Talking Book Topics

March-April 1998
Books for Adults--Nonfiction

Books listed in this issue of Talking Book Topics were recently sent to cooperating libraries. The complete collection contains books by many authors on fiction and nonfiction subjects, including biographies, classics, gothics, mysteries, romances, and others. Contact your cooperating library to learn more about the wide range of books available in the collection. Cassette books are labeled with the code RC and play at 15/16 ips. To order books, contact your cooperating 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 occurrence, as in "some strong language."

How to Listen to God RC 39962
by Charles Stanley
read by Jeff Halberstadt
1 cassette
For many people, the author says, the joy of hearing God speak to them is sometimes obscured by the noise and confusion of daily life. Stanley offers help in learning how to distinguish God's voice from others and how to listen to him through his scriptures, the Holy Spirit, and fellow godly people. He also shows ways in which God gets people's attention and explains what can happen to those who do not listen to God. 1985.

When Memory Fails: Helping the Alzheimer's and Dementia Patient RC 39971
by Allen Jack Edwards
read by Jeff Halberstadt
2 cassettes
Gerontologist addresses dementia patients and their caregivers and families. Using language accessible to the layperson, Edwards provides background information including early warning signs, and discusses diagnosis, causes, effects, and questions to ask a healthcare professional. He then examines the psychological and physical needs of patients and the impact of those needs on the caregiver. 1994.

A Wedding in Hell: Poems RC 39978
by Charles Simic
read by Arnie Warren
1 cassette
Spare verse creates a kaleidoscope of images in this collection of late-twentieth-century poems that live in the present and dream of the past. The television screen displays horrors on the evening news "like a meat stall covered with flies." Naked lovers laugh, while the wine dribbles down their chins and she "stirs the shrimp on the stove." And a child pleases his mother with his tale of a "heroic moment" from Greek mythology. 1994.

That Kind of Danger RC 39979
by Donna Masini
read by Graci Ragsdale
1 cassette
Winner of the 1993 Barnard New Women Poets Prize. Unlikely urban places, including construction sites and a dark basement, form the settings of these poems. But the noise ("sandblast, jackhammer, the city making itself over") and violence ("a leather jacket, handgun followed me up the stairs") that permeate life in the city are relieved by sweetness ("I laugh--at nothing--the way a baby laughs at wallpaper"). Some strong language. 1994.

The Hurry-Up Song: A Memoir of Losing My Brother RC 39996
by Clifford Chase
read by Dick Jenkins
2 cassettes
Although Chase had other siblings, he was closest to Ken, who was six years older. The family moved frequently, and Ken and Clifford developed a fantasy kingdom from which they shut out the world of parents who never seemed to have time for them. As they became adults and admitted to being gay, they grew even closer, until Ken contracted AIDS, forcing Clifford to adjust to a realignment of family alliances. 1995.

A Stroke of Genius: Illness and Self-Discovery RC 40000
by Paul West
read by Randy Means
1 cassette
The novelist presents "a rhapsody on the mystery of health and a newfound awareness that is the hard-earned gift of chronic illness." West discusses his illnesses--migraines, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease--sometimes seriously but often with humor and offers critical observations on the medical personnel he encounters in the process. 1995.

Schoolgirls: Young Women, Self-Esteem, and the Confidence Gap RC 40587
by Peggy Orenstein
read by Celeste Lawson
2 cassettes
When journalist Orenstein read the American Association of University Women's (AAUW) 1990 study that told of widespread low self-esteem in young girls, she wanted to learn about the people and the stories behind the statistics. With the support of AAUW, she spent a year observing this trait in eighth-grade girls from two California schools, chosen to reflect the systemwide division by race and economic class. 1994.

Beating Murphy's Law: The Amazing Science of Risk RC 40677
by Bob Berger
read by Chuck Young
2 cassettes
How to use risk theory, a "scientific way of dealing with risks," to feel more certain. Explained are the primary tools and terms used by risk assessors, including averages, cause and effect, and unbiased samples. The author uses his own courtship to humorously illustrate his points. Some strong language. 1994.

Love, Alice: My Life as a Honeymooner RC 40678
by Audrey Meadows and Joe Daley
read by Susan McInerney
2 cassettes
Memoirs by the actress who played Alice on the television show The Honeymooners. Meadows recalls fellow actors, hilarious episodes during rehearsals, backstage jokes, and anecdotes about New York in the fifties. Written mainly as a tribute to Jackie Gleason, also known as Ralph Kramden. 1994.

All-American Boy: A Memoir RC 40680
by Scott Peck
read by Ray Hagen
2 cassettes
As a small boy, Peck was asked at school who he wanted to marry, and he answered "Allan." After that, he hated and hid his attraction to boys. He tells of his abusive stepfather, troubled mother, and estranged father--marine colonel Frank Peck--and of immersing himself in religion. In college, Peck accepted his homosexuality just before his father testified against allowing gays in the military. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1995.

Serving in Silence RC 40681
by Margarethe Cammermeyer and Chris Fisher
read by Celeste Lawson
2 cassettes
In 1989, forty-seven-year-old Cammermeyer was a colonel in the U.S. Army and chief nurse of the Washington State National Guard when she was discharged for admitting during a security-clearance interview that she was a lesbian. Cammermeyer, a divorced mother of four who had discovered her sexual preference only a year earlier, gives her life story, including her fight to be reinstated. 1994.

Searching for Mercy Street: My Journey Back to My Mother, Anne Sexton RC 40700
by Linda Gray Sexton
read by Kimberly Schraf
3 cassettes
Memoir of poet Anne Sexton by her daughter Linda Gray Sexton, novelist and editor of her mother's works. Anne Sexton would not let anything keep her from writing--not an abusive marriage, a stay in a mental hospital, or the duties of motherhood. Linda comes to terms with growing up in a dysfunctional family and with her mother's suicide in 1974. Some descriptions of sex. 1994.

Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the Gay Male World, 1890-1940 RC 40701
by George Chauncey
read by Ray Hagen
4 cassettes
Historian from the University of Chicago discusses gay life in New York City prior to World War II. He dispels the myth that before the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising the gay movement was isolated, invisible, and internalized. He draws upon police reports, oral histories, medical records, and newspapers to show that many bars, bathhouses, rooming houses, and restaurants catered to gays. 1994.

Bamboula! The Life and Times of Louis Moreau Gottschalk RC 42095
by S. Frederick Starr
read by Annie Wauters
5 cassettes
Portrait of a nineteenth-century American composer and piano virtuoso known internationally for his popular multicultural musical style and at home for his scandalous personal life. The author traces the influences of both family and the New Orleans environment on Gottschalk, examining why, though he was extremely successful, he was never taken seriously. 1995.

The Norton History of Chemistry RC 42496
by William H. Brock
read by Anne Flosnik
5 cassettes
A comprehensive chronology of the development of knowledge in the science of chemistry, from its emergence in ancient alchemy to the insights of modern chemistry. Incorporates biographical sketches and assesses social impacts. Brock hopes to highlight the significance of scientific discoveries in human history. 1992.

A Diary of the Century: Tales from America's Greatest Diarist RC 42537
by Edward Robb Ellis
read by Robert Sams
5 cassettes
A reporter's candid and passionate account of American life as recorded in his sixty-eight-year diary--the largest one in the United States. Ellis recounts his interactions with presidents, movie stars, religious leaders, and murderers. He provides fresh perspectives on events and personalities of the twentieth century. 1995.

Fisher's Face; or, Getting to Know the Admiral RC 42542
by Jan Morris
read by Vanessa Maroney
2 cassettes
A lively biography of Lord Admiral John "Jacky" Fisher, the genius who transformed the Royal Navy into the world's premier sea power just in time for World War I. Portrays the enigmatic Fisher as religious, flamboyant, humorous, cruel, and eerily prescient about future wars and warfare. 1995.

The Last Great Victory: The End of World War II, July/August 1945 RC 42696
by Stanley Weintraub
read by John Rayburn
6 cassettes
Writing like a historical novelist, Weintraub recounts the epochal events of the final month of World War II. He provides a blow-by-blow narrative as millions of Germans flee the vengeful Communists, the Enola Gay mission devastates Hiroshima, Russians invade Manchuria, and much more. 1995.

Life of a Poet: Rainer Maria Rilke RC 42795
by Ralph Freedman
read by Kimberly Schraf
6 cassettes
This biography of the notable European poet is divided into two "books": "The Young Poet" and "The Master." Freedman details the contradictions between the poet's inspired work and his heartless treatment of those around him. Rilke's great works and extensive travels are chronicled, as well as his numerous affairs and courting of wealthy benefactors. 1996.

Alien Nation: Common Sense about America's Immigration Disaster RC 42957
by Peter Brimelow
read by Michael Consoli
3 cassettes
Born English, the Forbes and National Review editor castigates United States immigration policies, especially the 1965 amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. He charges that the influx of non-Europeans threatens national identity, will cause ethnic wars, and will drain the nation's economic resources. 1995.

Selected Letters of Paul Hindemith RC 43111
by Paul Hindemith
read by Michael Consoli
3 cassettes
The first English translation of correspondence by this twentieth-century modernist German composer, musician, teacher, and organizer of contemporary music concerts. Fleeing Nazi Germany, where his work was banned as "decadent," Hindemith emigrated to the United States, where he taught at Yale. Much of the correspondence comes from this period in exile before his eventual return to Europe as part of the postwar rebuilding effort. 1995.

Comrade Criminal: Russia's New Mafiya RC 43136
by Stephen Handelman
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Handelman, former Moscow bureau chief for the Toronto Star, draws on interviews with Russian police, mobsters, former KGB agents, and ordinary citizens to portray rampant lawlessness and corruption. As illegal fortunes are amassed and violence spreads, Handelman blames the tradition of extra-legal dealings under communism, weak law enforcement since, and the opportunism of those displaced by the changes. 1995.

The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal RC 43161
by Blaise Pascal
read by Erik Sandvold
2 cassettes
This work, first published by friends after the death of this French scientist in 1670, is a defense of the Christian religion. Chiefly interested in mathematics and physics during his early years, Pascal had a mystical conversion and became associated with a reform movement within the Catholic Church. This classic of French literature deals with his philosophical and religious reflections. 1978.

Living with the Dead: Twenty Years on the Bus with Garcia and the Grateful Dead RC 43173
by Rock Scully and David Dalton
read by Jim Zeiger
3 cassettes
An original manager of the Grateful Dead rock band reminisces about the group's evolution from folk revivalists to concert rockers. With humor and insight, he recreates twenty years of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, and describes the various members of the Dead, primarily Jerry Garcia. Strong language. 1996.

A Separate Creation: The Search for the Biological Origins of Sexual Orientation RC 43266
by Chandler Burr
read by Lou Harpenau
3 cassettes
Reviews evidence yielded by scientific research as to the physiological basis of sexual orientation. Examines the genetic dimension of homosexuality and the influence of hormones in sexual development. Considers the social, political, and legal ramifications of the research findings. 1996.

Rewrites: A Memoir RC 43297
by Neil Simon
read by Lewis Grenville
3 cassettes
Playwright Simon tells of his career and personal life up to 1973 when his beloved wife of twenty years died of cancer. Although Simon's career started in television writing and took him to California, his roots and his favorite subject matter are in his native New York. Some strong language. Bestseller 1996.

The Republic of Letters: The Correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, 1776-1826 RC 43300
edited by James Morton Smith
read by Ralph Lowenstein
18 cassettes
A chronological record of the nearly 1,250 letters exchanged between the nation's third and fourth presidents over fifty years. Provides insights into the characters, events, and issues of the period. Shows how Jefferson and Madison linked the theory of democracy with the practice of government. 1995.

The Guide for Junior Girl Scout Leaders RC 43341
by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
read by Nona Pipes
3 cassettes
A Girl-Scouting handbook for adult leaders who work with girls ages eight to eleven. Provides basic information on the history, goals, and organization of Girl Scouting. Contains a complete edition of the Junior Girl Scout Handbook, featuring chapters on safety and health, life skills, leadership, and activities. 1994.

