Braille Book Review

Books for Adults 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." Nonfiction

Folk Socks: The History and Techniques of Handknitted Footwear BR 17084
by Nancy Bush
2 volumes
Editor of Knitter's Magazine discusses the social history and evolution of footwear. Provides instructions for eighteen traditional patterns from Great Britain and Europe including sturdy boot socks, lacy stockings, and kilt hose. Section on techniques features heel turnings and toe shapings. 1994.

The Complete Kama Sutra: The First Unabridged Modern Translation of the Classic Indian Text by Vatsyayana BR 17262
translated by Alain Daniélou
5 volumes
Classic guide to eroticism, exploring the sexual arts and practices of India, collected in the fourth century B.C. Discusses heterosexual and homosexual relationships with numerous variations. Includes commentary by Indian scholars. Explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. 1994.

Stitch 'n' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker BR 17303
by Debbie Stoller
3 volumes
Provides a brief history of crochet, introduces types of hooks and yarns, and explains basic and fancy stitches and finishing techniques. Features step-by-step instructions for forty projects ranging from scarves and shawls to hats, bags, seasonal wear (a bikini), accessories, and gifts for babies and homes. 2006.

The South Beach Heart Program: The Four-Step Plan That Can Save Your Life BR 17321
by Arthur Agatston
3 volumes
Cardiologist and author of The South Beach Diet Cookbook (BR 15442) proposes a prevention revolution for heart care. Examines standard medical procedures then outlines his program. Recommends noninvasive imaging, advanced blood testing, and a regimen of diet, exercise, and medication with regular physician evaluations. 2007.

The Secret of Scent: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell BR 17383
by Luca Turin
2 volumes
Turin, a biophysicist, fragrance designer, and the subject of Chandler Burr's The Emperor of Scent (BR 14687), addresses the mysteries of olfactory perception. Discusses the history, theories, and scientific evidence surrounding the debate over which molecular properties--shape or vibration--are responsible for odor character. 2006.

Seeing beyond Blindness BR 17387
by Shelley Kinash
3 volumes
Inquiry into the blind person's online-learning experience. Author presents interpretive research culled from interviews with seven blind online learners and twenty-five others--blind and sighted--including parents, teachers, and inventors of accessibility resources. Discusses usability and user issues such as technological proficiency and working knowledge of adaptive technology. 2006.

Boom! Voices of the Sixties: Personal Reflections on the Sixties and Today BR 17393
by Tom Brokaw
5 volumes
Author of The Greatest Generation (BR 13580), television anchorman Tom Brokaw conducted dozens of personal interviews with baby boomers to document the decade of the 1960s. Includes reminiscences about the political, cultural, and socioeconomic meaning of the era and the changes that occurred. Some strong language. Bestseller 2007.

Disability Awareness--Do It Right! Your All-in-One How-to Guide: Tips, Techniques, and Handouts for a Successful Awareness Day BR 17395
edited by Mary Johnson
2 volumes
The Ragged Edge Online community's guide to planning and presenting a disability awareness event. Explains the negative consequences of disability simulations and suggests alternative activities that promote the concept of "ableism," as advocated by the disability rights movement. Includes a countdown calendar, a checklist, resources, and readings. 2006.

The Power of Simple Prayer: How to Talk with God about Everything BR 17405
by Joyce Meyer
2 volumes
Minister and author of Look Great, Feel Great (BR 16709) offers a guide to developing a fulfilling, effective communion with God. Suggests ways to incorporate prayer in daily life and to utilize the Bible. Discusses types of prayer, hindrances to praying, and the phenomenon of unanswered prayer. 2007.

Become a Better You: Seven Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day BR 17451
by Joel Osteen
3 volumes
Pastor of Houston's Lakewood Church and author of Your Best Life Now (BR 16228) offers advice on applying biblical principles to make positive changes in one's life. Advocates becoming more self-confident and developing better relationships and habits. Includes examples of transformation from his ministry. Bestseller 2007.

Gifts in a Jar: Holiday Fun, Recipes to Make Your Own Gifts BR 17494

1 volume
Ideas for creating Christmas presents by layering dry baking ingredients in wide-mouth, one-quart canning jars. The recipients can then mix and bake the treats at a later time. Includes recipes for cookies, muffins, rum balls, and other sweets that once sealed can keep for up to six months. 2002.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X BR 17499
by Malcolm X
5 volumes
The life of African American religious leader Malcolm X (1925- 1965). The author describes his boyhood in Lansing, Michigan, street life in Harlem, conversion to the Black Muslim movement while imprisoned for robbery, and evolution into a high-profile spokesman for black dignity, power, and separatism. Foreword by Alex Haley. 1964.

Songbird Journeys: Four Seasons in the Lives of Migratory Birds BR 17500
by Miyoko Chu
2 volumes
Ornithologist describes the migratory, breeding, and wintering patterns of American songbirds such as blackbirds, crows, finches, jays, swallows, thrushes, warblers, and wrens, during each of the four seasons. Discusses researchers' efforts to understand the birds' movements, behaviors, and navigation methods and examines conservation issues and threats from human development. 2007.

Joni: An Unforgettable Story BR 17654
by Joni Eareckson Tada
2 volumes
Tada, paralyzed from the neck down by a diving accident in 1967, shares her struggle--what she calls an "incredible adventure"--to adjust to her disability. Describes overcoming, through faith in God, her physical and emotional challenges and even becoming a skillful artist by using her mouth to guide her pen. 1976.

Ten Questions Science Can't Answer (Yet): A Guide to the Scientific Wilderness BR 17659
by Michael Hanlon
2 volumes
British science writer focuses on issues that puzzle and intrigue him, including the nature of time, the mystery of reality, the obesity epidemic, and paranormal phenomena. He probes the riddle of consciousness in chapters on animal sentience and on the continuity of existence. For senior high and older readers. 2007.

Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation BR 17671
by Mike Robbins
2 volumes
Robbins, a motivational speaker and a former professional baseball player, offers strategies for overcoming negative influences to improve relationships, find success and fulfillment, and experience an overall gratitude for life. Discusses five principles of appreciation, the power of positive thinking, and the importance of acknowledging others. Includes exercises. 2007.

Freedom BR 17709
edited by Marc Maurer
1 volume
Eight individuals share their experiences with blindness. In the title memoir, Maurer reflects that "blindness must be confronted in unconventional ways if progress in surmounting its disadvantages is to be made." In "Mom, What Does Blind Mean?" Pauletta Feldman answers her nonsighted son's questions. 2006.


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