A Search for Solitude: Pursuing the Monk's True Life; the
Journals of Thomas Merton, Volume 3, 1952-1960 BR 11534
by Thomas Merton
4 volumes
In these diaries the author reflects on the monastic life, his
spiritual and intellectual interests, and his personal struggles
to balance solitude with social action outside the monastery.
Offers observations on nature, religion, and philosophy. 1996.
Dancing in the Water of Life: Seeking Peace in the Hermitage;
the Journals of Thomas Merton, Volume 5, 1963-1965 BR
11540
by Thomas Merton
4 volumes
In these diaries the monk and author chronicles the years during
which he struggled to reconcile his life of contemplation with
his interest in the reform movements of the church and society.
As Merton pondered the "absurdity" of worldly concerns, he
continued to enjoy "dancing in the water of life." 1997.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking: Volume 1 BR
12229
by Julia Child and others
8 volumes
Classic cookbook, originally written in 1961, offering advice and
recipes for beginners and experienced cooks. Presents step-by-
step instructions for each recipe, with special attention to
basic recipes that are the backbone of French cuisine. Discusses
equipment and the buying and handling of ingredients. Companion
to Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume 2 (BR
12230). 1983.
North of Now: A Celebration of Country and the Soon to Be Gone
BR 12242
by W.D. Wetherell
2 volumes
The author laments the passing of the quiet country lifestyle.
Wetherell lives in rural New Hampshire and reminisces about
pleasures in the simple things in life--trout fishing,
stargazing, reading, and walking. Describes "baby boomers" as
links between the world as it has been for centuries and the new
millennium. 1998.
Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man BR 12394
by Susan Faludi
8 volumes
Prize-winning journalist reassesses the masculine role in U.S.
society. Focuses on men born after World War II who feel angry at
the discrepancy between perceived promises and the reality of
their existence. Begins at a domestic violence meeting and
progresses to numerous interviews with individuals in a wide
range of occupations. Bestseller 1999.
Living Well, Staying Well: The Ultimate Guide to Help Prevent
Heart Disease and Cancer BR 12416
by American Heart Association and American Cancer Society
4 volumes
The two organizations detail the lifestyle strategies they
believe will protect against both cancer and heart disease.
Topics include giving up smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting
enough exercise, and undergoing medical tests regularly. 1996.
But What If I Don't Want to Go to College? A Guide to Success
through Alternative Education BR 12422
by Harlow G. Unger
4 volumes
Describes the lucrative career opportunities and demands for
various trades and skills that do not require a four-year degree.
Discusses advantages and disadvantages, requirements, and future
prospects for ten types of alternative education. Includes
resumé and interview advice as well as resource lists. For
senior high and older readers. 1998.
Turning Off the Heat: Why America Must Double Energy
Efficiency to Save Money and Reduce Global Warming BR
12428
by Thomas R. Casten
3 volumes
Explains why using fossil fuels to produce electricity is
wasteful to consumers and harmful to the environment. Casten
proposes a free market for electricity to encourage new energy
technology that will improve efficiency, reducing costs and
cutting emissions. 1998.
Courtesans and Fishcakes: The Consuming Passions of Classical
Athens BR 12439
by James N. Davidson
4 volumes
Investigates the pleasures of the flesh--food, drink, and sex--as
indulged in by classical Greeks. Based on ancient literature and
history of the period from 479 to 323 B.C., discusses the
Athenians' beliefs, interpretations, and representations of such
basic cravings in private and in public. 1997.
Catholics and American Culture: Fulton Sheen, Dorothy Day, and
the Notre Dame Football Team BR 12456
by Mark S. Massa
4 volumes
Account of Roman Catholicism in America from 1945 to 1970 and the
Church's growing social and cultural influence after World War
II. Focuses on religious implications of political and cultural
events and discusses such key figures as Fulton Sheen, Thomas
Merton, Dorothy Day, and John F. Kennedy. 1999.
"You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet": The American Talking Film;
History and Memory, 1927-1949 BR 12460
by Andrew Sarris
7 volumes
Examines the first two decades of sound films, focusing on the
directors, the studios, and the major actors and actresses.
Discusses the works of directors D.W. Griffith, John Ford, Alfred
Hitchcock, and others at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Paramount, Warner
Brothers, and Columbia studios. Highlights stars such as Bette
Davis, Cary Grant, and Spencer Tracy. 1998.