The All-American Skin Game; or, The Decoy of Race: The Long and the Short of It, 1990-1994 RC 43348
by Stanley Crouch
read by Bob Moore
2 cassettes
Collection of essays by an African American intellectual and columnist. Crouch examines issues involving race in American society, delving into such topics as Afrocentrism, feminism, and the role of the "outlaw" in American democracy. He also considers African American film, music, literature, and politics. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1995.

Beautiful Loot: The Soviet Plunder of Europe's Art Treasures RC 43362
by Konstantin Akinsha and Grigorii Kozlov
read by Ken Kliban
2 cassettes
The authors, art historians and former Soviet museum curators, allege the Soviets stole more than two million pieces of art from Germany near the end of World War II. The loot included the famous "Trojan gold" excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870s and masterworks by Botticelli, El Greco, Rembrandt, Renoir, and Degas. 1995.

The French Secret Services: From the Dreyfus Affair to the Gulf War RC 43366
by Douglas Porch
read by Steven Carpenter
4 cassettes
Porch examines intelligence services in modern French history, tracing their roots to Napoleon and analyzing their impact on government and the military during two world wars and colonial rule in Africa and Southeast Asia. He documents successes, such as the Resistance in World War II, as well as failures, such as the infamous Dreyfus affair. 1995.

Rosa Lee: A Mother and Her Family in Urban America RC 43381
by Leon Dash
read by Bob Moore
2 cassettes
The story of Rosa Lee Cunningham and her large extended family who daily battle survival in the grim housing projects of Washington, D.C. Washington Post reporter Leon Dash documents four years of their impoverished life, including experience with crime, drugs, and imprisonment. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning series. Strong language, some violence, and some descriptions of sex. 1996.

The Best American Poetry, 1994 RC 43427
edited by A.R. Ammons and David Lehman
read by Jim Zeiger
2 cassettes
Collection of seventy-five poems edited by a prominent American poet. Selections include Charles Bukowski's "me against the world," May Swenson's "Sleeping with Boa," and Nobel-laureate chemist Roald Hoffman's contemplation on glass, "Deceptively like a Solid." Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1994.

Jesse: The Life and Pilgrimage of Jesse Jackson RC 43429
by Marshall Frady
read by Jake Williams
5 cassettes
Portrait of an ambitious and controversial figure of pulpit and politics who transcended the stigma of poverty and illegitimacy in the segregated South to achieve national prominence. Traces his early years, his entry into activist politics in the 1960s, and his emergence as an enduring political and social leader. 1996.

Rebecca West: A Life RC 43434
by Carl Rollyson
read by Jill Ferris
4 cassettes
Story of the twentieth-century journalist, novelist, critic, and feminist who was born Cicily Fairfield and whose works include a 1941 novel on Yugoslavia, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon (RC 20067). Rollyson chronicles West's literary career and her affairs with such celebrities as Charlie Chaplin, John Gunther, and H.G. Wells. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1996.

Dinosaur in a Haystack: Reflections in Natural History RC 43457
by Stephen Jay Gould
read by Jake Williams
4 cassettes
Scientific essays that link "alluring detail with instructive generality" to convey insights into nature, life, and social trends. Includes such diverse topics as evolutionary theory, baseball, Edgar Allan Poe, Frankenstein, and snails. 1995.

Street Soldier: One Man's Struggle to Save a Generation--One Life at a Time RC 43459
by Joseph Marshall and Lonnie Wheeler
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Marshall's account of his crusade to save kids at risk in black, urban America. As a teacher in the 1960s, Joe Marshall grew tired of seeing his students fall prey to gangs, drugs, and crime. So he founded the Omega Boys Club to give these kids a way out. Strong language. 1996.

The IRA: A History RC 43464
by Tim Pat Coogan
read by Graeme Malcolm
5 cassettes
Chronicles the development of the Irish Republican Army from the 1916 Easter Rising to the April 1993 bombing of London's financial district. Details the politics and guerilla campaigns and conveys the author's view of the situation's moral ambiguity. Calls for a United Nations solution to the troubles in Northern Ireland. Violence. 1993.

Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa RC 43466
by Peter Godwin
read by Graeme Malcolm
3 cassettes
Memoir of a war correspondent on his 1960s boyhood in Rhodesia during the twilight of white rule. Recounts his discovery of a neighbor killed by African guerillas, and the eruption of civil war that created black-ruled Zimbabwe. Strong language and violence. 1996.

The Life and Death of Yukio Mishima RC 43467
by Henry Scott-Stokes
read by Ed Blake
3 cassettes
First published in 1974. Life story of the prolific twentieth-century Japanese writer. Scott-Stokes reccounts Mishima's unhappy childhood plagued by ill health, his early ground-breaking literary successes, and his preoccupation with imperialism and nihilism that ultimately led to his 1970 public suicide in front of his private army, the Tatenokai. Some violence. 1995.

Don't Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime RC 43489
by Patti LaBelle
read by Gail Nelson
2 cassettes
A portrait of the Grammy-winning singer of soul, gospel, and pop music. Traces her early career with the Blue Belles in the 1960s, as leader of LaBelle in the 1970s, and as a solo performer in later years. Recounts the tragedies and the personal guilt that beset her life. Bestseller 1996.

The Central Banks RC 43491
by Marjorie Deane and Robert Pringle
read by Frank Coffee
3 cassettes
An overview of the international financial mechanism of central banks, which has developed over the past century. Explains how central banks regulate interest rates, control money supplies, and monitor commercial banks. Examines the recent challenges of high-tech financial markets and post-Soviet market economies. 1994.

Holy War: The Crusades and Their Impact on Today's World RC 43492
by Karen Armstrong
read by Robert Blumenfeld
5 cassettes
A historical account of the medieval Crusades, which the author asserts spawned a cycle of religious conflicts in the Middle East that continues in the twentieth century. Gives a "triple vision" of the history of holy war for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. 1991.

