Volume 91, Number 2
Need help ordering books or changing your subscription status? Your local braille and talking-book library is always the place to start. For general information and to order books, call 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323) to be connected to the appropriate library for you.
Emails and phone numbers for libraries around the country can be found in the final pages of this publication or visit www.loc.gov/nls and select “Find Your Library.”
Get books fast from BARD
Most books and magazines listed in Braille Book Review are available to eligible readers for download on the NLS BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) site. To use BARD, contact your local braille and talking-book library or visit http://nlsbard.loc.gov for more information. The free BARD Mobile app for reading talking books on your personal smart phone or tablet is available from the App Store, Google Play, and Amazon’s Appstore and can be used to read books with a refreshable braille display.
Do you live overseas?
American citizens living abroad may enroll and request delivery to foreign addresses by contacting the NLS Overseas Librarian by phone at 202-707-9261 or by email at [email protected].
Music scores and instruction
NLS music patrons may receive braille and large-print music scores and instructional recordings through the NLS Music Section. To learn more, email [email protected], call 800-424-8567 ext. 2, or visit www.loc.gov/nls/music.
About Braille Book Review
Braille Book Review, published in braille, large print, and online, is distributed free to people who have a visual or physical disability that makes it difficult to read regular print. It lists braille titles recently added to the NLS collection. The braille edition also lists NLS audiobooks appearing in Talking Book Topics. The entire collection, with hundreds of thousands of titles, is available at www.loc.gov/nls/catalog. Braille Book Review is also available online at www.loc.gov/nls/bbr and in downloadable braille files from BARD.
Library of Congress, Washington, DC
2022
Catalog Card Number 53-31800
ISSN 0006-873X
Contents
In Brief
TBT unavailable in hardcopy large print
Worldwide paper shortages and supply chain issues have hindered our ability to print the large-print edition of Talking Book Topics, a problem expected to last through at least the end of 2022. We encourage patrons who previously relied on the paper large-print edition to seek it out in one of its many other available formats, including:
- HTML (with direct download links to BARD) and PDF (with printable order forms), available at www.loc.gov/nls/tbt
- Downloadable audio magazine, available from BARD
The braille edition of Braille Book Review also includes a version of Talking Book Topics with highly abridged annotations. Download it in ebraille from BARD or contact your network library to receive a hardcopy subscription.
Reader advisors at your network library are also happy to assist you with finding your next great read. Visit www.loc.gov/nls/findyourlibrary or look in the final pages of this publication for contact information. Many libraries can send TBT on cartridge to your home, just like any book in our catalog.
BARD Mobile for Android now supports braille
The recently released version 1.4 of the BARD Mobile Android app allows patrons using Android devices running operating systems 7 through 11 to read contracted braille with supported refreshable braille displays. The app works in concert with the free BrailleBack app, available from the Google Play store. A list of supported displays can be found at https://bit.ly/3r9T71g. Please note that NLS eReader pilot devices are not currently compatible with the Android platform. For more information, see the BARD Mobile Android user manual at https://go.usa.gov/xz3TK.
Dogster added to NLS braille magazine line-up
A new braille magazine, Dogster, has been added to the NLS collection. You can subscribe to it in hardcopy braille by contacting your network library or download it in ebraille from BARD. Dogster’s six issues a year will contain ideas for interacting with dogs, lifestyle stories, new products, and advice on caring for dogs.
New issues of FLQ available online
NLS continues to publish Foreign Language Quarterly (FLQ), which lists popular foreign language books recently added to the NLS collection and available through our network of cooperating libraries. The third issue, released in January and available at https://go.usa.gov/xtsXh, highlights recently digitized Bibles in seven languages and the acquisition of a number of new French translations. The fourth issue will be published April 29, 2022.
Many of these books come to NLS from other countries via the Marrakesh Treaty, but patrons will also find books produced by NLS and converted from cassette tapes. All books listed in FLQ are available for immediate download from BARD. The new publication also provides directions on how to use new BARD features, such as searching for materials in a specific language.
Braille music courses available from NLS
Newsstand
The following announcements may be of interest to readers. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled reserves the right to publish announcements selectively, as space permits. The items mentioned below are not part of the NLS program, and their listings do not imply endorsement or support. Prices and details about listed items were correct at the time of compilation but are subject to change.
