Books listed in this issue of Braille Book Review 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.
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."
Skeleton Crew BR 10512
by Stephen King
6 volumes
Stories primarily collected from magazines, written by a master
of horror. Includes such tales as "The Jaunt," a science
fiction/horror hybrid; "The Monkey," a familiar tale of a
demonic toy; and "Big Wheels," a humorous and macabre account
set in rural Maine. Strong language and some descriptions of
sex. Bestseller 1985.
The Fifth Conspiracy BR 10528
by Ted Jones
4 volumes
This sequel to Hard Road to Gettysburg (BR 9743) portrays
Civil War battles and espionage. Union officer Sam Wade becomes
involved in clandestine operations deep in enemy territory,
where he frees his brother from a rebel prison and discovers a
plot to assassinate President Lincoln. 1995.
The Vor Game BR 10544
by Lois McMaster Bujold
3 volumes
Miles Vorkosigan, son of Lord Vorkosigan of the planet Barrayar,
hasn't lost his knack for getting into trouble and embarrassing
his family. Nevertheless, despite his physical disabilities, he
graduates from the Imperial Academy, hoping for space duty. He
is assigned to an arctic weather station instead. Even here he
finds trouble, and he is reassigned across the galaxy for more
unexpected adventures. 1990.
His Last Bow: Some Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes BR
10567
by Arthur Conan Doyle
3 volumes
Seven stories by Doyle and three unsigned pieces by P.G.
Wodehouse. In "His Last Bow," Holmes, crippled by attacks of
rheumatism, comes out of retirement to help the British
government track down a German agent. In "Wisteria Lodge," Mr.
Eccles asks Holmes for help when he awakens one night at the
lodge to find everyone gone, even his host. Introduction by Owen
Dudley Edwards. Includes a Doyle chronology. 1993.
Homecoming: The Holts; an American Dynasty, Volume 9 BR
10569
by Dana Fuller Ross
3 volumes
In this sequel to Pacific Destiny (BR 9770), Henry Blake
is discouraged by the protracted war in Manila, but falls in
love with a local woman. Frank returns from the Yukon, only to
be drawn back to the West. Aspiring artist India Blackstone must
fight to pursue her dreams. Strong language, some violence, and
some descriptions of sex. 1994.
South Sea Tales BR 10580
by Jack London
2 volumes
Eight tales of adventure on the seas of the South Pacific.
Salty, often violent characters pit themselves against each
other and against nature. In "The Seed of McCoy," a smoldering
ship is boarded at Pitcairn by a descendant of one of the famous
Bounty's survivors, who guides the ship to safety.
Introduction by A. Grove Day tells of London's own adventure in
the south seas, which inspired and financed his writing. Some
violence. 1911.
Haveli BR 10586
by Suzanne Fisher Staples
2 volumes
Continues the story begun in Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind
(BR 8312). Shabanu and her young daughter are never safe
from the cruelty within Rahim's family. Hoping for a better
future, she begs to go with Rahim to his ancestral home in
Lahore. But even there she remains in danger. For junior and
senior high readers. 1993.
Digging to Australia BR 10593
by Lesley Glaister
2 volumes
Just as Alice escaped to Wonderland, Jennifer longs to escape
her English hometown, her terribly odd parents, and her
loneliness. As she turns thirteen, all is topsy-turvy: truths
and dark mysteries about her birth mother, a deceitful friend,
an ominous transient, and adolescence itself. By sorting through
the mysteries she finds some, but not all, answers to her
questions. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex.
1992.
Missing Joseph BR 10620
by Elizabeth George
5 volumes
When the St. Jameses visit Lancashire, they are shocked to learn
that an acquaintance, the vicar, has died of poisoning. They are
also disturbed because the constable handling the case is having
an affair with Juliet Spence, the herbalist responsible for the
"accidental" poisoning. But, since the vicar was trying to help
Juliet with her troubled thirteen-year-old daughter, would she
kill him? Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex.
1993.
