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Home > Talking
Book Topics > Issue
NLS: Talking Book Topics
March - April 2000
Contents
In Brief
Magazine of the Month Selections
for 2000
Two NLS programs offer readers samplings of
magazines not otherwise available through network
libraries. Subscribers to Magazine of the Month
and Young Adult Magazine of the Month receive a
different audio magazine on cassette each month.
For a free subscription to either program contact
your local cooperating library.
Although the selections are subject to
change, subscribers will receive some of the
following magazines this year.
Magazine of the Month
Alternative Medicine (Disease treatments, diet,
health, spirituality, and book reviews)
American Legacy: Celebrating African-American
History and Culture (African American history,
art, literature, and health concerns)
Bonkers: A Magazine for Our Times (General
interest, humor, pets, family relationships, and
emotional health)
George: Not Just Politics as Usual (Liberal-leaning discussions of politics and popular
culture)
American Spectator (Conservative-leaning
investigative reporting on politics, media, and
current events)
Saturday Evening Post (General topics, health,
recipes, and human interest)
Hispanic (English-language; social issues, health,
cultural activities, and profiles of prominent
Hispanic individuals)
Book: The Magazine for the Reading Life (Articles
on authors, book reviews)
Talk (Popular culture, politics, and history. "A
close-up of our culture in motion")
Wood: The World's Leading Woodworking Magazine
(Popular projects, other topics of interest to
woodworkers)
The Economist (Financial perspectives on
international news for the layperson)
Condé Nast Traveler: The Truth in Travel (Travel,
shopping, fashion tips)
Alternates
Arthritis Today; Brill's Content; Entertainment;
Reminisce; Sports Afield; Walking
Young Adult Magazine of the Month
Cosmo Girl (Life-style, fashion, and
relationships)
Source: The Magazine of Hip-Hop Music, Culture and
Politics (News, reviews, rap, hip-hop, art,
literature, fashion, and artists)
Sierra (Magazine of an environmental organization
that lobbies, educates, and sponsors outdoor
activities)
Weird Tales (Horror and science fiction short
stories)
The Sporting News (Sports coverage with detailed
summaries and statistics)
Latina (Hispanic woman's magazine featuring
health, fitness, relationships, and fashion; men
and women in popular culture)
The World and I (International topics including
current issues, arts, science, modern thought, and
book reviews)
Biography (Articles on people in popular culture,
book reviews)
Self (Health, fitness, and nutrition for women)
Circus: America's Rock Magazine (Popular culture
for teenage readers focusing on hard rock)
Star Trek: The Magazine (Production of the
television series, interviews with the actors,
related topics)
Elle (Fashion, life-style, relationships, health,
and beauty; celebrities, music, film, and
literature)
Alternates
Mademoiselle; Marie Claire; Teen; Teen People; YM:
Young and Modern
***
Student aid audio guide
An audio publication giving information on
academic financial assistance for students
interested in postsecondary study is now available
from network libraries. For a cassette copy of the
publication contact your cooperating library. For
a copy in compact-disc format or other information
write: Student Aid Audio Guide, Federal Student
Aid Information Center, P.O. Box 84, Washington,
D.C. 20044-0084.
***
Newsstand
The following announcements may be of interest to
readers. The National Library Service for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped reserves the
right to publish announcements selectively, as
space permits. Items mentioned, however, are not
part of the NLS program, and their listing does
not imply endorsement.
Audio recordings from the
Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution now comes to you on
audio cassette. The institution's accessibility
program is working with all of the Smithsonian's
museums and the National Zoo to record and
distribute the organization's brochures,
calendars, newsletters, and educational materials.
For information on the nearly 100 tapes currently
available or to request taping of a particular
publication, call:
(202) 786-2942 (voice), or
(202) 786-2414 (TTY), or
(202) 786-2210 (fax);
or send an e-mail message to lombardos@si.edu.
***
New publication on adaptive
technology
AFB Press is offering subscribers a new resource
for obtaining information about adaptive
technology and visual impairment. AccessWorld:
Technology for Consumers with Visual Impairments
is produced six times a year in print, braille,
and audiocassette formats. Each issue describes
new products, techniques, books, videos, and tips
on using adaptive technology. Subscriptions are
available from:
AccessWorld/AFB Press
Subscription Services
450 Fame Avenue
Hanover, PA 17331
1-888-522-0220 (toll-free)
(717) 633-8920 (fax)
e-mail: pubsvc@tsp.sheridan.com
web site: http://www.afb.org/accessworld.html
Subscription: $29.95 per year
***
Time magazine in large print
Time magazine has announced that the weekly
publication is available in a large-print edition
with format adapted to readers with impaired
vision. Subscription price for the first two
years, $79.99 per year. For information call 1-800-881-2137.
Books for Adults
Books listed in this issue of Talking Book Topics were recently sent
to cooperating libraries. The complete collection contains books by many authors
on fiction and nonfiction subjects, including biographies, classics, gothics,
mysteries, romances, and others. Contact your cooperating library to learn more
about the wide range of books available in the collection.
Cassette books are labeled with the code RC and play at 15/16 ips. To order
books, fill out the order form and send it to your cooperating library.
Note: For the information 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 occurrence, as in "some
strong language."
Cassettes Nonfiction
Tom: The Unknown Tennessee Williams RC
44747
by Lyle Leverich
read by Conrad Feininger
6 cassettes
A portrait of American playwright Tennessee Williams. Traces his life from
a childhood marred by his parents' marital traumas and his beloved sister's
mental illness to his early writing successes and later battles with his "blue
devils"--addictive behaviors, fear of madness, and homosexuality. 1995.
Furthering My Education: A Memoir RC
44793
by William Corbett
read by Jeff Halberstadt
2 cassettes
Thirty years after his physician-father deserted his wife and two grown sons,
the author reconstructs events before and since that fateful day in 1965.
He searches for the causes of his father's estrangement, examines family relationships,
and recounts the emotional aftermath. Strong language. 1997.
The Merry Heart: Reflections on Reading, Writing, and the
World of Books RC 45506
by Robertson Davies
read by Phil Regensdorf
3 cassettes
A collection of essays, speeches, and miscellanea from the Canadian novelist
and playwright Robertson Davies. In "Canadian Author," an acceptance speech
for an award presented in New York, Davies remarks on the differences between
Canadian and "American" writers. In "A Chapter of Autobiography," he describes
his early education in Ontario. 1996.
Colleen Dewhurst: Her Autobiography RC
45509
by Colleen Dewhurst
read by Celeste Lawson
4 cassettes
Based on a series of informal interviews with Tom Viola, Dewhurst's recollections
of her childhood, her love of the theater, and her professional life. The
actress died before completing the manuscript, so Viola talked to friends
and colleagues to fill in the gaps. Some strong language. 1997.
Daniel Webster: The Man and His Time RC
46184
by Robert V. Remini
read by Ted Stoddard
8 cassettes in 2 containers
A portrait of the legendary political figure and orator who lived from 1782
to 1852 and helped form the young American republic. Traces his New England
youth, his career as a member of Congress and secretary of state, and his
failed bids for the presidency. Depicts a gifted man who was also subject
to arrogance and moral lapses. 1997.
One Hell of a Gamble: Khrushchev, Castro, and Kennedy, 1958-1964
RC 46210
by Aleksandr Fursenko and Timothy Naftali
read by Peg Gill
4 cassettes
Chronicles the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when the world's two superpowers
came to the brink of nuclear war. Using Russian archives opened in the 1990s,
this account traces and analyzes events surrounding a confrontation that was,
in the authors' view, the most serious of the Cold War. 1997.
The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade RC
46348
by Thomas Lynch
read by John Lescault
2 cassettes
Twelve essays on death and grief and their effect on the living with the
insight of a poet who is also a funeral director. In "Words Made Flesh," Lynch
recounts the dissolution of a poet's second marriage--the death of love--and
the role of a poem in the birth of new love. In "The Golfatorium," he contemplates
combining a cemetery with a golf course. 1997.
Napoleon Bonaparte RC 46389
by Alan Schom
read by Ted Stoddard
8 cassettes in 2 containers
A critical portrait of the legendary ruler of France, whose empire controlled
much of Europe. Covers "all aspects of his life," tracing his obscure Corsican
youth, his rise to power, his military campaigns, his defeat at Waterloo,
and his death in exile in 1821. Violence. 1997.
Milton Berle's Private Joke File: Over Ten Thousand of His
Best Gags, Anecdotes, and One-Liners RC 46571
by Milton Berle
read by Jack Fox
6 cassettes
The thousands of jokes from Berle's sixty years in vaudeville, radio, television,
and the movies are arranged alphabetically by more than five hundred subjects.
Includes an introduction and a "tricks of the trade" advice section. 1989.
All the Way to Heaven: An American Boyhood in the Himalayas
RC 46589
by Stephen Alter
read by Terence Aselford
2 cassettes
Memoir of the son of Presbyterian missionaries, who grew up in northern India
with periodic visits to the United States. His recollections of childhood
in the 1960s and early 1970s provide scenes from Indian life and describe
the difficulties of growing up in two cultures. Covers boyhood and school
adventures, ending with his arrival at an American college. 1997.
And There Was Light: Autobiography of Jacques Lusseyran, Blind
Hero of the French Resistance RC 46611
by Jacques Lusseyran
read by Ted Stoddard
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Lusseyran describes his life up to the age of twenty. Blinded at seven, he
was a teenager when the Nazis invaded France. After he joined the Resistance,
his group was turned in by informers and imprisoned. He tells of surviving
in a German concentration camp until the war's end. Includes an introduction
by the editors. 1963.
Rasputin: The Saint Who Sinned RC
46655
by Brian Moynahan
read by Gordon Gould
4 cassettes
Portrays the life of the charismatic monk, bibulous lecher, and trusted adviser
of Russia's imperial Romanov family. Sought out by the empress to aid her
ailing son using spiritual powers, Rasputin rose to a position of official
influence, with disastrous results. Strong language and descriptions of sex.
1997.
Irish Rebel: John Devoy and America's Fight for Ireland's
Freedom RC 46658
by Terry Golway
read by Ralph Lowenstein
3 cassettes
Portrait of an exiled Irish nationalist who organized American support for
the liberation of his native land. Traces his Dublin youth, his years as a
Fenian activist before coming to America in 1871, and his relentless campaign
abroad to advance the cause of a free Ireland. 1998.
The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara RC
46662
by David I. Kertzer
read by Frank Coffee
3 cassettes
An account of the 1858 abduction of a six-year-old Jewish boy in Bologna
by Papal authorities. The boy had been secretly baptized by a servant girl,
and church dogma dictated that he be raised as a Catholic. The author asserts
that the resulting furor hastened the collapse of the Vatican's temporal power
in Italy. Strong language. 1997.
The Universe and the Teacup: The Mathematics of Truth and
Beauty RC 46769
by K.C. Cole
read by Kimberly Schraf
2 cassettes
Explores mathematics as a tool for understanding nature, solving problems,
and discerning knowledge and truth. Delves into such uses as the statistical
estimation of risk, the measurement of intelligence, and the application of
numerical calculations in public policy decision making. 1998.
In Search of Islamic Feminism: One Woman's Global Journey
RC 46841
by Elizabeth Warnock Fernea
read by Mary Woods
4 cassettes
An American professor of Middle Eastern studies presents the results of a
two-year trip researching the status of women in Muslim societies. After conducting
interviews in Uzbekistan, Morocco, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia,
Israel, and Palestinian settlements, she finds that women's rights are interpreted
differently in each region. 1998.
Epilepsy, 199 Answers: A Doctor Responds to His Patients'
Questions RC 46942
by Andrew N. Wilner
read by Kimberly Schraf
2 cassettes
A guide for helping people with epilepsy to understand and manage the disease.
Discusses the nature of the disorder; its diagnosis, treatment, and effects;
and the challenges that epilepsy presents to those afflicted. 1996.
Amazing Grace: A Life of Beauford Delaney RC
46953
by David Leeming
read by Mary Kane
2 cassettes
Biography of the African American modernist painter who was born in 1901
in Knoxville, Tennessee, and died in Paris in 1979. Describes his family's
religious background, his upbringing in the segregated South, and his later
problems with alcoholism and mental illness. Traces his artistic career through
Boston, New York, and Paris, where his friends included James Baldwin and
Henry Miller. 1998.
Guerrero Viejo RC 46988
by Elena Poniatowska
read by Peter Gil
1 cassette
The well-known Mexican author and journalist presents her essay on Guerrero
Viejo, the Mexican colonial town on the Rio Grande that was abandoned and
destroyed as the result of a flood-control dam built in the 1950s. Poniatowska
speaks of the land, architecture, heritage, and daily life of a historic and
proud community sacrificed to twentieth-century progress. Bilingual book in
English and Spanish. 1997.
