The author is a former Obama administration official who worked closely with Hillary Clinton on Afghan and Pakistani affairs when she was secretary of state. His major point is that under this president, the United States is pulling back from involvement in the world. That, he believes, is weakening us and endangering the growth of democratic governments around the globe. Narrator Stephen Hoye has an authoritative, reportorial, sometimes ominous voice that accurately reflects the author's intent. He's also appropriately snide and sarcastic when Nasr questions Obama's policy choices. While it's difficult to listen for long stretches because he doesn't vary his pitch and tone enough, his diction and pacing are excellent.
Pub Date: 2013
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780385360449
Publisher: Random House 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:
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:
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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