The Wonders of America: Reinventing Jewish Culture, 1880-1950 RC 43493
by Jenna Weissman Joselit
read by Suzanne Toren
2 cassettes
Portrays Jewish immigrants as they adapted their traditions and customs to the new environment of America from 1880 to 1950. Describes the evolution of religious rituals and ceremonies, holiday observances, dietary practices, and other aspects of the Jewish American experience. 1994.

Fascism: A History RC 43499
by Roger Eatwell
read by Frank Coffee
3 cassettes
A history of fascism in the twentieth century. Eatwell examines the birth of fascist ideology, its rise between world wars in Italy and Germany, and its failure in France and England. He also documents the persistence of postwar fascism in Europe as well as the United States, arguing its importance as a third political force alongside liberal democracy and communism. 1995.

A New Prescription for Women's Health: Getting the Best Medical Care in a Man's World RC 43502
by Bernadine Healy
read by Catherine Byers
4 cassettes
A noted physician entreats women to become informed on medical issues that affect them and to take charge of their own health care. Presents ten key health challenges facing women, including nutrition, reproductive health, cancer, depression, and heart disease. Discusses symptoms and treatments and offers questions for women to ask their doctors. 1995.

Emerson among the Eccentrics: A Group Portrait RC 43503
by Carlos Baker
read by Gordon Gould
5 cassettes
This group biography traces the daily lives and relationships of the Transcendentalist writers of Concord, Massachusetts, from the 1830s to the 1870s. Draws from diaries and correspondence of Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Margaret Fuller, Bronson Alcott, and other colleagues of Ralph Waldo Emerson. 1996.

Ideology of Death: Why the Holocaust Happened in Germany RC 43516
by John Weiss
read by Ted Stoddard
4 cassettes
Explores the historical base of German anti-Jewish racism that Weiss argues led to the Holocaust. Traces the evolution of Christian anti-Semitism from Martin Luther to the rise of Hitler, integrating political and social history. Rejects the claim of "No Hitler, no Holocaust." 1996.

The Dream of Water: A Memoir RC 43518
by Kyoko Mori
read by Mary Kane
2 cassettes
Mori tells how she fled Japan for America when she was twenty, escaping cruel treatment by her father and harsh memories of the place where her mother committed suicide. Thirteen years later, she returns to explore her homeland, reunites with relatives, and comes to terms with her tortured relationship with her father. 1995.

The Lonely Hunter: A Biography of Carson McCullers RC 43555
by Virginia Spencer Carr
read by Mitzi Friedlander
6 cassettes
A portrait of American author Carson McCullers reviews her life from childhood in rural Georgia to the release of her acclaimed first novel and through the successes and tragedies of her later years. Draws on interviews with W.H. Auden, Tennessee Williams, and others in McCullers's literary circle. 1975.

The Informed Investor's Tax-Planning Guide RC 43562
by Kenneth J. Soderman
read by John Richardson
3 cassettes
A structured handbook describing tax rules and tax-planning strategies for financial professionals and individual investors. Covers the tax-wise use of investments, retirement plans, interest deductions, and life insurance. Includes an encyclopedia of investment-related tax terms and references. 1994.

Hazardous Duty: America's Most Decorated Living Soldier Reports from the Front and Tells It the Way It Is RC 43566
by David H. Hackworth
read by Lou Harpenau
3 cassettes
The most decorated living American soldier critiques the political and military establishments. Now retired, the author is a war correspondent reporting from the Persian Gulf and other 1990s hot spots. He denounces politicians who selfishly exploit the military. Strong language and violence. 1996.

Fame and Folly: Essays RC 43571
by Cynthia Ozick
read by Janis Gray
3 cassettes
Literary figures feature prominently in this collection of seventeen essays in such works as "T.S. Eliot at 101," "What Henry James Knew," "Rushdie in the Louvre," "Mark Twain's Vienna," and "Saul Bellow's Broadway." The noted twentieth-century writer also covers such topics as Christian heroism and the Holocaust. 1996.

Charmer: A Ladies' Man and His Victims RC 43572
by Jack Olsen
read by Fred Major
3 cassettes
Stylish and articulate George Russell Jr. is considered a "charmer" by young women on the Seattle nightclub scene. But beneath his charm lies a pathological hatred of women and a penchant for brutal murder. Strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex. 1994.

Power to Hurt: Inside a Judge's Chambers; Sexual Assault, Corruption, and the Ultimate Reversal of Justice for Women RC 43574
by Darcy O'Brien
read by Lou Harpenau
3 cassettes
Recounts the federal case against Tennessee judge David Lanier for violating the civil rights of women by sexually abusing them. As a powerful local figure, Lanier ruled his jurisdiction with impunity until an FBI agent persuaded the victims to testify. Strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex. 1996.

Finding a Form: Essays RC 43580
by William H. Gass
read by Andy Chappell
3 cassettes
Nineteen essays in which the noted American novelist and critic ponders a variety of literary topics such as the checkered history of the Pulitzer Prize; the perils of using the present tense in fiction; the "music" of prose; and the relationship of life to work in the cases of Ezra Pound, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and Friedrich Nietzsche. 1996.

No Contest: Corporate Lawyers and the Perversion of Justice in America RC 43589
by Ralph Nader and Wesley J. Smith
read by Randy Wieck
4 cassettes
Decries the unethical practices of corporate lawyers who zealously defend their wealthy and powerful clients against consumer lawsuits. Denouncing such tactics as destroying key documents, delaying trials, and bringing reprisal suits, the authors call for legal reform that ensures justice for ordinary citizens. 1996.

Reflections of Eden: My Years with the Orangutans of Borneo RC 43590
by Biruté M.F. Galdikas
read by Kerry Cundiff
4 cassettes
Primatologist Biruté Galdikas tells of her twenty years living among and studying the elusive orangutans in Indonesian Borneo. From her primitive jungle camp, she conducted behavioral research under harsh and dangerous conditions. She describes the satisfaction of serving as a surrogate mother and protector of once-captive apes. 1995.