Accessible 2021 tax documents
The IRS has made accessible PDF versions of 2021 tax documents on its website at www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/accessible-irs-tax-products External. Hardcopy braille and large print tax documents can be requested by calling 800-829-3676. To receive a copy of your tax notice in braille or large print, call the tax assistance telephone number at 800-829-1040. Taxpayers who need other accessibility assistance can call the Accessibility Hotline at 833-690-0598.
Free Windows screen reader primer available
The Carroll Center for the Blind recently released The Windows Screen Reader Primer: All the Basis and More, a guide by David Kingsbury that covers JAWS, NVDA, and Windows Narrator. Patrons wishing to download the free digital book may visit http://carroll.org/the%20windows%20screen%20reader%20primer External.
Books for Adults
The following books were recently produced for the NLS program.
Registered users can immediately download all titles and magazines from BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download service, at http://nlsbard.loc.gov. The free BARD Mobile app for reading talking books on your personal smartphone or tablet is available from the App Store, Google Play, and Amazon’s Appstore and can be used to read books with a refreshable braille display. To order books or sign up for BARD service contact your local cooperating library. Regional library telephone numbers and email addresses are listed on the last pages of this magazine.
Books within the headings Adult Fiction and Adult Nonfiction are listed alphabetically by subject category, author last name, and title. For example the title War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy would be listed in Adult Fiction under the Classics subject category and by the last name Tolstoy.
Note: A notice may appear immediately following the book description to indicate occurrences of violence, strong language, or descriptions of sex. The word “some” before any of these terms indicates an occasional or infrequent occurrence, as in “some strong language.”
Adult Fiction
Fantasy
The Obelisk Gate: The Broken Earth, Book Two BR23517
by N.K. Jemisin
5 volumes
Essun, a powerful orogene who can control the very earth, has found shelter, but still searches for her daughter, Nassun. Essun’s old mentor, Alabaster, wants her help to end the season. Strong language, some violence, and some descriptions of sex. 2016.
Hench BR23449
by Natalie Zina Walschots
5 volumes
Anna does boring things for terrible people because even criminals need office help. As a temp, she’s just a cog in the machine. But when she finally gets a promising assignment, everything goes very wrong, and an encounter with a so-called “hero” changes her life. Violence and strong language. 2020.
Fireheart Tiger BR23679
by Aliette de Bodard
1 volume
Princess Thanh returns to her mother’s court after years as a political hostage. In her new role as a diplomat, she crosses paths with her first love, Eldris. But Eldris wants more than romance—he has plans for Thanh’s home as well. 2021.
General
Neighbors BR23651
by Danielle Steel
3 volumes
After a tragedy, actress Meredith White has lived as a recluse in her San Francisco home. When a massive earthquake hits, Meredith opens her mostly intact home to her neighbors. As the neighbors grow closer, bonds are formed and secrets revealed. Strong language, some violence, and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2021.
Big Summer BR23144
by Jennifer Weiner
4 volumes
Years after the fight that ended their friendship, plus-sized Instagram influencer Daphne Berg is shocked when her high school frenemy Drue Cavanaugh asks her to be the maid of honor in her society wedding. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2020.
Interior Chinatown BR23494
by Charles Yu
2 volumes
Every day, actor Willis Wu heads to the Chinatown restaurant where they are perpetually filming a police procedural TV show. He feels like he plays a bit role even in his own life, but dreams of one day having a chance at something more. Some strong language. National Book Award. 2020.
Historical Fiction
The Murmur of Bees BR23652
by Sofía Segovia
5 volumes
1910. An abandoned newborn is discovered under a bridge in a Mexican town. The townspeople consider him cursed, but he is taken in by the Morales family and named Simonopio. As Simonopio grows older, his talent to see the future haunts the town. Translated from the 2015 Spanish edition. Some violence. 2019.
Mystery and Detective
Long Lost BR23621
by Linda Castillo
1 volume
When chief of police Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti take a much-needed vacation at a small bed-and-breakfast outside of town, their relaxation is cut short by rumors that the old house where they’re staying is haunted by a girl who disappeared twenty years earlier. Strong language. 2013.
Occult and Horror
Bite Club: The Morganville Vampires, Book 10 BR23490
by Rachel Caine
4 volumes
Claire discovers that an extreme sport pitting vampire against vampire—and sometimes vampire against human—is being broadcast on the Internet and tries to stop it. Strong language, descriptions of sex, and some violence. For senior high and older readers. 2011.
