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.
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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."
Fiction
Where the Road Goes BR 12240
by Joanne Greenberg
3 volumes
Sixty-two-year-old perennial activist Tig Warriner joins a
radical acquaintance in a yearlong environmental march across the
country. Tig's family members resent her years of devotion to
causes at their expense. In their letters back and forth, Tig
learns more about her husband and children than she had ever
known. 1998.
Suspicion BR 12241
by Barbara Rogan
3 volumes
Novelist Emma's husband, Roger, finally convinces her to move
from New York City to a Victorian house on Long Island Sound. She
scoffs at rumors that the house is haunted. When unexplainable
things begin to happen, Emma feels more and more paranoid,
suspecting everyone--including Roger. Some strong language. 1999.
Winnetou BR 12438
by Karl May
6 volumes
A surveyor travels throughout the West and spends time with the
Indians. He develops a special rapport with Apache chief Winnetou
and is greatly saddened by his untimely death. This fictional
account was written in 1892 following May's visit to the American
frontier. Some violence. 1977.
Gain BR 12444
by Richard Powers
4 volumes
Laura Bodey lives in a midwestern city, home of the well-
established Clare Soap and Chemical company. When Laura learns
she has cancer, she blames the manufacturer. After exploring
Clare's history, business practices, and advertising policies, as
well as periods of growth and financial crisis, Laura seeks
damages. 1998.
The Mother-in-Law Diaries BR 12449
by Carol Dawson
2 volumes
Her son has eloped--and made her a mother-in-law! This news
causes Lulu to contemplate the unfortunate relationships she had
with the mothers of her boyfriends and four husbands. Strong
language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 1999.
Loyal Disloyalty BR 12451
by Jeffrey Ashford
2 volumes
When a serial rapist eludes the British police, they publish his
known characteristics in hopes that someone will recognize the
description--and someone does. Richard Adeane suspects the
wealthy brother-in-law of his estranged wife, and the clincher is
something she told Richard in confidence. Some strong language,
some violence, and some descriptions of sex. 1996.
Hunting Badger BR 12470
by Tony Hillerman
2 volumes
A casino robbery on the Ute reservation leaves one guard dead,
while a second is wounded and held under suspicion. As Navajo
Tribal Police sergeant Jim Chee tracks the criminals in the Four
Corners canyons, retired cop Joe Leaphorn receives a startling
tip identifying the perpetrators. Some violence. Bestseller 1999.
Madame Bovary: Life in a Country Town BR 12480
by Gustave Flaubert
3 volumes
A young middle-class Frenchwoman, Emma Bovary, is bored with her
husband (an inept doctor) and their country existence. Her
romantic fantasies lead her astray, into adultery and self-
destruction. Translated by Gerard Hopkins. Originally published
in 1857. 1981.
Go Down, Moses BR 12488
by William Faulkner
3 volumes
Seven stories first published in 1942, with an updated
introduction by Stanley Crouch and an added biographical note.
Each selection deals at least indirectly with one family in
Jefferson, Mississippi. Unifying themes are the changing
relationships between racial groups and their attitudes toward
the land they inhabit. 1996.
Enormous Changes at the Last Minute BR 12490
by Grace Paley
1 volume
Seventeen stories written in the 1960s and 1970s. In the title
story a middle-aged woman decides to have a baby with her young
hippie lover, even though her hospitalized father advises against
it. Some strong language. 1974.
The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway BR
12504
by Ernest Hemingway
7 volumes (Reissue)
This edition contains forty-nine stories that first appeared in a
1938 collection plus twenty-one works written after Hemingway
moved to Finca Vigia in Cuba. Includes "The Snows of
Kilimanjaro," "In Another Country," and "The Strange Country."
1987.
Mr. White's Confession BR 12514
by Robert Clark
3 volumes
St. Paul, Minnesota; 1939. When two dance hall girls are
murdered, the police accuse Herbert White, a lonely, daffy clerk
and amateur photographer. But recently widowed police lieutenant
Wesley Horner has doubts. When White runs, Horner follows him.
Some strong language, some violence, and some descriptions of
sex. 1998.
In Dubious Battle BR 12516
by John Steinbeck
3 volumes (Reissue)
Jim Nolan leads disgruntled migrant workers in a confrontation
with California landowners during the depression. Bestseller
after its original publication in 1936. Conveys several levels of
meaning about social forces and poverty in addition to its
portrayal of labor strife. Some strong language and some
violence. 1992.
Found Money BR 12519
by James Grippando
3 volumes
One day before physician Ryan Duffy's electrician father dies, he
tells his son about millions of dollars hidden in the attic.
Meanwhile, divorced single mother Amy Parkens receives a box
containing two hundred thousand dollars. Both want to know if the
money is tainted. Strong language and some violence. 1999.