A Country of Strangers: Blacks and Whites in America BR
12475
by David K. Shipler
8 volumes
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Shipler examines attitudes toward
race relations in America. Explores how blacks and whites view
each other, how perceptions are shaped from birth, and how
interpretations of others' behavior are often based on prior
assumptions, even among unbiased individuals. Also considers
multiracial families and religious minorities and their reactions
to social stereotypes. 1997.
Leo Rosten's Carnival of Wit and Wisdom: Plus Wisecracks, Ad-
Libs, Malaprops, Puns, One-Liners, Quips, Epigrams, Boo-Boos,
Dazzling Ironies, and Wizardries of Wording, Plus Surprising
Tidbits from Politics, Philosophy, Biography, and (Yes!) Gossip--
from Aristotle to Woody Allen BR 12487
compiled by Leo Rosten
4 volumes
Over 5,000 items to tickle your funny bone. 1994.
Letter to the World: Seven Women Who Shaped the American
Century BR 12491
by Susan Ware
3 volumes
Profiles of Eleanor Roosevelt, Dorothy Thompson, Margaret Mead,
Katharine Hepburn, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Martha Graham, and
Marian Anderson. Selected because of their stature as popular
icons and their contributions to different aspects of American
culture in the twentieth century. For senior high and older
readers. 1998.
The Architecture of Diplomacy: Building America's Embassies
BR 12507
by Jane C. Loeffler
4 volumes
Traces the history of U.S. representation abroad through its
buildings, focusing on construction since 1926. Evaluates
American embassies in the 1950s as symbols of "an energetic and
future-oriented nation." Notes the impact of terrorism on 1990s
concerns for embassy security. 1998.
Whose Body Is It Anyway? Smart Alternative and Traditional
Health Choices for Your Total Well-Being BR 12511
by Joan Kenley
3 volumes
Inspired by her own menopausal problems, a psychologist presents
information on concerns faced by women in midlife. Topics include
hormone treatments, physical appearance, urinary and sexual
problems, cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. 1999.
Church and Revolution: Catholics in the Struggle for Democracy
and Social Justice BR 12513
by Thomas Bokenkotter
6 volumes
Traces the transformation of the Catholic Church from a
conservative institution during the French Revolution to a
progressive force in twentieth-century world affairs. Portrays
religious and political figures such as Daniel O'Connell, Bishop
Henry Edward Manning, Michael Collins, Dorothy Day, and Lech
Walesa, and assesses their contributions to this change. 1998.
Sleep Thieves: An Eye-Opening Exploration into the Science and
Mysteries of Sleep BR 12528
by Stanley Coren
3 volumes
Explores the phenomenon of sleep and the dangers of sleep
deprivation. Using scientific facts and personal interviews,
author provides evidence that our society is increasingly sleep
deprived and notes the resulting problems. Presents some ways to
analyze personal sleep habits and needs with tips for
improvement. 1996.
Uneasy Neighbors: Cuba and the United States BR 12536
by Rhoda Hoff and Margaret Regler
2 volumes
A collection of primary sources that focus on key historical and
political events involving the United States and Cuba. Includes
material dealing with Christopher Columbus, the sinking of the
Maine, a yellow fever epidemic, Teddy Roosevelt and the
Rough Riders, Fidel Castro, and the Bay of Pigs. For senior high
and older readers. 1997.
Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain
English BR 12538
by Patricia T. O'Conner
2 volumes
Presents lessons in grammar and oddities of the English language
for anyone who wants to speak and write more clearly. Explains
pronouns, plurals, possessives, verb agreement, punctuation,
modifiers, cliches, and outdated grammar rules to help those who
need to improve their oral and written language skills. For
senior high and older readers. 1996.
Random Harvest BR 12544
by James Thomas Flexner
3 volumes
Collection of short stories and essays on America's history and
art, written by the recipient of a special Pulitzer Prize and a
National Book Award. Flexner includes his 1929 commencement
address at Harvard, portrayals of noted American personalities,
articles first published in the New York Herald Tribune,
and personal memoirs. 1998.
Two Puppies BR 12546
by Jane Stern and Michael Stern
2 volumes
The married authors describe a hellish two years with a puppy
very unlike the other Bullmastiffs they've owned. In contrast,
they discuss the early years of a well-behaved dog bred and
trained to be a guide dog. Also includes tips on selecting,
training, and caring for puppies. Some strong language. 1998.
