If you've ever wanted to know what a spy-in-training goes through, listen in on Waters's description of surveillance runs, mock arrests, dead-drop arrangements, and "The Farm," the CIA's hidden facility in Virginia. Waters, like many others, volunteered after 9/11, even though he had to leave his new wife in Florida. Patrick Lawlor reads the memoir with enthusiasm and clarity. He enlivens conversations and descriptions of Waters's instructors and fellow trainees. The author's persistent tone of cheeriness is at odds with the deadly seriousness of his mission but reflects the positive attitude he brought to the rigors of the program. An author interview completes this informative package.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2006
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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