Writer Zadie Smith narrates her essays with a measured cadence, a clear tone, and the accent of an educated Brit. Topics range from painters to tech to writing. Her critical but even gaze includes explorations of the books BLACK MANHATTAN and BLACK BRITAIN. She looks at the relationships between painters: the celebrated Lucian Freud and the much younger and later renowned Celia Paul (the mother of two of Freud's offspring). Memorable eulogies honor Hilary Mantel, Toni Morrison, Philip Roth (whom she knew well), and Joan Didion (whom she admired). She shares her own proclivities, which range from childhood TV bingeing to the 10,000 books in her home. A worthwhile collection reveals a writer unafraid to test ideas, share opinions, and bare her soul.
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 2025
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217017317
Publisher: Penguin 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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