Thomas Frank is outraged, dumbfounded, and utterly fuming about the current political climate in the wake of the financial crisis. Frank, a political commentator and author, does not sound like a professional narrator, but his knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject matter are immediately evident to listeners. The result is not unlike listening to a political pundit on television. While drama and a sense of urgency propel the work, it is certainly informative and entertaining due to his no-holds-barred approach. Subjects covered include the rise of the Tea Party, how the rich have managed to garner sympathy in the wake of the financial crisis, and why the Democrats have come up short.
Pub Date: Jan. 3, 2012
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781427214768
Publisher: Macmillan 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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