Muggeridge: The Biography RC 43612
by Richard Ingrams
read by George Holmes
2 cassettes
Recounts the life of the controversial British journalist and television personality who was the first to report the horrors of Stalin's reign. Muggeridge also gained notoriety for skewering figures such as Winston Churchill and members of the royal family. Describes Muggeridge's chronic drinking and philandering and his late-life conversion to Catholicism. 1995.

The Dog with the Chip in His Neck: Essays from NPR and Elsewhere RC 43621
by Andrei Codrescu
read by Gordon Gould
2 cassettes
Wry observations on changes in American culture during the mid-1990s. Topics include capitalism, sex, the Religious Right, food, and the Internet. Based on commentaries aired on National Public Radio's All Things Considered. 1996.

The Ditchdigger's Daughter: A Black Family's Astonishing Success Story RC 43623
by Yvonne S. Thornton
read by Connie Winston
2 cassettes
Portrait of the Thorntons--Donald and Tass--and their six daughters who, inspired by their father's unceasing determination and discipline, overcame economic hardship and racial and gender discrimation to achieve success as professionals: two doctors, a dentist, a lawyer, a nurse, and a court stenographer. Some strong language. 1995.

The Secrets of Mariko: A Year in the Life of a Japanese Woman and Her Family RC 43631
by Elisabeth Bumiller
read by Catherine Byers
2 cassettes
An American journalist's intimate chronicle of a year in the life of a Japanese housewife and mother, who is described as "stocky, earthy, and forty-four, overscheduled and sleep-deprived." Recounts her handling of family crises and describes her struggle to balance her personal needs with those of her family. 1995.

Crow Dog: Four Generations of Sioux Medicine Men RC 43645
by Leonard Crow Dog and Richard Erdoes
read by Ed Blake
2 cassettes
Family history of the Brulé Native American clan named Crow Dog. Leonard Crow Dog, spiritual leader of the American Indian Movement at the second siege of Wounded Knee in 1973, traces his lineage to the first Crow Dog, Jerome--a leader of the Ghost Dance of 1889 and comrade of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Crow Dog also describes Lakota rituals and ceremonies. 1995.

How to Access the Federal Government on the Internet 1997 RC 43666
by Bruce Maxwell
read by John Richardson
4 cassettes
Describes more than four hundred federal government Internet sites that offer documents, images, library catalogs, databases, and gateways to other sites. Provides instructions for accessing and tips on searching the sites. Companion to How to Access the Government's Electronic Bulletin Boards (RC 43667). 1996.

How to Access the Government's Electronic Bulletin Boards RC 43667
by Bruce Maxwell
read by Butch Hoover
2 cassettes
A guide to nearly two hundred federal government bulletin-board systems (BBSs), covering topics from presidential speeches to federal job openings. Describes contents of the various BBSs and tells how to reach and navigate them using a computer and modem. Companion to How to Access the Federal Government on the Internet 1997 (RC 43666). 1997.

Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit RC 43669
by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker
read by Barry Bernson
3 cassettes
Douglas, who pioneered criminal profiling, gives an inside account of the FBI's elite Investigative Support Unit. He recounts some of his most famous cases and describes various tactics used to identify and prosecute serial criminals. Violence, descriptions of sex, and some strong language. Bestseller 1995.

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers RC 43671
by Ralph Moody
read by Brian Conn
2 cassettes
This account of roundups and auctions, irrigation wars, tornadoes, and family life depicts Western farm life through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy. In 1906 young Ralph Moody and his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Because of his father's failing health, much of the ranch work fell to Ralph. 1950.

Man of the Family RC 43672
by Ralph Moody
read by Brian Conn
2 cassettes
The adventures of eleven-year-old Ralph, also known as Little Britches, as he earnestly tries to take care of the family when Father dies in 1910. Mother gently and steadfastly keeps Ralph in school and starts a cooking business in their small Colorado town. Sequel to Little Britches (RC 43671). Some strong language. 1951.

Woodholme: A Black Man's Story of Growing Up Alone RC 43689
by DeWayne Wickham
read by Bob Moore
2 cassettes
A journalist recounts his life from age eight, when his parents died in a murder-suicide, to eighteen, when he joined the Air Force. Burying his grief, Wickham anchored his life around caddying at a Jewish golf course until the birth of his daughter triggered a reengagement with life and a determination to be a good father. 1995.

Prescription: Medicide; the Goodness of Planned Death RC 43695
by Jack Kevorkian
read by Steven Carpenter
2 cassettes
The "suicide doctor" argues the practical and ethical merits of planned death and its implications for organ harvesting and medical research. Reviews various methods used for criminal executions and offers death-by-anesthesia as a humane alternative. Promotes euthanasia as an option for the afflicted. Violence. 1991.

Treat It Gentle: An Autobiography RC 43697
by Sidney Bechet
read by Bob Moore
2 cassettes
First published in 1960. A noted jazz musician recounts his life and career as a clarinet and saxophone virtuoso. Traces his New Orleans childhood in the early 1900s, his discovery as a musical prodigy at age six, and his rise in the ranks of New Orleans jazz to play with many of the great performers of that genre. Includes discography. 1978.

Dossier: The Secret History of Armand Hammer RC 43700
by Edward J. Epstein
read by Terence Aselford
3 cassettes
An unflattering portrait of the noted American industrialist, philanthropist, and alleged agent for the Soviet Union. Drawing upon official American and Soviet records, extensive interviews, and secretly taped conversations, the author describes a man given to duplicity and ambition. 1996.

All That We Can Be: Black Leadership and Racial Integration the Army Way RC 43702
by Charles C. Moskos and John Sibley Butler
read by Bob Moore
2 cassettes
Two sociologists examine the unique success of the United States Army in achieving racial integration within its ranks in the post-Vietnam era. Discusses policies and practices that afford equal opportunity for all soldiers. Offers "lessons learned" that could be applied in other sectors of American society. 1996.

