Braille Book Review

May-June 2006
Books for Adults--Fiction

Fiction

Arena BR 15662
by Karen Hancock
3 volumes
Allegorical Christian tale in which artist Callie Hayes is surreptitiously transported to an alien world. Armed with only a guidebook, she must trust the enigmatic Pierce, who helps her find a path through the treacherous Arena, her only hope of escape. Violence and some descriptions of sex. 2002.

The Goodbye Summer BR 15664
by Patricia Gaffney
3 volumes
Shy, thirty-two-year-old music teacher Caddie Winger is on her own after her grandmother, who raised her, moves into a convalescent home. Alone, Caddie uncovers startling family truths, gets her heart broken, and develops a new romance. Some descriptions of sex. 2004.

The Truth about Cats and Dogs BR 15788
by Lori Foster and others
2 volumes
Three stories of women whose lives revolve around animals. Sadie Harte finds romance in "Tailspin" when her Chihuahua falls for a neighbor's dog. In "Secondhand Sam," Jessica Hall's life changes after she has a car accident while trying to avoid hitting a dog. Explicit descriptions of sex. 2004.

The Unfinished Clue BR 15791
by Georgette Heyer
2 volumes
Wealthy general Sir Arthur Billington-Smith, giving a house party, is murdered in his study. Scotland Yard inspector Harding finds prime suspects in hapless widow Fay; the butler; and a cabaret dancer, the victim's unsuitable future daughter-in-law. All have justification and means to kill the unlikable, verbally abusive host. 1934.

PS, I Love You BR 15821
by Cecelia Ahern
3 volumes
Ireland. Twenty-nine-year-old Holly grieves for her husband, who succumbed to a brain tumor. Before dying, Gerry prepared a final gift: ten letters, one for each month remaining in the year, listing tasks for Holly to accomplish. Surrounded by family and friends, Holly learns to move on. Some strong language. 2004.

Wake Up, Sir! BR 15835
by Jonathan Ames
3 volumes
Thirty-year-old Jewish author Alan Blair receives insurance money, hires a valet named Jeeves, leaves his aunt's house, and heads to a Sarasota artists' colony. For a week Blair meets eccentric characters while Jeeves tries to keep him out of trouble. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2004.

One Novella and Thirteen Superstar Short Stories from the Finest in Mystery and Suspense BR 15836
edited by Otto Penzler
3 volumes
In David Baldacci's "The Mighty Johns," college football star Tor North tackles a forty-year-old mystery--the disappearance of an All American tailback during a game. The novella kicks off this sports fiction anthology that also features works by Lawrence Block, Dennis Lehane, Brad Meltzer, and others. Strong language. 2002.

Brother and Sister BR 15840
by Joanna Trollope
3 volumes
Adopted into the same British family as children, David and Nathalie decide as adults to search for their individual birth parents. Their quest threatens the relationships of all their families and acquaintances, including their birth mothers. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 2004.

Alice in Jeopardy BR 15841
by Ed McBain
3 volumes
Young Florida widow Alice Glendenning struggles to raise her daughter and mute son following their father's drowning. When the kids are abducted from their school, the kidnappers demand Alice's nonexistent insurance money. Bungling law enforcement agencies force Alice to act alone. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2005.

Hollywood Hustle: Son of the Mob, Book 2 BR 15843
by Gordon Korman
2 volumes
Following Son of the Mob (BR 14671) Vince Luca, son of a mobster, and girlfriend Kendra Bightly, daughter of an FBI agent, move to Los Angeles for college. Vince enjoys his film classes until his older brother arrives on business. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 2004.

Rock Star Superstar BR 15846
by Blake Nelson
2 volumes
Pete, a talented bass player and the son of musicians, leaves the high school jazz band to join a popular rock group. He finds the experience exhilarating even as his new fame jeopardizes his relationships. For senior high readers. 2004.

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies BR 15850
by Sonya Sones
2 volumes
After her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Ruby leaves Boston and reluctantly moves to California where her father is a famous actor. Ruby has trouble adapting but gradually accepts the change while learning family secrets. Some strong language. For senior high readers. 2004.

