Braille Book Review, Vol. 63, No. 5, September-October 1994 Braille Book Review September-October 1994 Volume 63, Number 5 National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped _Braille Book Review_ is published bimonthly and distributed free to blind and physically handicapped individuals who participate in the Library of Congress free reading program. It lists braille magazines and books available through a network of cooperating libraries. The braille edition also lists recorded books, giving abbreviated annotations. News about library services is featured in both editions. The annotated list in this issue is limited to titles recently added to the national collection, which contains thousands of fiction and nonfiction titles, including classics, biographies, gothics, mysteries, and how-to and self-help guides. These books will continue to be available from your cooperating library and will be listed again in _Braille Books 1993-1994._ To learn more about the wide range of books in the national collection, readers may order catalogs and subject bibliographies from cooperating libraries. Librarians can check other resources for titles and answer requests for special materials. To order books, contact your local cooperating library. Correspondence regarding editorial matters should be sent to: Publications and Media Section, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542 Library of Congress, Washington 1994 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 53-31800 ISSN 0006-873X Contents: In Brief Books for Adults Nonfiction Fiction Books for Children Nonfiction Fiction Handcopied Braille--Other Agencies Braille Magazines IN BRIEF _Newsstand_ The following announcements may be of interest to readers. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped reserves the right to publish announcements selectively, as space permits. Items mentioned, however, are not part of the NLS program, and their listing does not imply endorsement. _Seedlings Announces New Catalog_. Seedlings Braille Books for Children announces its new 1995 catalog, which contains more than 200 low-cost braille books for children ages one to fourteen. Thirty-two books have been added this year. To receive a free catalog or for more information, call 800-777- 8552, or write to Seedlings, P.O. Box 2395, Livonia, MI 48151- 0395. _About CD-ROM Accessibility_. National Braille Press has published a book on using CD-ROM technology with speech or braille. Entitled _The CD-ROM Advantage for Blind Users_, the book is available in braille (one volume), on IBM disk, or in print for $11.95 (add $3.50 for postage on print edition only). The book is divided into three parts. Part One answers the most commonly asked questions about CD-ROM technology with speech or braille access. It assumes no prior knowledge. Part Two is a profile of several blind users and how they are benefiting from this technology. Part Three lists more than 100 CD-ROM titles that work with speech or braille, current market prices, and resources for getting started. Call (617) 266-6160 or write to National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115. MasterCard and Visa accepted. _Al-Anon Materials Available in Braille_. Volunteer Braille Services, Inc, is offering to sell Al-Anon materials in braille. The set of materials contains some seventy-five items ranging from a wallet card to larger booklets. For a price list or for more information, contact Volunteer Braille Services, Inc., P.O. Box 234, Marissa, IL 62257-0234. _John Milton Magazine_. The John Milton Society offers religious and inspirational materials in large print, recorded, and braille formats. Its main publication, _John Milton Magazine_, is a monthly digest of informative and inspirational articles selected from some fifty periodicals. All publications are free. For information, contact John Milton Society, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 455, New York, NY 10115, (212) 870-3335. _Books for Adults_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, complete the order form and return it to your braille-lending library. _Note:_ For the information of the reader, a notice may appear immediately following the book description to indicate occurrences of strong language, explicit descriptions of sex, or violence. The word "some" before any of these terms indicates an occasional or infrequent occurence, as in "some strong language." _Nonfiction_ The Kinsey Institute New Report on Sex: What You Must Know to Be Sexually Literate BR 9061 by June M. Reinisch and Ruth Beasley 7 volumes In the fall of 1989 the Kinsey Institute surveyed 1,974 American adults to ascertain their "sexual literacy." Fifty-five percent failed to answer half the questions correctly. This text, a supplement to Dr. Kinsey's original work published in the 1940s, provides easily understood information about human sexuality. 