No Time to Die RC 47011
by Liz Tilberis
read by Mary Ann Nichols
3 cassettes
Transplanted Briton Liz Tilberis, editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar,
describes her battle with ovarian cancer since 1993, played out against the
background of a star-studded career and her family life with husband Andrew
and their adopted sons. Some strong language. 1998.
Friendships in the Dark: A Blind Woman's Story of the People
and Pets Who Light Up Her World RC 47056
by Phyllis Campbell
read by Mimi Bederman
1 cassette
Totally blind since birth, the author tells of growing up on a small Virginia
farm and going away to a residential school with her older sister (who is
also blind) and becoming a church organist. She describes in loving detail
the animals and other friends she meets along the way. 1996.
Martin Heidegger: Between Good and Evil RC
47094
by Rüdiger Safranski
read by Randy Wieck
4 cassettes
Portrait of a noted twentieth-century philosopher whose work helped inspire
the existentialist movement. Traces his youth as a German Catholic seminarian,
his service with the Nazi Party, and his later years pondering the question
of human alienation in a modern technological world. 1998.
The Eye Book: A Complete Guide to Eye Disorders and Health
RC 47103
by Gary H. Cassel and others
read by Kerry Cundiff
3 cassettes
Two ophthalmologists and an optometrist provide an "owner's manual for your
eyes." They describe vision changes that occur over time and health problems
that affect the ability to see. Topics include coping with low vision, eye
trauma and emergencies, glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.
1998.
Empire by Default: The Spanish-American War and the Dawn of
the American Century RC 47112
by Ivan Musicant
read by Bruce Huntey
5 cassettes
A military and diplomatic account of the 1898 Spanish-American War, which
established the United States as a global power and marked the beginning of
"the American century," in the author's view. Chronicles events leading up
to the conflict and describes land and sea battles of the war. 1998.
The Most Wonderful Books: Writers on Discovering the Pleasures
of Reading RC 47143
edited by Michael Dorris and Emilie Buchwald
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
A collection of short essays by fifty-seven authors who reflect on favorite
childhood books or the significance of reading. Sherman Alexie recalls that
he learned to read with a Superman comic book. Confined to her house by polio,
Bapsi Sidhwa discovered "an alternate existence" in books. Contains brief
biographical notes on contributors. 1997.
Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter
RC 47146
by Adeline Yen Mah
read by Gabriella Cavallero
2 cassettes
The author recalls her childhood in mainland China and Hong Kong. After enduring
an abusive upbringing, Mah was able to escape to Great Britain at the age
of fourteen to further her studies. Throughout her life, her family relationships
continued to torment her. 1997.
Survival Stories: Memoirs of Crisis RC
47180
edited by Kathryn Rhett
read by Pam Ward
3 cassettes
Anthology of twenty-two pieces by American writers, each articulating a personal
crisis. Selected from already published sources for their power to convey
such emotional experiences as death, divorce, and suicidal depression. Authors
include Jamaica Kincaid, Alan Shapiro, William Styron, and Isabel Allende.
1997.
The Internet for Dummies RC
47197
by John R. Levine and others
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
Describes what the Internet is and how to use it. Advises on choosing a service,
children's use, and shopping online. Explains many aspects such as e-mail,
web pages, and netiquette; defines terminology; and answers frequently asked
questions. 1998.
With Chatwin: Portrait of a Writer RC
47214
by Susannah Clapp
read by Corrie James
2 cassettes
Bruce Chatwin's editor recounts her recollections of the nomadic connoisseur
writer who died in 1989 at age forty-eight. She describes Chatwin's personal
characteristics and his various endeavors as an art expert, an archaeologist,
a journalist, and a world traveler. She interprets his books and offers insights
into what it was like to work with him. 1997.
The Everglades: River of Grass RC
47215
by Marjory Stoneman Douglas
read by MaryBeth Wise
3 cassettes (Reissue)
Fiftieth-anniversary edition of the 1947 history and folklore of a North
American region that had been viewed as a swampy "wasteland." This volume
includes two new chapters, describing efforts to restore and preserve this
valuable source of wildlife and water. 1997.
Dear Mr. Jefferson: Letters from a Nantucket Gardener RC
47224
by Laura Simon
read by Anne Hancock
2 cassettes
Imagined letters between Simon and Thomas Jefferson discuss the gardening
cycle from penciled plan to harvest. The author, who lives year-round on Nantucket,
needed to communicate with someone who shared her love of horticulture. She
chose Jefferson after becoming convinced that he was a genuinely inspired
gardener. 1998.
The Americans: The National Experience RC
47247
by Daniel J. Boorstin
read by Robert Sams
6 cassettes
In this sequel to The Americans: The Colonial Experience (RC 47246),
historian Boorstin covers American history from the Revolution to the Civil
War. He discusses Americans' search for a better way of life, discovering
themselves and their capabilities, and coming together to establish a better
community. 1965.
Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine
Espionage RC 47258
by Sherry Sontag and others
read by Gregory Gorton
3 cassettes
Accounts of the development of Cold War-era submarine spying on the Soviet
Union by Americans. Tales about the people who made it happen, like the naval
officer who figured out how to tap underwater communication cables. Includes
new information on the mysterious sinking of the USS Scorpion in
1968. Bestseller 1998.
Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life RC
47274
by Laurence Bergreen
read by Bob Moore
5 cassettes
A biography of the jazz trumpeter known as Satchmo who was born in 1901 in
New Orleans. Portrays the city's influence on his character and musical development.
Relates the details of his career with bands, personal relationships, and
reaction to fame. Satchmo's story encompasses a history of jazz in the United
States until 1971, the year of his death. Some strong language. 1997.
101 Things You Don't Know about Science and No One Else Does
Either RC 47284
by James Trefil
read by Kimberly Schraf
2 cassettes
The author, an educator and National Public Radio commentator, presents short
essays on scientific topics. He considers questions being researched in the
1990s such as: Is the climate getting warmer? Can humans live forever? What
causes cancer? He then summarizes the progress that has been made. For senior
high and older readers. 1996.
Memoirs RC 47294
by Georg Solti
read by Lewis Grenville
2 cassettes
Twentieth-century international conductor traces his musical training in
Hungary and career as a pianist and music director. Born in 1912, Solti relates
how he survived two world wars in Europe and advanced his musical life despite
anti-Semitism. He discusses his interpretation of various composers and his
twenty-two years with the Chicago Symphony. 1997.
Half and Half: Writers on Growing Up Biracial and Bicultural
RC 47296
edited by Claudine Chiawei O'Hearn
read by Mary Kane
2 cassettes
Eighteen writers recount their experiences growing up in two cultures. Garrett
Hongo describes the boredom of living in a homogeneous suburb where his children's
friends all have the same worldview. Roxane Farmanfarmaian recalls being "rootless"--half-Mormon
and half-Muslim--in Europe. Includes brief author biographies. For senior
high and older readers. 1998.
Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished
Civil War RC 47299
by Tony Horwitz
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
Reviving a childhood passion, journalist Tony Horwitz spends a week with
a hardcore Civil War reenactor, traveling to battle sites in the south. Along
the way, he learns why many people are still obsessed with the war and how
views of the past are often divided along racial lines. Some strong language.
1998.
A March to Madness: The View from the Floor in the Atlantic
Coast Conference RC 47302
by John Feinstein
read by Ted Stoddard
4 cassettes
Overview of the nine basketball coaches of the collegiate Atlantic Coast
Conference in the late 1990s. Describes their work and their teams and the
incredible pressure they endure while trying to achieve the championship title.
1998.
Richard S. Ewell: A Soldier's Life RC
47332
by Donald C. Pfanz
read by Bill Wallace
5 cassettes
Presents a detailed account of Ewell's life and a balanced view of the Confederate
general's personality. Discusses his military training and expeditions, including
his service in Mexico and the Civil War, and his postwar career as a stock
farmer. 1998.
On Good Land: The Autobiography of an Urban Farm RC
47334
by Michael Ableman
read by Bill Wallace
1 cassette
The author describes the twelve-acre farm called Fairview Gardens, where
he has worked for seventeen years. Once a farm among many, Fairview (now surrounded
by California suburbia) is a national model for successful urban agriculture
and farmland preservation. 1998.
No Mountain Too High: A Triumph over Breast Cancer; the Story
of the Women of Expedition Inspiration RC 47349
by Andrea Gabbard
read by Jill Ferris
2 cassettes
Explains how breast cancer survivor Laura Evans's return to mountain climbing
led to the formation of Expedition Inspiration, a venture for breast cancer
survivors. Describes the excursion to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina and discusses
the women participating on the two climbing teams and their experiences. 1998.
I'm Not Really Here RC 47356
by Tim Allen
read by Jim Zeiger
2 cassettes
Known for his starring role in the sitcom Home Improvement, Allen
humorously describes an unusual weekend. Alone while his wife and daughter
have gone camping, he puzzles over "the big questions" brought on by his midlife
crisis--while he searches for a missing hood ornament. Strong language. 1996.
A Calendar of Wisdom: Daily Thoughts to Nourish the Soul Written
and Selected from the World's Sacred Texts by Leo Tolstoy RC
47390
by Leo Tolstoy
read by Janis Gray
2 cassettes
This last major work of Tolstoy's contains philosophical and spiritual writings
he collected over fifteen years. Each day is arranged by a theme. Includes
a name index with brief biographies. 1997.
Are You Old Enough to Read This Book? Reflections on Midlife
RC 47392
edited by Deborah H. DeFord
read by Janis Gray
3 cassettes
Advice and reassurance for baby boomers reaching their fifth decade. Includes
practical suggestions, medical information, and psychological tidbits in the
form of essays and interviews. Introduction by Linda Ellerbee. Some descriptions
of sex. 1997.
Banjo Eyes: Eddie Cantor and the Birth of Modern Stardom RC
47395
by Herbert G. Goldman
read by Bruce Huntey
4 cassettes
Born on Rosh Hashanah in 1892 and soon orphaned by his mother's death and
father's disappearance, Cantor (born Israel Iskowitz) was raised by his grandmother.
Goldman recounts Cantor's life from his days on the streets of New York's
Lower East Side through his rise to fame, discussing his days in vaudeville
and the movies, his family, and his charitable work. 1997.
Living with Spina Bifida: A Guide for Families and Professionals
RC 47399
by Adrian Sandler
read by Butch Hoover
2 cassettes
A physician explains the birth defect spina bifida and possible associated
impairments, and offers advice on promoting good health and optimal development
at every stage from childhood through young adulthood. 1997.
Foods That Fight Pain: Revolutionary New Strategies for Maximum
Pain Relief RC 47400
by Neal Barnard
read by Randy Atcher
3 cassettes
Physician maintains that specific foods can help alleviate many types of
pain while other foods can trigger pain. He outlines recommendations for using
diet and supplements to treat such conditions as arthritis, carpal tunnel
syndrome, migraines, stomachaches, and cancer pain. 1998.
Riddle of the Ice: A Scientific Adventure into the Arctic
RC 47405
by Myron Arms
read by Butch Hoover
2 cassettes
Nautical adventure aboard a fifty-foot sailing cutter exploring the Arctic
Ocean near Labrador. Perturbed by the large quantities of pack ice in the
area in the summers of the early 1990s, the author investigates weather patterns
and climate changes for explanations. 1998.
The Meadowlands: Wilderness Adventures at the Edge of a City
RC 47407
by Robert Sullivan
read by Jack Fox
2 cassettes
Just outside New York City, near Newark airport and the New Jersey Turnpike,
is a swamp that has become a receptacle for trash in the region, as well as
a refuge for wildlife. Describes the area called the Meadowlands, its history,
the flora and fauna, and the people who have populated the area since Native
American times. 1998.
Time Bomb 2000: What the Year 2000 Computer Crisis Means to
You! RC 47409
by Edward Yourdon and Jennifer Yourdon
read by Butch Hoover
3 cassettes
Discusses the computer software problem that will manifest itself on January
1, 2000, and its likely impact on banks, hospitals, utilities, governments,
transportation systems, and more. Explains possible consequences of the resulting
failures and suggests ways to prepare for shutdowns that could last from two
days to ten years. 1998.
The Learning Highway: Smart Students and the Net RC
47413
by Trevor Owen and Ron Owston
read by Brian Conn
2 cassettes
Emphasizes how high school and undergraduate students can use the Internet
for learning. Covers how to express search needs online, the multiple functions
of web-based browsers, research strategies on the web, and practical examples
of Internet projects. Some strong language. For senior high and older readers.
1998.