Time on Fire: My Comedy of Terrors RC 43714
by Evan Handler
read by Gregory Gorton
2 cassettes
A young actor's candid chronicle of his five-year battle with leukemia. Recounts with grim humor the horrors of chemotherapy, the excruciating pain of bone marrow aspirations, and the furtive sessions of "hospital sex" with his girlfriend. Conveys the will to survive that he believes led to his recovery. Strong language and descriptions of sex. 1996.

The Hiding Place RC 43746
by Corrie ten Boom
read by Annie Wauters
2 cassettes
Describes the author's experiences in a German concentration camp. Ten Boom tells how she never lost faith in God and how she ministered to fellow prisoners and comforted them. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1971.

The Road Less Traveled and Beyond: Spiritual Growth in an Age of Anxiety RC 43769
by M. Scott Peck
read by Bob Askey
2 cassettes
In this sequel to Further along the Road Less Traveled (RC 37302), Peck offers additional ways in which people can lead more fulfilling lives in a world full of stress and anxiety, and discusses how "we can come to exist in a closer relationship to the Holy." 1997.

I've Got to Talk to Somebody, God: A Woman's Conversations with God RC 43772
by Marjorie Holmes
read by Carol Dines
1 cassette
Writer Holmes explains that she doesn't pray to God to curry favor or to appease him, but to have someone to talk to. These inspirational prayers or "conversations" cover a variety of topics from Holmes's everyday life. By the author of Second Wife, Second Life (RC 43773). 1968.

Second Wife, Second Life! A Love Story RC 43773
by Marjorie Holmes
read by Carol Dines
2 cassettes
Recently widowed author Marjorie Holmes was surprised to get a phone call from a man stating that her book, I've Got to Talk to Somebody, God (RC 43772), saved his life. Dr. George Schmieler had been devastated by the loss of his wife, but now wanted to date Marjorie, and they were married within a year. She describes the ups and downs of being a second wife to the man of her dreams. 1993.

People Power: A Look at Nonviolent Action and Defense RC 43777
by Susan Neiburg Terkel
read by Brian Conn
1 cassette
A primer on "the power of people to fight or resist attack without using violence." Discusses ethical and practical reasons for choosing nonviolence and assesses its effectiveness for achieving economic, political, or social ends. Recommends guidelines for action. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1996.

Dog Love RC 43778
by Marjorie Garber
read by Carole Jordan Stewart
3 cassettes
A testimonial to the integral role of dogs in human society. Avers that a person's "best friend" exhibits such endearing virtues as unconditional love, loyalty, and courage--qualities often lacking in people. In view of these qualities, concludes the author, "it is the dog that makes us human." Strong language and descriptions of bestiality. 1996.

Sleepers RC 43782
by Lorenzo Carcaterra
read by Bruce Huntey
2 cassettes
In 1967, the author and three other boys are best friends in New York's Hell's Kitchen. When a prank leaves a man injured, the boys are sent to a juvenile home and endure beatings and sexual abuse from the guards. Eleven years later, two of the friends murder one of the guards. The other two, an assistant district attorney and the author, plan how they can beat the charges. Strong language, violence, and explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller 1995.

The Longest Shot: Lil E. Tee and the Kentucky Derby RC 43789
by John Eisenberg
read by Brian Conn
2 cassettes
Recounts the upset victory of Lil E. Tee in the 1992 Kentucky Derby. Tells about the rags-to-riches colt "with an inelegant name and a dime-store pedigree," which surmounted chronic health problems and seventeen-to-one odds to capture the legendary crown. 1996.

Mrs. Ike: Memories and Reflections on the Life of Mamie Eisenhower RC 43790
by Susan Eisenhower
read by Janis Gray
3 cassettes
A granddaughter's memoir of the first lady of the 1950s. Portrays a confident and independent woman devoted to family and American values, whose life as an army wife was "no bed of roses." Affirms the integrity of her marriage with Ike and dismisses the rumor that he philandered during World War II. 1996.

If These Walls Had Ears: The Biography of a House RC 43796
by James Morgan
read by Lou Harpenau
2 cassettes
A journalist's seventy-year history of his bungalow and the families who lived there. Traces the lives of residents from 1923, chronicling weddings, births, parties, divorces, and other events. Morgan sees the succession of owners as symbolic of a changing American society. Strong language. 1996.

No Hands: The Rise and Fall of the Schwinn Bicycle Company, an American Institution RC 43799
by Judith Crown and Glenn Coleman
read by Randy Atcher
3 cassettes
An account of America's legendary bicycle company, which fell into bankruptcy in 1992. Traces the firm's ascent to prominence by the mid-twentieth century and its 1970s decline caused by mismanagement, import competition, and failure to adjust to changing markets. 1996.

The Schools We Need and Why We Don't Have Them RC 43801
by E.D. Hirsch
read by Butch Hoover
3 cassettes
Asserts that the system of public education in the United States "is among the least effective in the developed world." Advocates the use of a coherent, knowledge-based curriculum; national educational standards; and generalized testing as the means for achieving excellence in American education. 1996.

There's a Boy in Here RC 43816
by Judy and Sean Barron
read by Carole Jordan Stewart
2 cassettes
Diagnosed as autistic at four, Sean Barron continued his compulsive, repetitive, and often dangerous habits for years but learned speech and attended school while his mother, Judy, struggled to work with him. Recalling the experience, Sean at thirty and Judy describe how in his late teens Sean finally discovered how to get off the "merry-go-round." Strong language. 1992.

Beyond the Whiteness of Whiteness: Memoir of a White Mother of Black Sons RC 43857
by Jane Lazarre
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette
Introspective essays by a Jewish woman who married a black man in the 1960s, raised two black sons, and formed close relationships with African Americans. She describes her growing awareness of and struggle with the "whiteness of whiteness--that terrible and inexcusable ignorance of racism which denies history and reality." 1996.

Coach: The Life of Paul "Bear " Bryant RC 43876
by Keith Dunnavant
read by Robert Sams
2 cassettes
A portrait of the University of Alabama legend, who won a record 323 games. Traces his forty-six-year career (1936-1982), touting his successes while revealing his personal failings. Opines that Bryant's rigid authoritarian style gradually became less effective as society changed in the 1970s. 1996.

