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Title: Saving Our Cities

Subtitle: A Progressive Plan to Transform Urban America

Author: William W. Goldsmith

Narrator: Peter Lerman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-16

Publisher: University Press Audiobooks

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

In Saving Our Cities, William W. Goldsmith shows how cities can be places of opportunity rather than places with problems. With strongly revived cities and suburbs, working as places that serve all their residents, metropolitan areas will thrive, thus making the national economy more productive, the environment better protected, the citizenry better educated, and the society more reflective, sensitive, and humane.

Goldsmith argues that America has been in the habit of abusing its cities and their poorest suburbs. As federal and state budgets, regulations, and programs line up with the interests of giant corporations and privileged citizens, they impose austerity on cities, shortchange public schools, make it hard to get nutritious food, and inflict the drug war on unlucky neighborhoods.

Goldsmith documents a positive development: progressive politicians in many cities and some states are proposing far-reaching improvements, supported by advocacy groups that form powerful voting blocs, ensuring that Congress takes notice. When more cities forcefully demand enlightened federal and state action on these four interrelated problems - inequality, schools, food, and the drug war - positive movement will occur in traditional urban planning as well, so as to meet the needs of most residents for improved housing, better transportation, and enhanced public spaces.

Critic Reviews:

"This is an important book that should improve the way we think about urban policy." (Edward G. Goetz, University of Minnesota)

"A fresh and welcome contribution to our study of cities, planning, and change." (Norman Krumholz, Cleveland State University)

Members Reviews:

A conversation piece for those looking to make a difference,SAVING OUR CITIES addresses problems and offers solutions

There are so many who focus on the problems that we face today. How refreshing it is to see there are individuals out there who are also offering solutions that can turn things around.

In SAVING OUR CITIES author William "Bill" Goldsmith does just that, showing that in many ways the urban areas of the United States have been neglected and given a bad rap, but all is not lost. He is able to show that whether we are discussing issues of education, the drug epidemic or jobs, there are ways we can begin to change things. First we have to admit that what is being done currently isn't solving the problem. Then we have to be willing to do the work necessary to invest in the areas that might seem hopeless. Goldsmith takes this out of the abstract and gives real examples of how individuals are taking steps to improve their own areas and how what they are doing can be duplicated.

The other thing that really impressed me about the book was the reminder that no matter where we live in the country that if one area is suffering then it affects us all. Hopefully people who read SAVING OUR CITIES will realize that and do their part to improve conditions that can positively impact others.

Full of research but also heart, SAVING OUR CITIES is a great conversation piece for those looking to make a difference.

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Title: Justice for None

Subtitle: How the Drug War Broke the Legal System

Author: The Washington Post

Narrator: James Edward Thomas

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-13-16

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

When tough-on-crime laws passed 30 years ago during an era of drug-fueled violence, they were supported across the political spectrum. The subsequent "war on drugs" sent non-violent offenders to prison for decades and, in some cases, life.

As a result, the nation's prison and jail population today is 2.3 million, more than quadruple the number that were incarcerated in 1980. One in 100 adults is behind bars in America. As many as 100 million American adults now have criminal records, and a disproportionate number of those are men of color.

Washington Post reporters, in a series of revealing and wrenching stories throughout 2015, unlocked the prison gates and allowed listeners to experience the human devastation wrought by sentencing policies now under scrutiny.

Critic Reviews:

"Several reporters at the Washington Post have filed insightful stories in recent years about the actual repercussions of drug trade suppression laws on the most disenfranchised members of civic life. The extreme prison sentences meted out to low-level illicit drug dealers and the prison conditions they experience form the thematic base of the collection. James Edward Thomas reads the reports with aplomb and without offering any auditory cues between the reporters' own words and the sources quoted. This is a basic introduction to some major flaws in the legal system that do indeed prevent it from purveying justice. (AudioFile Magazine)

Members Reviews:

Very interesting read

This was a really good book for the price. It was very informative and seemed accurate. It makes you wonder about mandatory minimums and how many more non violent first offense prisoners are sitting in prison for years on end. I'm glad they proposed the changes.

Worth your time

Generally well written and quite informative regarding some of the ways our current Justice system is broken.

Must read

Great read, love the information

Excellent Read

This book gave a good insight into how sentencing in the justice system works. It was quite disheartening to know that a person can get 55 years to life for selling/possession, etc. for drugs but in some cases a slap on the wrist for murder.

Well-Worth Reading

Excellent and objective coverage of an important topic. I have more to say, but have found it impossible to write more than two lines and have the material 'stick.'

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Title: The Clothing of Books

Author: Jhumpa Lahiri

Narrator: Jhumpa Lahiri

Format: Unabridged

Length: 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-15-16

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

How do you clothe a book?

In this deeply personal reflection, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri explores the art of the book jacket from the perspectives of both reader and writer. Probing the complex relationships between text and image, author and designer, and art and commerce, Lahiri delves into the role of the uniform; explains what book jackets and design have come to mean to her; and how, sometimes, "the covers become a part of me".

Members Reviews:

Lahiri is lyrical and critical.

