The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library.
Note: For the infomation 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 occurence, as in "some strong language."
This page includes Web-Braille links to full-text braille versions of books. Eligible patrons may sign up for Web-Braille through the library that handles their braille magazine subscriptions.
Nonfiction
Before the Wind: The Memoir of an American Sea Captain, 1808-1833 BR 12781
by Charles Tyng
3 volumes
Charles Tyng's great-great-granddaughter has edited this memoir
of his early seafaring years, tracing his career from a first
harrowing voyage to China at age thirteen to his own shipboard
command in his early twenties. Tyng recounts his adventures at
sea, including shipwrecks, mutinies, and pirate attacks, and in
exotic ports worldwide. Some violence. 1999.
From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life,
1500 to the Present BR 12796
by Jacques Barzun
11 volumes
A description of major achievements in Western art, thought,
manners, morals, and religion, from the Protestant Reformation to
the late twentieth century. Profiles major figures in cultural
and social revolutions, including Luther, Cromwell, Mozart, and
Rousseau. Explores evidence of what the author views as a decline
in Europe and America. 2000.
The Beatles Anthology BR 12804
7 volumes
Chronicle of the innovative English rock group comprised of Paul
McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon, from
their childhoods in Liverpool until their split in 1970. Based
largely on a 1994 television documentary series, the book
features interviews with the four musicians and their close
associates. Some strong language. Bestseller 2000.
Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation BR
12931
by Joseph J. Ellis
3 volumes
Author of American Sphinx (RC 44729) explains the
importance of a few prominent leaders in the development of
democracy after the American Revolution. Describes significant
contributions to the new nation made by John Adams, Aaron Burr,
Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James
Madison, and George Washington. Bestseller 2000.
Life's Delicate Balance: Causes and Prevention of Breast
Cancer BR 12938
by Janette D. Sherman
3 volumes
Doctor specializing in internal medicine and toxicology discusses
various agents--pesticides, industrial chemicals, hormone
additives, nuclear radiation, and others--that alter the way
cells grow and function. She proposes personal choices and
political actions that may reduce the risks of breast cancer and
other malignancies. 2000.
Fresh Air Fiend: Travel Writings, 1985-2000 BR 12967
by Paul Theroux
4 volumes
Fifteen years of articles and essays that explore the connections
between traveling and writing. Recounts camping trips in Maine
and visits to European cities, rivers in Africa and China, and
Pacific islands. Includes essays on the author's and others'
books and on travel writers such as Bruce Chatwin. Some strong
language. 2000.
The Secret Lives of Words BR 12969
by Paul West
3 volumes
A word lover pays homage to some four hundred words and explains
their derivation. An entertaining exploration of the "double,
multiple identity of words" and their convoluted journey into
English. Begins with abacus and proceeds through the
alphabet to end with zymurgist. Some strong language.
2000.
Retire Early--and Live the Life You Want Now: A Ten-Step Plan
for Reinventing Your Retirement BR 12970
by John F. Wasik
2 volumes
Includes instructions for balancing spending with what is needed
for early retirement, structuring an income stream, choosing and
setting up a prosperity plan, creating a private utopia, fully
funding investment vehicles, retiring early even with kids at
home, and making money last as long as you do. 1999.
The Black Room at Longwood: Napoleon's Exile on Saint Helena
BR 12982
by Jean-Paul Kauffmann
2 volumes
Describes Napoleon's place of exile and imprisonment from 1815
until his death in 1821, reflecting on the emperor's state of
mind and including portions of his diary. Winner of the Prix
Femina and a bestseller in France. Translated by Patricia Clancy.
1999. Bestseller 1999.
Opposing Viewpoints in Social Issues BR 13000
edited by William Dudley
4 volumes
Presents debates on gun control, abortion, affirmative action,
alcohol, the death penalty, assisted suicide, genetic
engineering, and smoking. Each section includes six essays--three
supporting and three opposing the topic. For senior high readers.
2000.
Zero G: Life and Survival in Space BR 13264
by Peter Bond
2 volumes
Examines the experiences of some four hundred people who were
astronauts or cosmonauts before 1999. Describes their adaptation
to the weightless environment of zero gravity, with no sense of
"up" or "down." Details the trials and tribulations, dangers,
excitement, and monotony that make up space travel. 1999.
