Shawn brings an actor’s skill to the narration of these essays, which are deeply concerned with moral, political, and aesthetic philosophy and often reflect on current events. He reads with clarity as well as convincing expressiveness. At times, his slow pace and affectedly simple manner seem out of place, but that’s intentional and appropriate, as the shift reflects his bemused wonder at our signal failure to be truly moral—to know (paraphrasing him) that other people are as real as we are. Unfortunately, the production suffers from a hollow tinny tone. But the listener can eventually ignore that as the honesty and intelligence of these works make them worth hearing.
Pub Date: May 1, 2010
Duration: 4 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: N/A
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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