No More Hot Flashes--and Even More Good News RC
47417
by Penny Wise Budoff
read by Carole Jordan Stewart
3 cassettes
Updates Dr. Budoff's 1984 book, No More Hot Flashes, and Other Good News
(RC 20041). Explains perimenopause, menopause, estrogen, and osteoporosis,
as well as cancers that frequently affect women. Also discusses urinary functions,
hysterectomies, vitamins, and alternatives to drugs and surgery. 1998.
Hepatitis C: The Silent Killer RC
47420
by Carol Turkington
read by Patricia McDermott
2 cassettes
Explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Hepatitis C; the role
of the liver in the body; and chronic conditions caused by acute cases of
the disease. Includes relevant organizations, web sites, and newsletters.
1998.
God: The Evidence; the Reconciliation of Faith and Reason
in a Postsecular World RC 47421
by Patrick Glynn
read by Randy Atcher
1 cassette
Chronicles a trend away from atheism and details the correlation between
religious commitment, mental health, physical health, and morality. Examines
scientific, medical, and psychological studies that corroborate the author's
belief in the existence of soul and God. 1997.
In My Own Time: Almost an Autobiography RC
47422
by Nina Bawden
read by Mitzi Friedlander
2 cassettes
Memoir of a novelist. Recounts her childhood evacuation from London in World
War II; her years at Oxford, where she knew Richard Burton and Margaret Thatcher;
and her later life. Relates stories of her family, including the struggles
of her schizophrenic son, who committed suicide. For junior and senior high
and older readers. 1994.
Facing and Fighting Fatigue: A Practical Approach RC
47423
by Benjamin H. Natelson
read by Butch Hoover
2 cassettes
A physician who directs a chronic fatigue syndrome center discusses different
levels of fatigue and possible causes. He then describes treatment options
including drug therapy, gentle physical conditioning, and cognitive behavioral
therapy. 1998.
Big Top Boss: John Ringling North and the Circus RC
47428
by David Lewis Hammarstrom
read by Richard Hauenstein
3 cassettes
Biography of the showman-entrepreneur who folded the tents and moved the
circus indoors in 1956. Describes North's flamboyant career and his management
style in the context of labor and social issues of the mid-twentieth century.
Incorporates several decades of American circus history. 1992.
Emotional Resilience: Simple Truths for Dealing with the Unfinished
Business of Your Past RC 47431
by David Viscott
read by Randy Atcher
3 cassettes
The author, a psychiatrist, offers a ten-step program that he contends will
lead to emotional healing. Discusses mourning, defense mechanisms, personality
types, and "toxic" nostalgia. 1996.
The Greatest Generation RC 47490
by Tom Brokaw
read by Phil Regensdorf
2 cassettes
Recalling his coverage of the fortieth anniversary of D-Day in 1984, reporter
Brokaw describes World War II veterans as "the greatest generation any society
has produced." Profiles individuals who sacrificed for their country, including
Thomas Broderick--who founded the Blinded Veterans Association--and businessman
Bob Bush, who lost an eye in a heroic rescue mission. Bestseller 1998.
The Sense of Wonder RC 47494
by Rachel Carson
read by Kimberly Schraf
1 cassette
In this essay first published in 1956, Carson talks about sharing the wonders
of nature with a child, as she did with her nephew, beginning before he was
two years old. She explains how an adult can teach an appreciation of the
beauty of the outdoors, even without a scientific understanding of plants
and animals. 1956.
Work in Progress RC 47498
by Michael D. Eisner
read by Terence Aselford
3 cassettes
Eisner provides an account of how a Jewish boy from an affluent Manhattan
family rose through the ranks to become Disney's CEO. Discusses his family
life, his jobs at ABC and Paramount Pictures, the role he played in getting
the position at Disney, and his part in expanding the company. Bestseller
1998.
First Love and Other Stories RC
47508
by Ivan Turgenev
read by Steven Carpenter
2 cassettes
These three stories by the nineteenth-century Russian author are somewhat
autobiographical. In "First Love," written in 1860, a father and son fall
in love with the same woman. Written in 1872, "Spring Torrents" portrays a
middle-aged person looking back on the folly of youth. "A Fire at Sea," written
in 1883, tells of Turgenev's personal experience. 1957.
Our Man in Belize RC 47512
by Richard Timothy Conroy
read by Ted Stoddard
3 cassettes
Memoir of an American who served as vice-consul in Belize for two years in
the early 1960s. He admits that his accounts of his experiences and the people
he met there have "taken on a life of their own." But he does clearly remember
the devastating hurricane of 1961. Some strong language. 1997.
The Lost Tomb RC 47513
by Kent R. Weeks
read by Gary Telles
3 cassettes
The personal account of an American Egyptologist's discovery and excavation
of the largest tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Weeks describes his 1995 entry
into a multichambered burial site that some consider the most important archaeological
find of the twentieth century. He discusses the new revelations about the
sons of Ramesses II, stressing that there is more to be explored. 1998.
Diplomacy for the Next Century RC
47522
by Abba Eban
read by Rick Foucheux
2 cassettes
A former Israeli foreign minister reflects on the world of diplomacy, intrusive
media, and highlights of the Cold War era. The author draws upon his vast
experience to offer insights into the nature and practice of statecraft, as
well as perspectives on international affairs in the 1990s. 1998.
The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition
RC 47531
by Caroline Alexander
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Chronicles the survival of Ernest Shackleton and his crew of twenty-seven
men marooned on ice floes off the coast of Antarctica in 1915. Recounts the
entrapment and later destruction of their ship, the Endurance, by
pack ice and the hardships the men suffered before their rescue in 1916. Bestseller
1998.
How to Eat Away Arthritis RC
47542
by Lauri M. Aesoph
read by Jill Ferris
3 cassettes
The author offers traditional and alternative ways to ease the pain of arthritis.
She lists restorative and "stressor" foods and provides hints for better health,
citing anecdotes of numerous sufferers who have improved their ability to
cope with the condition. 1996.
Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement RC
47543
by John Lewis
read by Jake Williams
5 cassettes
African American congressman discusses the civil rights movement of the 1960s,
its struggles, triumphs, leadership, and champions. Lewis, an advocate of
nonviolence, acknowledges his devotion to Martin Luther King Jr. and credits
the success of the movement to the thousands of working-class blacks who risked
their lives confronting southern tyranny. 1998.
Under a Wing: A Memoir RC 47547
by Reeve Lindbergh
read by Pam Ward
2 cassettes
Charles Lindbergh's youngest daughter shares memories of her father and her
mother, Anne Morrow Lindbergh. She tells about their strengths and weaknesses
as parents and about family occasions with her four older siblings. These
reminiscences afford glimpses of the private people behind the celebrity images.
1998.
The Breast Cancer Survival Manual: A Step-by-Step Guide for
the Woman with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer RC
47548
by John Link
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
An oncologist advises women on how to obtain the data they need in order
to make an informed choice regarding treatment that is right for them. Examines
quality-of-life issues, available drugs and operations, lifestyle choices,
and genetic risks. Explains how to work the medical system and essential record-keeping.
Gives specific questions to ask the physician of choice. 1998.
Dr. Ana Nogales' Book of Love, Sex, and Relationships: A Guide
for Latino Couples RC 47551
by Ana Nogales
read by Gabriella Cavallero
2 cassettes
A popular TV psychologist and newspaper columnist presents case studies to
illustrate the common problems that couples from diverse ethnic backgrounds
face. Nogales discusses the conflicts that affect Latino-Anglo relationships
including attitudes towards family, gender roles, machismo, and other issues
that arise from cultural differences. Some descriptions of sex. 1998.
Thomas Merton: Poet, Prophet, Priest RC
47557
by Jennifer Fisher Bryant
read by Jake Williams
1 cassette
Portrait of a troubled youth's spiritual journey from a life of dissolute
pleasure to the ascetic seclusion of a Trappist monastery. Describes his difficult
childhood, his conversion to Catholicism, his monastic life, and his years
as a writer and social activist. For junior and senior high readers. 1997.
He's Scared, She's Scared: Understanding the Hidden Fears
That Sabotage Your Relationships RC 47559
by Steven Carter and Julia Sokol
read by Kristin Allison
3 cassettes
Explores issues and anxieties about individual commitment that prevent people
from finding or keeping the love they need. Examines why people may be afraid
of a serious ongoing relationship, differentiates between male and female
fears, and suggests ways to resolve conflicts. Uses case studies to illustrate
problems and solutions. 1993.
Real Boys: Rescuing Our Sons from the Myths of Boyhood RC
47563
by William Pollack
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
A clinical psychologist examines some major challenges that boys face in
growing up. Explains the outmoded "Boy Code," which imposes unrealistic expectations
on youth and can lead to alienation, aggressive behavior, and other adverse
consequences. Proposes a new, healthier behavioral model for young men. 1998.
Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom RC
47571
by William Glasser
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Psychiatrist asserts that most human problems--including violence, addictions,
and abuse--are caused by flawed relationships and by people who presume to
know "what is right for us." He advocates "choice theory" as an approach to
help people to develop healthy associations and lives. 1998.
The Practical Nomad: How To Travel around the World RC
47573
by Edward Hasbrouck
read by Jake Williams
5 cassettes
A handbook for the independent, around-the-world traveler. Advises on key
aspects of planning international journeys, including choosing destinations,
arranging for visas and permits, personal finances, packing, local transportation,
safety, and health. 1997.
Our Country's Founders: A Book of Advice for Young People RC
47574
edited by William J. Bennett
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Adapted for young adults, excerpts from Our Sacred Honor (RC 46472)
illustrate the timeless principles and virtues espoused by the founding fathers
of the United States. Included are the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration
of Independence, a time line of the American Revolution, and brief biographies.
For senior high and older readers. 1998.
Moses: A Life RC 47585
by Jonathan Kirsch
read by Fred Major
4 cassettes
A reexamination of what is known about the biblical leader in order to portray
him as a real, human person. Focuses on scriptural accounts of his actions,
prophecies, and relationship with God to counter some exaggerated historical
and artistic interpretations. 1998.
Great Careers for People Interested in Math and Computers
RC 47588
by Peter Richardson and Bob Richardson
read by Gary Tipton
1 cassette
Career advice for students with talent in mathematics and computers. Highlights
job options such as an audio engineer, a research analyst, and a computer
programmer. For senior high and older readers. 1993.
America 1900: The Turning Point RC
47649
by Judy Crichton
read by Barbara Pinolini
3 cassettes
A monthly chronicle of life in America during 1900. Recounts a time of transition
as the young nation comes to terms with new technologies, an expanding economy,
and a growing role in world affairs. Depicts a confident American people facing
a new century. 1998.
Dealing with People You Can't Stand: How to Bring Out the
Best in People at Their Worst RC 47664
by Rick Brinkman and Rick Kirschner
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
A guide to interacting with people whose behavior patterns try one's patience.
Describes and analyzes the "ten most unwanted" character types, offering strategies
and communication techniques for dealing with them. Gives advice to help people
manage their own difficult behaviors. 1994.
Elegy for Iris RC 47669
by John Bayley
read by David Palmer
2 cassettes
In this memoir of marriage, Bayley probes the mystique of the beloved. He
describes how he fell in love with author Iris Murdoch in 1957 before she
published her first book; how courtship evolved into a devoted marriage; and
how he still sought her essential self after she developed Alzheimer's disease.
1999.
Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith RC
47755
by Kathleen Norris
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
3 cassettes
Traces the author's conversion through reconciliation with theological terminology.
Proposes that belief in a living Christ and the use of ancient words and rituals
continually help the church renew itself. Explores the meaning of Christian
expressions, concluding that religious language is active and meaningful.
1998.
Reporting Live RC 47756
by Lesley Stahl
read by Pam Ward
4 cassettes
Autobiography of the television journalist. Describes how Stahl began her
career in 1972, her emergence into the public eye during the Watergate scandal,
her appearances on Face the Nation and 60 Minutes, and her
White House reporting during three presidencies. Discusses the evolution of
the media; provides glimpses into her personal life. Bestseller 1999.
How to Get a Job If You're a Teenager RC
47766
by Cindy Pervola and Debby Hobgood
read by Kristin Allison
1 cassette
Tips on job hunting address deciding what type of job to apply for, completing
applications, preparing for the interview (including choosing what to wear),
and the interview itself. What to expect on the first day and the proper way
to quit a job are also discussed. For junior and senior high readers. 1998.
Tourette Syndrome RC 47777
by Elaine Landau
read by Jill Ferris
1 cassette
Describes the neurological disorder that is characterized by tics--involuntary
movements or sounds. Discusses coping with the syndrome, which becomes apparent
in childhood and can range from mild to severe. Profiles of people living
with Tourette Syndrome include an athlete, a surgeon, and a musician. For
junior and senior high and older readers. 1998.
