by Thomas Sowell ; Read by Barrett Whitener ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 1999
Sowell attempts to describe the effect of conquests and conquering on nations, in particular Great Britain, Africa, the Slavic nations and the Americas. The work provides a broad background in the history, economics and politics of each country or continent. Whitener reads this extensive sociopolitical history smoothly, taking his time to pronounce all the non-English words properly and allowing the listener to think about Sowell's hypothesis. Although clearly and professionally performed, the text is repetitive, and the information shallow in places. Specific examples of actions and events that might be footnoted in the print version are lacking in the audiobook, frustrating the listener.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1999
Duration: 19 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William F. Buckley Jr. ; Read by Walter Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
by Jonathan Kozol ; Read by Jack Winston ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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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