Lovely book describing the impact of book covers on the author. Interesting observations about her own covers.

Interesting perspective

Interesting perspective of an author on her own books, and the overall impact of a cover (be it of books or of people) on others.

Five Stars

Wonderfully enjoyable to read about this topic from an author's perspective.

Four stars

This small book, taken from a speech, expresses the love-hate relationship between an author and the book cover designed by a traditional publisher. The author has very little say in how the cover looks. Remember all those headless women on books covers not so long ago?

She also talks about the dust jacket. I can't remember the last time I bought a book, even a hardcover book, with a dust jacket. These days, almost all my books are for Kindle, and their covers are seen when I buy the book and the forgotten once I download it. If the price for an ebook is too expensive due to the publisher's desire to discourage people from buying the ebook, I look for a used paperback copy or get it from the library.

The one exception to this is a book with a cover by Kinuko Craft. I love her art work so much, I have several books with her covers. They don't have dust jackets, though.

She reflects back on a time when dust jackets and covers mattered, mentioning the books of Hogarth Press and the art work by Vanessa Bell for her sister Virginia Woolf's books. A personal relationship with the author and the artist to produce a cover that is inspired by the book's contents is unusual. Today a traditionally published book's cover is done by in-house artists who may or may not have read the book or even know what it is about. Of course, an author may object to a cover and depending on sales, the publisher may listen to them. Only an independently published author has the luxury of a personal relationship with the cover artist.

Although dated, this small book is an interesting reflection on a time when book covers were an integral part of the book.

Really smart, insightful book

Really smart, insightful book. Lahiri is great as novelist and short story writer but is turning out to be just as great as essayist if not even better.

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Title: The End of Ownership

Subtitle: Personal Property in the Digital Economy

Author: Aaron Perzanowski, Jason Schultz

Narrator: Paul Michael Garcia

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-11-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

If you buy a book at the bookstore, you own it. You can take it home, scribble in the margins, put it on the shelf, lend it to a friend, or sell it at a garage sale. But is the same thing true for the eBooks or other digital goods you buy? Retailers and copyright holders argue that you don't own those purchases, you merely license them. That means your eBook vendor can delete the book from your device without warning or explanation - as Amazon deleted Orwell's 1984 from the Kindles of surprised readers several years ago. These readers thought they owned their copies of 1984 - until, it turned out, they didn't. In The End of Ownership, Aaron Perzanowski and Jason Schultz explore how notions of ownership have shifted in the digital marketplace, and make an argument for the benefits of personal property.

Of course, eBooks, cloud storage, streaming, and other digital goods offer users convenience and flexibility. But, as Perzanowski and Schultz warn, consumers should be aware of the trade-offs involving user constraints, permanence, and privacy. The rights of private property are clear, but few people manage to read their end user agreements. Perzanowski and Schultz argue that introducing aspects of private property and ownership into the digital marketplace would offer both legal and economic benefits. But more importantly, it would affirm our sense of self-direction and autonomy. If we own our purchases, we are free to make whatever lawful use of them we please. Technology need not constrain our freedom; it can also empower us.

Members Reviews:

A well researched book about w/ an important theme

What did you love best about The End of Ownership?

The subject itself is both fascinating, and if you're a working creative, a little worrying.

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Title: Why Some Drug Addicts Get Their Heroin Addiction Treatments from Their Drug Dealers

Author: Dan Lewis

Narrator: Giovannie Cruz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-10-16

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

A heroin addict we'll borrow NPR's nomenclature and call him "John" needs help. Maybe he can't afford the price of a hit. Maybe he's unable to work because he's focused on getting high instead of getting paid.

©2015 Dan Lewis (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

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Title: Why It Takes So Long to Board an Airplane (and How to Fix It)

Author: Dan Lewis

Narrator: Giovannie Cruz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-10-16

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

Air travel can be fun but it can be maddening, too. One of the more frustrating aspects is the boarding process, during which everyone tries to stow away their carry-on bags and get their bodies into their seats, seemingly all atthe same time.

©2015 Dan Lewis (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

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Title: The Descent of Man

Author: Grayson Perry

Narrator: Jonny Philips

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-27-16

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

Penguin presents the unabridged downloadable audiobook edition of The Descent of Man by Grayson Perry, read by Jonny Philips.

Grayson Perry has been thinking about masculinity - what it is, how it operates, why little boys are thought to be made of slugs and snails - since he was a boy. Now, in this funny and necessary book, he turns round to look at men with a clear eye and ask, what sort of men would make the world a better place for everyone? What would happen if we rethought the old, outdated macho version of manhood and embraced a different idea of what makes a man?

Apart from giving up the coronary-inducing stress of always being 'right' and the vast new wardrobe options, the real benefit might be that a newly fitted masculinity will allow men to have better relationships - and that's happiness, right?

Grayson Perry admits he's not immune from the stereotypes himself - as the psychoanalysts say, 'If you spot it, you've got it' - and his thoughts on everything from power to physical appearance, from emotions to a brand-new Manifesto for Men, are shot through with honesty, tenderness and the belief that, for everyone to benefit, upgrading masculinity has to be something men decide to do themselves. They have nothing to lose but their hang-ups.