Unraveling Piltdown: The Science Fraud of the Century and Its Solution RC 43891
by John Evangelist Walsh
read by Gary Telles
3 cassettes
Recounts the infamous scientific fraud known as "Piltdown" and suggests its perpetrator. Tells of the 1913 discovery in England of a humanoid skull and jawbone, which were purported to represent the "missing link" in the evolution of man from ape. Explains how scientists were deceived for forty years. 1996.

When Work Disappears: The World of the New Urban Poor RC 43904
by William Julius Wilson
read by John Rayburn
3 cassettes
Examines the problem of joblessness among the mostly black urban poor. In addition to identifying key structural factors, such as the shift from a manufacturing to a service economy, the author considers social, cultural, and psychological variables. 1996.

Condition Critical: The Story of a Nurse Continues RC 43905
by Echo Heron
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
3 cassettes
In this sequel to Intensive Care (RC 26696), California nurse Heron continues describing the job she finds alternately frustrating and rewarding. A housepainter falls from her ladder, a favorite AIDS patient dies, and a young girl admits her mother's boyfriend sexually abuses her. Then, after fifteen years at Redwoods Memorial Hospital, Heron takes a much needed vacation--and decides not to go back. Strong language. 1994.

The Awakening Heart: My Continuing Journey to Love RC 43908
by Betty J. Eadie
read by Pam Ward
1 cassette
In this companion to Embraced by the Light (RC 35949), Eadie continues her path of "spiritual awakening" as she explores such issues as the magic of unconditional love, the healing power of positive energy, and the importance of faith and forgiveness in accepting the pain of loss. Bestseller 1996.

Unlimited Access: An FBI Agent inside the Clinton White House RC 43909
by Gary Aldrich
read by John Rayburn
2 cassettes
A former FBI agent's exposé of alleged security violations, hiring scandals, and ethical offenses in the Clinton White House. Avers that the president made unescorted, late-night excursions and describes other events the author reports having seen while serving at the White House. Bestseller 1996.

How to Help Children through a Parent's Serious Illness RC 43915
by Kathleen McCue
read by Jill Ferris
2 cassettes
A parent's manual for dealing with a child when either parent falls gravely ill. Summarizes expert advice about explaining the illness, keeping communications open, recognizing signs of trouble in the child, and handling death. Emphasizes facing fears and being direct and honest with the child. 1994.

Americans: A Collision of Histories RC 43916
by Edward Countryman
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
A reexamination of America's ethnic and cultural heritage. In his quest to define American identity, Countryman explores the intertwined histories of Native, African, Hispanic, and European Americans, noting that America's democratic ideals were often contradicted by the unequal and exploitative treatment received by women and people of color. Some strong language. 1996.

You Wouldn't Believe What My Grandchild Did . . . RC 43920
by Lois Wyse
read by Jill Ferris
1 cassette
According to Wyse, the best way to distinguish parents from grandparents is by how much fun they have with the children. After all, parents discipline and grandparents spoil. Her collection of anecdotes and poems includes a list of ten ways to assure your grandchild's love for you. 1994.

James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories RC 43921
by James Herriot
read by Bob Askey
1 cassette
Herriot has collected ten of his favorite stories from his previous books about his years as a veterinarian in Yorkshire. Includes stories about Tricki Woo, Jock, and Roy as well as the dogs' owners. Bestseller 1995.

Walking Stars: Stories of Magic and Power RC 43931
by Victor Villaseñor
read by Erik Sandvold
1 cassette
Tales of magic and spiritual power based on life experiences of the author and his Mexican and Native American ancestors. He relates that as a boy his father raced one hundred miles to catch up with a train on which the family was traveling to the United States. Strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1994.

The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families RC 43941
by Mary Pipher
read by Barbara Pinolini
3 cassettes
Explores the effects of cultural forces on the mental health of American families. Targets technology and consumerism as insidious influences that contribute to a "crisis of meaning and values." Cites exemplary case studies and offers advice for rebuilding families. 1996.

Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington RC 43942
by Richard Brookhiser
read by Ted Stoddard
2 cassettes
A "moral biography" of the founder and father of the United States. Surveys Washington's role in the Revolutionary War and in forming the new government. Explores his nature, morals, and ideas as they relate to his public career. Examines the implications of the title "political father" of the nation. Bestseller 1996.

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy RC 43944
by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
read by Ralph Lowenstein
2 cassettes
Depicts America's wealthy families and the characteristics that enabled them to get and stay rich. Examines their sources of wealth, lifestyles, spending patterns, and money management strategies. Portrays the typical millionaire as one who avoids the ostentatious display of affluence. Bestseller 1996.

The Gift of Peace: Personal Reflections RC 43948
by Joseph Louis Bernardin
read by Lou Harpenau
1 cassette
A celebrated Catholic cardinal meditates on the final three years of his life and ministry. Relates his coming to terms with a false accusation of sexual misconduct and with terminal cancer. Portrays his spiritual journey and discovery of a "deep inner peace--God's wonderful gift to me." Bestseller 1997.

What Falls Away: A Memoir RC 44014
by Mia Farrow
read by Judith Ann Gantly
2 cassettes
Farrow discusses her acting career, her marriages, and her large family of biological and adopted children. The second half of the book focuses on her long, troubled relationship with Woody Allen, which ended when she learned he was having an affair with one of her adopted daughters and possibly molesting another. Some strong language. Bestseller 1997.

Light in My Darkness RC 44017
by Helen Keller
read by Catherine Byers
1 cassette
Editor Ray Silverman revised and enlarged this edition of My Religion (RD 7388). Keller describes the influence that the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg had on her life from the age of sixteen. Keller wrote some of the passages as early as 1903. The original work was published in 1927 and later revised in 1960. This edition includes an introduction by Norman Vincent Peale. 1994.

