The title of this taut audiobook refers to a small wing of the Pakistani Intelligence Service, the I.S.I., whose job it was to train and arm Taliban fighters to expand Pakistan's influence in Afghanistan after 9/11. The work of this directorate had a direct and negative effect on the United States' ability to successfully prosecute a war that continues to this day. Narrator Malcolm Hillgartner delivers this audiobook in a deep authoritative voice that captures its mood and purpose. He doesn't have an especially elastic voice, but he can vary his reading enough to keep the story moving. Hillgartner also mixes in some light character voices and superb pronunciations of Afghan and Pakistani names and places.
Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2018
Duration: 28 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525528586
Publisher: Penguin 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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