Creeping Ivy BR 12525
by Natasha Cooper
3 volumes
Trish Maguire, a barrister who handles child law, rushes to the
aid of her cousin Antonia when Antonia's four-year-old daughter,
Charlotte, goes missing. The police start zeroing in on the
nanny, Antonia's boyfriend, and Charlotte's father. Before the
investigation is over, even Trish is a suspect. 1998.
The Ladies' Man BR 12526
by Elinor Lipman
2 volumes
At fifty-three, Adele Dobbin lives with her two sisters. Decades
earlier, Adele's fiancé, Harvey Nash, left town the night
of their engagement party. Now womanizing Harvey has returned to
Boston, throwing the sisters' lives into a tailspin. Strong
language and some descriptions of sex. 1999.
The Quilter's Apprentice BR 12533
by Jennifer Chiaverini
2 volumes
Sarah McClure can't find a job after she and her husband move to
the small town of Waterford, Pennsylvania. Then crotchety old
Sylvia Compson asks Sarah to help organize her family estate and
agrees to include quilting lessons as part of the salary. As they
work, Sylvia gradually opens up to Sarah about her past. 1999.
The Burglar in the Rye: A Bernie Rhodenbarr Mystery BR
12534
by Lawrence Block
2 volumes
Bernie Rhodenbarr, burglar and bookseller, is hired by an ex-
lover of a famous, reclusive author to steal back letters now in
the possession of a literary agent. The only problem is that the
agent is dead when Bernie arrives, and he can't resist stealing
some rubies as he flees. Some strong language and some violence.
1999.
Moving as One: Heart Beats, Volume 1 BR 12535
by Elizabeth M. Rees
2 volumes
Pennsylvania high school junior Sophy Bartlett realizes her plans
to be a ballerina are in jeopardy when the Ballet Academy has to
close for financial reasons. But she also hates the alternative:
Carlos Vargas's suggestion that the institution should merge with
the ballroom dance school he attends. For junior and senior high
readers. 1998.
Backwater BR 12539
by Joan Bauer
2 volumes
Sixteen-year-old Ivy Breedlove feels out of place in her family
of opinionated attorneys. While helping an elderly relative
compile a family history, Ivy sees similarities between herself
and a reclusive aunt who lives in the Adirondacks. Ivy sets out
to find her mysterious aunt. For junior and senior high readers.
1999.
Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind BR 12542
by Ann B. Ross
2 volumes
Miss Julia, of Abbotsville, North Carolina, is just recovering
from the shock of her husband's death, when Hazel Marie Puckett
arrives on her doorstep with a nine-year-old boy. Mr. Springer
might have left Miss Julia well off financially (which she is
just beginning to enjoy), but he also left her with a stepson.
1999.
Necessary Roughness BR 12549
by Marie G. Lee
2 volumes
Korean-American teenager Chan Kim and his twin sister, Young,
work hard to be assimilated into their new high school after
their father moves the family from L.A. to rural Minnesota. Chan
switches from soccer to football to gain acceptance, but then
tragedy strikes the family. For junior and senior high readers.
1996.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower BR 12551
by Stephen Chbosky
2 volumes
In 1991 Charlie is a high school freshman, reeling from his only
friend's recent suicide. In a series of letters, the overly
sensitive and intelligent Charlie describes making friends with
two seniors, who are step-siblings, and growing up with their
help. For senior high and older readers. 1999.
The Plague BR 12552
by Albert Camus
2 volumes (Reissue)
In a coastal town in Algeria the people struggle against
ignorance and fear as the bubonic plague strikes. Dr. Bernard
Rieux chronicles the trials and suffering of his patients during
the quarantine, and their triumph over death. 1948.
Death Lights a Candle: An Asey Mayo Cape Cod Mystery BR
12557
by Phoebe Atwood Taylor
2 volumes
A fierce snow storm covers Cape Cod and keeps visiting Bostonians
trapped inside during a week-long house party. When two guests
are murdered, local handyman-turned-sheriff Asey Mayo
investigates. Some violence. 1932.
Farewell, I'm Bound to Leave You BR 12558
by Fred Chappell
2 volumes
While Jess's grandmother lies dying, he reminisces about her
tales of women and hillbilly life in the North Carolina
mountains. In "The Silent Woman" a woman never once spoke but was
accepted by all. In "The Figuring Woman" a wise seamstress is
consulted for advice. 1996.
Peyton Place BR 12566
by Grace Metalious
4 volumes (Reissue)
In the small New England town of Peyton Place the surface lives
of the inhabitants hide lurid secrets. Three women--Allison
MacKenzie; her mother, Constance; and Allison's friend Selena
Cross--struggle to keep up appearances as they deal with
adultery, repression, lust, incest, and abortion. Some explicit
descriptions of sex and some strong language. Bestseller 1956.
