This is a curious little listen. You likely know Wallace Shawn in one of three ways: 1. As the son of famed NEW YORKER editor William Shawn; 2. As the costar of the acclaimed film MY DINNER WITH ANDRE; or, 3. As Vizzini from THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Shawn's voice has the power to captivate and engage. This extended essay, which is meditative and, at times, meandering, touches on Shawn's concerns about the fate of humankind and why some of us are born "lucky" and some "unlucky." If you are a fan of Shawn's work in MY DINNER WITH ANDRE, you are likely to appreciate this empathetic and almost stream-of-consciousness work. If you are hoping for the voice and outrageous self-confidence of Vizzini, you may be disappointed.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2018
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
Publisher: Haymarket Books
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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