1990. The Tragedy of Coriolanus BR 9162 by William Shakespeare 2 volumes Written in the early seventeenth century, the tragedy deals with Caius Marcius, a haughty Roman general who is given the surname Coriolanus after defeating the Volscians in the battle of Corioli. Persuaded to seek election to the consulship, he is eventually banished from Rome by fickle plebeians. The play records his attempts to get revenge. 1962. The Tempest BR 9178 by William Shakespeare 3 volumes Early seventeenth-century romantic drama about Prospero, duke of Milan, ousted from his throne by his brother Antonio and banished with his daughter Miranda to a primitive island. Years later, a shipwreck deposits Antonio and his collaborators on the island. Prospero, knowledgeable about magic, releases spellbound spirits who help him undo his usurper. 1987. King Henry VIII BR 9183 by William Shakespeare 3 volumes This historical drama, written in the early seventeenth century, deals with the fall and death of the duke of Buckingham; the question of the king's divorce from the dignified Queen Katherine and his marriage to Anne Bullen; and the disgrace and demise of Cardinal Wolsey. Later, the play turns to Anne's coronation; to the archbishop of Canterbury's success over his enemies; and to the christening of a princess, who becomes Queen Elizabeth I. 1990. Avoiding the Medicaid Trap: How to Beat the Catastrophic Costs of Nursing-Home Care BR 9191 by Armond D. Budish 4 volumes An attorney who specializes in consumer law outlines legal ways to preserve assets and still qualify for Medicaid. He explains how to pay for long-term care without turning one's house and lifetime savings over to a nursing home. Some strategies are controversial, for example, divorcing a spouse. Includes power-of-attorney forms and model Medicaid trusts. 1990. Troilus and Cressida BR 9218 by William Shakespeare 2 volumes A tragedy about lovers during the Trojan Wars, first performed in 1602. Troilus, one of the king of Troy's five sons, is in love with Cressida, the daughter of Calchas, a Trojan priest siding with the Greeks. Calchas, knowing that Troy is about to fall to the Greeks, flees, leaving Cressida to be taken prisoner. Although Cressida vows to remain faithful to Troilus, he witnesses her betrayal. 1966. Easy Access to National Parks: The Sierra Club Guide for People with Disabilities BR 9223 by Wendy Roth and Michael Tompane 4 volumes Guide on accessibility to national parks for people who are visually or hearing impaired or anyone with mobility concerns. The authors discuss preparing for park visits, offer specific advice on fifteen parks and general information on parks in every region, and list park recreation support groups. 1992. Copland: Since 1943 BR 9226 by Aaron Copland and Vivian Perlis 5 volumes This volume begins with Copland pondering how to get involved in World War II and follows the format of recollections and interludes begun in _Copland: 1900 through 1942 (BR 9225)_. A joyous time follows when his well-known _Appalachian Spring_, commissioned by the Library of Congress, is awarded the Pulitzer Prize for music on the day that victory in Europe is declared. 1989. Metaphysics as a Guide to Morals BR 9233 by Iris Murdoch 6 volumes A playwright, prize-winning novelist, and philosopher ponders the fundamental quest for morality. Murdoch searches philosophy, particularly metaphysics, and theology for guidance in living a moral life. And she contemplates the determining roles that art, literature, science, politics, and nature play in the conscious choices that human beings make in daily living. 1992. Opera as Drama BR 9240 by Joseph Kerman 3 volumes In this updated version of a book originally published more than thirty years ago, Kerman has added an extended preface, a critique of Mozart's _Idomeneo_, and an epilogue on operatic criticism. His revisions and deletions focus mainly on past opinions and critical judgments. He remains committed to the view that in opera the dramatist is the composer and that other musical genres, such as the ballet, achieve drama in their own way. 1988. The Tragedy of Richard II BR 9244 by William Shakespeare 2 volumes Historical tragedy and study of kingship first performed in the 1590s. Richard II, a weak and ineffectual king, settles a quarrel and exiles Henry Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt, for ten years. He then seizes Henry's property to finance the Irish wars. Henry returns to claim his inheritance, murders the king's supporters, and imprisons Richard. Henry usurps the throne but lives in fear until the deposed Richard is no more. 1962. Twelfth Night; or, What You Will BR 9252 by William Shakespeare 2 volumes Turn-of-the-seventeenth-century romantic comedy about twins, Viola and Sebastian, who are separated by shipwreck. Viola, obliged to masquerade as Cesario, a page in the service of Duke Orsino, acts as the duke's envoy of love to Countess Olivia, who in turn falls in love with Cesario. Meanwhile, Sebastian arrives and, not unhappily, consents to marry the countess. Mistaken identities and some complicated lovers' problems precede a happy reunion. 