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."
The Life and Death of King John BR 10165
by William Shakespeare
5 volumes
First published in 1623, this is a historical drama about King
John's early thirteenth-century reign. The plot deals with the
ruler's cruelty toward Arthur, his nephew and the rightful heir
to the throne. Other principal characters include Constance,
Arthur's grieving mother, and the Bastard, illegitimate son of
Richard I, John's late brother. The text makes no mention of
John's role in granting the Magna Carta nor of Robin Hood, an
archenemy. 1623.
Sustaining the Earth: Choosing Consumer Products That Are
Safe for You, Your Family, and the Earth BR 10576
by Debra Dadd-Redalia
4 volumes
A how-to guide for making environmentally responsible decisions.
Explains how to assess a product's "sustainability,"
the ability to be produced, used, and disposed of ecologically.
Lists common products and offers criteria for judging their
environmental acceptability. 1994.
The Time before History: Five Million Years of Human Impact
BR 10579
by Colin Tudge
4 volumes
The British science writer presents the lengthy history of human
activity on the planet. He details the formation of the earth,
the evolution of the animals, and the development of human
beings. Tudge cites evolutionary advantages that have made
humans uniquely destructive and proposes ways to save the earth,
the remaining animals, and ourselves. 1996.
Visiting Mrs. Nabokov and Other Excursions BR
10583
by Martin Amis
3 volumes
Collection of good-natured essays by the British author.
Many of the thirty-three works are literary interviews, such as
the one in the title piece with the devoted widow of Vladimir
Nabokov. Amis also delves into popular culture, discussing the
movie RoboCop II, Elton John's soccer team, and the
Rolling Stones. Some strong language and some descriptions of
sex. 1993.
The Feel of Silence BR 10587
by Bonnie Poitras Tucker
2 volumes
Memoir of a profoundly deaf woman who says her life has been
"dominated by one burning desire--to fit into the hearing
world." She learned to lip read as a toddler and has never
learned to sign. Devastated when her husband left her because of
her deafness, Tucker went on to excel in law school, where she
now teaches. She tells of the difficulties of pretending to be
hearing, such as dealing with telephone calls and conversing in
the dark. 1995.
Simply Stews: More Than One Hundred Savory One-pot Meals BR
10588
by Susan Wyler
2 volumes
Wyler believes that one-pot dishes hold a special place in the
culinary affections of cooks: there is something reassuring
about a pot of stew simmering on the stove. Her collection
includes standard stews such as beef and chicken, fancy fare
such as lobster with whiskey cream, vegetarian stews, spicy
stews for those who like theirs hot, and a selection for those
who are concerned about the fat content. 1995.
One Man's Vision: The Life of Automotive Pioneer Ralph R.
Teetor BR 10592
by Marjorie Teetor Meyer
2 volumes
Ralph Teetor's daughter tells how as a young boy in the 1890s,
her father lost his sight because of an accident with a knife.
She describes how he refused to let his blindness deter him from
his growing love for the new automotive engine. Graduating with
a college degree in mechanical engineering, Teetor worked in the
family business and invented devices such as cruise control.
1995.
A Pocket Tour of Music on the Internet BR 10603
by Colin Berry
2 volumes
A music journalist and disc jockey discusses the basics of the
Internet, necessary hardware and software, different providers,
and lingo. He provides electronic addresses and brief
descriptions of sites, newsgroups, and mailing lists for
different aspects of music. 1995.
The Clock of Ages: Why We Age--How We Age--Winding Back the
Clock BR 10680
by John J. Medina
3 volumes
A scientist explores the biological meaning of aging and death
for lay readers. Explains how each system of the body changes
with age and presents biochemical theories on the aging process.
Discusses ways to combat aging. 1996.
"I Am Who I Am": Speaking Out about Multiracial
Identity BR 10681
by Kathlyn Gay
1 volume
An overview of the cultural, historical, and political aspects
of the American mixed-race experience. Gay examines the role of
prejudice and racism in the difficulties faced by children of
multiracial heritage, as well as negative media images and
stereotypes. Includes a directory of interracial support groups.
For junior and senior high and older readers. 1995.
The Guide for Daisy Girl Scout Leaders BR 10683
by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
2 volumes
A Girl-Scouting handbook for adult leaders who work with girls
ages five and six. Provides basic information on the foundation
of Girl Scouting, its principles, beliefs, goals, membership,
and program standards. Offers advice on working with Daisy Girl
Scouts, planning meetings and events, and organizing program
activities. 1993.