Carpe Corpus: The Morganville Vampires, Book 6 BR23520
by Rachel Caine
3 volumes
Bishop, an evil vampire, continues to terrorize Morganville while searching for a powerful book. Meanwhile, Claire and her friends lead an underground resistance. Strong language, descriptions of sex, and some violence. For senior high and older readers. 2009.
Fade Out: The Morganville Vampires, Book 7 BR23521
by Rachel Caine
3 volumes
Life has changed dramatically in Morganville. The resident vampires have made major concessions to the human population and with their newfound freedoms, Claire and her friends are starting to feel comfortable again—almost. Strong language, descriptions of sex, and some violence. For senior high and older readers. 2009.
Kiss of Death: The Morganville Vampires, Book 8 BR23522
by Rachel Caine
3 volumes
After his music attracts attention in the human world, vampire Michael agrees to play live. But Michael, Claire, and their friends find themselves in danger when a gang of traveling vampires arrive, hungry for a feast. Strong language, descriptions of sex, and some violence. For senior high and older readers. 2010.
Lord of Misrule: The Morganville Vampires, Book 5 BR23519
by Rachel Caine
3 volumes
Bishop, a master vampire, threatens to abolish all order in the town. As Claire and her friends prepare to battle him and an impending storm, the unexpected happens: Morganville’s vampires begin to vanish one by one. Strong language, descriptions of sex, and some violence. For senior high and older readers. 2009.
Mexican Gothic BR23483
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
4 volumes
Mexico City, 1950. After receiving a frantic letter from her newly wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, socialite Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. Both the home and its owners seem to have a dark past. Strong language. 2020.
Psychological Themes
Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone BR23439
by James Baldwin
5 volumes
Actor Leo Proudhammer suffers a heart attack. As he slowly recovers, he reflects on growing up in Harlem, his relationships with his family, and his romances with a white woman and a younger black man. Strong language, some violence, and some explicit descriptions of sex. 1968.
Religious Themes
Patchwork Dreams: The Amish of Seymour BR23656
by Laura V. Hilton
3 volumes
Teen mother Becky Troyer struggles for acceptance in her Amish community. When a handsome young man named Jacob comes to help out for the summer, a friendship that blossoms slowly soon turns to love. 2011.
An Empty Cup BR23435
by Sarah Price
3 volumes
Rosanna Zook existed in a loveless and abusive marriage until an accident killed her husband. She has another chance at love and marries godly Reuben Troyer. But a mysterious illness soon brings Rosanna down. She must confront the empty well she draws on in order to give to others. 2015.
Romance
Return to Virgin River BR23451
by Robyn Carr
3 volumes
Author Kaylee hoped to use her work to deal with her grief over her mother’s recent death. Instead she has terrible writer’s block and a looming deadline. Determined to escape distractions and avoid the holiday season, Kaylee borrows a cabin in Virgin River. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2020.
A Rogue of One’s Own BR23516
by Evie Dunmore
5 volumes
Suffragette Lady Lucie Tedbury has bought shares in a London publishing house and plans to use it to fight against the Married Women’s Property Act. She encounters opposition from fellow shareholder Lord Tristan Ballentine, Lucie’s childhood nemesis and a notorious rake. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2020.
Science Fiction
Camouflage BR23462
by Joe Haldeman
3 volumes
Marine biologist Russell Sutton discovers an undersea relic that, once recovered, summons two aliens who have lived among humans for millennia. One is a peaceable changeling, the other a chameleon bent on eliminating competition. Some violence, some strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Nebula Award. 2004.
Rainbow’s End: A Novel with One Foot in the Future BR23452
by Vernor Vinge
6 volumes
Seventy-five-year-old Robert Gu, renowned poet and former professor, survives a near-fatal battle with Alzheimer’s. Physically well but mentally behind, Robert takes classes at a high school to retrain his brain and unwittingly becomes part of an international conspiracy to take over the world. Strong language. 2006.
An Unnatural Life BR23496
by Erin K. Wagner
1 volume
After cybernetic organism 812-3 is convicted of murdering a human worker on the Jovian moon Europa, Aiya Ritsehrer seeks to determine grounds for an appeal. As she uncovers the truth of the case, she must battle her own prejudices and those of the Europan community. Strong language and some violence. 2020.
Short Stories
A Manual for Cleaning Women: Selected Stories BR23549
by Lucia Berlin
5 volumes
A retrospective collection of short fiction from the author. The stories contained in this volume involve everyday miracles and moments of grace in the laundromats and halfway houses of the American Southwest, in the homes of the upper classes, among switchboard operators, struggling mothers, bad mothers, and hitchhikers. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2015.
