THE RECKONING

This is a fascinating look at industrial policy through vignettes and mini-biographies surrounding the Ford and Nissan motor companies. The stark differences between the Japanese and American experiences are explored in Halberstam's readable and listenable prose. At first, narrator Anthony's youthful voice doesn't seem appropriate. Soon, however, his deliberate pacing and care in pronunciation make one forget he's there. Audio quality is moderate but is clear and comfortable. One learns a lot about manufacturing, cultural attitudes and automobiles, and enjoys it for thirty-six hours. D.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT 93]