Chicken Salads: Sixty Scrumptious Recipes for an American
Classic BR 10704
by Carole Lalli
1 volume
Lalli offers hints on buying and storing chicken, as well as on
handling chicken safely. She covers basic methods for preparing
chicken for use in salads and provides recipes for salads that
are mainly chicken and for others with vegetables, pasta, beans,
and grains. 1994.
Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the
United States BR 10706
edited by Lori M. Carlson
1 volume
Thirty-six poems--written in English, Spanish, or both--that
express Latino culture and the experience of growing up in
America. The poems are divided into categories such as
"School Days," "Home and Homeland,"
"Memories," "Hard Times," and "Time to
Party." For junior and senior high readers. In English and
Spanish. 1994.
The Guide for Cadette and Senior Girl Scout Leaders BR
10736
by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
1 volume
A Girl-Scouting handbook for adult leaders who work with girls
between eleven and seventeen years of age. Provides basic
information on the Girl Scout organization, its goals and
traditions, programs and activities, and the roles and
responsibilities of adult leaders. Explores topics of concern to
girls at this age level. 1995.
Speaking of Sadness: Depression, Disconnection, and the
Meanings of Illness BR 10742
by David A. Karp
3 volumes
A sociologist limns the human face and private experience of
depression through intimate interviews with fifty affected men
and women. Addresses the incidence, etiology, and treatment of
this pervasive mental health problem. Discusses conditions in
modern society that promote depression. 1996.
Isabella Gardner: The Collected Poems BR 10744
by Isabella Gardner
1 volume
More than one hundred poems written between 1955 and 1980,
including thirty previously unpublished or ungathered. Gardner's
subjects include motherhood, literature, politics, and nature in
such poems as "West of Childhood," "Little Rock,
Arkansas, 1957," "To Thoreau on Rereading
Walden," "Fall in Massachusetts." and "At
the Zoo." 1990.
Safety-Wise BR 10746
by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
2 volumes
A guide for adult leaders in establishing sound health and
safety standards and practices for Girl-Scouting programs. Sets
forth program standards and guidelines, activity checkpoints,
and trip-planning tips aimed at ensuring the safety and
well-being of girls involved in Scouting activities. 1993.
Coping with Lupus: A Guide to Living with Lupus for You and
Your Family BR 10751
by Robert H. Phillips
3 volumes
A sourcebook of information and guidance to help people with
systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) understand and live with
the condition. Explains the nature of the disease, its symptoms,
and its treatment. Offers advice for lupus patients on
lifestyle, emotions, and relating with others. 1991.
Understanding Cub Scouts with Disabilities BR 10752
by Boy Scouts of America
1 volume
A guide for helping Cub Scout leaders incorporate boys with
disabilities into the Cub Scouting program. Explains various
types of disabilities and suggests particular adaptations of Cub
Scout activities to increase participation, success, and
enjoyment for boys with special needs. 1994.
At Peace in the Light: The Further Adventures of a Reluctant
Psychic Who Reveals the Secret of Your Spiritual Powers BR
10753
by Dannion Brinkley
2 volumes
Brinkley tells how he adjusted to the psychic ability he
acquired after his near-death experiences and found his life's
mission in helping hospice patients face death. Sequel to
Saved by the Light (BR 9540). 1995.
In the Crevice of Time: New and Collected Poems BR
10760
by Josephine Jacobsen
2 volumes
Anthology from an award-winning American poet. This collection
spans nearly sixty years, from 1935 to 1994, and is divided
chronologically into five parts. Jacobsen's work is known for
its lean, elegant language and wide range of subject matter.
Jacobsen explores such themes as mortality in "Spring, Says
the Child," exotic aspects of travel in "The Foreign
Lands," and the nature of loss in "Tears." 1995.
Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence in
America BR 10768
by Geoffrey Canada
2 volumes
Canada recounts his experiences growing up in the South Bronx
and the culture of violence that governed daily survival. He
reflects on the increase of inner-city youth violence and
discusses programs such as New York's Beacon Schools as a way to
help America's troubled youth. Strong language and violence.
1995.
