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."
Hollywood Wives BR 11051
by Jackie Collins
5 volumes
Can Buddy Hudson hide his lurid past and go on to be the next
Marlon Brando? Will voluptuous Gina Germaine satisfy her
ravenous sexual appetite and land her first serious movie role?
Does Elaine Conti ever win back husband Ross? The answers
capture the essence of life lived on the fastest track of all.
Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller
1983.
The Rise of Silas Lapham BR 11064
by William Dean Howells
4 volumes
First published in 1885. A wealthy, self-made businessman
attempts to win acceptance for his family in high society of
nineteenth-century Boston. 1996.
Diary of a Madman and Other Stories BR 11088
by Nikolai Gogol
2 volumes
These stories, by the father of Russian realism, are set both in
his native Ukraine and in St. Petersburg, the city that was to
have an obsessive effect on him. Critics have acclaimed the
early nineteenth-century writer for his uncanny understanding of
the development of mental illness. 1972.
The Venus Deal BR 11089
by Ken Kuhlken
3 volumes
In this prequel to The Loud Adios (BR 9977), it's 1942
and private eye Tom Hickey is part owner of a supper club. When
crowd-pleasing seventeen-year-old singer Cynthia Moon doesn't
return from her vacation, Hickey, using clues from her startling
diary, sets out to bring her back. Some strong language and some
violence. 1993.
The Wayward Bus BR 11090
by John Steinbeck
2 volumes
A group of travelers interrelate when they are stranded
overnight at a roadside gas station and lunchroom in California.
Some strong language. 1947.
Noctuary BR 11091
by Thomas Ligotti
2 volumes
A discussion of the genre of weird fiction, followed by
twenty-seven short weird tales, presented in three sections.
"The Medusa" probes the power of classical myth in
modern life, "Conversations in a Dead Language"
explores the tradition of trick or treating at Halloween, and
"Autumnal" examines death. 1994.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories BR
11092
by Robert Louis Stevenson
2 volumes
In the title story, a short psychological novel of the war
between good and evil within the human personality, a kindly
physician commits diabolical crimes when his suppressed
personality is released. "The Body-Snatcher" and
"A Lodging for the Night" pursue moral issues,
"Markheim" and "Thrawn Janet" are stories
about the supernatural, and "The Misadventures of John
Nicholson" is a Gothic tale. 1885.
3001: The Final Odyssey BR 11095
by Arthur C. Clarke
2 volumes
After being killed and abandoned in space, twenty-first-century
astronaut Frank Poole is revived a thousand years in the future.
He finds that humanity has spread throughout the solar system
and lives in a state of near utopia. But all is not well in the
third millenium. The mysterious black monoliths are still
present and may now pose a threat. Sequel to 2061: Odyssey
Three (BR 7226). 1997.
The Aspern Papers and Other Stories BR
11097
by Henry James
3 volumes
First published in 1888, "The Aspern Papers" is set in
a crumbling Venetian palazzo, where a determined scholar tries
to charm its inhabitants--the Misses Bordereau--out of a
collection of letters by the American poet Aspern. Three short
stories first published in the 1890s complete the collection.
1983.
Washington Square BR 11098
by Henry James
2 volumes
Classic American novel written in 1881. Shy, plain Catherine is
courted by a dashing Morris Townsend. When he learns that
Catherine's wealthy, sardonic father will disinherit her if she
marries him, Townsend deserts the heartbroken young woman. 1982.
PartnerShip BR 11172
by Anne McCaffrey and Margaret Ball
3 volumes
As a brand-new member of the elite Central Worlds' Courier
Service, shellperson Nancia, half human and half spaceship,
undertakes her first mission, carrying a group of young
aristocrats across the galaxy. She faces a dilemma when her
passengers hatch a conspiracy to acquire power and wealth.
Sequel to The Ship Who Sang (BR 11171). Strong language.
1992.
The Ship Who Searched BR 11173
by Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey
2 volumes
A mysterious disease leaves seven-year-old Tia completely
paralyzed. With no possibility of a normal life, she becomes a
shellperson, the human brain of an interstellar spaceship. On
her odyssey across the galaxy, she learns about extinct
civilizations, seeks a cure for the disease that afflicted her,
and eventually falls in love. Sequel to PartnerShip (BR
11172). 1992.
The Ship Who Won BR 11174
by Anne McCaffrey and Jody Lynn Nye
3 volumes
Searching the galaxy for alien life, Carialle, whose brain
controls spaceship SSS-900, and Keff, her human partner,
discover a strange planet ruled by a race of magical wizards.
The arrogant wizards are hard enough to deal with, but Carialle
and Keff discover even more mysterious things about the new
world. Sequel to The City Who Fought (BR 9865). 1994.
