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."
A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume BR 10835
Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the
Constitution BR 11184
by Jack N. Rakove
6 volumes
Explores the ideological and political assumptions that underlie
the "original meanings" of the Constitution and the
resulting ambiguities. Critiques the method that looks solely to
the founders' intent for adapting the document to modern
circumstances. Examines specific issues, such as federalism and
the influence of James Madison. 1996.
Inventing Mark Twain: The Lives of Samuel Langhorne Clemens
BR 11190
by Andrew Hoffman
7 volumes
Life of the beloved American writer and humorist who died in
1910 at the age of seventy-four. Hoffman explores the persona of
Clemens's alter ego Mark Twain, an idealized public image used
not only as a vehicle for self-promotion but also to rewrite a
painful past. Some strong language. 1997.
Deep Atlantic: Life, Death, and Exploration in the Abyss BR
11199
by Richard Ellis
4 volumes
Chronicles the history of exploration in the Atlantic Ocean.
Then describes a voyage to the depths of the Atlantic to reveal
the exotic and wondrous creatures residing on the ocean floor.
1996.
William Cooper's Town: Power and Persuasion on the Frontier
of the Early American Republic BR 11205
by Alan Taylor
8 volumes
Portrays the life of wealthy land speculator and politician
William Cooper, who rose from humble origins to prominence as
the founder of Cooperstown, New York. The spectacular rise and
later decline of Cooper's fortunes inspired the writings of his
author son, James Fenimore Cooper. 1995.
The Politics of Rage: George Wallace, the Origins of the New
Conservatism, and the Transformation of American Politics BR
11223
by Dan T. Carter
7 volumes
History of the Alabama governor and conservative leader, whose
national political career was cut short by a gunshot in 1972
that left him paralyzed. Carter traces Wallace's role in
launching a conservative movement that allowed Republicans to
dominate American politics in the 1980s and 1990s. Some strong
language. 1995.
Cooking with Too Hot Tamales: Recipes and Tips from the
Television Food Network's Spiciest Cooking Duo BR 11225
by Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger
2 volumes
Restaurant owners and radio and television hosts, the authors
present recipes for Spanish and Latin American dishes from
drinks and snacks to desserts. Turkey tamales with fresh
cranberry salsa, quinoa salad, chile crab cakes, and sweet
potato fries are a few examples. 1997.
A Commotion in the Blood: Life, Death, and the Immune System
BR 11228
by Stephen S. Hall
7 volumes
An examination of the techniques and intricacies associated with
immunotherapy, which uses the body's own cells to combat cancer
and other diseases. The progressive use of immunology is
discussed, beginning with "Coley's Toxins." The author
also supplies a glimpse into the politics involved with
scientific discoveries. 1997.
The Perfect Vehicle: What It Is about Motorcycles BR
11237
by Melissa Holbrook Pierson
2 volumes
Motorcycle enthusiast delivers an exposition on this two-wheel
vehicle and its riders. Pierson communicates the thrill of the
sport, distinguishing between real and imaginary dangers. She
wittily intersperses her personal experiences throughout the
account. 1997.
The Wisdom of the Body BR 11243
by Sherwin B. Nuland
4 volumes
Companion to How We Die (BR 9461). A surgeon explores the
mystery of life and the human body. Discerns an inherent
"spirit" in the organic structure, through which
humans maintain themselves and survive. Examines the body's
major systems, recounting case studies involving the body's
responses to diseases and treatments. 1997.
Falling from Grace: Can Pro Basketball Be Saved? BR
11244
by Terry Pluto
3 volumes
A scathing look at the National Basketball Association. The
author decries the on-court behavior of the NBA's new generation
of players and the overall state of the game. Pluto reinforces
his remonstrations of the NBA with quotes from basketball
luminaries Charles Barkley, Willis Reed, Chuck Daly, and many
others. Some violence and some strong language. 1995.
Resurrection: The Struggle for a New Russia BR 11260
by David Remnick
4 volumes
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist describes the post-Cold War
struggle to establish a new Russian state. He provides close-up
portraits and detailed reporting on war-torn Chechnya, the
return of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, and the reelection of Boris
Yeltsin in 1996. He argues for greater Western involvement in
Moscow's haphazard efforts to control corruption and entrench
democratic freedoms. 1997.
Lost in Place: Growing Up Absurd in Suburbia BR
11279
by Mark Salzman
2 volumes
The author's memoir of his offbeat teenage years spent in
conventional suburban Connecticut. He describes his early
fascination with things oriental--the Chinese language, martial
arts, and Zen--and recounts his adolescent foibles. Depicts his
troubled relationship with his curmudgeonly father. Strong
language. 1995.
The Journey Out: A Guide for and about Lesbian, Gay, and
Bisexual Teens BR 11284
by Rachel Pollack and Cheryl Schwartz
1 volume
The authors give advice to teenagers on various aspects of
discovering one's sexuality: dating, myths and stereotypes,
religion and spirituality, homophobia and harassment, finding
self-acceptance, and coming out to family and friends. Some
strong language and some descriptions of sex. For junior and
senior high readers. 1995.