The Children of Perestroika Come of Age: Young People
of Moscow Talk about Life in the New Russia BR 10771
by Deborah Adelman
2 volumes
Adelman returns to Moscow in 1993 to reinterview the eleven
teens featured in The Children of Perestroika (BR 10842).
Now approaching adulthood, these Russian youths discuss their
concerns about the huge social and economic changes initiated by
Gorbachev in 1985. For senior high and older readers. 1994.
Meditations: On the Monk Who Dwells in Daily Life BR
10773
by Thomas Moore
1 volume
The author reflects on the twelve years he spent as a youth in a
monastic community. He offers a series of brief meditations that
he feels can illuminate and enrich the secular life, and he
contemplates "values, nuances, styles, and elements of
character" that he internalized during his years in the
monastery. 1994.
So Forth: Poems BR 10774
by Joseph Brodsky
1 volume
Rural Massachusetts, Manhattan, and the great cities of Europe
provide some of the settings in these sixty-four poems, which
comprise the final volume of poetry by the Nobel Prize-winning
poet. Brodsky composed this body of work during the last eight
years of his life by self-translating from his native Russian
and also by writing directly in English. 1996.
Oscar Wilde BR 10780
by Jeff Nunokawa
1 volume
Shows how Wilde achieved fame in London as a poet, playwright,
and the author of The Picture of Dorian Gray (BR 9281),
though he was later imprisoned for his homosexuality. Born in
1854 to a prominent Irish family, Wilde first gained notoriety
at Oxford for his flamboyant manner and nontraditional religious
views. For senior high and older readers. 1995.
Can You Hear, Bird: Poems BR 10781
by John Ashbery
1 volume
Collection of poems by the winner of the 1976 Pulitzer Prize and
other literary awards. The works are short, cynical, and
abstract and often contain humor and wordplays. Some strong
language. 1995.
Hate Groups BR 10785
by Deborah Able
1 volume
Examination of hate groups and racism in the United States. Able
looks at the history of specific groups, such as the Ku Klux
Klan, the White Aryan Resistance, and Identity Christians. She
also explores the thorny issue of First Amendment rights and the
"freedom to hate." Some strong language. For junior
and senior high readers. 1995.
A Reporter's Life BR 10812
by Walter Cronkite
4 volumes
Autobiography of the journalist who rose to become known as
"the nation's most trusted person." Recounts his Texas
youth, his years as a war correspondent, and his entry into
broadcasting to become television's first news anchorman. Offers
opinions about trends in broadcast news since his retirement in
1981. Bestseller 1996.
Finish Strong: Living the Values That Take You the Distance
BR 10813
by Richard G. Capen
2 volumes
Capen identifies personal values that lead to success and that
benefit family and community. Each chapter focuses on a specific
value--such as character, humility, and optimism--and includes
comments from political, business, and spiritual leaders like
Barbara Jordan and John Gardner. 1996.
Walking the Black Cat: Poems BR 10814
by Charles Simic
1 volume
A Pulitzer Prize-winning author presents poems depicting both
the ordinary and the surreal. For example, "Little
Unwritten Book" laments the disappearance of Rocky, a
bird-tolerating black cat, while "Dogs Hear It" has
Hamlet walking through "a motel in Vegas." 1996.
Stay Here with Me: A Memoir BR 10816
by Robert Olmstead
2 volumes
The author's coming-of-age reminiscence of being an
eighteen-year-old on his grandfather's New England farm.
Recounts the critical experiences of his father's fall to
alcoholism and his grandfather's to cancer, his first love
affair, and leaving home. Strong language. 1996.
The Irony of Free Speech BR 10818
by Owen M. Fiss
1 volume
Explores the meaning and implications of the First Amendment
principle of free speech. Contrasts the libertarian ethic of
"self expression" with the democratic aim "to
broaden the terms of public discussion." Advocates an
active state role "to ensure free and open public
debate" of issues. 1996.
The Crack in Everything BR 10837
by Alicia Suskin Ostriker
1 volume
Poetry that offers insights on topics including nature, illness,
suffering, and feminism. Features a section of introspective
poems dealing with the author's own experience with breast
cancer, mastectomy, and recovery. 1996.
Naked Earth: The New Geophysics BR 10838
by Shawna Vogel
2 volumes
Explores recent scientific theories and discoveries that
enlighten understanding of earthquakes, volcanoes, magnetic
fields, and other geophysical phenomena. Portrays a dynamic,
active world in a process of continuous change. 1995.
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