Narrator Paul Fleschner deftly tackles the voluminous text and myriad characters in this controversial look at the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, in Wyoming. Stephen Jimenez, who is also gay, intended to write a screenplay; however, his research led him to question the official charge that Shepard was killed because he was gay. Instead, Jimenez believes that Shepard threatened the lucrative drug trade in Laramie. Fleschner's dynamic presentation of interviews with Matthew's friends and family, as well as the police and lawyers involved, sounds true to life. He captures the pain and raw emotion of the events, and even the personalities of the convicted. Whether the listener agrees with Jimenez's conclusions or not, the story is heartbreaking--and fascinating--with audio capturing the feeling of an in-depth news report.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Steerforth Press LLC
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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