Flying Solo: Reimagining Manhood, Courage, and Loss RC
47780
by Leonard Kriegel
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Twelve essays in which the author, who contracted polio at age eleven, discusses
coming to terms with paralysis of the legs. In the title piece, Kriegel recounts
his conversation with a woman whose paraplegic brother learned to fly an airplane--something
on Kriegel's wish list when he was younger. Some strong language. 1998.
God among the Shakers: A Search for Stillness and Faith at
Sabbathday Lake RC 47781
by Suzanne Skees
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
A "cynical, worldly" woman recounts her experience of sharing "a bit of life
with the last eight Shakers" at Sabbathday Lake farm in Maine. Traces the
history of the devout Christian community known for its simplicity, celibacy,
and relations with the spirit world. Offers a perspective on the dying sect.
1998.
A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City
to the Ivy League RC 47795
by Ron Suskind
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
The author follows Cedric Jennings, an African American teenager, from a
blighted environment in Washington, D.C., to Brown University. Although in
the top of his high school class, Cedric at first has neither the educational
background nor the social experience to meet the demands of the Ivy League
college. Some strong language. 1998.
Careers for Wordsmiths RC 47819
by Andrew Kaplan
read by Barbara Pinolini
1 cassette
Profiles fourteen workers in jobs that rely on language skills; includes
writer, editor, teacher, lexicographer, and press agent. Each worker discusses
his or her work and offers advice on pursuing a language-related career. For
junior and senior high and older readers. 1991.
Careers for Computer Buffs RC
47821
compiled by Andrew Kaplan
read by Barbara Pinolini
1 cassette
Profiles fourteen individuals who work with computers in various ways, including
software development, hardware research, and engineering. Each discusses his
or her job and offers advice on pursuing a computer-related career. For junior
and senior high and older readers. 1991.
Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith RC
47831
by Anne Lamott
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Lamott first relates her childhood and her vacillation with Christianity,
and describes the night of her conversion following an abortion and a week
of drugs and alcohol. She then explains how she continues to struggle with
the faith that now sustains her. Some strong language. Bestseller 1999.
Rocket Boys: A Memoir RC 47833
by Homer H. Hickam
read by John Polk
3 cassettes
Retired NASA engineer reminisces about boyhood in the Sputnik era in West
Virginia when his first rocket attempt burned down his mother's garden fence.
He and his friends improved their models culminating in winning the 1960 National
Science Fair. Movie October Sky is based on this book. 1998.
Cassettes Fiction
Detour for Emmy RC 44303
by Marilyn Reynolds
read by Jeanne Evans
2 cassettes
Emmy enters Hamilton High and begins planning for college and her future
despite her unsupportive alcoholic mother. When Emmy's first relationship
leads to pregnancy, her life must take a detour, but she's still determined
to reach her goals. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of
sex. For junior and senior high readers. 1993.
Long Storm RC 44790
by Ernest Haycox
read by Don Emmick
2 cassettes
Portland, Oregon, during Civil War days is torn by a battle for control of
the Northwest Territory. In order to free their land from slavery, Adam Musick,
captain of the riverboat Daisy McGovern, and Lily Barnes, whose father
is an agent for Musick, battle with Floyd Ringrose, leader of the Knights
of the Golden Circle. Some strong language. 1946.
The Bookshop RC 45665
by Penelope Fitzgerald
read by Cyn Delafield
1 cassette
A middle-aged widow, Florence Green, decides to open a bookstore in a five-hundred-year-old
house in her small English town. She makes a noble start but is thwarted by
Violet Gamart, who wants to convert "Old House" into an arts center. 1978.
Prize Stories 1997: The O. Henry Awards RC
45979
edited by Larry Dark
read by Kristin Allison
4 cassettes
Twenty short stories chosen from American and Canadian magazines. The 1997
winners of the O. Henry Award are: Mary Gordon's "City Life"--first prize,
George Saunders's "The Falls"--second, and Lee K. Abbott's "The Talk Talked
between Worms"--third. 1997.
Beat to Quarters RC 46120
by C.S. Forester
read by Graeme Malcolm
2 cassettes
June 1808. Captain Hornblower and his men are aboard the HMS Lydia
off the coast of Nicaragua. He has been given several orders to carry out
or face a court martial. One of his tasks is to find a water route across
Central America, and as a result, he is transporting Lady Wellesley to Panama.
Sequel to Hornblower and the Atropos (RC 46119). 1938.
A Curtain of Green and Other Stories RC
46352
by Eudora Welty
read by Laura Giannarelli
2 cassettes
Eudora Welty's first collection of published short stories. Welty writes
of the common people she knew in her native Mississippi. In "A Curtain of
Green," a grieving widow isolates herself in her garden; in "Why I Live at
the P.O.," the postmistress flees her impossible relatives to live at work.
1941.
Dead Folks RC 46559
by Jon A. Jackson
read by Ray Foushee
2 cassettes
In this sequel to Deadman (RC 38428), detective Fang Mulheisen of
the Detroit police is back on the trail of Joe Service and Helen Sedlacek.
Joe escapes from a hospital and flees to Salt Lake City where he sends for
Helen, who has the money they stole from the mob. Violence, strong language,
and explicit descriptions of sex. 1996.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle RC
46636
by Haruki Murakami
read by Peter Jay Fernandez
5 cassettes
In Tokyo in 1984, Toru Okada's ordinary life begins to unravel when he quits
his job. His wife, Kumiko, sends him to consult a psychic about their lost
cat. After complaining that Toru does not really know her, Kumiko disappears.
Toru is determined to find her despite her brother's opposition. Some explicit
descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. 1997.
The Black Book: An Inspector Rebus Novel RC
46660
by Ian Rankin
read by Steven Crossley
2 cassettes
Five years ago, Edinburgh's Central Hotel burned to the ground, and a body
with a bullet hole in it was found in the ashes. Now John Rebus is having
a terrible week--his lover has thrown him out, his brother has arrived unannounced,
and his deputy is hospitalized in a coma. Then Rebus reads the notes in his
deputy's black book and sees a connection. Strong language. 1993.
Reading in the Dark RC 46664
by Seamus Deane
read by Terry Donnelly
2 cassettes
An Irish boy recalls events in his life, from his childhood in the 1940s
until his parents' deaths in 1971. The third child in a large Catholic family
in Northern Ireland, he grew up hearing stories about the past and puzzling
over family secrets. The most intriguing ones concerned the death of his Uncle
Eddie in 1922. Some violence and some strong language. 1996.
Pelle the Conqueror: Volume 2, Apprenticeship RC
46672
by Martin Andersen Nexo
read by George Holmes
2 cassettes
In this Danish classic, sequel to Pelle the Conqueror: Volume 1, Childhood
(RC 33640), fifteen-year-old Pelle decides to leave the poverty of farm
life for town. As his agrarian community is becoming industrialized, Pelle
struggles to fit into the narrow social confines of his new life while working
as a shoemaker's apprentice. 1991.
Louisiana Blue: A Tiller Galloway Thriller RC
46796
by David Poyer
read by Bruce Huntey
2 cassettes
In this sequel to Bahamas Blue (RC 46795), Galloway lands a job
laying underwater cable for DeepTech, a shady oil-rig outfit in the Gulf of
Mexico. Sure of his diving skills but plagued by a reputation for hard drinking
and getting into trouble, Galloway is happy to be employed. But his boss's
reaction to Galloway's report of pipeline corrosion alerts Galloway to danger
ahead. Violence and strong language. 1994.
Drums along the Mohawk RC 47009
by Walter D. Edmonds
read by Norm Thibeault
4 cassettes (Reissue)
1776. Newlyweds Lana and Gilbert Martin are farmers in New York's Mohawk
Valley. When the Revolutionary War starts, some of their neighbors flee to
Canada while others join the militia. As the Indian and British attacks continue,
the residents must defend themselves while the new government confiscates
their food for the soldiers. 1936.
Ahmed's Revenge RC 47018
by Richard Wiley
read by Connie Crawford
2 cassettes
Julius Grant survives mauling by a lion and a gunshot wound only to be murdered
in his hospital room. While figuring out why, his wife, Nora, discovers that
he was smuggling ivory. Nora must deal with her husband's deception, her father's
deteriorating mental faculties, and the Kenyan ivory smugglers who want a
box buried on her coffee farm. Some violence, some descriptions of sex, and
some strong language. 1998.
Believers: A Novella and Stories RC
47019
by Charles Baxter
read by Gary Roan
2 cassettes
Stories about the routines of everyday life--until something unexpected happens.
In "Kiss Away," a young girl is warned not to trust her new boyfriend, but
she refuses to listen. In "Time Exposure," a neighbor doesn't want to believe
that the man upstairs is a child abuser. Some strong language and some descriptions
of sex. 1997.
Railroad Schemes RC 47029
by Cecelia Holland
read by Anne Hancock
2 cassettes
Bookworm Lily Viner, fifteen, has never known a real home because her father
drags her along on his unlawful pursuits. When he is killed in a stagecoach
robbery, his partner, King, takes Lily under his wing. Their growing fondness
for each other almost overshadows his compulsion to stop the westward expansion
of the Southern Pacific railroad. Strong language. 1997.
Léa: The Blue Bicycle, Book 2 RC
47076
by Régine Deforges
read by Mitzi Friedlander
2 cassettes
In the waning months of 1942, Léa Delmas leaves her father's vineyards
for Paris. There Léa continues her work for the Resistance and spends
time with her lover, Francois Tavernier, who seems to have a connection with
both the Allies and their enemies. Sequel to The Blue Bicycle (RC 24848).
Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1987.
The Devil Laughs Again: The Blue Bicycle, Book 3 RC
47077
by Régine Deforges
read by Mitzi Friedlander
3 cassettes
As World War II escalates, Léa copes with the deaths of friends, including
Camille, and the ruin of the family's vineyards. Yet she continues working
for the Resistance, joins the Red Cross, and travels to Berlin, returning
to Paris on the eve of liberation. Sequel to Léa (RC 47076).
Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1988.
Brunswick Gardens RC 47115
by Anne Perry
read by Terry Hayes Sales
3 cassettes
Victorian policeman Thomas Pitt investigates the death of Unity Bellwood,
a scholar of ancient languages who was assisting Reverend Parmenter with writing
a book. When Pitt learns Unity was pregnant, he suspects Reverend Parmenter,
his son, or a curate living in the house. But when the priest is murdered,
Pitt must develop a new theory. As usual, his wife, Charlotte, helps him uncover
the guilty party. 1998.
Group Portrait with Lady RC
47116
by Heinrich Boll
read by Mitzi Friedlander
3 cassettes (Reissue)
Sardonic "portrait" created by a woman who is living in poverty, pregnant
and alone at forty-eight. As a German, she recalls her life during the rise
and fall of the Nazi regime. The author was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature.
1973.
The Bent Twig RC 47121
by Dorothy Canfield
read by Madelyn Buzzard
4 cassettes
Sylvia Marshall has been raised by her parents in an unconventional but happy
manner. Upon starting school, she and her sister Judith begin to learn of
the injustices of the world. Longing to belong, Sylvia eventually realizes
that she cannot give up her morals in order to conform to society. 1915.
Survivor RC 47123
by Tabitha King
read by Carole Jordan Stewart
3 cassettes
A car accident dramatically changes the course of artistic college student
Kissy Mellors's future. Besides the immediate horror of seeing a fellow coed
struck and killed, Kissy experiences a long-term aftermath with dangerous
consequences. Three men related to the tragedy will play crucial roles in
her sexual and emotional development. Explicit descriptions of sex, strong
language, and some violence. 1997.
Illusions: A "Nameless Detective" Novel RC
47126
by Bill Pronzini
read by David Palmer
2 cassettes
The nameless detective is upset by the suicide of his ex-partner and ex-friend
Eberhardt when Ira Erskine hires him to find his missing ex-wife. Erskine
claims that his young son is dying of cancer and needs his mother. Nameless
tracks down the mother but with dire consequences for Erskine. Back at home,
Nameless discovers more surprises about Eberhardt. Strong language and some
violence. 1997.
The Last Day RC 47148
by Glenn Kleier
read by David Hartley-Margolin
4 cassettes
New Year's Eve, 1999. Following a geological explosion that destroys a secret
research station in the Negev desert, a young woman appears, claiming to be
the messiah for the approaching millennium. Performing miracles and revealing
a new testament, Jeza attracts millions of followers. Reporter Jon Feldman
senses the story of the ages and begins to investigate. Some violence. 1997.
The Novellas of Hortense Calisher RC
47149
by Hortense Calisher
read by Gabriella Cavallero
4 cassettes
Collection of seven novellas. "Tale for the Mirror," originally published
in 1962, tells of the arrival of Dr. Bhatta, a Hindu "neurologist," at a Hudson
River estate and his reception by the local inhabitants. A more experimental
novella, "The Man Who Spat Silver," first in print in 1987, features a woman
writer in New York City. 1997.