Great Expectations BR 11178
by Charles Dickens
5 volumes
Pip, a poor orphan boy, is befriended by an unknown benefactor
and goes to London to live the life of a gentleman. The sequence
of events and his meetings with strange and colorful characters
change him from a shallow youth to a mature man. Includes an
introduction by G.K. Chesterton. 1860.
The Night Trilogy: Night, Dawn, The
Accident BR 11185
by Elie Wiesel
2 volumes
"Night" is the story of a Jewish boy who is deported
with his family and community from Hungary to the horrors of the
infamous Auschwitz. In "Dawn," Elisha, the sole
survivor of his family, becomes a Jewish terrorist in Palestine
and is ordered to execute an Englishman. In "The
Accident," a concentration camp survivor tries to rebuild
his life in New York City. Some violence and some descriptions
of sex. 1972.
The Dolphins of Pern BR 11186
by Anne McCaffrey
3 volumes
As the struggle against the deadly Thread spores continues in
the Dragonriders of Pern series, humans rediscover the planet's
long-forgotten dolphins. Rebuilding the connection between land
and sea rekindles the old dream of an ideal Pern. Sequel to
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall (BR 11188). 1994.
Dragonseye BR 11187
by Anne McCaffrey
3 volumes
It's been over two hundred years since the deadly silver strands
called Thread fell from the skies of Pern. Now a new generation
of Dragonriders unite in their efforts to prepare for the next
cycle of Threadfall. But one of the Lord Holders refuses to
cooperate and jeopardizes the safety of all. Sequel to The
Dolphins of Pern (BR 11186). 1997.
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall BR 11188
by Anne McCaffrey
2 volumes
Five stories about the early adventures of humans on the dragon
planet, Pern. Includes stories on the discovery of Pern by
humans, the human liaison with the indigenous flying dragons,
the first battle with the deadly Threadfall, and the final
isolation of the planet from the rest of humanity. Sequel to
All the Weyrs of Pern (BR 8699). 1993.
The Price of Land in Shelby BR 11192
by Laurie Alberts
3 volumes
The Chartrain family of Shelby, Vermont, live on crazy hope.
Over a thirty-year span, each of the five siblings born to
Lowell and Anne Chartrain grow, change, and survive into
adulthood, although often at great emotional cost. Strong
language, violence, and explicit descriptions of sex. 1996.
White Nights, Red Morning: The Russians, Volume 6 BR
11194
by Judith Pella
4 volumes
As 1905 draws to an end in St. Petersburg, Anna Fedorcenko faces
more tragedy. Still overwhelmed by her husband's death, Anna
must deal with paralyzing strikes and the desire of her youngest
son to avenge his father's death by becoming a revolutionary.
Sequel to The Dawning of Deliverance (BR 10264). 1996.
The Blithedale Romance BR 11196
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
5 volumes
Hawthorne's novel is based on his experiences living on Brook
Farm, the experimental transcendentalist community in
Massachusetts. The novel tells of Zenobia's love for
Hollingsworth, an egotistic reformer who does not return her
affection. First published in 1852. 1996.
Podkayne of Mars BR 11197
by Robert A. Heinlein
2 volumes
Indomitable young Podkayne (Poddy) Fries jumps at the chance to
accompany her uncle Tom on a mission to Earth. The only drawback
is that she'll have her loathsome little brother along for the
trip. But even greater dangers face the niece of a diplomat from
Mars who has powerful enemies. For junior and senior high and
older readers. 1963.
Erewhon BR 11198
by Samuel Butler
2 volumes
An English traveler discovers the remote land of Erewhon
inhabited by irrational people with exasperating ideas. A
satirical novel aimed at lampooning nineteenth-century English
society, customs, and manners. First published in 1872. 1970.
Across the River and into the Trees BR 11204
by Ernest Hemingway
2 volumes
In Hemingway's final novel, which is set in Venice near the end
of the second World War, an aging and battle-scarred American
colonel finds a renewed enthusiasm for life when he falls in
love with a young Italian countess. Some strong language. 1950.
Mary Wolf BR 11206
by Cynthia D. Grant
2 volumes
When Mary Wolf's father loses his upscale position, he takes his
family on the road in an RV for an extended vacation. Mary,
sixteen, soon realizes they are actually homeless and broke, her
pregnant mother shoplifts, and her angry father can't hold down
even the most menial job. Some strong language and some
violence. For senior high and older readers. 1995.
Milton in America BR 11207
by Peter Ackroyd
2 volumes
"What if the outspoken seventeenth-century English poet
John Milton had fled England in 1660 to avoid arrest and
emigrated to Puritan America?" supposes Ackroyd. In his
scenario, the aging and blind agitator establishes a settlement
named New Milton, where he rules with an iron hand and wages war
on a neighboring colony of Roman Catholics. 1996.