Leonardo da Vinci BR 13272
by Sherwin B. Nuland
1 volume
A professor of surgery examines the Renaissance painter,
architect, and engineer, focusing on Leonardo's experimental
approach to science and especially his studies of anatomy and
physiology. Discusses the contention of the artist's
homosexuality and interprets the Mona Lisa portrait. Some
descriptions of sex. 2000.
The Social Lives of Dogs: The Grace of Canine Company BR
13273
by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
2 volumes
In this sequel to the bestselling The Hidden Life of Dogs (BR
9410) the anthropologist-owner of a multitude of pets
continues her observations of their behavior. Theorizes that if
canines cannot live only with their own kind, they will establish
family relationships with humans and other household pets. 2000.
An Hour before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood BR
13279
by Jimmy Carter
2 volumes
The thirty-ninth president of the United States reminisces about
growing up in rural Georgia during the depression. Traces his
family genealogy; examines social mores of the segregated South.
Describes his experience of daily life in a small close-knit
farming community until his appointment to the U.S. Naval
Academy. Bestseller 2001.
In the Wilderness: Coming of Age in Unknown Country BR
13284
by Kim Barnes
2 volumes
A poet describes her happy childhood in the Idaho timberlands,
where her father was a logger, and her rebellious adolescence
after her parents joined a fundamentalist religion. She recalls
changes in the environment and in her interior landscape as she
matured. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. 1996.
The Diamond Sutra and The Sutra of Hui-Neng BR 13285
translated by A.F. Price and Mou-lam Wong
2 volumes
The Diamond Sutra, a sacred Buddhist scripture, passed
into written format in the fourth century A.D. Price's English
translation of the text was made in 1947. In 1929 Wong made the
first English translation of The Sutra of Hui-Neng, a
T'ang dynasty record of sermons and sayings belonging to the Zen
tradition. 1947.
Midnight Salvage: Poems, 1995-1998 BR 13294
by Adrienne Rich
1 volume
A collection of fourteen poems concerning the beauty and
fragility of life. In "Modotti," Rich evokes the spirit of Tina
Modotti, a political activist, revolutionary, and photographer,
with this opening line: "Your footprints of light on sensitive
paper..." Some descriptions of sex. 1999.
Open Closed Open: Poems BR 13300
by Yehuda Amichai
2 volumes
This collection of personal and cultural history begins and ends
with poems in which Israel's leading poet recounts the story of a
fragmented stone engraved with the word "Amen" that lies on his
desk. Originally written in Hebrew, these poems were translated
by Chana Bloch and Chana Kronfeld. 2000.
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living BR 13301
by Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler
2 volumes
Following conversations with the Dalai Lama, psychiatrist Cutler
presents the Buddhist leader's methods for maintaining happiness.
The Dalai Lama believes genuine and lasting inner peace may be
attained through trust in the fundamental gentleness and goodness
of all human beings, compassion, and a policy of kindness.
Bestseller 1998.
It's Never Too Late to Love a Computer: A Friendly First Guide
BR 13302
by Abby Stokes
2 volumes
Advises novice computer users on the basics. Covers the parts of
a computer (software and hardware), purchasing tips, choosing
between the Apple Macintosh and IBM-compatible personal computers
(PCs), and experimenting with using e-mail and word processing.
Provides a glossary and lists recommended web sites and other
resources. 2000.
How to Read and Why BR 13309
by Harold Bloom
2 volumes
Literary critic Bloom presents "samplings" and interpretations of
his favorite literary works to affirm the value of engaged
reading. Among the authors discussed are short-story masters
Turgenev, Hemingway, Borges, and Calvino; poets Whitman,
Dickinson, Wordsworth, and Keats; novelists Cervantes, Stendhal,
Austen, Proust, Melville, and Pynchon; and playwrights
Shakespeare, Ibsen, and Wilde. 2000.
Medicine's Ten Greatest Discoveries BR 13311
by Meyer Friedman and Gerald W. Friedland
3 volumes
Presents ten monumental discoveries that are considered
significant in shaping modern medicine. Describes the scientists
responsible and others who continued their research as well as
the shared traits that made their achievements possible. Includes
Edward Jenner and vaccination, Alexander Fleming and antibiotics,
and Maurice Wilkins and DNA. 1998.
