Narrator Derek Perkins's tone reflects a thoughtful balance of authoritative knowledge and openness, making this audiobook less a lecture of ideas and more a shared conversation. Harari, the Israeli historian who is the author of SAPIENS, offers essays on the intellectual and practical needs of the 21st century, focusing on the grand-scale issues facing humanity. His concerns are significant, including automation of the workforce, the creeping public dissolution of fact in favor of subjective perception, the rise of "fake news," and the eventual effects of global warming in the face of political apathy. Listeners are encouraged to consider multiple points of view, and Perkins delivers them earnestly, creating a contemplative mood.
Pub Date: Sept. 4, 2018
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525639862
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: 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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