Marguerite Gavin's brisk pace and clear tone, with just a touch of a grin at the funny places, makes listening to this darkly humorous analysis of our electoral process as entertaining as it is informative. Although hearing Mo Rocca read his introduction would have added to the fun, narrator Lloyd James's forthright delivery is smooth and effectively complements Gavin's style. Deftly altering emphasis and inflection, Gavin easily transitions from the surprising and instructive historical content to the droll accounts of how base politicians have tried to manipulate this touchstone of our democracy. Her subtle changes in pace and tone are just enough to indicate the switch of authors in the closing chapter. Listeners fortunate enough to pick up this intriguing look at politics are in for a treat.
Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2012
Duration: 7 hrs
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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