Braille Book Review

May-June 2004
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

Robert's Rules of Order: Newly Revised BR 14142
by Henry M. Robert
8 volumes
First published in 1876, this tenth edition of the manual of parliamentary procedure still serves as the recognized guide to conducting meetings and participating effectively in them. Includes procedural information on using technology for teleconferences, videoconferences, and meetings by e-mail. 2000.

Great Vacations for You and Your Dog, USA, 2001-02 BR 14428

4 volumes
State-by-state listings of U.S. facilities that accept dogs. Categories include dog camps, ranches, resorts, hotels, lodges, cabins, and campgrounds. Includes a description of each entry, the pet policy, and the 2001-02 rates. Also gives suggestions for vacationing with a dog in five major cities and general tips on traveling. 2001.

Poems to Read: A New Favorite Poem Project Anthology BR 14510
edited by Robert Pinsky and Maggie Dietz
3 volumes
Like the first anthology, Americans' Favorite Poems (BR 12771), this one includes poems selected by Favorite Poem Project participants with their comments. In addition, the editors chose some personal favorites and arranged the work into thematic sections. 2002.

The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth BR 14516
by M. Scott Peck
3 volumes
Twenty-fifth anniversary edition of the 1978 classic psychological treatise concerning spirituality, self- actualization, maturation, and interpersonal relationships. Emphasizes mental and spiritual growth, love, and self- discipline. 1978.

Searching for Your Soul: Writers of Many Faiths Share Their Personal Stories of Spiritual Discovery BR 14526
edited by Katherine Kurs
5 volumes
Writings by more than fifty authors with a wide range of beliefs and backgrounds. Describes the quest for holiness; examines such issues as family, tradition, physical longings, and religious cultures that affect personal growth. Observes that the sacred life is more often a dynamic journey than a spiritual stasis. 1999.

Adaptive Technologies for Learning and Work Environments BR 14560
by Joseph J. Lazzaro
3 volumes
Describes in nontechnical terms how to increase one's independence by adapting personal computers for sensory, physical, speech, and learning disabilities. Lists assistive equipment available on the market and describes the basics of computer hardware. Updates 1993 edition of the same title. 2001.

The Lore of Spices: Their History, Nature, and Uses around the World BR 14564
by J.O. Swahn
2 volumes
A cultural history of spices with botanical facts, advice on usage, anecdotes, and a few recipes. Grouped by geographical origins--European, East Indies, and New World--spices covered range from mustard, onions, and mint to ginger, cinnamon, coriander, sesame, vanilla, and the universals, sugar and salt. 1991.

The Day I Fired Alan Ladd and Other World War II Adventures BR 14588
by A.E. Hotchner
1 volume
Playwright lightheartedly reminisces about his World War II military service on the home front. He includes anecdotes about producing warfare films, writing a musical, editing a military magazine, and encountering famous personalities. Some strong language. 2002.

Winston Churchill BR 14589
by John Keegan
2 volumes
Military historian explores the mystique of Britain's prime minister during World War II, discussing his life, works, and speeches. Portrays Churchill, the man and the political leader, in the context of England's history. 2002.

The Classic Fairy Tales BR 14609
by Iona Opie and Peter Opie
3 volumes
Presents twenty-four of the best-known fairy tales in the exact words in which they were first published in English. The authors provide a historical introduction chronicling the development of each story and the curious changes that appeared over the centuries. Designed for adult readers. 1974.

American Bison: A Natural History BR 14611
by Dale F. Lott
2 volumes
Inspired by his childhood experiences growing up in the Montana National Bison Range, behavioral ecologist Lott explores the nature of bison. He examines the social relationships between bison and their coexistence with other species and discusses prairie ecology while contemplating the future of a species that once faced extinction. 2002.

Joseph Smith BR 14615
by Robert V. Remini
2 volumes
Historian portrays the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the worldwide religion known as the Mormon Church. Asserts that Joseph Smith (1805-1844) and his religious movement are characteristic of the Jacksonian era and compares Mormon beliefs to those of other Christian faiths. 2002.

Elvis Presley BR 14616
by Bobbie Ann Mason
2 volumes
Award-winning novelist explores the mystique of America's first rock-and-roll superstar, Elvis Presley (1935-1977). Explains Presley's musical roots and his close family ties, asserting that the entertainer's achievement of the American dream was his undoing. 2003.