The Water in Between: A Journey at Sea BR 13312
by Kevin Patterson
3 volumes
Canadian ex-army doctor Patterson recalls a sailing adventure
from Vancouver Island to Tahiti with a friend in 1994 and 1995.
Describes the four-day gale encountered on his solo return voyage
and his fear that a journey meant to distract him from a broken
heart might actually end in death. 1999.
The Renaissance: A Short History BR 13319
by Paul Johnson
2 volumes
A brief survey of the Renaissance, including the historic and
economic background of the period; its art, literature, and
architecture; and its eventual decline. 2000.
Heroes of the Game: True Baseball Stories BR 13324
by Terry Egan and others
1 volume
This companion to The Good Guys of Baseball (BR 12879)
highlights nineteen players who exemplify sportsmanship and the
love of the game. Includes major leaguer Roberto Clemente, who
died on a mercy mission, and Jim Eisenreich, who has Tourette's
syndrome. Grade 1 braille. 1992.
Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip across America with Einstein's
Brain BR 13332
by Michael Paterniti
2 volumes
As the author chauffeurs Dr. Thomas Harvey and the pickled
remains of Einstein's brain from New Jersey to California, he
recalls salient facts about the scientific genius, contemplates
mysteries of the brain, and ponders the eccentricity of his
traveling companion. Some strong language. 2000.
The Sky Is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban
Astrophysicist BR 13333
by Neil de Grasse Tyson
2 volumes
Memoirs of the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York
City. Describes his deciding at nine to become an astrophysicist
and then achieving that goal. Explains Tyson's unique profile not
only as a "nerdy kid" and star athlete, but as a black male in
America. 2000.
Millionaire: The Philanderer, Gambler, and Duelist Who
Invented Modern Finance BR 13338
by Janet Gleeson
2 volumes
Chronicles John Law's Scottish childhood, his years studying
economics, and his escape from prison after winning a duel.
Recalls his rise to fame for devising the paper currency system
of the eighteenth century; explores the impact of Law's financial
innovations on banking, credit, and investment practices. 1999.
Virginia Woolf BR 13339
by Nigel Nicolson
1 volume
An affectionate portrait of the British author by a biographer
who remembers her from his childhood. Offers Nicolson's
interpretation of Woolf's relationship with her half brothers and
its effect on her sexuality. Covers her marriage, circle of
friends in Bloomsbury, views on feminism, voluminous writings,
and intermittent bouts of madness. 2000.
Rosa Parks BR 13342
by Douglas Brinkley
2 volumes
A distinguished historian portrays the woman who became a symbol
of freedom by her refusal to give up her Alabama bus seat to a
white man in 1955. Brinkley examines her background, what led to
her courageous action in the civil rights movement, and the
repercussions. 2000.
The Education of Laura Bridgman: First Deaf and Blind Person
to Learn Language BR 13354
by Ernest Freeberg
3 volumes
Chronicles the life of Laura Bridgman, who, born into a New
Hampshire farm family in 1829, became deaf and blind at the age
of two. Freeberg recounts Laura's transformation into a woman who
voraciously absorbed the world around her under the tutelage of
Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe of the Perkins Institution for the Blind.
2001.
Buddha BR 13356
by Karen Armstrong
2 volumes
A biographical study of the revered religious leader,
traditionally thought to have died in India in 483 B.C. Traces
the main events of his life, from his renunciation of family
through his quest for enlightenment, as evidenced in his
teachings. Examines his philosophy for its message to humanity.
Bestseller 2001.
Deadlock: The Inside Story of America's Closest Election BR
13378
3 volumes
Washington Post political journalists describe the 2000
presidential election finale in Florida, detailing the counting
techniques, legal maneuvers, and the court battle for the state's
electoral votes. Explores the decisions that led Gore to pursue
recounts and Bush the Supreme Court. Bestseller 2001.
Next section of Braille Book Review | Previous section of Braille Book Review | Braille Book Review Home Page
Go to the NLS Home Page