The Sorrows of Young Werther and Novella
BR 11208
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
2 volumes
The eighteenth-century German romantic story of a young man who,
while playing with the pistols of a friend, becomes distracted
by his own unhappiness and passion for a married lady and idly
decides to press the muzzle to his forehead. Originally
published in 1774. Also includes the short story,
"Novella." 1971.
The Bar Sinister BR 11209
by Sheila Simonson
2 volumes
Emily Foster is a widow who wants a companion for her
four-year-old son, Matt. Captain Richard Falk needs someone to
care for his two children, both under three, while he is away
from home. It seems the perfect solution for Emily. However,
Richard's life is in danger, and that affects not only his
children, but also Emily and her son. 1986.
A Time for Silence BR 11210
by Philippa Carr
3 volumes
Britishers Lucinda and Annabelinda, who have been friends since
childhood, are delighted when they both have the chance to
attend an exclusive finishing school in Belgium. But an
indiscretion on the part of Annabelinda and the beginning of
World War I send both girls fleeing back to England and an
uncertain future. 1991.
Second Skin BR 11211
by Eric Lustbader
5 volumes
In this sequel to Floating City (BR 9818), Mafia boss
Mick Leonforte schemes to take over the Japanese underworld from
an old friend of Nicholas Linnear. Linnear's own livelihood and
personal safety are also threatened as he moves to thwart the
mob. Strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex. 1995.
The Europeans BR 11214
by Henry James
2 volumes
A fortune-hunting European countess and her charming brother
come to visit their straight-laced cousins near Boston. Their
rich and imaginative, but immoral, way of living is contrasted
with the dull, but upright, American way. 1878.
The Year of the Frog BR 11216
by Martin M. Simecka
3 volumes
Milan is a young Czechoslovakian intellectual who is prevented
from attending college by communist authorities because of his
father's dissident activities. Forced to work, he takes a series
of menial jobs and turns to his two great passions:
long-distance running and his soon-to-be wife, Tania. 1992
winner of the Pegasus Prize for Literature. 1993.
Murder at the National Gallery BR 11218
by Margaret Truman
3 volumes
Luther Mason, curator at the National Gallery for more than
twenty years, is finally getting the Caravaggio exhibit he has
dreamed of. But Luther also has other visions--he plans to keep
one of the original paintings and substitute a forgery. Some
violence. Bestseller 1996.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame BR 11219
by Victor Hugo
5 volumes
This historical romance, set in 1482, concerns Quasimodo, the
hunchback bell-ringer of the Paris cathedral of Notre Dame, and
his love for the gypsy girl, Esmerelda. 1831.
A Stone for Danny Fisher BR 11220
by Harold Robbins
4 volumes
Chronicles the life of Danny Fisher from his eighth birthday
through his Bar Mitzvah, his marriage, his loss of a child, and
his attempts to survive the cutthroat underworld of New York
City in the 1930s and 1940s while holding on to his dream of a
happy, peaceful home and family. Some strong language, some
violence, and some descriptions of sex. 1951.
In Our Time BR 11224
by Ernest Hemingway
1 volume
Collection of Hemingway's earliest stories including parts one
and two of "Big Two-Hearted River" and "The
Doctor and the Doctor's Wife." Some strong language. 1925.
Drums of Change: The Story of Running Fawn BR 11231
by Janette Oke
2 volumes
In 1874, Martin Forbes, a young missionary, arrives in Alberta,
Canada, to establish a school and bring Christianity to the
Blackfoot Indians. Two star pupils, Running Fawn and Silver
Fox--the chief's son--are then sent to school in Calgary, where
Silver Fox is able to accept Christianity, but Running Fox
returns home to her family and beliefs--at least for a while.
1996.
Range of Motion BR 11234
by Elizabeth Berg
2 volumes
After her beloved husband is hit by a piece of ice that falls
from a rooftop, Lainey must learn to cope with the uncertainty
of his comatose state. Helping her is her neighbor, who is going
through a crisis of her own, and the spirit of the woman who
lived in Lainey's house in the 1940s. 1995.
Red Sky at Night BR 11235
by James W. Hall
3 volumes
As private detective Thorn is investigating the mysterious
slaughter of eleven captive dolphins, he is assaulted and left
paralyzed from the waist down. Though beset with pain and
anguish, Thorn must match wits with a doctor who is driven by a
diabolical obsession. Strong language, violence, and
descriptions of sex. 1997.
The Rebounder BR 11240
by Thomas J. Dygard
1 volume
Hamilton High's basketball coach, Doug Fulton, fantasizes each
year that a superb player will transfer to his school. This year
he thinks his dream has come true when he spots tall, athletic
Chris Patton. But Chris denies being a basketball player until
Coach Fulton learns the disturbing truth from Chris's former
school. For junior and senior high readers. 1994.