Suspense
Dark Sky: A Joe Pickett Novel BR23603
by C.J. Box
4 volumes
Game warden Joe Pickett is coerced by Wyoming’s governor to take a tech baron into the wilderness on an elk hunting trip. But as they venture farther away from society, Joe realizes they are the ones being hunted. Nate Romanowski and his daughter Sheridan follow Joe to help. Violence and strong language. Bestseller. 2021.
Westerns
Warpath of the Mountain Man BR22973
by William W. Johnstone
3 volumes
Colorado. Legendary mountain man Smoke Jensen’s friend Tom Burke loses his family in a brutal massacre apparently committed by Indians. Smoke’s quest for vengeance uncovers a sinister plot by fugitive outlaw Jack Tatum to pit ranchers against Indians in hopes of making a fortune selling guns. Some strong language. 2002.
Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Where I Stand: On the Signing Community and My DeafBlind Experience BR23498
by John Lee Clark
2 volumes
A collection of essays addressing issues facing the signing community. Topics discussed include parents of Deaf children not learning to sign, the role of written American Sign Language (ASL) in Deaf literature, and more. 2014.
Reach for More: A Journey from Loss to Love and Fulfillment BR23411
by David Szumowski
2 volumes
The author recounts his experiences after being blinded during military service in Vietnam. He discusses the difficulties he has overcome in the intervening years, and the importance of his faith, family, and friendships in overcoming the obstacles he has faced. 2019.
Business
Ten Years to Midnight: Four Urgent Global Crises and Their Strategic Solutions BR23412
by Blair Sheppard
3 volumes
Analysis of business crises looming globally on the horizon of the early twenty-first century and ways to address them through proposed policies. Identified crises include the prosperity gap, technology and disruption, institutional legitimacy, and polarization of leadership. Includes an assessment of prioritization of addressing the issues. 2020.
Government and Politics
Youth to Power: Your Voice and How to Use It BR23433
by Jamie Margolin
3 volumes
Young climate justice activist and co-executive director of Zero Hour provides advice on organizing successful events and peaceful protests, time management as a student activist, utilizing social media and traditional media to spread a message, writing and pitching op-eds, and sustaining long-term action. For senior high and older readers. 2020.
Poetry
Hermosa BR23612
by Yesika Salgado
1 volume
Collection of fifty-five poems exploring relationships, romance, sex, grief, survival, life in Los Angeles, fighting for a better future, and everyday moments. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2019.
Psychology and Self-Help
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle BR23512
by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
5 volumes
Sisters—one a health behaviorist and the other a music conductor—present the psychological and physical impacts of burnout using the framework of the biological stress cycle. Theorizes burnout is due to non-completion of the cycle and presents ways to complete that cycle. Some violence and some strong language. 2019.
Social Sciences
Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis BR23518
by Ada Calhoun
3 volumes
Journalist examines the stresses and misery faced by many Generation X women entering middle age in the early twenty-first century. Analyzes new worries faced by this generation and discusses the cultural and political contexts for these stresses. Some strong language. 2020.
Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity BR23434
by Peggy Orenstein
4 volumes
Drawing on interviews with young men, psychologists, academics, and experts, the author discusses the social sexual landscape faced by young men in the early twenty-first century. Topics include locker room talk, pornography, hookup culture, consent, sexual violence, media stereotypes, and more. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2020.
Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape BR23436
by Peggy Orenstein
4 volumes
Journalist analyzes the sexual landscape faced by young women in twenty-first-century high schools and colleges through a collection of frank interviews about their sexual encounters, revealing hidden truths, hard lessons, and pressures. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. 2016.
Counting: How We Use Numbers to Decide What Matters BR23513
by Deborah Stone
4 volumes
Examination of the ways statistics are used to both bolster and deconstruct stories and arguments in order to create social change. Topics include the social impact of numbers, development of numbers, meaning imparted to numbers, ways numbers can convey stories, and ethical uses of counting. 2020.
Sports and Recreation
Gods at Play: An Eyewitness Account of Great Moments in American Sports BR23515
by Tom Callahan
4 volumes
Sportswriter shares stories from the many close encounters he had with the legends of sport. Includes watching Roberto Clemente clinching his hitting record, sitting ringside at the Muhammad Ali-George Foreman fight in Zaire, listening to Tiger Woods chat with young players he brought into the sport, and many more. Strong language. 2020.
Books for Children
The following books were recently produced for the NLS program.
