Spoiler alert: You’re going to get old—maybe even very, very old. And, according to this audiobook, even though your aging self may enjoy a longer, more fulfilling life in a geriatric-friendly place—say, Sarasota, Florida, (aka “God’s Waiting Room”)—for the most part, you will increase government debt, drain social services, cause skyrocketing medical costs, and siphon away limited public resources. You may even be the cause of government collapse, whether you’re in Japan, Spain, China, or California. Kerin McCue narrates this sociological pastiche of facts, anecdotes, and profiles of the elderly with a youthful vigor that also sadly highlights the age disparity. Considering that we reach our peak brain power and episodic memory retention in our early 30s, the sooner you listen to this book, the better.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2011
Duration: 16 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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