Putting Up Roots: A Jupiter Novel RC
47167
by Charles Sheffield
read by Erik Sandvold
2 cassettes
Joshua, his autistic cousin Dawn, and a group of teenagers are sent to Solferino
twenty-seven light years away as part of a colonization effort by Foodlines.
Josh is learning about his new environment, adjusting to new companions, and
coping with his responsibility for Dawn, whose special gifts become more apparent
on Solferino. For senior high and older readers. 1997.
Under African Skies: Modern African Stories RC
47193
edited by Charles R. Larson
read by Annie Wauters
3 cassettes
Short stories by twenty-six writers from sub-Saharan Africa, published since
1947. Long-established authors such as Amos Tutuola and Chinua Achebe are
represented, as well as newer names like Veronique Tadjo and Ben Okri. Contains
an overview of the African literary scene by the editor. 1997.
The Dancer Upstairs RC 47194
by Nicholas Shakespeare
read by David Cutler
2 cassettes
John Dyer, an English journalist assigned to South America, needs one last
story before leaving the country. Denied an interview with the president,
he stumbles upon the policeman who captured a notorious left-wing terrorist
leader. The policeman, Agustin Rejas, recalls his twelve-year hunt for the
rebel and his regrets about the outcome. Some violence and some strong language.
1995.
Sleeping at the Magnolia RC
47202
by Lisa G. Brown
read by Ilona Dulaski
3 cassettes
Colley Rawlins and Lainie Thorne shared a delicate love from childhood, but
were torn apart as young adults. As Lainie struggles to keep from losing the
Magnolia, the Tennessee hotel that has belonged to her family for years, Colley
returns to town and again stirs up her heart. Some violence and some explicit
descriptions of sex. 1997.
Barney Polan's Game: A Novel of the 1951 College Basketball
Scandals RC 47213
by Charley Rosen
read by David Elias
2 cassettes
Brooklyn, New York; 1951. Veteran sports reporter Barney Polan uncovers college
basketball players taking money from professional gamblers in return for shaving
points in hotly contested games. Strong language. 1998.
The Zigzag Kid RC 47222
by David Grossman
read by Anne Hancock
3 cassettes
A week before his bar mitzvah, Nonny Feuerberg is on a train to Haifa--leaving
behind his policeman father with Gabriella, a.k.a. Gabi, his father's longtime
companion. Once under way, Nonny discovers a letter from his father and Gabi
encouraging him to make this journey into an "incredible, hair-raising adventure,"
and then he is kidnapped. 1994.
Invasion RC 47228
by Robin Cook
read by Jeremy Gage
2 cassettes
What looks like a shooting star streaks across the sky, and radios, televisions,
and computers explode. When college student Beau Stark finds a small domed
object the next morning, he begins to transform. Soon, many of the town's
population are subtly and scarily changed. Some violence. 1997.
Lord of the Isles: The Lord of the Isles, Book 1 RC
47238
by David Drake
read by Nanette Savard
4 cassettes
A female wizard, Tenoctris, survives the destruction of the land of Yole
caused by the Hooded One (a powerful sorcerer) and arrives onshore one thousand
years later. She is rescued by Garric, a seventeen-year-old youth, and accompanies
him after he and his sister Sharina embark on separate journeys. Prequel to
Queen of Demons (RC 47239). Some violence. 1997.
Queen of Demons: The Lord of the Isles, Book 2 RC
47239
by David Drake
read by Nanette Savard
4 cassettes
Garric resumes the adventures begun in Lord of the Isles (RC 47238).
Now in Erdin, traveling with Cashel and still accompanied by the female wizard
Tenoctris, he works on his sword skills. Cashel's sister Ilna (an expert weaver),
Sharina, and Liane join the group before Garric continues his quest. Some
violence. 1998.
Court Duel: The Crown and Court Duet, Book 2 RC
47241
by Sherwood Smith
read by Ilona Dulaski
2 cassettes
Now that King Galdran has been defeated, Count Branaric has become part of
the royal court. His sister Countess Meliara prefers to stay at their castle
and return it to its former glory. Meliara will eventually go to court, and
there she will find herself in a different kind of battle. Sequel to Crown
Duel (RC 47240). For junior and senior high readers. 1998.
The Wind-Witch: The Warhorse of Esdragon, Book 2 RC
47242
by Susan Dexter
read by Annie Wauters
3 cassettes
In this sequel to The Prince of Ill Luck (RC 47188), Kessallia's
granddaughter, Druyan, has inherited the horse Valadan. As a new widow with
no heirs, she could lose the land her husband farmed unless she pays the crop
tithes and works the land for a year and a day without remarrying. Kellis,
a raider taken prisoner by her late husband, comes to her aid. 1994.
County Chronicle RC 47244
by Angela Thirkell
read by Anne Flosnik
2 cassettes (Reissue)
As the story begun in The Old Bank House (RC 47189) continues, the
lives of more residents of Barsetshire are exposed. Scenes include Marling
Hall, the Cathedral Close, and Gatherum Castle. Isabel Dale, the heroine,
comes into money and marries Lord Silverbridge, thus making it possible for
him to stand for political office. 1950.
Billy Straight RC 47256
by Jonathan Kellerman
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
One night in the park, twelve-year-old, homeless Billy Straight witnesses
the murder of the ex-wife of a television star. With detective Petra Connor,
the media, bounty hunters, and the murderer on his trail, Billy struggles
to survive day by day. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of
sex. Bestseller 1998.
The Simple Truth RC 47257
by David Baldacci
read by Faith Potts
3 cassettes
When Rufus Harms, a military prisoner for twenty-five years, suddenly files
an appeal to the Supreme Court, his defenders start dying in mysterious accidents.
Supreme Court clerk Sara Evans and John Fiske, brother of one of the victims,
begin to investigate. Meanwhile, Rufus escapes. Some violence, some strong
language, and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller 1998.
The Bondmaid RC 47279
by Catherine Lim
read by Laura Giannarelli
3 cassettes
At the age of four, Han is sold to the house of Wu as a bondmaid. She is
overcome with grief at being separated from her mother and acts as though
she is possessed. But young master Wu is able to calm Han and comes to enjoy
her company. A strong and dangerous bond develops between Han and Wu, even
though their stations in life should keep them apart. 1995.
Written on the Body RC 47283
by Jeanette Winterson
read by MaryBeth Wise
1 cassette
After a series of failed relationships, the protagonist, unnamed and unidentified
by gender, falls in love with Louise, a married woman. Their romantic interlude
is interrupted when they learn Louise has cancer. Some strong language and
some descriptions of sex. 1992.
The Blood Artists RC 47289
by Chuck Hogan
read by Gary Telles
3 cassettes
In the year 2016 virologists Peter Maryk and Stephen Pearse race against
time to stop the spread of an organism that has wiped out the town of Plainville,
Massachusetts. One resident, Melanie Weir, is immune--as is Maryk. But a carrier
is deliberately spreading the virus--killing plants, animals, and insects,
as well as humans. Some violence. 1998.
The Truth Can Get You Killed RC
47290
by Mark Richard Zubro
read by Bruce Nelson
2 cassettes
Gay detective Paul Turner and his partner investigate the death of a federal
judge responsible for antihomosexual legislation. The body was found in a
dumpster near the gay bar where Turner had been celebrating New Year's Eve
the night before. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1997.
Shiva Dancing RC 47293
by Bharti Kirchner
read by Laura Giannarelli
3 cassettes
At thirty-five, the successful and cosmopolitan Meena Gossett lives in San
Francisco but lacks a loving companion. Through e-mail she contacts her long-lost
love, Vishnu, in India. At the same time, she is sorting out her feelings
for Antoine, who seems attracted to her despite his engagement to Liv. A trip
to Calcutta brings Meena to a fateful decision. 1998.
To Say Nothing of the Dog; or, How We Found the Bishop's Bird
Stump at Last RC 47301
by Connie Willis
read by David Cutler
4 cassettes
In 2057 Lady Schrapnell endows a time-travel project in return for help in
rebuilding Coventry Cathedral. The only object she needs for the newly restored
building is the bishop's bird stump. Ned Henry is sent back to 1940 to retrieve
it before the church burns, but he arrives a few hours too late--which is
just the beginning of his problems. 1997.
The Locket RC 47309
by Richard Paul Evans
read by Terence Aselford
2 cassettes
Following his mother's death, Michael Keddington takes a job at a nursing
home to pay off his growing debts. He meets the quiet and withdrawn Esther
Huish, and as he wins her trust, she encourages him to pursue his relationship
with the well-to-do Faye Murrow. Then Michael is accused of murdering a resident.
Bestseller 1998.
On the Occasion of My Last Afternoon RC
47320
by Kaye Gibbons
read by Pam Ward
2 cassettes
Emma Garnet recounts her life story spanning the Civil War. She contends
with a vexatious father, but is championed by Clarice, a free black housekeeper.
Escaping her southern plantation upbringing by marrying a northern doctor,
Emma's happiness is cut short by wartime horrors. Some strong language. 1998.
All She Was Worth RC 47322
by Miyuki Miyabe
read by Erik Sandvold
2 cassettes
Engaged, Jun Kurisaka and Shoko Sekine are shopping for their new home when
Jun learns Shoko has no credit cards. A bank employee, Jun expedites Shoko's
application and is shocked to learn she has a bad credit record. Then Shoko
disappears. Jun implores his "uncle" Honma, a homicide investigator on medical
leave, to help. Neither is ready for what Honma uncovers. 1996.
State of Mind RC 47324
by John Katzenbach
read by Chuck Benson
4 cassettes
Abnormal psychology professor Jeffrey Clayton is approached by an agent demanding
his help in locating a serial killer. Meanwhile Jeffrey's sister, a word game
designer, tries to identify who is sending her unsettling messages. The person
they are both seeking may be their long-estranged and supposedly dead father.
Violence and strong language. 1997.
Digging Up Momma: A Samantha Adams Mystery RC
47347
by Sarah Shankman
read by Mary Woods
2 cassettes
Crime writer Samantha Adams is shocked to receive a letter from her mother--her
parents died in a plane crash when Samantha was eight! Is it a cruel joke?
Or, if her mother really is alive, why does she need Samantha to come to Santa
Fe, and why has she waited thirty-four years to contact her? Strong language
and some violence. 1998.
Murder and Other Acts of Literature: Twenty-four Unforgettable
and Chilling Stories by Some of the World's Best-Loved, Most Celebrated Writers
RC 47352
edited by Michele Slung
read by Jim Zeiger
3 cassettes
Short mysteries by such diverse authors as Edith Wharton, John Cheever, Naguib
Mahfouz, and Alice Walker. In "Miss Forbes's Summer of Happiness," a governess
is killed, apparently in a fit of passion. In "The Johore Murders," someone
is eliminating expatriates as they prepare to leave for home. Violence and
some strong language. 1997.
Second Lives: A Novel of the Gilded Age RC
47361
by Richard S. Wheeler
read by Chuck Benson
3 cassettes
Denver, Colorado; 1882. Six people of divergent interests seek the realization
of their hopes and dreams. Among them are Lorenzo "Magnificent" Carthage,
who wins and loses millions in mines before he is thirty; Cornelia Kimbrough,
who is determined to escape her marriage to a wealthy, cold man; and Rose
Edenderry, an Irish serving girl whose weakness is unsuitable men. 1997.
Promised Land RC 47369
by Cynthia Felice and Connie Willis
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
It has been fifteen years since Delanna Milleflores left the planet Keramos.
Now she has come home only to settle her mother's estate and to sell the property
she inherited. But several surprises await Delanna--the sale is delayed, and
she learns that she is married to Sonny Tanner, part owner of her land. Some
strong language. 1996.
Sunshine Rider: The First Vegetarian Western RC
47374
by Ric Lynden Hardman
read by Don Feldheim
2 cassettes
Teenager Wylie Jackson is allowed to go on his first cattle drive as an assistant
cook. Due to a series of mishaps, Wylie steals a horse, becomes a vegetarian,
and decides to learn doctoring. But with a reward for his return, Wylie cannot
escape justice forever. Includes frontier recipes. For senior high and older
readers. 1998.
Unicorn's Blood RC 47381
by Patricia Finney
read by John Horton
3 cassettes
As a young princess, Elizabeth I wrote of her affair with Thomas Seymour
and of Mary Queen of Scots as the royal heir in a diary. Now queen, Elizabeth
must find the stolen journal--identified by an embroidered unicorn with a
ruby eye--before her opponents do. Companion to Firedrake's Eye (RC 36531).