On the Bus with Rosa Parks: Poems BR 12555
by Rita Dove
1 volume
Over forty new poems by the former Poet Laureate celebrating
personal freedoms. Several sections explore the African American
experience in a historical context, while others convey an
individual reaction. "Maple Valley Branch Library, 1967"
describes the pleasures of voracious reading. 1999.
The Other Diabetes: Living and Eating Well with Type 2
Diabetes BR 12556
by Elizabeth Hiser
3 volumes
Describes the condition of adult-onset diabetes, how the body
works, and what goes wrong to cause the illness. Explains optimum
lifestyle practices needed to deal with the disease and how to
incorporate such changes into daily living. Offers sample meals,
recipes, and a resource guide. 1999.
Addie BR 12561
by Mary Lee Settle
2 volumes
Memoir centered around the author's grandmother Addie from Cedar
Grove, West Virginia. Describes the social and economic life of
the Kanawha Valley in pioneer days, during the War between the
States, and later when the coal mines were developed. 1998.
The Heart Can Be Filled Anywhere on Earth: Minneota, Minnesota
BR 12563
by Bill Holm
2 volumes
After years of searching for "a middle-class life in a gentler,
lovelier, more urbane place," the author returns to his native
Minneota, Minnesota, with newfound views on the value of
community and the meaning of success. He describes his Icelandic
forebears and his own early years. 1996.
Walden; or, Life in the Woods BR 12576
by Henry David Thoreau
3 volumes (Reissue)
Philosophical observations recorded during an experiment in
simple living at a small pond near Concord, Massachusetts.
Thoreau's essays include his detailed observations of nature and
his comments on the world's problems. He says that "the mass of
men lead lives of quiet desperation." 1854.
Questions of Heaven: The Chinese Journeys of an American
Buddhist BR 12597
by Gretel Ehrlich
1 volume
The writer travels to China to climb a sacred Buddhist mountain.
Hoping to "pick up the threads of a once flourishing Buddhist
culture," she is saddened to see the extent of destruction the
ten-year-long cultural revolution wreaked on things spiritual,
intellectual, and creative. 1997.
Something Happened Yesterday BR 12599
by Beryl Bainbridge
2 volumes
Fifty articles written over a period of six years for the
Evening Standard in London describing events that were
experienced by the author. Includes mundane occurrences such as a
street fair, cinemas, and her family's antics, as well as
societal observations. 1998.
Career Opportunities in Computers and Cyberspace BR
12603
by Harry Henderson
4 volumes
Profiles close to two hundred jobs that are available for people
with computer skills. The author gives basic information such as
position description, salaries, and future prospects and offers
career tips and advice on using the World Wide Web. For senior
high and older readers. 1999.
Life among the Ibo Women of Nigeria BR 12605
by Salome Nnoromele
1 volume
Describes the cultural history of the Ibo women of western
Africa, including their traditional social, economic, religious,
and political roles. Discusses the consequences of European
colonialism, the modern role of women in Nigeria, and possible
future trends. For junior and senior high readers. 1998.
Goodbye, Dear Friend: Coming to Terms with the Death of a Pet
BR 12607
by Virginia Ironside
1 volume
British journalist discusses relationships people often have with
their pets and the very real, but often scorned, grief they
suffer when a much-loved animal dies. She uses letters,
anecdotes, excerpts, and poems to illustrate her analysis; also
touches on euthanasia, memorials, spiritual beliefs, and long-
missing pets. 1994.
House of Steps: Finding the Path Home BR 12613
by Amy Blackmarr
1 volume
Essayist describes living alone in an odd rental house in rural
Kansas while completing a fellowship at the University of Kansas.
She talks of spiders and wasps, mailbox destruction, multiple
dogs, mowing the huge lawn, and coming to feel at home. 1999.
Hail Babylon! In Search of the American City at the End of the
Millennium BR 12619
by Andrei Codrescu
2 volumes
The author, a "Transylvanian in Dixieland," celebrates the lure
of American cities with their energy and multicultural denizens.
Describes his tour of New Orleans, Little Rock, and points west.
Laments the destruction caused by freeways, sterile architecture,
and politicians; notes with hope the use of bookstores as meeting
places. 1998.
Myths BR 12679
retold by Tana Reiff
1 volume
Collection of myths from Greece, where they were used to explain
how the world came about and how things worked. Includes
"Pandora's Box," "Midas and the Golden Touch," and several
stories about the Trojan War. Grade 1 braille. 1991.
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