Registered users can immediately download all titles and magazines from BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download service, at http://nlsbard.loc.gov. The free BARD Mobile app for reading talking books on your personal smartphone or tablet is available from the App Store, Google Play, and Amazon’s Appstore and can be used to read books with a refreshable braille display. To order books or sign up for BARD service contact your local cooperating library. Regional library telephone numbers and email addresses are listed on the last pages of this magazine.
These books are listed alphabetically within the headings Children’s Fiction and Children’s Nonfiction by subject category, author last name, and title. For example, the title Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown would be listed in Children’s Fiction under the Classics subject category and by the last name Brown.
Children’s Fiction
Growing Up
A Big Bed for Little Snow BR23179
by Grace Lin
1 volume
When winter comes, Mommy makes a soft bed for Little Snow to sleep on, but each night he cannot resist jumping on the bed, causing tiny feathers to fly down. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K–3. 2019.
History
Show Me a Sign BR23598
by Ann Clare LeZotte
2 volumes
1805. Mary Lambert has always felt safe among the deaf community of Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard, where practically everyone communicates in a shared sign language. But a scientist determined to discover the origins of the islands’ widespread deafness decides that she makes the perfect live specimen—and kidnaps her. For grades 4–7. 2020.
Holidays
Comet, the Unstoppable Reindeer BR23529
by Jim Benton
1 volume
An injured Comet the reindeer expects to sit out Christmas Eve, but ends up delivering the presents that Santa has accidentally left behind. For preschool–grade 2. 2020.
Scary Stories
They Call Me the Night Howler! Goosebumps SlappyWorld BR23677
by R.L. Stine
1 volume
On a trip to his favorite place, the Comic Book Characters Hall of Fame Museum, Mason Brady explores every exhibit and comes across the very real Night Howler. But when the villains start terrorizing his town, Mason realizes that his whole life is about to change. For grades 3–6. 2020.
Sports and Recreation
Ana on the Edge BR23414
by A.J. Sass
3 volumes
Twelve-year-old figure skater Ana strives to win her competitions while learning about gender identity—her own and that of a new friend—and how to be true to herself. For grades 4–7. 2020.
Children’s Nonfiction
Biography
I Am Not a Label BR23493
by Cerrie Burnell
1 volume
A collection of short biographies highlighting the achievements of artists, thinkers, scientists, athletes, and activists with disabilities. For example, when astronomer Wanda Díaz-Merced lost her sight, she developed a technique to listen to the sounds of starlight. For grades 3–6 and older readers. 2020.
William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad BR23489
by Don Tate
1 volume
Chronicles William Still’s life and work as a Black abolitionist and record keeper of enslaved people who had fled to freedom. As a son of former slaves, a determined Still found employment at the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped reunite long-lost families. For grades K–3. 2020.
Government and Politics
We the People: The United States Constitution Explored and Explained BR23497
by Aura Lewis and Evan Sargent
2 volumes
An introduction to the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the rest of the amendments. The authors combine the history of each section with accessible examples, case studies, and profiles of relevant politicians and activists. For grades 5–8. 2020.
Braille Magazines
The following is a list of braille magazines in the Library of Congress program. Readers may obtain free personal subscriptions to these magazines. For information on the availability of specific magazines, consult the library that sends you braille materials.
Braille Book Review (NLS publication)
Braille Chess Magazine (British publication)
Braille Music Magazine (British publication)
Catster
Conundrum (British publication)
Cook’s Illustrated
Cricket: The Realm of Imagination (for children and teens)
Dell Sunday Crosswords
Dogster
Eating Well
Harper’s (literary)
Health Newsletters (includes Harvard Health Letter, Mayo Clinic Health Letter, and University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter)
Interweave (knitting)
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine
Martha Stewart Living (home and entertaining)
Muse (for children)
Musical Mainstream (NLS publication)
National Geographic
National Geographic Kids
News (NLS publication)
The New York Times Book Review
The New York Times Large Print Weekly
Parents
PC World
Poetry
Popular Mechanics
Popular Music Lead Sheets
Popular Science
Reader’s Digest
Rolling Stone (popular culture)
Science News
Scout Life (for children and teens)
Short Stories (British publication)
Spider: The Magazine for Children
Sports Illustrated Kids
Stone Soup: The Magazine by Young Writers and Artists (children’s writings)
Schedules for the following sports leagues are also available:
Major League Baseball
National Basketball Association
National Football League
National Hockey League
Women’s National Basketball Association