Some strong language. 1998.
A Magical Christmas RC 47384
by Heather Graham
read by Jill Fox
2 cassettes
Even though she is contemplating divorce, Julie Radcliff reluctantly agrees
to spend Christmas with her husband, Jon, and their three kids at a country
inn in Virginia. Once there, the family finds the hosts dressed in Civil War
costumes. Regaling in the peaceful environment, the couple soon regain their
mutual love. Meanwhile, strange old-fashioned characters appear. 1996.
Nobody's Baby but Mine RC 47391
by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
read by Carole Jordan Stewart
2 cassettes
Jane, a thirty-four-year-old physics professor, wants a baby. Her football-groupie
neighbor promises to find a classy hooker for quarterback Cal Bonner's birthday.
Jane agrees to pose as the call girl, thinking that a child with an athlete's
I.Q. would not be the teased genius she had been. Companion to Dream a
Little Dream (RC 45735). Strong language and explicit descriptions of
sex. 1997.
The Book of Night with Moon RC
47393
by Diane Duane
read by Jill Fox
4 cassettes
In this feline universe, the cat civilization has its own language, Ailurin,
and its unique codes of conduct. A team composed of Rhiow--a black female,
Saash--a tortoiseshell, and Urruah--a young tabby tomcat, is assigned to patrol
Grand Central Station. Maintaining order in the magical gateways leads the
cats into confrontations with their adversaries. For senior high and older
readers. 1997.
New York Mosaic: Three Novels RC
47394
by Isabel Bolton
read by Terry Hayes Sales
3 cassettes
Three portrayals of the lives of wealthy residents of New York City in the
post-World War II years. In Do I Wake or Sleep, a socialite meets
a refugee from Europe; in The Christmas Tree, a grandmother's holiday
is ruined when her beloved homosexual son appears uninvited; and in Many
Mansions, an elderly woman reads a manuscript about her life. 1952.
Heat RC 47397
by Michael Cadnum
read by Carol Dines
1 cassette
Bonnie, who wants a medical career in the blindness field, attends a private
high school where she excels in diving. During practice, Bonnie receives a
head injury that scares her more than she admits. Her world is further shaken
when her divorced, arrogant, attorney father is arrested for defrauding clients.
For junior and senior high readers. 1998.
Remote Control RC 47398
by Stephen White
read by Roy Avers
2 cassettes
Fighting the onset of MS-related vision loss, Boulder County deputy district
attorney Lauren Crowder may have shot someone while protecting the famous
daughter of an assassinated U.S. Surgeon General. Lauren's husband, therapist
Alan Gregory, and her attorneys frantically work through the night to solve
the convoluted case. Some strong language, some violence, and some explicit
descriptions of sex. 1997.
The Silent Cradle RC 47401
by Margaret Cuthbert
read by Carole Jordan Stewart
3 cassettes
Dr. Rae Duprey is an obstetrician at Berkeley Hills Hospital. Her former
lover Bo Michaels now runs a nearby maternity center. When the hospital handles
a string of emergency cases originating from the center, Rae begins an investigation
that puts both her job and her life at risk. Strong language and some violence.
1998.
Harmony RC 47402
by Stef Ann Holm
read by Sharon Murray
3 cassettes
In turn-of-the-century Harmony, Montana, Edwina Huntington has spent her
savings on a building to open a deportment school. To her horror, she learns
the building was also illegally sold to Tom Wolcott for a sporting goods store.
The two work side by side while their differences turn to desire. Some strong
language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 1997.
Camilla's Fate RC 47408
by Judith A. Lansdowne
read by Ann Hodapp
2 cassettes
In Regency England, Camilla Quinn believes romance and marriage would stifle
her plans to become an independent authoress. So she is astonished to realize
how attracted she is to Jason Fate--especially since she meets him first as
he's robbing her and later when he is falsely claiming to be heir to a dukedom.
1997.
Sacred Heart RC 47410
by Marcel Montecino
read by Richard Hauenstein
3 cassettes
New York, 1926. Irish gangster Tommy Coyne flees the city after his father
is killed during a setup. Disguised as a priest, he arrives in Mexico to join
his older brother Frank, a Jesuit. Tommy discovers Mexico is in the midst
of a civil war with clergymen the favorite targets of the Federales. Violence,
strong language, and descriptions of sex. 1997.
The Secret Warriors RC 47414
by W.E.B. Griffin
read by Roy Avers
2 cassettes
It is 1942 in this sequel to The Last Heroes (RC 45119), and American
intelligence has uncovered a major lode of uranium ore in the Belgian Congo.
When two U.S. security agents are air-dropped into the area to extract the
ore, they encounter unexpected opposition. Strong language. 1985.
The Passions of Emma RC 47415
by Penelope Williamson
read by Mitzi Friedlander
3 cassettes
Rhode Island, 1890. Genteel Emma Tremayne's orderly life is changed when
mill worker Bria McKenna shows up with her dead son in her arms. Although
engaged to the mill owner, Emma sympathizes with Bria, who is dying of consumption.
She also finds herself falling in love with Bria's children--and her husband,
Shay. Some strong language. 1997.
Finders Keepers RC 47416
by Fern Michaels
read by Mitzi Friedlander
3 cassettes
Atlanta, 1957. Grieving over her own children's deaths, wealthy, unbalanced
Thea Roland kidnaps a toddler. With her husband's guilt-ridden help, Thea
raises the child as her daughter, calling her Jessie. As an adult, the privileged
but unhappy Jessie finally learns the truth. Some strong language and some
explicit descriptions of sex. 1998.
Game Plan RC 47419
by Thomas J. Dygard
read by Randy Davidson
1 cassette
When Barton High School's football coach is hospitalized right before the
final game of the season, the only one who can replace him is his student
manager, Beano Hatton. Beano accepts the responsibility, knowing how much
he has learned from the coach in three years. After devising a game plan,
Beano's major hurdle is convincing the team to believe in him. For junior
and senior high readers. 1993.
The Scent of Murder RC 47424
by Barbara Block
read by Madelyn Buzzard
2 cassettes
Robin Light, at her pet store, is surprised when a blue-haired teenager asks
her for help. Suspected of killing her stepfather, Amy Richmond turns out
to be Robin's deceased husband's daughter. While investigating the murder,
Robin encounters the world of teenage runaways and drugs. Some violence and
some strong language. 1997.
Medicine Hat RC 47425
by Don Coldsmith
read by David Palmer
2 cassettes
A young holy man of the Elk-dog People dreams of a horse with unusual markings,
as if wearing a "medicine hat." When such a horse is born to his mare, a ritual
casting of the bones compels him to undertake a northward quest to determine
the meaning of this colt. Although it is a spiritual mission, the trip is
fraught with danger. 1997.
Once upon a Midnight Moon RC
47426
by Carol Finch
read by Ann Hodapp
2 cassettes
In 1768, feisty French Micaela Rouchard flees New Orleans to escape an arranged
marriage. She stows away on a ship owned by Carolina colonist Lucien Saffire,
unwittingly becomes involved in his feud with his grandfather, and again becomes
an unwilling bride-to-be. Explicit descriptions of sex and some violence.
1997.
The Silver Gryphon: The Mage Wars, Book 3 RC
47427
by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon
read by James DeLotel
2 cassettes
Two members of the Silver Gryphons, an elite guard force, receive their first
solo assignment to take charge of the remote Outpost Five. Tadrith, the son
of Skandranon, and his partner Silverblade, daughter of Amberdrake, have barely
started their journey when Tadrith's magic stops working, stranding them in
an unknown area. Sequel to The White Gryphon (RC 41578). 1996.
Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days RC
47462
by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
read by Bob Askey
2 cassettes
As Captain Rayford Steele pilots a plane across the Atlantic, his senior
flight attendant, Hattie Durham, gives him the shocking news that half the
passengers have disappeared. Before long, he learns that people are missing
all over the world. Rayford, his priest, and several others form the Tribulation
Force to fight the Antichrist. Prequel to Tribulation Force (RC 47463).
1995.
Tribulation Force: The Continuing Drama of Those Left Behind
RC 47463
by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
read by Bob Askey
2 cassettes
Many of Earth's inhabitants have been taken to Heaven, but those left behind
face seven years of tribulation. Some will not survive the coming devastation.
Tribulation Force members--Rayford Steele, Chloe Steele, Bruce Barnes, and
Buck Williams--do what they can, but even one of them will soon be dead. Sequel
to Left Behind (RC 47462). 1996.
A Holly, Jolly Murder: A Claire Malloy Mystery RC
47470
by Joan Hess
read by Suzanne Toren
2 cassettes
Bookstore owner Claire Malloy is invited to attend a winter solstice celebration
by a customer, Malthea Hendlerson, who is a Druid. Claire arrives at the ceremonial
site but soon learns that the Druids' benefactor, Nicholas Chunder, has been
murdered. Her boyfriend, police officer Peter Rosen, is out of town, but Claire
offers to help find the killer. Some violence. 1997.
A Gathering of Eagles: The Wakefield Dynasty, Volume 7 RC
47479
by Gilbert Morris
read by Ilona Dulaski
2 cassettes
Shayna Wakefield, seventeen, falls in love with Cathan Morgan. However, their
plans to marry are thwarted by her father, Honor, who vows to keep them apart,
believing Cathan to be unworthy. Yet circumstances throw Shayna and Cathan
together aboard Honor's ship as war with Napoleon breaks out. Sequel to The
Song of Princes (RC 47478). 1998.
Sister, Sister RC 47502
by Eric Jerome Dickey
read by Ilona Dulaski
2 cassettes
Two sisters, Inda and Valerie, call each other Red and Black because of their
skin tones. The sisters find an unlikely friend in a third woman as each attempts
to deal with a dead-end relationship and carve out a new life. Strong language
and some explicit descriptions of sex. 1996.
The Ugliest House in the World: Stories RC
47503
by Peter Ho Davies
read by David Cutler
1 cassette
Eight short stories about people in several countries facing predicaments.
In the title story, an old man is ostracized by his Welsh village for the
accidental death of a young boy with whom he played football. In "Coventry,"
two unemployed Englishmen spend time drinking and watching football until
one of them finds a job. Some strong language. 1997.
The Journal of Antonio Montoya RC
47520
by Rick Collignon
read by Nanette Savard
1 cassette
When Ramona is leaving the funeral of her brother and his wife, the wife
sits up in the casket to request that Ramona rear their seven-year-old son
Jose. Other deceased relatives visit Ramona and bring her the 1924 journal
of another ancestor. The living and the dead intermingle in Ramona's life
as she tries to figure out what is happening. 1996.
Purple Dots RC 47525
by Jim Lehrer
read by Gregory Gorton
2 cassettes
Retired spy Charlie Henderson lives the good life in West Virginia amid lots
of former colleagues. When his old buddy, Joshua Bennett, is nominated to
head the CIA, Charlie thinks the confirmation will be easy. But after Bennett
receives threats from a senator's aide, Henderson and his pals risk violence
to ensure their friend's appointment. 1998.
Under the Red Flag: Stories RC
47529
by Ha Jin
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Stories about life in a Chinese village during the Cultural Revolution. The
clash between traditional values and duty to the Communist Party is an ongoing
theme. In "Winds and Clouds over a Funeral," a son must disregard his mother's
wish for burial and have her cremated. In "Emperor" wild boys gain popularity
and status with each misdeed. Some strong language. Winner of the Flannery
O'Connor Award for Short Fiction. 1997.
The Face-Changers RC 47534
by Thomas Perry
read by Mary Woods
3 cassettes
Jane used to help people in trouble start over with new identities. Her new
husband, Carey, convinced her to stop, but now he needs her help. His mentor,
a surgeon, is being falsely accused of murder and believes he will be killed.
Meanwhile, someone is posing as Jane--and the impostor isn't out to help anybody.
Some violence and some strong language. 1998.
Blackbird Singing RC 47539
by Jay Amberg
read by Chuck Benson
2 cassettes
Daughter of an NBA star and a television journalist, young Tonya is kidnapped
from her gymnastics facility. Her captor uses the media and his computer-hacking
skills to taunt her parents, the FBI, the private detectives, and the local
police. Strong language and some violence. 1998.
The Lightkeeper RC 47540
by Susan Wiggs
read by David Hartley-Margolin
2 cassettes
Washington coastline, 1876. Jesse Morgan, mourning the loss of his wife and
unborn child, lives a monk's existence at the lighthouse. When beautiful,
pregnant Mary Dare is washed ashore after a shipwreck, he tries to avoid her.
But Mary needs his help while she waits to deliver her baby. Slowly Jesse
rediscovers the joy of life. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 1997.