1960. Bread Machine Baking: Foolproof Bread and Dessert Perfect Every Time--Seventy-five Recipes Custom-Created for the Twelve Most Popular Bread Machines BR 9257 by Lora Brody and Millie Apter 3 volumes An introduction offers practical advice on equipment, ingredients, techniques, and problems. Recipes range from plain white bread to Zanzibar beignets. Includes a mail-order guide to sources for flours, starters, and organic ingredients. 1993. The Light Book: How Natural and Artificial Light Affect Our Health, Mood, and Behavior BR 9268 by Jane Wegscheider Hyman 2 volumes Hyman describes the roles she believes natural light and light therapy play in insomnia, eating disorders, alcoholism, stress, infertility, depression caused by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and general health and growth. She explains the daily and monthly biological rhythms tied to the sun and the moon, and the role of the hormone melatonin. 1990. Days of Grace: A Memoir BR 9277 by Arthur Ashe and Arnold Rampersad 3 volumes A reserved man despite his fame, late tennis champion Arthur Ashe described the difficulty of being forced to go public with the announcement that he had contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion four years earlier. Even after two heart surgeries, brain surgery, and the AIDS diagnosis, Ashe considered himself a "fortunate, blessed man." He discusses these blessings--his family, career, and beliefs. Bestseller 1993. Take Charge of Your Diabetes: A Guide for Care BR 9299 by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1 volume How to manage life so that one can enjoy good health, even with a serious disease. This manual stresses the need to balance activity, food, and medication; the prevention of diabetes-related problems; and action to take if problems occur. And it contains practical ideas for keeping track of important facts that should be discussed with health care providers. 1991. Language in Thought and Action, Fifth Edition BR 9305 by S.I. Hayakawa and Alan R. Hayakawa 3 volumes This revision of a standard work on semantics reflects changes in culture and technology over the course of the four decades since the book's first publication. The authors' stated goal is for the reader to "think more clearly, to speak and to write more effectively, and to listen and to read with greater understanding." 1990. The Idea Factory: Learning to Think at MIT BR 9312 by Pepper White 3 volumes After obtaining a master of science from the prestigious technology school, White describes how MIT teaches students to think. He explores how engineers struggle to develop the intuitive and the analytical sides of their minds. He includes human interest stories--mixed with philosophy, problem solving, and warnings--to create an image of MIT's high-pressure environment. Some strong language. 1991. As the Twig Is Bent BR 9348 edited by Kenneth Jernigan 1 volume The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) presents essays from individuals who discuss aspects of growing up blind. Overcoming others' misconceptions about blindness is the central theme among experiences such as being overprotected as children, deciding whether or not to use a cane, and seeking employment. Contributors range from a seven-year-old boy to the creator of the braille math code. Many stress the importance of NFB in their lives. 1992. What You Should Know about Blindness, Services for the Blind, and the Organized Blind Movement BR 9349 edited by Kenneth Jernigan 1 volume This guide published by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) includes information on blindness (definition, causes, and misconceptions) and descriptions of services (books, employment, education, and products) offered through NFB and other agencies. Also discusses the history of NFB, key people in the organization, and NFB special interest divisions. 