While the Messiah Tarries: Stories BR 10623
by Melvin Jules Bukiet
2 volumes
Nine stories, at times magical or comic and at other times
mundane or tragic, describing the lives of Jews in America. In
"Gematria," a woman's visit to New York's diamond district
leaves the jeweler thinking about gematria, the transliteration
of names and numbers, and about his own death. In "The Golden
Calf and the Red Heifer," Kleinberg the butcher tries to hide
the facts that he is a vegetarian and that his knife is not
kosher. 1995.
A Plague of Dreamers: Three Novellas BR 10624
by Steve Stern
2 volumes
Stories set in the Pinch, an isolated Jewish community in
Memphis, and flavored with Yiddish phrases. Events often have a
mystical quality and reveal universal longings. In the first
story, "Zelik Rifkin and the Tree of Dreams," a wimpy young boy
gains stature when he looks into the lives and dreams of his
neighbors. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex.
1994.
Murder at the God's Gate BR 10626
by Lynda S. Robinson
2 volumes
The young pharaoh Tutankhamen is beset by problems: a crumbling
empire, invaders at the gates, and unrest within his court.
Pharaoh's adviser, Lord Meren, suspects a conspiracy and uses
ingenious investigative methods to uncover a plot that threatens
the Egyptian empire. Sequel to Murder in the Place of Anubis
(BR 10186). 1995.
When the Rainbow Goddess Wept BR 10627
by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
2 volumes
When the Japanese attack the Philippines during World War II,
nine-year-old Yvonne and her family flee for safety. The horrors
of war are inescapable, and young Yvonne witnesses slaughter and
atrocities. For strength and hope, she turns to the legends of
her people: the Woman Warrior and the Rainbow Goddess. Violence,
strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 1994.
A Tale of Two Cities BR 10640
by Charles Dickens
4 volumes
Two men who bear a strong physical resemblance to each other
love the same woman. The sacrifice of one, Sydney Carton, is the
climax of this classic story set in London and Paris during the
French Revolution. 1850.
Let the Drum Speak: A Novel of Ancient America BR
10654
by Linda Lay Shuler
4 volumes
In this sequel to Voice of the Eagle (BR 8887), Antelope
is chosen by her mother, Kwani, to succeed her as the people's
revered leader. Antelope journeys with her mate and child to the
City of the Great Sun, yet is torn between enjoying her newfound
power here or returning home to warn her people of impending
doom. 1996.
The Valley of Fear BR 10660
by Arthur Conan Doyle
3 volumes
Sherlock Holmes grapples with the criminal mastermind Professor
Moriarty to solve a foul murder that takes place in a Sussex
manor house. The investigation uncovers an earlier and grimmer
history of lawlessness and wholesale slaughter in a mining
valley in the United States. Includes Doyle's chronology and an
introduction by editor Owen Dudley Edwards. 1993.
Darkness, I: Third in the Blood Opera Sequence BR
10663
by Tanith Lee
3 volumes
Continues the saga of the vampiric and elegant Scarabae.
Rachaela gives birth to Anna, who may be a reincarnation of
Rachaela's first daughter. Anna grows to adolescence in two
years and is kidnapped to Cain's ancient and evil underground.
Sequel to Personal Darkness (BR 10865). Strong language,
violence, and explicit descriptions of sex. 1994.
Mirror Dance: A Vorkosigan Adventure BR 10665
by Lois McMaster Bujold
4 volumes
In this sequel to Brothers in Arms (BR 10666), Miles
Vorkosigan discovers that his clone-brother and rival, Mark, has
impersonated Admiral Naismith and led a raid on planet Jackson's
Whole. When the mission goes awry, Miles is killed and put in
cryogenic suspension. Mark revives his brother's body, then
falls victim to an old foe. 1994.
Brothers in Arms: A Vorkosigan Adventure BR 10666
by Lois McMaster Bujold
3 volumes
Just as he is lamenting the peace that has idled his Dendarii
Free Mercenary Fleet, Miles discovers that brigands have stolen
the Dendarii payroll. The fact that he himself has been cloned
presents Miles with the additional problem of unraveling his
personal identities and loyalties. Prequel to Mirror Dance
(BR 10665). Violence and strong language. 1989.
