Drawing upon his vast knowledge of international affairs, Pulitzer Prize-winning newsman Friedman explains globalization and its ramifications. It takes him 23 hours to tell the whole complicated story. Fortunately for the listener, there’s not a dull or confusing moment. Friedman is an uncommonly canny writer, organizing facts and elucidations smartly around his key concepts, and enlivening them with humor, anecdotes, and an informal, conversational style. All of these qualities are highlighted by George Wilson’s narration. His voice has the pleasant sonority of the documentary or instructional film narrator, to which he adds a friendly, almost chatty, clarity and firm, even cadences. Moreover, he employs an astonishing variety of melodies, all expressive of the text. Nowhere does he fall into the dull repetitions of oral delivery that almost inevitably mar lengthy audio theses. He sounds as if he’s discussing current events with you over coffee and dessert.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2002
Duration: 23 hrs, 15 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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