This audiobook examines the impact of viruses like HIV and COVID on people without resources and political connections. Narrated with intensity and empathy by author Steven W. Thrasher, the production takes the perspectives of victims, their friends, and other activists. Thrasher's delivery channels the raw emotions, particularly frustration and animus, that those who contract these and other conditions feel because of their lack of privilege. While many books consider more well-known people and more common societal themes, this study brings to life the inequities often overlooked by the traditional press and other chroniclers. Thanks to Thrasher and his memorable performance, these previously unheard stories are given a voice.
Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2022
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250840714
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
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
Listeners who want to know how we got where we are with the big tech companies should start with this convincing foray into the land of the giants. As Columbia University law professor Tim Wu takes them to task, Frits Zernike's narration is thoughtfully paced, and his tempo appropriately propels the action. His storytelling reveals how the companies' power and our dependence on them have brought about the present imbalances: Amazon undercuts its clients by selling similar products more cheaply; Meta (Facebook) buys Instagram and WhatsApp to avoid competition; Google pays rivals not to do searches. To effect change, Wu suggests treating these behemoths like public utilities. Wu writes authoritatively on how tech platforms that began with altruistic slogans have ended up behaving like monopolies.
Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217165643
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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