Mama's Girl RC 44021
by Veronica Chambers
read by Camille McCurty Ali
1 cassette
Chambers recalls growing up in Brooklyn in the 1970s and the enormous upheaval caused by her father's decision to leave the family. Despite a loveless childhood and considerable abuse inflicted by her parents and stepparents, Chambers manages to achieve academic and professional success in her adult life. Strong language. 1995.

A Penny Saved: Using Money to Teach Your Child the Way the World Works RC 44032
by Neale S. Godfrey
read by Camille McCurty Ali
2 cassettes
This companion to Money Doesn't Grow on Trees (RC 38471) presents step-by-step lessons for inculcating financial values in children. Offers guidance to parents, along with practical exercises for teaching their children about honesty, responsibility, and cooperation in the use of money. 1995.

The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right RC 44036
by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider
read by Madelyn Buzzard
1 cassette
The authors maintain that by following these thirty-five rules, a woman will catch a husband and keep him. The rules describe how to play hard-to-get to attract Mr. Right and, once married, how to be easy-to-be-with to keep him interested. Bestseller 1995.

Hail to the Chief: The Making and Unmaking of American Presidents RC 44037
by Robert Dallek
read by Art Metzler
2 cassettes
Explores the reasons some presidents are regarded as great national heroes while others become mere sidebars in history. Avers that vision, pragmatism, charisma, and the ability to gain trust and achieve consensus are critical to presidential success, though luck and circumstance also count. 1996.

The Student's Guide to Doing Research on the Internet RC 44039
by Dave and Mary Campbell
read by John Richardson
2 cassettes
The first part of this handbook gives instruction on various Internet tools, such as FTP, Gopher, and the World Wide Web. In the second part, each chapter is devoted to Internet sites that address major areas of study, such as the humanities, education, science, geography, history, literature, and medicine. For junior and senior high readers. 1995.

Slow Dance Heart Break Blues RC 44043
by Arnold Adoff
read by Barry Bernson
1 cassette
Free-form poetry that evokes the passions, loneliness, and anxiety of adolescence. The themes touch on young love, body image, drug use, and other elements of the teenage experience. For junior and senior high readers. 1995.

The Arthritis Cure: The Medical Miracle That Can Halt, Reverse, and May Even Cure Osteoarthritis RC 44141
by Jason Theodosakis and others
read by John Rayburn
2 cassettes
A physician and his coauthors describe a nine-step plan to combat osteoarthritis that includes nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates; correct biomechanics; regular exercise; a healthful, joint-preserving diet; ideal weight; and a positive attitude. Bestseller 1997.

Miss Manners' Basic Training: Communication RC 44142
by Judith Martin
read by Jill Ferris
1 cassette
Advice columnist Miss Manners guides the "Gentle Reader" through the proper forms of communication using electronic and high-tech devices. Discusses telephone and recording behavior, when to e-mail and when to fax, and proper etiquette in cyberspace. 1997.

The Moral Intelligence of Children RC 44150
by Robert Coles
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Explores the formation of character during the first two decades of life. Identifies key elements in moral learning and describes ways in which parents and teachers can help a child grow up to be a good person. Bestseller 1997.

Hello, He Lied: And Other Truths from the Hollywood Trenches RC 44151
by Lynda Obst
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
The producer of such movies as Sleepless in Seattle and One Fine Day describes her film career, which began with the hit Flashdance. She provides tips on dealing with actors, directors, and executives and talks about friends she has made in the business. Bestseller 1996.

Ancestral Passions: The Leakey Family and the Quest for Humankind's Beginnings RC 44159
by Virginia Morell
read by Jill Ferris
6 cassettes
A portrait of the Leakeys, the "first family of anthropology." Traces the lives of parents Louis and Mary and son Richard, describing their many discoveries, including the Olduvai Gorge fossils, which confirmed the African origins of the human species. Recounts the dysfunctions and tragedies that plagued the family. 1995.

Mrs. Fields' Cookie Book: One Hundred Recipes from the Kitchen of Mrs. Fields RC 44172
by Debbi Fields
read by Jill Ferris
1 cassette
The author, famous for her international cookie business, provides recipes to be made at home. Aimed at casual as well as avid bakers, the collection includes dropped, fancy, filled, and bar cookies. It also offers other special treats such as cheesecake and apple pie. 1992.

My Story RC 44269
by Sarah, the Duchess of York
read by Vanessa Maroney
2 cassettes
Sarah Ferguson says that she was not prepared for the reality of becoming a member of the British royal family. Here she explains how the "breath of fresh air," as she was reported to be, was snuffed out by the dark forces both within herself and within the palace. 1996.

Mastering the Zone: The Next Step in Achieving Superhealth and Permanent Fat Loss RC 44274
by Barry Sears
read by Rick Rohan
3 cassettes
In this sequel to The Zone (RC 42493), the author continues discussing his theory regarding the correct ratio of protein, specific carbohydrates, and fat in the diet. He outlines three levels that will lead to mastering the "zone" and includes recipes and menus. Bestseller 1997.

On My Own at 107: Reflections on Life without Bessie RC 44284
by Sarah L. Delany
read by Lynn Schrichte
1 cassette
In this companion to Having Our Say (RC 37258), the remaining Delany, Sarah, tells her late sister Bessie what life has been like since her death in 1995. Glad that she, instead of Bessie, suffered the loss, Sarah vows to make life pleasant, knowing that's what her sibling would want. 1997.

Chief Justice: A Biography of Earl Warren RC 44309
by Ed Cray
read by Ralph Lowenstein
5 cassettes
A personal and career portrait of the controversial fourteenth chief justice of the United States. Traces his career ascent in politics and his service on the Supreme Court from 1953 to 1969, where he led a legal revolution for a liberal interpretation of the Constitution. Bestseller 1997.

Dreams into Action: Getting What You Want! RC 44367
by Milton Katselas
read by Christopher Walker
1 cassette
Discusses strategies for confronting one's limitations and psychological blocks. Topics in this self-help manual of empowerment and personal transformation include the consequences of inaction, the nature of blame, and the relationship between loving and giving. Bestseller 1996.

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