Hockey sur Glace: Stories RC
47546
by Peter LaSalle
read by Jim Zeiger
1 cassette
Short stories and poems centering around the sport of ice hockey. In "Le
Rocket Negre," a Quebec teenager is recruited from an orphanage based on his
apparent racial identity. In "Wellesley College for Women, 1969," a former
hockey player on scholarship to Harvard reminisces about two former girlfriends.
1996.
The Black Sun RC 47550
by Jack Williamson
read by Erik Sandvold
2 cassettes
Space travel to a new colony is Carlos Mondragon's lifelong goal. After traveling
illegally from Mexico and arriving at the launch site, Carlos stows away on
the last starship of a special project. When the spacecraft lands on a frozen
planet, the colonists find evidence that it is still inhabited. Carlos gradually
proves himself an asset to the mission. 1997.
Follow the River RC 47552
by James Alexander Thom
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
3 cassettes (Reissue)
1755. Mary Ingles is twenty-three and expecting her third child when Shawnee
Indians ravage her Virginia settlement and take her captive. Mary keeps up
her spirits and, after a few months in captivity, escapes to make her way
on foot through a thousand miles of wilderness to return to her family. Some
violence. 1981.
Jury Duty RC 47560
by Laura Van Wormer
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
3 cassettes
Novelist Libby Winslow is at a low mark in her love life when she is selected
to be on a jury. As the jurists become acquainted, Libby is attracted to rugged
Alexander McCalley and then broker William Klein, who also seems interested
in her. Some violence and some descriptions of sex. 1996.
Penhallow RC 47561
by Georgette Heyer
read by Jill Ferris
3 cassettes (Reissue)
A psychological tale of a large self-absorbed Cornish family. The murder
of one family member causes great consternation--any one of the others might
have been the murderer. Some strong language. 1943.
Running Wild RC 47567
by Thomas J. Dygard
read by Jim Zeiger
1 cassette
Pete Holman, always in trouble, is released from police custody to Coach
Wilson on the condition that Pete join the football team. Pete reluctantly
agrees, knowing his incorrigible friends will mock him. But, learning he is
a natural receiver, he discovers purpose and friendship in being part of the
team. For junior and senior high readers. 1996.
Chain of Custody RC 47568
by Harry Levy
read by Bob Askey
2 cassettes
Dr. Michael Malone, a physician and medical malpractice lawyer, is accused
of murdering his estranged wife. In the midst of the trial, Malone works to
settle his own cases. When a client is murdered, Malone connects the deaths
and races to find new suspects. Some descriptions of sex, some strong language,
and some violence. 1998.
A Love So Splendid RC 47569
by Linda Ladd
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
South Carolina, 1764. Trinity Kingston and Lord William Remington had been
wed as children by their parents. When the Revolutionary War breaks out, William's
mother and sister and Trinity become rebels, while William remains in England
loyal to the Crown. But when he returns to the colonies to annul the marriage,
the two unexpectedly fall in love. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 1997.
Alice Adams RC 47570
by Booth Tarkington
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Alice, a socially ambitious girl from a midwestern lower-middle-class family,
hopes to find a rich husband. She makes up stories that lead her family to
suffer scandals and push her further from her goal. Winner of the Pulitzer
Prize in 1922. 1921.
Critical Mass RC 47575
by Steve Martini
read by Chuck Benson
3 cassettes
Joselyn Cole, a lawyer in the San Juan Islands of Washington state, has lost
her wealthy client to a fatal accident. The businessman turns out to have
been involved in a Russian-American nuclear smuggling ring. With Joselyn's
help, arms inspector Gideon van Ry tries to track down the missing nuclear
devices. Some strong language and some violence. 1998.
Generous Death: A Jenny Cain Mystery RC
47576
by Nancy Pickard
read by Madelyn Buzzard
2 cassettes
Jenny Cain, director of the town foundation, is threatened by the murders
of three major philanthropists. With her name listed as the next victim, Jenny
works with policeman Geof Bushfield, a former classmate, to catch the killer.
Some violence and some strong language. 1984.
Damsel in Distress: A Daisy Dalrymple Mystery RC
47577
by Carola Dunn
read by Jill Fox
2 cassettes
When the Honourable Phillip Petrie's car breaks down, American Gloria Arbuckle,
in England with her millionaire father, comes to his rescue. Phillip is quite
taken with Gloria, and a romance begins. When she is kidnapped, Phillip calls
on his childhood friend, Daisy Dalrymple, for help. 1997.
A Perfect Crime RC 47583
by Peter Abrahams
read by Carole Jordan Stewart
2 cassettes
Francie and Ned are having an affair--meeting once a week in an island cottage.
Francie's husband, a brilliant but recently unemployed executive, finds out
and plots the perfect revenge. Meanwhile, Francie unknowingly befriends Ned's
wife. Strong language, violence, and explicit descriptions of sex. 1998.
Get a Life RC 47589
by Laura Peyton Roberts
read by Gary Tipton
1 cassette
Eight students at Clearwater Crossing High are assigned to a carnival booth
to help raise funds for a schoolmate with leukemia. Although they come from
diverse backgrounds and have different interests, they become close friends.
Despite religious differences, Leah and Miguel even fall in love. For junior
and senior high readers. 1998.
Seize the Night RC 47667
by Dean Koontz
read by Bob Askey
3 cassettes
Christopher Snow, whose affliction makes him unable to tolerate light, investigates
the disappearance of children in Moonlight Bay, California. Chris, his friends,
and his wonder dog and cat search the abandoned base nearby and discover genetically
altered monkeys and others conducting experiments on human subjects. Companion
to Fear Nothing (RC 45719). Some violence. Bestseller 1999.
Be Cool RC 47672
by Elmore Leonard
read by Chuck Benson
2 cassettes
In the sequel to Get Shorty (RC 31976), loan-shark-turned-movie-producer
Chili Palmer takes his next plot idea from the events around him--the Russian
Mafia, entertainment business goons, and hip-hop gangsta bands. Chili sets
out to scam everyone to get his movie made. Violence, strong language, and
some descriptions of sex. Bestseller 1999.
Heartbreaker RC 47751
by Karen Robards
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Lynn Nelson, a Chicago anchorwoman, has planned a ten-day camping trip in
Utah to bond with her teenage daughter, Rory. But their fall from a cliff
is just the beginning of many nightmares they and their guide, the handsome
Jess Feldman, must face. Strong language, some violence, and some explicit
descriptions of sex. 1997.
Tales from the Blue Archives RC
47754
by Lawrence Thornton
read by Gabriella Cavallero
2 cassettes
Dolores Masson, a grandmother in Argentina, seeks the return of her "disappeared"
grandsons. She knows that General Guzman gave Roger and Joaquin to a childless
couple, Eduardo and Beatriz Ponce, several years ago. Now the boys are teenagers,
and she wants them back regardless of the emotional cost. 1997.
Prime Cut RC 47760
by Diane Mott Davidson
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Goldy Bear Schulz faces competition from an obnoxious fellow caterer who
undercuts her prices. Her kitchen is also torn apart and left unfinished by
an unscrupulous contractor who later is found dead in a friend's house. Because
her husband, Tom, is suspended from the police force, Goldy investigates.
Includes recipes. Some violence. 1998.
Backfield Package RC 47768
by Thomas J. Dygard
read by Erik Sandvold
1 cassette
Four football players at Hillcrest High make a pact to stick together and
play at the same college as a "backfield package." But only Joe Mitchell,
the quarterback, is recruited by a big-name school and must decide whether
to keep his promise or explore all the options. For junior and senior high
readers. 1992.
The Medicine Horn: The Buckskinners, Book 1 RC
47770
by Jory Sherman
read by David Hartley-Margolin
2 cassettes
Lemuel Hawke is only fifteen when he marries Roberta, but his dream is to
be self-sufficient on the land. By 1807, he is farming outside Lexington,
Kentucky, when Roberta moves to town leaving Lemuel with a son and a distrust
of women. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex.
Golden Spur Winner. 1991.
The Dower House RC 47772
by Annabel Davis-Goff
read by Gabriella Cavallero
2 cassettes
In post-war Ireland, young Molly Hassard and her upper-class Anglo-English
family live in genteel poverty. In order to change their fortunes, Molly and
her cousin Sophie eventually relocate to England. But Molly misses the Irish
traditions and longs to return to rekindle her secret love for a fellow countryman.
1997.
The MacGregor Grooms RC 47798
by Nora Roberts
read by Ilona Dulaski
2 cassettes
Having arranged marriages for his granddaughters, The MacGregor Brides
(RC 45023), Daniel MacGregor now plans for his grandsons. D.C. takes
Layna Drake to a charity ball; gambling-boat owner Duncan hires singer Cat
Farrell; and Boston lawyer Ian writes a contract for publisher Naomi Brightstone.
Some descriptions of sex. 1998.
The Beach House RC 47815
by Georgia Bockoven
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
Now a widow, thirty-two-year-old Julia Huntington plans to sell the Santa
Cruz beach house where she and Ken spent many wonderful hours. As she and
the summer tenants spend their last weeks at the cottage, each goes through
a transition from despair to joy. 1997.
Echoes RC 47840
by Robin Jones Gunn
read by Nona Pipes
2 cassettes
When Lauren Phillips and her fiance have a major difference of opinion on
their future, they call off their engagement. To help her adjust, her brother
buys Lauren a computer and gets her involved in a Christian e-mail group.
Lauren begins corresponding with K.C. and finds herself falling in love with
a man she has never met. 1996.
Twilight and Other Stories RC
47847
by Shulamith Hareven
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette
Seven tales by an Israeli woman writer translated from Hebrew. In the title
piece, a woman dreams of soldiers taking people away from the opera night
after night and her decision to leave at the intermission. In "Love by Telephone,"
two elderly women are upset by obscene phone calls, and the one who learns
who the caller is, wishes she had not. 1992.
The Cat Who Saw Stars RC 47906
by Lilian Jackson Braun
read by Bob Askey
2 cassettes
Qwilleran and his cats Koko and Yum Yum always retreat to his lake cottage
in July. Just before they go this year, Qwilleran learns a young hiker has
disappeared in that area. Then shortly after their arrival, Koko makes a discovery
on the beach that keeps Qwilleran busy. Bestseller 1998.
The Undertaker's Widow RC 47914
by Phillip Margolin
read by Chuck Benson
2 cassettes
Judge Richard Quinn's first homicide case proves to be dangerous. State representative
Ellen Crease, in the middle of a campaign, shoots and kills a burglar who
has just murdered her husband. Soon evidence suggests she hired the guy as
a hit man. Strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex. Bestseller
1998.
Books for Children
Books listed in this issue of Talking Book Topics were recently sent
to cooperating libraries. The complete collection contains books by many authors
on fiction and nonfiction subjects, including animals, geography, nature, mystery,
sports, and others. Contact your cooperating library to learn more about the
wide range of books available in the collection.
Cassette books are labeled with the code RC and play at 15/16 ips. To order
books, fill out the order form and send it to your cooperating library.
Cassettes Nonfiction
American Heroes of Exploration and Flight RC
45660
by Anne Schraff
read by Graci Ragsdale
1 cassette
Profiles the lives of ten distinguished American explorers and aviators.
Describes the polar treks of Matthew Henson, Robert Peary, and Richard Byrd;
Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight; and the space journeys of Neil Armstrong,
Sally Ride, and others. For grades 5-8. 1996.
American Inventors of the Twentieth Century RC
45661
by Laura S. Jeffrey
read by Graci Ragsdale
1 cassette
Profiles the lives of ten American inventors who harnessed technology in
creative ways to benefit many lives. Includes laser pioneer Gordon Gould,
Kevlar fiber developer Stephanie Kwolek, and Lonnie Johnson, designer of the
Super Soaker water gun. For grades 5-8. 1996.
In Search of the Grand Canyon RC
47051
by Mary Ann Fraser
read by Marilyn Gleason
1 cassette
Fraser relates how Major John Wesley Powell and a crew of nine men left the
Wyoming Territory to explore the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon in 1869.
She uses Powell's journals to depict the dangers and excitement of the three-month
journey, in which several men and two boats were lost. For grades 3-6. 1995.
Joan of Arc RC 47063
by Diane Stanley
read by Nancy Kronenfeld
1 cassette
Biography of the unschooled peasant girl who inspired the Medieval French
army to victories over the English. Stanley provides historical background
that led Joan to follow her religious visions and become a soldier. Although
burned at the stake as a heretic in 1431, Joan of Arc was canonized by the
Catholic Church in 1920. For grades 4-7. 1998.
Bone Poems RC 47161
by Jeff Moss
read by Erik Sandvold
1 cassette
Presents facts and fantasies about dinosaurs and prehistoric times, mostly
in poems but also in two short stories and a math quiz. Moss even provides
"A (Mostly) Dinosaur Alphabet." For grades 3-6. 1997.