Incidents in the Rue Laugier BR 10675
by Anita Brookner
2 volumes
After her mother's death, Maffy finds a pink silk kimono and a
cryptic diary. Surprised, Maffy creates a story about her
parents' lonely lives. In this tale, Maud's passion for a
playboy leaves her pregnant, and the seducer's reserved friend
offers the protection of marriage. Some strong language and
descriptions of sex. 1995.
Miss You like Crazy BR 10682
by Eliza Clark
2 volumes
Marylou travels to Florida where Flossie, who was her mother and
best friend, died playing gin rummy. The trip back to Kansas
with her father becomes an adventure filled with odd characters,
including the flighty neighbor, CeCe, who leaves her doltish
husband and beetle-eating young son. Strong language and some
descriptions of sex. 1991.
Random Acts of Senseless Violence BR 10684
by Jack Womack
6 volumes
The diary of twelve-year-old Lola Hart records the crises of her
deteriorating family life in a crumbling, futuristic New York
City. When misfortune forces her family to move to the poor and
violent Upper East Side, Lola takes to the mean streets with the
Death Angels, a girls' gang. Some strong language. 1993.
Cetaganda: A Vorkosigan Adventure BR 10688
by Lois McMaster Bujold
3 volumes
While Miles Vorkosigan and his dim-witted cousin Ivan are on a
diplomatic mission to the Cetaganda Empire, the Cetagandan
empress dies. After another mysterious death, Miles investigates
and is drawn into a treacherous game of court politics and
romance in an alien land. 1996.
Fire in the Canes BR 10689
by Glenville Lovell
2 volumes
A novel of magic realism set in post-slavery West Indies. When
the sensuous Peata and her nubile daughter, Midra, arrive in the
village, they attract the men's attention and the women's
jealousy. Midra becomes pregnant by the mysterious Prince,
adding to the strange happenings. Violence and explicit
descriptions of sex. 1995.
The Stone Raft BR 10693
by Jose Saramago
3 volumes
A parable about the European community. A series of ominous
events leads to catastrophe as the Iberian Peninsula is
inexplicably set adrift from the continent. The frantic
residents band together in a bid to survive a world out of
control. 1995.
The View from the Summerhouse BR 10694
by Barbara Whitnell
3 volumes
Memories come flooding back to David Holt when his son Simon
calls to say he has been commissioned to write an article on
Caleb Carne, a broadcaster during World War II. David often
visited Caleb, his wife, and their daughters during the war and
was in love with one of the girls, but it is the memory of a
terrible night just before D-Day that David has tried to forget.
Simon's search for information on Caleb is interwoven with
David's memories. 1994.
Door Number Three BR 10695
by Patrick O'Leary
3 volumes
A comely patient confides to therapist John Donelly that aliens
have allowed her one year to convince a sane person that she is
not of this earth. Donelly agrees to be that sane person and
commences a bizarre year in which he falls in love, discovers
the meaning of dreams, and saves the earth. Strong language.
1995.
Manila Time BR 10696
by Jack Trolley
3 volumes
In this sequel to Balboa Firefly (BR 10531), detective
sergeant Donahoo can't understand why a local crime boss is
trying to bribe him. What Donahoo doesn't know is that his dead
partner had been blackmailing the criminal and hinting that
Donahoo was involved. Strong language, violence, and
descriptions of sex. 1995.
In Your Dreams BR 10703
by Colin Neenan
2 volumes
Hale, fifteen, and his older brother, Tom, are at the beach when
they first see Sheri. Hale is attracted to her but knows that
with his looks he doesn't stand a chance. When Tom starts dating
Sheri, Hale's crush continues. Hale is mortified when Clay, a
new girl in his class, catches him spying on the couple. Since
Clay is a friend of Hale's younger sister, who hates him, his
secret is bound to come out. For junior and senior high readers.
1995.
Letters from the Inside BR 10705
by John Marsden
1 volume
Bored, Australian teenager Mandy answers an ad for a pen pal
from a girl named Tracey. After the two develop a friendship
through their letters, Mandy learns an astonishing fact about
Tracey. Some strong language. For junior and senior high
readers. 1991.