The Figured Wheel: New and Collected Poems, 1966-1996 BR
11292
by Robert Pinsky
3 volumes
A compendium of the first four books by the U.S. poet laureate,
with twenty-one new poems. The title poem, "The Figured
Wheel," with its image of the wheel of life, illustrates
the all-encompassing scope of the poems. 1996.
The Collected Poems BR 11302
by Reynolds Price
3 volumes
The South's well-known contemporary writer combines three of his
older works of poetry with an additional collection. The latter
poems were written after his near-fatal bout with spinal cancer.
Throughout the work are themes of friendship, family, and death.
1997.
The Welcome Table: African-American Heritage Cooking BR
11307
by Jessica B. Harris
3 volumes
Presents more than two hundred recipes along with historical
information about cookery from around the country. Besides
traditional ingredients, suggests healthy substitutes to guard
against hypertension. Also includes a glossary and a list of
favorite restaurants and mail-order sources. 1995.
Even in Quiet Places BR 11313
by William Stafford
1 volume
Posthumous collection of four chapbooks from 1990 to 1995 by an
award-winning poet. Stafford's poem "Pretty Good Day"
supplies the line for the title Even in Quiet Places,
which alludes to secluded areas of retreat. Nature is an
important force in many of Stafford's poems. Contains an
afterword by Stafford's son, Kim, who is his literary executor.
1996.
Kora and Ka: With Mira-Mare BR 11329
by Hilda Doolittle
1 volume
Two experimental pieces written in 1930 by the imagist poet
"H.D." set in Monte Carlo. In the first, Kora is John
Helforth's companion while he recovers from a nervous breakdown.
His Ka, from the Egyptian concept of shadow-soul, also
accompanies them. In "Mira-Mare," Alex explores the
beach setting. The eleven-page introduction by Robert Spoo
provides literary commentary. 1996.
Fresno Stories BR 11333
by William Saroyan
1 volume
A collection of eleven of the author's humorous short stories
that span the length of his career. Each story revolves around
ethnic families in Fresno, California, in the early part of the
century. 1936.
The Cricket on the Hearth and Other Christmas Stories
BR 11334
by Charles Dickens
2 volumes
Three short Christmas tales written in the 1850s. In "The
Cricket on the Hearth" and "The Holly-Tree,"
misunderstandings between lovers are cleared up in time to make
the holiday cheerful. Similarly, in "The Haunted
House," lovers are eventually united. 1994.
The Time Bind: When Work Becomes Home and Home Becomes Work
BR 11342
by Arlie Russell Hochschild
3 volumes
A sociology professor examines a large American corporation that
has family-friendly policies to find out why most of its
employees aren't taking full advantage of them. 1997.
Divided to the Vein: A Journey into Race and Family BR
11345
by Scott Minerbrook
3 volumes
A writer for U.S. News & World Report examines his family
history. Growing up in the North with a black father and a white
mother in the fifties, Minerbrook recalls incidents of prejudice
from both races. Having never felt completely accepted, in
middle age Minerbrook travels to rural Missouri to confront his
white relatives. Some strong language and some violence. 1996.
Plays: Intrigue and Love and Don Carlos BR
11346
by Friedrich Schiller
3 volumes
Two late-eighteenth-century dramas by a German poet,
philosopher, and historian. Intrigue and Love is an early
work (1783) of class conflict and social protest. Don
Carlos (1787) is a tragedy reflecting the dramatist's love
for a married woman. In these dramas, Schiller voices his
opposition to tyranny and appeals for more idealistic goals and
humanitarian ways. 1787.
In the Huddle with-- Steve Young BR 11355
by Matt Christopher
1 volume
In this biography of Steve Young, quarterback of the San
Francisco 49ers, the author emphasizes that the athlete had to
struggle throughout his career to be number one. Through hard
work and determination, Young eventually became the starting
quarterback while earning a law degree in the off season. For
junior and senior high readers. 1996.
Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's
Continuing Debate over Science and Religion BR 11356
by Edward J. Larson
4 volumes
A historical account of the 1925 Scopes "monkey"
trial, when the state of Tennessee prosecuted John Scopes for
teaching evolution in a public school. The courtroom arguments
featured the famous orators William Jennings Bryan and Clarence
Darrow debating religion and the state's right to dictate school
curriculum. 1997.
Ruth, a Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham BR
11357
by Patricia Cornwell
3 volumes
Written by a popular crime novelist--a family friend--this
account of the wife of evangelist Billy Graham begins with Ruth
Bell's early life in China as a child of missionaries. Because
she wanted to follow in her parents' footsteps, it took
persuasion on Graham's part to convince her to marry him and
become his helpmate. 1997.
The Information Superhighway BR 11371
by Marin and Kathlyn Gay
1 volume
Provides an overview of the services of the Internet. Introduces
issues of government control, trade and business, education, and
privacy. Also discusses electronic mail, listservs, and personal
communication. Problems such as piracy, copyright infringement,
and obscenity on the Internet are presented briefly. For junior
and senior high readers. 1996.
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