The Virtues of War: A Novel of Alexander the Great BR 15851
by Steven Pressfield
3 volumes
Alexander of Macedonia relates the story of his battles and passions to his young brother-in-law, Itanes, as his weary army readies to invade India. The king reflects on his illustrious father, Philip, and his homeland, as well as his conquest of the known world. Violence and strong language. 2004.

The Danger Zone and Other Stories BR 15852
by Erle Stanley Gardner
3 volumes
Eleven previously uncollected tales by mystery writer Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970), creator of lawyer-detective Perry Mason. The stories, most from the 1930s, feature such characters as unorthodox PI Snowy Shane, gentleman burglar George Brokay, and an ex-con who utilizes his "talents" for good. Introduction by Bill Pronzini. Some violence. 2004.

Strangers BR 15858
by Gardner Dozois
2 volumes
On the planet Weinunnach, graphic artist Joseph Farber lives uneasily in a colony of Earthmen among the native Cian. One night he ventures from the enclave and meets Liraun, a humanoid Cian, and falls in love. Fundamental differences between their alien cultures complicate their blossoming romance. Descriptions of sex and strong language. 1978.

A Sterkarm Kiss BR 15867
by Susan Price
2 volumes
Andrea Mitchell, from The Sterkarm Handshake (BR 13376), returns to sixteenth-century Great Britain in the Time Tube. Her lover Per marries into a rival clan, rekindling a civil war. Some violence and some strong language. For senior high and older readers. 2003.

Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood BR 15872
by Ann Brashares
2 volumes
Following Second Summer of the Sisterhood (BR 14736) lifelong friends Carmen, Lena, Bridget, and Tibby graduate from high school and look forward to attending four different colleges. Over the summer amid family and boyfriend problems they treasure their friendship. For senior high readers. 2005.

The Savvy Sistahs BR 15873
by Brenda Jackson
3 volumes
Known as the ABC's, Amber, Brandy, and Carla met at a Savvy Sistahs Mean Business meeting and became best friends. The three businesswomen lend support to one another through the stresses of business lawsuits, personal stalkers, and single parenthood. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2003.

See You down the Road BR 15875
by Kim Ablon Whitney
2 volumes
Sixteen-year-old Irish American Bridget Daugherty questions her family's nomadic and criminal way of life. Her parents pressure her to quit school, marry, and help them in their shady business enterprises while Bridget yearns for a different life. Strong language. For senior high readers. 2004.

Fat Boy Swim BR 15876
by Catherine Forde
2 volumes
Scottish teen Jimmy is teased mercilessly for being overweight. When the swimming coach discovers Jimmy's secret cooking skills, he trades swim lessons for Jimmy's help with a fundraiser. Jimmy unexpectedly excels at the sport and also develops an interest in visually impaired Ellie. For junior and senior high readers. 2003.

Losing Is Not an Option: Stories BR 15880
by Rich Wallace
1 volume
Nine interwoven episodes relate athlete Ronny's coming of age in small-town Pennsylvania, from sneaking into a football game in sixth grade to racing for the state track championship in high school. In "Dawn," he struggles with the rules of mutual attraction. Some strong language. For senior high readers. 2003.

Suspect BR 15893
by Michael Robotham
3 volumes
Fortyish London psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin, recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, stands accused of murdering former troubled patient Catherine McBride. As detective inspector Vincent Ruiz develops a case and his marriage and health deteriorate, O'Loughlin begins his own investigation. Strong language and some violence. 2005.

Light Years BR 15895
by Tammar Stein
2 volumes
After a suicide bomber kills her boyfriend, Maya Laor leaves Israel to study astronomy at the University of Virginia in the United States. Maya, who blames herself for the tragedy, reminisces about her past while trying to start a new life. Some strong language. For senior high readers. 2005.

The Master BR 15897
by Colm Tóibín
3 volumes
Fictional portrayal of the complex personality of Anglo American writer Henry James. In 1895, James's play fails in London and he gradually returns to fiction. His encounters with the privileged classes in Paris, Rome, Venice, and Florence provide material for his psychologically penetrating novels. 2004.

Loosing My Espanish BR 15901
by H.G. Carrillo
3 volumes
Black Cuban American ūscar Delossantos loses his longtime teaching job at a Jesuit school in Chicago. His last lecture to bored students consists of a rambling reminiscence about his family's flight to America, his struggles, and his mother's dementia. Some strong language. 2004.