Critic Reviews:

"Grayson Perry for King and Queen of England. Imagine how brilliant our country would look if he was." (Caitlin Moran)

Members Reviews:

Truely brilliant!!

The most fascinatingly informed book I've ever read Grayson you're a legend! I had to read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down- thank you for such an intelligent book!

Thoughtful analysis

Great readShould be a required text for boys and girls from the age of 10!

Great read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's certainly thought-provoking but it's key strength is taking a difficult subject and making it funny.

Wonderful

Grayson Peer's wisdom, sensitivity and daring admissions of his own evolution as a man over time show him to have a strength and innate power that is massively attractive in a man; a Real Man. I would love all my male friends to read and learn from this book that they are more valuable to women as themselves and not as predictable stereotypes. Thank you, Grayson.

Great

Really interesting and thought provoking and a really good insight into the mind of the modern man. It was also good to think from the male perspective.

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Title: Crossing the Thinnest Line

Subtitle: How Embracing Diversity - from the Office to the Oscars - Makes America Stronger

Author: Lauren Leader-Chivee

Narrator: Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Lauren Leader-Chivee

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-16

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

In Crossing the Thinnest Line, Lauren Leader-Chivee looks at America and describes the possibility for our nation when we embrace our differences.

At the heart of America's current social conflict are fundamental questions about our values as a nation. What does it mean to be American? When will women be fully equal? Should gays and lesbians have equal rights? Does racism still exist? What should we do about immigration? As one of the most diverse nations on earth, how can we live together peacefully and productively?

Leader-Chivee passionately argues that we must find a way to make our multifaceted diversity an asset, or else it will continue to be our deepest and most painful source of strife. In Crossing the Thinnest Line, she explains it is possible to bridge our divides and turn our differences into a source of ingenuity, innovation, and prosperity. It is possible to talk about difference so that everyone becomes part of the solution.

Critic Reviews:

"Skillfully combining insightful data analyses and engaging experiences, Crossing the Thinnest Line makes a compelling case for a solution-focused approach to promoting inclusiveness and diversity." (Mohamed A. El-Erian, author of The Only Game in Town and When Markets Collide)

"Working to advance diversity and embrace true equality has never been more important. In Crossing the Thinnest Line, Lauren Leader-Chivee challenges us to move towards a solutions-focused conversation about diversity where each of us can make a difference." (Billie Jean King)

"Crossing the Thinnest Line paints a compelling picture of what we as a country have to gain from embracing the diversity all around us. Lauren's personal story and honesty about her own challenges inspire us all to do better and lead by example. Bravo to Lauren for writing a fascinating, important book at a critical time." (Anne Fulenwider, Editor in Chief of Marie Claire)

Members Reviews:

The author makes interesting connections between her own personal experiences ...

The author makes interesting connections between her own personal experiences growing up, including feeling the pain of exclusion, and how these experiences lead her to a lifetime committed to increasing diversity in government and business. She makes a strong case from a business and financial perspective as to how corporations and countries can benefit when they invest in diversity. This is an important angle in that even if leaders themselves cannot connect with the experiences of those in minority and marginalized groups, they can at least acknowledge that there is a benefit to the bottom line. If they do this at least, we will all benefit.

recognizes that âthrowing diverse groups together and hoping for a good outcome through the collision of cultures and ideas rare

This is a very timely book â well written, insightful, yet hardheaded. It should be required reading for all of us.

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Title: Behavioural Economics Saved My Dog

Author: Dan Ariely

Narrator: John Lee

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-27-16

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

Internationally best-selling author Dan Ariely brings his unique perspective to bear on a maelstrom of lifes problems - from how to deal with a Christmas card list thats fast becoming unmanageable to whether or not you should have children. Ariely changed the way we view ourselves, how we think and how we act, with his audiobook Predictably Irrational.

In his immensely popular Wall Street Journal advice column, where readers "Ask Ariely" for his help with various dilemmas, he provides a logical view on the seemingly illogical, shedding light on the most curious minutiae of human behaviour.

Arielys new audiobook will make you laugh at the ridiculous aspects of our daily existence just as you gain a new perspective on how to handle the inevitable challenges that life brings us all.

Critic Reviews:

"With Ariely's level of expertise there's always the risk of sounding condescending and dry, but his humble, playful delivery feels like sage advice from a friend from start to finish." (BBC Focus)

Members Reviews:

a book to hear in the background

The book is just a collection of short answers to mostly trivial questions. Much below the level of other books of the same author.

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Title: P.T. Barnum's Final Attraction

Author: Dan Lewis

Narrator: Giovannie Cruz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-26-16

Publisher: Now I Know

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Sciences

Publisher's Summary:

In 1875, two men from Wisconsin convinced P.T. Barnum, the famed showman, to join their business a circus. Barnum's job was to lend his name to the product and, ultimately, his wisdom as well, and the circus became known as "P.T. Barnum's Great Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan, and Hippodrome."

©2015 Dan Lewis (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Members Reviews:

Short. But good story for 3 min.

So short. But it is a good start to a man's life. Reader is great.