Master Georgie BR 12568
by Beryl Bainbridge
1 volume
George Hardy, a physician and amateur photographer, volunteers
for service in the Crimean War. His friends describe their
relationships with him throughout the years: Myrtle, a foundling
taken in by the family who becomes Georgie's lover, his brother-
in-law Dr. Potter, and his assistant Pompey Jones. Some violence.
1998.
Sirena BR 12571
by Donna Jo Napoli
1 volume
Appalled at the thought of luring hapless sailors to their deaths
with a siren song, mermaid Sirena abandons her sisters to live on
the island of Lemnos. There she nurses the marooned Philoctetes
back to health before he meets his heroic fate in the Trojan War.
For junior and senior high readers. 1998.
Famous after Death BR 12575
by Benjamin Cheever
2 volumes
Satirical story of book editor Noel Hammersmith, who aspires to
become thin, attractive, and famous. In reality, he can't
remember large chunks of his boring days. Meanwhile, a serial
bomber who seems to be leading a parallel life to Noel's is
getting a lot of press. Strong language and some descriptions of
sex. 1999.
Dust Devils BR 12578
by Robert Laxalt
1 volume
Ira Hamilton wins an Arabian colt at the rodeo with the help of
his Paiute friend, Cricket. When rustlers steal the horse, Ira
tracks them across the desert, almost dying from thirst, flash
floods, and a bullet. Some strong language, some violence, and
some descriptions of sex. For senior high and older readers.
1997.
A Crime in the Neighborhood BR 12580
by Suzanne Berne
2 volumes
In 1972, after ten-year-old Marsha's father runs off with her
mother's sister, Marsha copes with life by documenting the
comings and goings in the neighborhood. When her mother begins
flirting with boring Mr. Green, Marsha turns over her notebooks
to police investigating a young boy's death. Some strong
language. 1997.
The Call of the Wild BR 12582
by Jack London
1 volume (Reissue)
Buck, a St. Bernard mix, is stolen and trained to be a sled dog
in the Alaskan gold fields. Abused by both men and dogs, Buck
learns to fight ruthlessly until he finds a master, John
Thornton, whom he loves and respects. For senior high and older
readers. 1903.
Gone from Home: Short Takes BR 12584
by Angela Johnson
1 volume
Twelve short stories about quirky characters who are in need of
help. "By the Time You Read This" sounds like a suicide note, but
turns out to be a thank-you letter. In "Sweetness" a neglected
child of a church-absorbed mother commits crimes for attention.
For junior and senior high readers. 1998.
Candles on Bay Street BR 12593
by K.C. McKinnon
2 volumes
Growing up in his small Maine town, Sam always had a secret crush
on his friend Dee Dee, but she moved away with someone else. Now
Sam is a married veterinarian and Dee Dee has finally returned
home with her young son and a sad favor to ask of Sam and his
wife. 1999.
Darkness, Be My Friend BR 12596
by John Marsden
2 volumes
In this sequel to A Killing Frost (BR 11739) teenagers
Homer, Lee, Kevin, Fi, and Ellie try to lead normal lives in New
Zealand. But when Colonel Finley asks them to return to Australia
to fight the invaders, they reluctantly agree, hoping to find
their families. Some violence. For junior and senior high and
older readers.1996.
Elbow Room BR 12600
by James Alan McPherson
2 volumes
Collection of twelve short stories dealing with African American
life. In "Why I Like Country Music," an urban husband enjoys
hillbilly music--much to his wife's disdain. In the title story,
a biracial couple struggle to find their identity. 1975.
The Essence of the Thing BR 12602
by Madeleine St. John
2 volumes
Struggling to comprehend why her live-in lover Jonathan suddenly
thinks they shouldn't be together, Nicola packs, moves out, and
tries to recover. Meanwhile Jonathan consoles himself that he was
correct in breaking up, believing that when a relationship isn't
absolutely right, it is absolutely wrong. Some strong language.
1997.
The History of the Siege of Lisbon BR 12606
by José Saramago
3 volumes
Nobel prize-winning author describes the solitary life of a
proofreader, Raimundo Silva, who has the audacity to rewrite
history on one of his assignments. Silva decides that in 1147 the
king of Portugal reconquered Lisbon without the help of
Crusaders. His boss, Maria Sara, then falls in love with him.
1996.
The Wake of the Wind BR 12608
by J. California Cooper
3 volumes
Africa, circa 1764. Acquaintances Kola and Suwaibu are captured
and transported to America. One hundred years later two of their
descendants, Mordecai and Lifee, marry on a plantation just prior
to the Civil War. After they are freed the family starts on a
journey to find a home. Some violence. 1998.