The Things We Do for Love BR 15904
by Kristin Hannah
3 volumes
After suffering the loss of her child and the end of her marriage, Angie Malone returns to her hometown to help her family's floundering restaurant business. She befriends a troubled teenager facing an unexpected pregnancy and gives love a second chance. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 2004.

A Christmas Visitor BR 15906
by Anne Perry
1 volume
Henry Rathbone, from the William Monk series, is summoned to the Lake District during the Christmas holidays to support his goddaughter Antonia when her husband, Judah Dreghorn, dies accidentally. Rathbone discovers that the incident may have been intentional. 2004.

Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders: A Rumpole Mystery BR 15907
by John Mortimer
2 volumes
Shocked that his colleagues never heard of the case that launched his career, British barrister Rumpole puts it to pen. Rumpole interceded when a son convicted of murdering his father, a decorated war hero, headed to the gallows. Rumpole also met his future wife and the infamous Timson family. 2004.

Clouds of Witness: A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery BR 15911
by Dorothy L. Sayers
2 volumes
On holiday in France, Lord Peter Wimsey learns his brother, the Duke of Denver, is charged with murdering their sister's fiancé. Lord Peter returns to England and assumes the unpleasant duty of clearing his brother's name by painstakingly following every clue with humor and ingenuity. 1927.

Cat Cross Their Graves: A Joe Grey Mystery BR 15914
by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
3 volumes
Molena Point, California. Feline sleuths Joe Grey and Dulcie search for their friend, Kit, who is tracking the killer of retired actress Patty Rose, a local inn and orphans' home proprietor. With their human companions, the cats link the crime to children's graves and a runaway girl. Some violence. 2005.

The Mermaid Chair BR 15958
by Sue Monk Kidd
2 volumes
When fortyish Jesse Sullivan returns to Egret Island to reconnect with her failing mother, she doesn't expect to be overwhelmed with passion for a Benedictine monk. Jessie confronts her present confusion while she probes her mother's past. Some descriptions of sex. Bestseller 2005. 2005.

Ya-Yas in Bloom BR 15988
by Rebecca Wells
2 volumes
In this sequel to Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (RC 45768, BR 14189) Vivi, Teensy, Necie, and Caro spill more tales of their lifelong friendship. Meanwhile their offspring bond, forming new generations: the Petites Ya-Yas and the Très Petites Ya-Yas. Some strong language. Bestseller 2005. 2005.

Sky: A Novel in Three Sets and an Encore BR 15989
by Roderick Townley
2 volumes
New York City, 1959. Fifteen-year-old Alec (Sky) Schuyler's passion is jazz. When his father objects to his playing the piano, Sky leaves home. He finds a mentor in a blind African American jazz musician and relies on support from friends. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 2004.

Pagan's Crusade: The Pagan Chronicles, Book 1 BR 15990
by Catherine Jinks
2 volumes
Jerusalem, 1187. Sixteen-year-old Pagan Kidrouk enlists as squire to Templar knight Lord Roland Roucy de Bram. Quick-witted Pagan and the devout Lord Roland form an odd pair but slowly bond as Saladin's armies close in on the Holy City. For junior and senior high readers. 1992. 1992.

A Certain Truth: The Trials of Kit Shannon, Book 3 BR 15994
by James Scott Bell
2 volumes
Los Angeles, 1907. Criminal lawyer Kit Shannon Fox and her husband are returning from their delayed honeymoon when a murder occurs onboard their ship. Kit agrees to defend newly married Wanda Boswell, who is accused of killing her husband. But Kit begins to doubt Wanda's innocence. 2004. 2004.

4th of July: A Women's Murder Club Mystery BR 16085
by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
2 volumes
San Francisco police lieutenant Lindsay Boxer retreats to her sister's house in Half Moon Bay while fighting a charge of police brutality. But a killer is loose, and Lindsay enlists the help of the Women's Murder Club to catch him. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller 2005. 2005.

The Tall Stranger BR 16146
by Louis L'Amour
1 volume
Though Rock Bannon saves a wagon train of easterners from an Indian attack, they refuse to heed his advice and instead follow fast-talking Morton Harper, who secretly lusts for land and beautiful Sharon Crockett. When Mort's evil intentions come to light, it's once again up to Rock to help. 1957. 1957.



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