1992. The Freedom Bell BR 9351 edited by Kenneth Jernigan 1 volume In a collection of essays individuals discuss aspects of their blindness, and many emphasize the impact that the National Federation of the Blind has had on their lives. The title refers to the bell that is rung at the Louisiana Center for the Blind to celebrate a member's success or an event that may have meaning for all individuals who are blind. One essayist describes her relief at shedding self-imposed limitations and beginning a career. 1992. See, I Told You So BR 9352 by Rush H., III Limbaugh 4 volumes Aware that he is referred to as a "hate-monger, bigot, misogynist, and homophobe," outspoken, ultraconservative radio talk show host Limbaugh continues to present and defend his opinions. "Feminism was established so that unattractive women could have easier access to the mainstream of society" and "The Earth's ecosystem is not fragile, and humans are not capable of destroying it" are examples of these views. Some strong language. Bestseller 1993. Gretzky: An Autobiography BR 9359 by Wayne Gretzky and Rick Reilly 2 volumes The "Great One" chronicles his first three decades, with the help of a _Sports Illustrated_ writer. The Canadian hockey player learned to skate on a backyard rink at age two and went on to a career capped by numerous awards, including the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, before he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. Gretzky also discusses his youth, his family life, and his marriage to a Hollywood actress. 1990. Do Children Need Religion? How Parents Today Are Thinking about the Big Questions BR 9361 by Martha Fay 2 volumes Fay interviews parents who are pondering how to deal with religion and their offspring. When ambivalent regarding organized religion, should parents insist their children have the same religious upbringing they did? If not, how do they deal with difficult "religious" questions, how can they ensure a moral upbringing, and how can they replace the identity element? 1993. My Heart Soars BR 9365 by Chief Dan George 1 volume First published in 1974, this collection contains poems, essays, prayers, and words of advice and wisdom by a native of North America. Chief George suggests that "when a man does what needs to be done, he does not know the meaning of time." And, "the sunlight does not leave its marks on the grass. So we, too, pass silently." 1989. Millennium Approaches: Angels in America; A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, Part 1 BR 9377 by Tony Kushner 1 volume Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Action in part one of this epic play takes place in an ever-changing American milieu. The central characters are two young homosexual New Yorkers, a married Mormon couple, and Roy Cohn. The focus shifts from sex to politics to religion. Human relationships, society, and even heaven crack under pressure, until finally an angel appears. Strong language. 1993. Forty Something Forever: A Consumer's Guide to Chelation Therapy and Other Heart-Savers BR 9401 by Harold and Arline Brecher 4 volumes Chelation therapy is a series of intravenous infusions of EDTA, a synthetic substance. The Brechers discuss the controversy surrounding the treatment and describe conditions EDTA has been used for (heart problems and diabetes being two). They also compare this therapy with conventional treatments. Stresses maintaining health after therapy. 1992. _Fiction_ The Worm Ouroboros BR 9204 by E.R. Eddison 5 volumes The heroic lords of Demonland are arrayed in epic battle against the minions of the warlock King Gorice XII. Against exotic landscapes, amidst swordplay and sorcery, passion and violence, intrigue and betrayal, and ample bloodletting, the Demon lords begin their odyssey toward an enchanted mountain and the final desperate battle. This adventure fantasy in archaic prose was first published in 1922 and is an acknowledged forerunner of its genre. 1926. A Suitable Boy BR 9262 by Vikram Seth 14 volumes This saga involves the extended families of the Chatterjis, the Kapoors, the Khans, and the Mehras. Lata Mehra is a central figure in this huge cast, and throughout the story the quest for a suitable husband for Lata is a dominant, recurring theme. Set in India in the 1950s, background scenes depict the political climate of a newly independent country and the religious rivalries of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. Bestseller 1993. The Foreseeable Future BR 9286 by Reynolds Price 2 volumes Three short stories set in rural North Carolina. In "The Fare to the Moon," Kayes Paschal must face the reality of leaving his mistress, as well as his estranged wife and son, and go off to World War II. In the title story, Whit Wade, who has come home a wounded veteran of World War II, must learn to live again. And in "Back before Day," Dean Walker confronts jealousy, childhood devotion, and death. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1991. Albuquerque BR 9291 by Rudolfo Anaya 3 volumes Albuquerque native Abr n Gonz lez learns of his adoption when his biological mother requests his presence at her deathbed. She dies before revealing the identity of Abr n's father and Abr n becomes consumed with finding him. Meanwhile, the controversial Albuquerque mayoral race is heating up--involving even Abr n, who is exploited by one candidate and seduced by another. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1992. The Last Command: Star Wars, Volume 3 BR 9292 by Timothy Zahn 4 volumes Grand Admiral Thrawn has mobilized the Empire's forces against the Rebel Alliance. His cloned soldiers can be replaced faster than the Alliance can destroy them. Things look bleak for the Alliance. Luke Skywalker leads a small force to destroy the cloning machines, only to find the Dark Jedi C'baoth waiting for him. Sequel to _Dark Force Rising (BR 9288)_. Bestseller 1993. Replacing Dad BR 9293 by Shelley Fraser Mickle 2 volumes Mother and teenaged son--Linda and Drew--take turns telling about the effect divorce is having on their family. Since George Senior left Linda for another woman, Linda and Drew have been attempting to maintain normalcy for the sake of hyperactive George Junior and suddenly allergy-prone Mandy. When Linda lies her way into a medical assistant's job with the new town doctor, Drew is relieved at her happiness but afraid it won't last. Some descriptions of sex. 1993. China Mountain Zhang BR 9295 by Maureen F. McHugh 3 volumes On twenty-second-century Earth, China has become dominant and the United States is a secondary power. China Mountain Zhang, an American-born Chinese, who is homosexual and hides this fact from the authorities, begins his personal odyssey through several layers of this society and from a much-changed New York City to the technological glitter of Beijing. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1992. The Scarlet City: A Novel of Sixteenth-Century Italy BR 9315 by Hella S. Haasse 3 volumes Depicts some of Italy's most illustrious citizens, such as Michelangelo and Machiavelli, during the Italian Wars. Giovanni, one of the Borgias, finds his ancestry a mystery he hopes to solve by moving about among rivals. Just as there are no ready answers to the outward turmoil, Giovanni has difficulty finding a solution to his problem. His search, recorded in entries from a diary, alternates with other personal narratives. 1990. Cracking India BR 9318 by Bapsi Sidhwa 3 volumes Lenny, eight, worries about what is happening to her world in the affluent area of Lahore, India, in 1947. Lenny's carefree days are spent with her ayah (nanny) and her parents, and in visits to her godmother, her aunt, and her aunt's son. But those lighthearted times are quickly disappearing as tensions increase among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Parsees. And when her ayah is kidnapped, Lenny's life is never the same. Violence and strong language. 1991. Sierra Triumph: The Holts; An American Dynasty, Volume 6 BR 9322 by Dana Fuller Ross 3 volumes In the sequel to _Hawaii Heritage (BR 9033_), as journalist Tim Holt tries to get over one woman, another forces him to think about women's suffrage. Meanwhile Tim's cousin Frank Blake is enlightened by impoverished immigrants and, abandoning military plans, decides to become a hobo. Frank's unexpected reunion with his brother Peter is fiery. Strong language, some violence, and some explicit descriptions of sex. 1992. Yukon Justice: The Holts; An American Dynasty, Volume 7 BR 9323 by Dana Fuller Ross 3 volumes In the sequel to _Sierra Triumph (BR 9322)_, Frank Blake is on the road again following the explosion at the Sierra refinery. After a stint with a circus, Frank heads for the Yukon territory and is pleased to meet up again with Peggy, his favorite Sierra resident. Meanwhile his doctor cousin Janessa faces opposition for helping poor women obtain birth control. Strong language, some violence, and descriptions of sex. 1992. Snake Eyes BR 9325 by Rosamond Smith 3 volumes Michael and Gina O'Meara live in a comfortable New Jersey neighborhood with their twin sons and appear to have a happy marriage. Michael frequently does work for the ACLU. He is responsible for having Lee Roy Sears's death sentence commuted and seeing that he has a job in the O'Mearas' hometown. But Sears becomes too much a part of the O'Mearas' life, causing long-hidden secrets to emerge. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 1992. Due North BR 9330 by Mitchell Smith 3 volumes Sara is used to making decisions. Except that last year, frozen by fear, Sara chose not to come to her husband's aid when he was attacked by a bear. Tormented by guilt and the cruelty of the Alaskan wilderness, she decides to return to the civilization of Seattle. What she discovers is a different set of problems, the courage to confront her fears, and renewed independence. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. 1992. Mystery Ride BR 9331 by Robert Boswell 3 volumes In April 1971, Stephen and Angela bought a farm in Iowa and settled down to farm life and raising their daughter Dulcie. Five years later they separated. Although each now has another partner, they still maintain a love for one another. When Dulcie becomes a rebellious teenager, Angela hopes a summer spent on the farm with Stephen will help. But is Angela ready for the memories the farm brings back? Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1992. Sons of the Morning BR 9332 by DeWitt S. Copp 3 volumes After a group of anthropologists disappears, French-Canadian pilot Montour thinks he has hit the mother lode when he finds a scientist's notebook left behind. The scientist refers to a discovery as being "pure gold," and Montour takes him literally. During World War II, the notebook falls into the hands of various people, each with an individual agenda for interpreting it. Now, fifty years later, the puzzle may be solved. Strong language and some violence. 1992. The Deserter Troop BR 9333 by Jack Cummings 2 volumes When Sergeant Joe Madden saw Private Raymond Craig's courage on being dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Army and branded a deserter, he knew Craig would be an excellent choice for the unit of gunmen he was forming. Madden had no problem getting others to desert with him, as few people liked Captain Brandon Falk. But Madden did not count on Craig's conscience and Chief Lone Horse's vengeance. Violence and some strong language. 1991. A House Divided: The Russians, Volume 2 BR 9335 by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella 3 volumes Prince Sergei Fedorcenko has returned home from war. He still loves Anna, but he is too confused to know his own heart. Anna's brother Paul has joined the op- posing side in the conflict--causing Anna to choose sides. She must call upon her faith to help hold together the two families she loves, as Katrina finds her future. Sequel to _The Crown and the Crucible (BR 9334)_. 1992. Travail and Triumph: The Russians, Volume 3 BR 9336 by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella 3 volumes Prince Sergei's book is finished, but the contents soon bring trouble to him and his entire family. Sergei will eventually be sent to Siberia. But Anna's faith will continue to sustain her as she struggles to deal with the problems created by Sergei's book, the birth of Katrina's daughter, and a proposal of marriage. Sequel to _A House Divided (BR 9335)_. 1992. After All These Years BR 9339 by Susan Isaacs 3 volumes Rosie Meyers does not give up hope that her estranged husband Richie will reconsider divorcing her until she trips over his corpse in the kitchen. The fact that she tries to yank the knife from his body seals her fate as the prime suspect. Realizing that the real killer's trail is growing cold, Rosie dodges the cops while trying to wrest the truth out of Richie's friends and associates. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller 1993. Sapphire BR 9343 by Venita Helton 3 volumes 1861. Sir James Lloyd, accompanied by his daughter, Arienne Dauphina Lloyd, is on a special mission to America--he is carrying guns to the Confederates. His ship is attacked, and Arienne is rescued by Major Joshua Langdon, a Union soldier masquerading as a Confederate. Their individual loyalties force them to separate, but they are eventually tempted by their attraction to each other. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. 1993. The Junk-Drawer Corner-Store Front-Porch Blues BR 9344 by John R. Powers 2 volumes Donald Cooper's forty-fifth birthday becomes one he will certainly remember. First he learns he may have lung cancer, then his girlfriend walks out on him, and that night a doctor calls to inform him that his mother has broken her hip. When he arrives in Chicago, his mother insists he bring her a brown box from the house--where Donald has not been in twenty years. By the next day Donald has done a lot of growing up. 1992. Jurassic Park BR 9345 by Michael Crichton 4 volumes Something is terribly wrong at Jurassic Park on a remote island off the coast of Costa Rica. Visitors and residents are being attacked by strange-looking animals that maul them and leave behind a sticky saliva. In reality, dinosaurs cloned and raised by a genetic engineering firm