I Lock My Door upon Myself BR 12610
by Joyce Carol Oates
1 volume
In 1907 an emotionally disturbed country girl, Edith "Calla"
Honeystone, is married off to an older farmer. Calla lives in a
trance until she meets an African American itinerant water
dowser, with whom she falls in love. Some strong language, some
violence, and some descriptions of sex. 1990.
The Stillest Day BR 12611
by Josephine Hart
1 volume
Maiden schoolteacher Bethesda Barnet resides with her invalid
mother in a small English village at the turn of the century.
When the Pearsons, an expectant couple, move in next door,
Bethesda becomes obsessed with the husband. Then a tragedy occurs
and Bethesda winds up ostracized. 1998.
The Honey Thief BR 12614
by Elizabeth Graver
2 volumes
Because of eleven-year-old Eva's repeated shoplifting, her
widowed mother, Miriam, moves them from Manhattan to a rental
house in the country. As Eva befriends the beekeeper whom she
initially pilfered from, the story gradually reveals the reason
Eva steals and why it scares Miriam so. Some strong language.
1999.
Three Women BR 12615
by Marge Piercy
3 volumes
Successful attorney Suzanne Blume's contented, solitary life is
disrupted when her troubled older daughter loses another job and
returns home. Then, as Suzanne warily pursues an in-person
meeting with an online friend, her political-activist mother
suffers a crippling stroke and moves in. Explicit descriptions of
sex and strong language. 1999.
Stone Quarry BR 12616
by S.J. Rozan
3 volumes
P.I. Bill Smith normally uses his upstate New York cabin to
unwind, but this time he's there on business. An art theft could
expose the true identity of an anonymous local farmer unless
Smith can recover the paintings. Meanwhile, Smith must locate a
friend suspected of murder. Violence and strong language. 1999.
The Ship Avenged BR 12617
by S.M. Stirling
3 volumes
This sequel to The City Who Fought (BR 9865) occurs ten
years after Simeon and his space station SSS-900-C defeated space
pirates from Kolnar. Now the Kolnar leader plans revenge with a
kidnapping and a scheme to infect humans with a brain-killing
virus. Strong language, violence, and some descriptions of sex.
1997.
Folktales BR 12628
retold by Tana Reiff
1 volume
Eight folktales from around the world. Some teach a lesson, while
others are just fun. Includes "Lazy Jack" from England, "The Man
in the Moon" from China, "The Shoes of Jewels" from Vietnam, and
"Stone Soup," which comes from France, Sweden, and other
countries. Grade 1 braille. 1991.
Breaking Rank BR 12640
by Kristen D. Randle
2 volumes
Some boys at Casey's high school belong to the Clan. Silent and
dressed in black, they eschew schoolwork, while secretly
receiving an alternate education. When one member flouts the Clan
by taking honors classes with his tutor Casey, the two develop an
unexpected relationship. Some violence. For junior and senior
high readers. 1999.
The Ugly Dachshund BR 12647
by G.B. Stern
1 volume
In a satire on human behavior, Tono, a Great Dane, is raised
among dachshunds. But the big dog always feels inferior since he
is not treated like the others. Finally, when Tono realizes his
true nature, his demeanor changes. A Disney movie of the same
title was filmed in 1966. 1938.
Looking for Alibrandi BR 12681
by Melina Marchetta
2 volumes
During her senior year in a Catholic school in Sydney, Australia,
Josie meets her father, whom she has never known. She also has to
contend with her cantankerous Italian grandmother, her
illegitimate background, and her relationships with beaus Jacob
and John. For senior high readers. 1992.
The Unspeakable BR 12684
by Charles Laird Calia
2 volumes
When word reaches the Bishop of St. Paul that the Reverend Jim
Marbury can heal the sick, the Reverend Peter Whitmore is sent to
investigate. During the Holy Week that Whitmore spends with
Marbury, the men come to share some dark, painful secrets and
discover divine healing. Some strong language. 1998.
Mind's Eye BR 12688
by Paul Fleischman
1 volume
A novel in play form in which sixteen-year-old Courtney,
paralyzed in an accident, learns about the power of the mind from
an elderly blind woman, who takes Courtney on an imaginary
journey to Italy using a 1910 guidebook. For senior high and
older readers. 1999.
The Divine Ryans BR 12703
by Wayne Johnston
2 volumes
Nine-year-old Draper Doyle Ryan is the youngest member of his
extensive and eccentric Irish-Catholic clan in Newfoundland.
Amidst his struggles with daily life, the hapless boy is obsessed
with Montreal Canadiens hockey, erotic dreams, and recurring
visions of his deceased father. Some descriptions of sex. 1990.
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