Steven Pinker’s exploration of what he argues is a decrease in human violence over the ages is long, learned, and occasionally difficult, though well written and often fascinating. Arthur Morey delivers it as if in easy conversation with the listener, a learned man fluidly discoursing on a favorite topic. He clearly thought out sentences in advance, giving them just the right pacing, accentuation, and intonation patterns to match their meaning and make it clear; some are like well-executed musical figures. In occasional nonacademic quotations his voice acting can seem awkward, but those are brief and seldom. Such a gracefully modulated, carefully paced and emphasized reading, at this length, is a bravura performance. Morey makes this important book accessible and engaging for listeners, who are in his debt.
Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2011
Duration: 37 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781455839605
Publisher: Brilliance 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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