have escaped the island. Consultants are brought in to solve the problem, but soon everyone is running for dear life. Some strong language. Bestseller 1990. Jazz BR 9346 by Toni Morrison 2 volumes Joe, a middle-aged salesman, kills his teenaged mistress, Dorcas. Violet, Joe's wife, goes berserk at the funeral and attempts to mutilate the corpse. Against the steady pulse of Harlem in the 1920s, a narrator improvises on the passionate and tragic themes of these three central figures. Past and present voices, like jazz, fade out, share the spotlight, build up a head of steam, and quietly sing the blues. Some strong language. Bestseller 1992. A Hero Ain't Nothin' but a Sandwich BR 9354 by Alice Childress 1 volume The story of Benjie Johnson, a thirteen-year-old heroin addict in Harlem, is told from various viewpoints, including his own. Benjie tells of his introduction to drugs and his feelings about school, his mother, his grandmother, his stepfather, his best friend Jimmy-Lee Powell, and himself. We also hear the voices of these individuals as they reveal Benjie's story and their own ideas about life. Strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1973. The Volcano Lover: A Romance BR 9355 by Susan Sontag 4 volumes In the late eighteenth century, British ambassador Sir William Hamilton is in Naples. When his wife dies, Sir William marries Emma, a young woman of dubious background, who in turn falls in love with Lord Horatio Nelson. Sir William's passion for collecting clouds his ability to see objects for their true value, a costly failing. Violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 1992. The Grisly Wife BR 9356 by Rodney Hall 2 volumes Hall's fictional history of nineteenth-century Australia ends with _Captivity Captive (BR 7368)_. _The Second Bridegroom (BR 8874)_ took his history back to the 1830s. Now Hall fills in the story through the eyes of Catherine Byrne, who comes to Australia with a charismatic preacher and the women of the Household of Hidden Stars. She recalls the voyage to Australia and the events leading up to a multiple murder. 1993. Miss Tonks Turns to Crime: The Poor Relation, Volume 2 BR 9386 by Marion Chesney 1 volume The Poor Relation Hotel in London is again short of funds to keep it running. Miss Tonks has agreed to relieve her sister of a diamond necklace and tiara, which should provide the needed cash. Posing as a highwayman, Miss Tonks acquires the jewels, but upon her return she brings her niece who seems to have fallen in love with the highwayman when "he" kissed her. Sequel to _Lady Fortescue Steps Out (BR 9284)_. 1993. Mrs. Budley Falls from Grace: The Poor Relation, Volume 3 BR 9387 by Marion Chesney 2 volumes The Poor Relation Hotel is again in financial trouble, and Mrs. Budley has been chosen to carry out the latest scheme to acquire money. She is to claim relationship to the Marquess of Peterhouse who is supposedly old and senile. But of course he isn't, and romance follows. A problem cook adds to the confusion that often reigns at the Poor Relation. Sequel to _Miss Tonks Turns to Crime (BR 9386)_. 1993. The Brave BR 9395 by Robert Lipsyte 1 volume Sonny Bear--part Native American, part white--is rejected by both worlds. Tired of being a "nobody," Sonny leaves the Moscondaga Reservation to find his artist mother in New York City. There he is picked up by two hustlers who steal his wallet, and he foils a drug bust for narcotics sergeant Alfred Brooks, a former boxer who sees Sonny's talent. For junior and senior high readers. 1991. _Books for Children_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, complete the order form and return it to your braille-lending library. _Fiction_ The Widow's Broom BR 8973 by Chris Van Allsburg 1 volume A witch's worn-out broom falls from the sky, with its passenger aboard, into the garden of the lonely widow Minna Shaw. The witch soon departs, leaving the broom behind. When the widow spies it sweeping the floor by itself, she teaches it to chop wood, fetch water, and feed the cow. It even plays a few tunes on the piano. Her neighbors, the Spiveys, say that it is a devil's broom that must be destroyed. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1992. An Angel for Solomon Singer BR 8977 by Cynthia Rylant 1 volume Solomon Singer loved Indiana where he grew up. There he had a fireplace and pets, and there was lots of room for wandering. Now he lives in a lonely hotel for men in New York City. The hotel has none of the things that he loves, and he does not love where he lives. So at night he wanders in the streets thinking of Indiana. One night he happens upon the Westway Cafe, where he finds a friend and feels welcome. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 2-4. 1992. Tree of Cranes BR 8980 by Allen Say 1 volume Seven days before New Year's Day, a young Japanese boy is perplexed by his mother's strange behavior. She folds paper cranes and digs up the tiny pine tree that was planted when he was born. As the boy helps his mother decorate the tree with the paper cranes and candles, she explains how Christmas is celebrated in the United States, where she was born. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1991. Up a Road Slowly BR 9381 by Irene Hunt 2 volumes With clear recall, Julie recounts growing up motherless from age seven to high school graduation. She relates the pains and high moments and describes her relationships, both happy and disappointing. For grades 6-9 and older readers. Newbery Medal. 1966. The Egypt Game BR 9393 by Zilpha Keatley Snyder 1 volume A group of children entranced by the study of Egypt play their own Egypt game with secret meetings, rites, and ceremonies in an abandoned yard behind the antique shop. The game helps an unhappy eleven-year-old solve her personal problems and leads to the identification of the lurking stranger. For grades 4-7. 1976. A Day No Pigs Would Die BR 9397 by Robert Newton Peck 1 volume Explores the problems of growing up on a Shaker farm in Vermont in the 1920s. The story concerns a young boy's pig--its growth, blue ribbon, and inevitable slaughter. Surrounding this are details of farm life, Yankee jokes, and family memories. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1972. A Wrinkle in Time BR 9403 by Madeleine L'Engle 2 volumes When an atomic physicist disappears, his children begin a bizarre search. Led by three whimsical characters, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, they manage their interplanetary journey by "wrinkling" to span space and time. For grades 5-8. Newbery Medal. 1962. _Handcopied Braille--Other Agencies_ The following books have been hand transcribed for the library indicated with each entry and are available from that library for circulation throughout the country. Please write or call directly to the library indicated. LLB Lutheran Library for the Blind 1133 South Kirkwood Road St. Louis, MO 63122 314-965-9000, 800-433-3954 Adult Nonfiction Glimpses of Grace LLB by Rosemary J. Upton 3 volumes The author recounts in diary form the emotional pressures and frustrations her family experienced in dealing with their mother's Alzheimer's disease. Taking Control LLB by Frank Minirth and others 4 volumes Evaluates current therapies for dealing with drug abuse and describes the success of the Minirth-Meier Clinic, where more than 50 percent of those who complete the program remain drug-free for a year or more. Adult Fiction Another Spring LLB by June Masters Bacher 4 volumes the fourth in a new Pioneer Romance series. As spring returns, the pioneers are filled with the anticipation of new life. The families work together to solve the mysteries of Rambling Gate and overcome the hardships of settling the Northwest Territory. Braille Magazines The following is a list of braille magazines in the Library of Congress program. Readers may obtain free personal subscriptions to these magazines. For information on the availability of specific magazines, consult the library that sends you braille materials. Asimov's Science Fiction (monthly plus mid-December) Better Homes and Gardens (monthly) Boys' Life (for children and teens, monthly) Braille Book Review (bimonthly) Braille Chess Magazine (British quarterly) Braille Journal of Physiotherapy (British monthly) Braille Music Magazine (British monthly) Braille Variety News (monthly) Children's Digest (for children, 8 issues) Consumers' Research (monthly) Cooking Light (bimonthly plus Christmas) Fortune (biweekly plus specials) Inside Sports (monthly) Jack and Jill (for children, 8 issues) Journal of Rehabilitation (quarterly) Ladies' Home Journal (monthly) Madam (British monthly) The Musical Mainstream (quarterly) National Geographic (monthly) New Beacon (British monthly) The _New York Times_ Large Type Weekly (weekly) News (NLS quarterly) Parenting (monthly except January and July) PC/Computing (monthly) Playboy, selections (monthly) Poetry (monthly) Popular Communications (monthly) Popular Mechanics (monthly) Popular Music Lead Sheets (3 per year) Progress (British monthly) Science News (weekly) Seventeen (for teens, monthly) Update (NLS quarterly) The _Washington Post_ Book World (weekly) The following sports schedules are also available: American Baseball League Schedule National Baseball League Schedule National Basketball Association Schedule National Football League Schedule National Hockey League Schedule ***9/13/94 (gft)***