Making Rag Rugs: Fifteen Step-by-Step Projects BR 14617
edited by Clare Hubbard
1 volume
Explains the basic techniques of hooking, prodding, clipping, and braiding practiced in the traditional craft of converting rags into useful rugs. Discusses materials, equipment, preparation, and finishing. Includes instructions for fifteen projects--from simple to complex patterns--applying the described methods. 2002.

Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi BR 14628
by Donald Spoto
3 volumes
Using the results of Franciscan scholarship since the 1990s, Spoto's account places Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) within the context of religious, social, and political forces of medieval Italy. Spoto discusses Francis's growth from playboy to penitent to poor man to saint. 2002.

What Evolution Is BR 14640
by Ernst Mayr
3 volumes
In a presentation for the general reader, an eminent professor of comparative zoology explains the underlying concepts and twentieth-century developments of evolutionary theory. Mayr reviews the evidence for evolution and examines the complexities of disputed issues. Discusses mankind's history, increased brain size, and altruistic behavior. 2001.

Leaves of Grass: The "Death-Bed" Edition BR 14662
by Walt Whitman
5 volumes
The last compilation of the poet's major work published during his lifetime, with the poems presented as he wished them preserved. Originally published in 1855, Leaves of Grass was continually revised and augmented. This complete edition includes Whitman's elegy on President Lincoln, "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd." 1892.

Floods, Droughts, and Climate Change BR 14663
by Michael Collier and Robert H. Webb
2 volumes
Writers with the U.S. Geological Survey present an introduction to Earth's climate. Describing patterns of prevailing wind and ocean currents, they emphasize that weather is not a product of isolated events, but of related phenomena. They also discuss El Niño, La Niña, and global warming. 2002.

The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror BR 14698
by Bernard Lewis
2 volumes
Princeton historian traces the roots of anti-Americanism in the Islamic world and explores the conditions that led to terrorism in the West. Discusses the Islamic revolution in Iran, U.S. foreign policy, Soviet influence in the Middle East, and the role of Saudi Arabia in creating Muslim extremism. Bestseller 2003.

What Should I Do with My Life? BR 14701
by Po Bronson
4 volumes
In this book that grew out of a transition point in his own life, Bronson presents about fifty accounts of individuals who "dared to be honest with themselves" and risk major change. Traveling across the U.S., he collected material from ordinary people of all ages and professions. Bestseller 2002.

The Child That Books Built: A Life in Reading BR 14721
by Francis Spufford
2 volumes
British author of I May Be Some Time (BR 12612) explains the importance that reading has played in the formation of his character and views on life. Spufford conveys his passion for fiction, from a childhood love of Tolkien's stories to his adult enthusiasm for the classics. Some strong language. 2002.

The Anxiety Book: Developing Strength in the Face of Fear BR 14725
by Jonathan Davidson and Henry Dreher
3 volumes
Physician describes various anxiety disorders and available remedies--including drugs, herbs, serenity exercises, and therapy. Explains how it is possible to become an emotionally stronger person after treatment for such problems as phobias, post-traumatic stress, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive behavior. 2003.

Not Much of a Muchness BR 14826
edited by Marc Maurer
1 volume
Nine accounts by blind people about work and everyday routines. Includes editor Marc Maurer's recollections of campus life at the University of Notre Dame, a young man's reflections on choosing a career in music, and a home owner's musings on his neighbors' surprise that he works around the house. 2002.

Summit BR 14827
edited by Marc Maurer
1 volume
Seven blind individuals recall how they have reached the summit as they scaled "personal mountains." "To Climb Every Mountain" describes Erik Weihenmayer's successful ascent of Mt. Everest. Other chapters recount a blind student's camp counselor job and a teenager's conquest of the fear of losing her physical freedom on becoming blind. 2002.

Warrior of the Light: A Manual BR 14875
by Paulo Coelho
1 volume
A collection of philosophical sketches prefaced by the brief parable of a grown man returning to the beach of his childhood. There he is inspired to write about the "Warrior"--one who is "capable of understanding the miracle of life." Inspirational companion to The Alchemist (BR 14874). 2003.

The Teammates BR 14902
by David Halberstam
2 volumes
The saga of four Boston Red Sox players from the 1940s--Dominic DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky, Ted Williams, and Bobby Doerr--who remain friends for over sixty years. In 2001, DiMaggio and Pesky begin a long car trip to visit the dying Williams and reminisce about the past. Bestseller 2003.


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