Once upon a Rose BR 11255
by Judith O'Brien
3 volumes
Young country-music writer and singer Deanie Bailey has come to
England to record a music video at Hampton Court Palace. When
taping is over for the day, she decides to investigate the maze.
Shortly after entering, Deanie is transported back to 1540 and
is rescued by Kit Neville, Duke of Hamilton, who also seems to
be from another time. 1996.
That Summer BR 11256
by Sarah Dessen
2 volumes
The summer she is fifteen, Haven must endure the weddings of
both her father and her sister, her mother's new lifestyle, her
growth spurt to almost six feet, and her best friend's turning
into a boy-crazy stranger. Missing her old life, Haven is
relieved to meet a boy her sister dated during happier times.
Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1996.
Silas Marner BR 11257
by George Eliot
1 volume
A simplified retelling by Clare West of Eliot's 1861 novel. When
an embittered weaver is robbed of his gold, he finds by chance a
yellow-haired child who delights him and becomes his treasure.
Also intertwined is the story of the local squire and his two
sons. 1994.
Now or Never BR 11258
by Elizabeth Adler
3 volumes
A serial killer carefully stalks and murders young women. When
Boston police detective Harry Jordan finally gets a partial
description, he desperately turns to a national television
figure for help. Mallory Malone's show has been the downfall for
many criminals, but oddly, Malone refuses to profile Jordan's
case. Strong language, violence, and explicit descriptions of
sex. 1997.
The Persian Pickle Club BR 11261
by Sandra Dallas
2 volumes
As the crops wither without rain, members of the Persian Pickle
Club keep up their spirits by swapping gossip and fabric scraps
while quilting. The bonds among the "stitch and itch"
ladies are tested when a newcomer investigates a murder in the
small Kansas town of the 1930s. 1995.
A Lost Lady BR 11262
by Willa Cather
1 volume
A portrayal of the moral disintegration of a lovable woman as
seen through the eyes of a boy. Some strong language. 1923.
Past Forgiving BR 11266
by Gloria D. Miklowitz
1 volume
Fifteen-year-old Alexandra can't believe popular senior Cliff is
her boyfriend. When they both get summer jobs at the Y,
Alexandra is surprised by Cliff's temper and jealousy, but she
refuses to believe her friends' warnings about him. Some strong
language. For junior and senior high readers. 1995.
Catch Your Breath BR 11268
by Jessica Auerbach
3 volumes
Recently separated from her policeman husband, Rosie Sloan
panics when their two-year-old son, Jason, begins having trouble
breathing. Because her first child died of SIDS and her father
was a doctor, Rosie is very careful to follow Jason's doctor's
advice to the letter. So why has someone reported her as an
unfit mother? Some strong language. 1996.
Masquerade BR 11270
by B.J. Hoff
2 volumes
Danni St. John has returned to her hometown of Red Oak, Alabama,
to work as the editor of the newspaper being published by the
Colony, a cult that has established a compound just outside of
town. She soon finds herself involved in a series of terrifying
events, which she investigates with the aid of Sheriff Logan
McGarey, with whom she is falling in love. 1996.
The Garden of Eden BR 11272
by Ernest Hemingway
2 volumes
Salvaged from three manuscript versions, this early novel is set
in the 1920s in France and Spain. Young and successful writer
David Bourne is honeymooning with his wife, Catherine. She has
her hair cropped as short as a boy's and tells David of her
yearning to play sex-role games. David temporarily acquiesces,
but trouble begins to brew. Some strong language and explicit
descriptions of sex. Bestseller 1986. 1961.
The Dancing Floor BR 11274
by Barbara Michaels
3 volumes
Heather Tradescant has come to England to visit some of its
famous gardens. One of her greatest hopes is to see the ones at
Troytan House. When she is denied permission, Heather attempts
to get a glimpse of the fabled landscape by crawling through a
wall of thick brush. What awaits her is not what she expects.
1997.
Sacrifice BR 11300
by Mitchell Smith
3 volumes
After seven years in a Kansas prison, Tyler Pierce has just
pulled off the bank heist of his career when he learns that his
park-ranger daughter has been killed in Florida. Tyler uses his
windfall from the robbery to fund his search for her murderer, a
serial killer whose victims are women in uniform. Strong
language, violence, and some explicit descriptions of sex. 1997.
The Oxford Book of Hebrew Short Stories BR 11303
by Glenda Abramson
4 volumes
These thirty-two stories, each by a different writer, offer an
introduction to the development of Hebrew-language fiction in
the late nineteenth century and its evolution in Israel.
Arranged in rough chronological order, they explore a broad
range of social, political, cultural, and family issues. Each
selection is preceded by a brief biography of its author. 1996.
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