written by one of the justices. But it's actually a lightning rod that's adding to the current debate about how much, or even if, our courts should use legal opinions from outside the United States in their opinions. Stephen Breyer comes down firmly on the side of using global legal precedents and argues that courts have been doing this throughout our history. As narrator, Justice Breyer has a gentle, professorial, unpretentious voice, which he uses to urge listeners to understand his points. His reading does suffer from uneven pacing and word emphasis, and he delivers many sentences in a monotonous tone. However, his homey yet authoritative presentation mostly makes up for these quirks, and the book is an important addition to the argument.
Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2015
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780147523228
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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