A Time for Dancing BR 10714
by Davida Wills Hurwin
2 volumes
High school girls Sam and Jules spend the summer before senior
year preparing for a dance concert, struggling over Jules's
breakup with her boyfriend, and agonizing about odd symptoms
that baffle Jules's doctors. When she is diagnosed with cancer,
the girls' friendship is put to a severe test. Strong language.
For junior and senior high readers. 1995.
The Legend of Storey County BR 10715
by Brock Thoene
2 volumes
Seth Townsend, a reporter from San Francisco, is in Virginia
City, Nevada, in September 1938 to write a story on the final
run of the V&T Railroad. But Seth gets a much better story when
the train captain sends him to see Jim Canfield, a
one-hundred-year-old escaped slave, Civil War soldier, and
holder of a stake in the richest vein of silver in Nevada. 1995.
Annotations BR 10716
by John Keene
1 volume
Acclaimed novel about an African American child coming of age in
the St. Louis suburbs during the 1960s. In poetic prose,
describes the narrator's discovery of racial, sexual, and
intellectual identity during turbulent times. Some descriptions
of sex. 1995.
Tree of Heaven BR 10724
by R.C. Binstock
2 volumes
China, 1938. In this tale of forbidden love, Japanese officer
Kuroda, stationed in China, prevents his men from raping Li and
then offers her his protection. The two will come to trust and
love each other, but will also realize the impossibility of a
future together. 1995.
Dancing Lessons for the Advanced in Age BR 10727
by Bohumil Hrabal
1 volume
In one long sentence, the acclaimed Czech author presents the
monologue of a spirited old shoemaker who has enjoyed a full
life. His loves and lusts, the history of Czechoslovakia, and
the pleasures of drink play roles in the shoemaker's story.
Strong language, violence, and explicit descriptions of sex.
1964.
An Acceptable Time BR 10728
by Madeleine L'Engle
2 volumes
In this companion to A House like a Lotus (BR 6368),
sixteen-year-old Polly O'Keefe visits her grandparents' farm in
Connecticut and discovers a "time gate" that takes her back
three thousand years. There she meets Anaral, a Native American
girl; Karralys, a druid expelled from Britain; and Tav, a
warrior who has accompanied Karralys. For junior and senior high
readers. 1989.
Politically Correct Holiday Stories: For an Enlightened
Yuletide Season BR 10730
by James Finn Garner
1 volume
Garner, who wrote Politically Correct Bedtime Stories (BR
9870) and Once upon a More Enlightened Time (BR
10132), now rewrites holiday favorites for the 1990s.
Includes "'Twas the Night before Solstice," "Frosty the Persun
of Snow," and "Rudolph the Nasally Empowered Reindeer." In "A
Christmas Carol," Marley is visited by spiritual facilitators.
Bestseller 1995.
Absolution BR 10732
by Olafur Johann Olafsson
2 volumes
He does not ask for forgiveness, but his life has been shaped by
guilt over a crime of passion he committed in his youth. After
fleeing his native Iceland, the wealthy and manipulative old man
has spent his adult years in New York City. Estranged from his
children, he reflects on the events of his life and sifts
through his motivations and obsessions. Strong language and
explicit descriptions of sex. 1991.
The Ghost Road BR 10741
by Pat Barker
2 volumes
Final book in World War I trilogy, following Regeneration (BR
10543) and The Eye in the Door (BR 10645).
Psychologist William Rivers struggles with the dilemma of
healing men who must then rejoin the battle. Patient Billy Prior
wants to return to the French front, though the war is nearing
an end. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1995
Booker Prize winner. 1995.
An Imaginative Experience BR 10763
by Mary Wesley
2 volumes
When Londoner Sylvester Wykes's commuter train hisses to an
emergency halt, he is impressed to see a woman passenger leap to
the aid of a stranded sheep. Later the housecleaner he hires
turns out to be the same altruistic woman, and Wykes falls in
love. 1994.
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