Johnson looks at the success of peer networks, as opposed to centralized structures, at creating innovation and more efficient markets. Through this collective collaboration and competition, he believes, an emerging progressive movement is manifesting itself as both a political affiliation and a philosophy. Samuel Cohen narrates at a good pace, alternating cleanly between the stories and the quotations, which are set aside from Johnson’s arguments by a variety of accents. Using the original French railway system as a metaphor for what’s wrong with traditional social and political structures, Johnson proposes tapping into networks to widen reach and participation. Cohen puts just the right emphasis on Johnson’s words, moving from topic to topic, and the jargon associated with each, with aplomb.
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2012
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101579589
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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