How the Wolf Became the Dog RC
47211
by John Zeaman
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
Explores the domestication of dogs from ancient times to the present. Covers
history and breeding information, and explains why dogs are man's best friend.
Includes a glossary. For grades 4-7. 1998.
Roller Coasters; or, I Had So Much Fun, I Almost Puked RC
47227
by Nick Cook
read by Bob Kuhn
1 cassette
Traces the history and design of roller coasters from the earliest version
in Russia in the 1400s to modifications in France and their development in
the United States from wooden to steel construction. Explains the physics
of roller coaster rides and the effects on the human body. Offers tips for
achieving a scarier ride. For grades 3-6. 1998.
Pharmacy in the Forest: How Medicines Are Found in the Natural
World RC 47229
by Fred Powledge
read by Lindsay Ellison
1 cassette
Discussion of the origins of medicine from plants or natural products growing
in forests around the world. Presents examples of how treatments are developed
and tested. Explains how scientists rely on the knowledge of local remedies
to manufacture medicines bought in pharmacies. For grades 4-7. 1998.
The Millennium RC 47231
by Daniel Cohen
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
The author explains the historical and religious significance of the year
2000--planned celebrations, the events of the previous millennium change,
and how the new date will affect computers. For grades 5-8 and older readers.
1998.
Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution RC
47288
by Ji-li Jiang
read by Margaret Strom
2 cassettes
Jiang recounts her experiences from age twelve through fourteen when Chairman
Mao declared the Cultural Revolution in China. The government denounced her
family as landowners, forcing her to choose between Communism and her beloved
family. She describes the sacrifices, hardships, and suffering of that period.
For grades 6-9. 1997.
Samuel Adams: The Father of American Independence RC
47345
by Dennis Brindell Fradin
read by Jake Williams
1 cassette
Biography of the Massachusetts colonist who encouraged American independence.
Covers his family background, his education at Harvard--where he chose politics
as a career, his efforts to rouse the colonists against British injustice,
and his role in United States history. For grades 5-8. 1998.
Popcorn: Poems RC 47363
by James Stevenson
read by Erik Sandvold
1 cassette
Thirty-two poems that capture daily life in a small seaside town. Driftwood
is scattered along the beach; a picnic table sits empty awaiting the next
time it is covered with hot dogs and paper plates. Chelsea the dog awaits
her breakfast; an empty crab shell lies dry and hollow on the sand; and in
late December, people dig for clams in the mud. For grades 2-4. 1998.
C.S. Lewis: Christian and Storyteller RC
47372
by Beatrice Gormley
read by Don Feldheim
1 cassette
A biography of the creator of the Chronicles of Narnia series. Describes
his childhood in Ireland, his education in England, his relationships with
family and friends, and his commitment to Christianity. Traces his development
as a writer from the years when he and his brother wrote about talking animals
in an imaginary realm. For grades 6-9. 1998.
Over the Top of the World: Explorer Will Steger's Trek across
the Arctic RC 47378
by Will Steger and Jon Bowermaster
read by Norm Thibeault
1 cassette
Recounts Steger's 1995 trip over the North Pole by dogsled and canoe. Steger's
journey begins in Siberia with six teammates, thirty-three dogs, and two tons
of gear. His journal entries detail daily events, weather conditions, setbacks,
dog problems, and human difficulties in successfully mounting the expedition.
Grades 4-7. 1997.
Buddha RC 47564
by Demi
read by Kristin Allison
1 cassette
An account of Buddha's life from the prophecies before his birth to his physical
death at age eighty. Describes his relationships with his parents, wife, and
child, and the lifelong jealous rivalry of his cousin Devadatta. Explains
how the young man Siddhartha meditated, sought enlightenment, and eventually
became Buddha. Includes two of his teaching parables. For grades 4-7. 1996.
Ride the Wind: Airborne Journeys of Animals and Plants RC
47565
by Seymour Simon
read by Kristin Allison
1 cassette
Discusses the migrations--seasonal journeys--of various birds, butterflies,
locusts, spiders, and bats. Presents reasons for the move, the influence of
the seasons, and how flight is accomplished. Includes brief mention of seeds
that are also air travelers. For grades 3-6. 1997.
"We Have Conquered Pain": The Discovery of Anesthesia RC
47566
by Dennis Brindell Fradin
read by Jill Ferris
1 cassette
An account of the nineteenth-century discovery of anesthesia, which revolutionized
the practice of medicine. Traces the lives and contributions of four American
doctors, each of whom claimed the discovery in a bitter dispute that led to
tragic ends for all involved. For grades 6-9. 1996.
Ultimate Soccer RC 47581
by Ivor Baddiel
read by Gary Tipton
1 cassette
Presents a brief background of the game of soccer, followed by information
on rules, techniques, formations, and championships. Lists top goalscorers
and summarizes achievements of outstanding national teams. Profiles twelve
of the greatest players. Traces the history of the FIFA World Cup. Includes
a "Test Your Knowledge" quiz. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1998.
Where Am I? The Story of Maps and Navigation RC
47623
by A.G. Smith
read by Norm Thibeault
1 cassette
A history of how people learned to identify their physical location in the
world. Traces the development of maps from birch bark and clay tablets dated
2300 B.C. to the techniques of aerial photography. Follows navigational skills
from Eratosthenes's astronomical experiments to the discovery of the compass
and the use of satellites. For grades 5-8. 1997.
Mud Matters RC 47776
by Jennifer Owings Dewey
read by Jill Ferris
1 cassette
A mud lover reminisces about her experiences with different kinds of mud.
Recalls encounters with Zuni Mudhead dancers and explains the Hopi custom
of mudslinging between future in-laws. Discusses wasps' and swallows' home-building
activities and the author's construction of an adobe brick oven. For grades
3-6. 1998.
The Importance of Charles Dickens RC
47802
by Eleanor H. Ayer
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Traces the life and achievements of the author of David Copperfield,
Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities,
and Great Expectations. Avers that among the best-known English authors
of all time, "Charles Dickens ranks at the top with William Shakespeare."
For grades 6-9. 1998.
The Moon RC 47803
by Paulette Bourgeois
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Legends and facts about Earth's satellite, the Moon. In a question-and-answer
format, presents information about the Moon's physical properties and its
effect on Earth. Provides a brief account of astronauts landing on the Moon.
For grades 2-4. 1995.
The Sun RC 47804
by Paulette Bourgeois
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Legends and facts about Earth's star, the Sun. In a question-and-answer format,
provides information about the seasons, eclipses, sunlight, and the sun's
energy. For grades 2-4. 1995.
Cassettes Fiction
Twelve Impossible Things before Breakfast: Stories RC
45662
by Jane Yolen
read by Mimi Bederman
1 cassette
A collection of twelve fantasy stories. Some are modern versions of well-known
tales: "Tough Alice" is a variation on Alice in Wonderland, "The
Bridge's Complaint" comes from The Three Billygoats Gruff, and "Lost
Girls" is based on Peter Pan. Others include characters from a fairy
to a sea monster to aliens. For grades 5-8. 1997.
Blue Sky, Butterfly RC 45664
by Jean Van Leeuwen
read by Marilyn Gleason
1 cassette
Eleven-year-old Twig is devastated by her parents' separation. Her mother
mopes around the house all day; the laundry is piling up; and the refrigerator
is empty. Her older brother is almost never home and stays in his room when
he is, and her father has his own apartment, which Twig refuses to visit.
Life is difficult--until Grandma Ruthie arrives. For grades 4-7. 1996.
Book of Enchantments RC 46004
by Patricia C. Wrede
read by Celeste Lawson
2 cassettes
A fantasy collection of ten stories. There are wizards, kings, unicorns,
and roses, while some tales have a modern twist. In "Roses by Moonlight,"
the roses offer glimpses of the future, but Adrian hesitates to choose one.
In "Utensile Strength," instead of a sword, there is an enchanted frying pan,
which finds its proper owner. For grades 4-7. 1996.
Heads or Tails: Stories from the Sixth Grade RC
46344
by Jack Gantos
read by Dick Jenkins
1 cassette
A new year in yet another new school finds Jack having problems with his
teacher, his handwriting, and the girl he likes on the safety patrol. At home
Jack demands a diary like his older sister's and worries about rabies from
a dog bite, alligators in the canal, and his father's bad luck with jobs.
But Jack is plucky and survives it all. For grades 5-8. 1994.
Three Tales of My Father's Dragon: My Father's Dragon;
Elmer and the Dragon; The Dragons of Blueland
RC 46345
by Ruth Stiles Gannett
read by Gregory Ricks
1 cassette
Nine-year-old Elmer rescues Boris, a baby flying dragon, from the ferocious
animals holding him prisoner on Wild Island. The grateful Boris promises to
fly Elmer back home, but Boris needs Elmer's help again before rejoining his
dragon family. Tales originally published in 1949-1951. For grades 3-6. 1998.
Keeper of the Light RC 46595
by Patricia Curtis Pfitsch
read by Anne Mullen
1 cassette
Faith Sutton grows up at Port Henry Lighthouse on Lake Superior in the late
1800s. When her father dies rescuing sailors during a storm, Faith takes pride
in keeping the light burning. When the Lighthouse Board sends a new keeper,
Faith and her family return to the city. Yet Faith worries about the light,
and when her mother's life is endangered, Faith returns to Port Henry. For
grades 5-8. 1997.
The Vandemark Mummy RC 47047
by Cynthia Voigt
read by Bruce Nelson
2 cassettes
A quiet summer in a new place turns dangerous when not only an Egyptian mummy
disappears, but also Althea, daughter of the recently appointed curator of
the Egyptian collection. Althea's younger brother, Phineas, wants to solve
the case, but more urgently wants to find Althea. Some strong language. For
grades 5-8. 1991.
Alice Rose and Sam RC 47050
by Kathryn Lasky
read by Cyn Delafield
1 cassette
1860s; Virginia City, Nevada. Twelve-year-old Alice Rose Tucker, the daughter
of the local newspaper editor, hates her ugly mining town with its drunks,
dance girls, and hired killers. When reporter Samuel Clemens comes to work
for her father, Alice Rose finds a sympathetic ear. After she witnesses a
murder, Clemens helps her unveil a Confederate conspiracy. For grades 4-7.
1998.
The Stray RC 47052
by Dick King-Smith
read by Arnie Warren
1 cassette
After running away from an old folks' home on her seventy-fifth birthday,
Henrietta Hickathrift goes to the beach. There she sees a stray dog and writes
in the sand, "I am a stray old woman." Her words lead to happy results for
both of them. For grades 2-4. 1996.
The Trophy RC 47053
by Dean Hughes
read by Phil Regensdorf
1 cassette
Ten-year-old Danny Williams's mechanic father brags about his own basketball
skills, but never helps Danny, who's playing his first season. Instead his
dad drinks and complains about growing up as a Mormon bishop's son. Danny
finally admits to his friend Alan's father, a Mormon bishop, that he doesn't
think his father loves him. For grades 4-6. 1994.
The Storyteller's Daughter RC
47057
by Jean Thesman
read by Cyn Delafield
1 cassette
It is the depression, and Quinn's widely admired father, Beau John, has lost
his Seattle job and now works on the docks. Quinn and her extended family
eagerly await Beau John's weekly visits home. But after overhearing a startling
conversation, Quinn sees her father in a different light and begins to fear
for his safety. For grades 5-8. 1997.
Jenius: The Amazing Guinea Pig RC
47062
by Dick King-Smith
read by Janet Daley
1 cassette
Judy's favorite animals are guinea pigs, and she wants to prove how smart
they are. When a new baby guinea pig is born, she names him Jenius and begins
teaching him tricks. But at school on pets' day, Jenius embarrasses Judy.
For grades 2-4. 1996.
Verdi RC 47072
by Janell Cannon
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
Verdi is a bright yellow baby python with bold stripes that zigzag down his
back. He likes his colors and isn't in a hurry to grow up big and green like
the older snakes. So Verdi sets off through the forest hoping to find a way
to stay the way he is. For grades K-3. 1997.
The Giant Carrot RC 47131
by Jan Peck
read by Kristin Allison
1 cassette
When Papa Joe plants a carrot, each person in the family wants to make a
different carrot dish from it. The carrot grows extra big when sweet Little
Isabelle gives it her special attention. Carrot pudding recipe included. Based
on a Russian folktale. For grades K-3. 1998.
Mr. Semolina-Semolinus RC 47139
retold by Anthony L. Manna and Christodoula Mitakidou
read by Gabriella Cavallero
1 cassette
Princess Areti of Greece has many suitors, but she does not like any of them.
She creates her own man by mixing together almonds, sugar, and semolina, and
praying for forty days and nights. Finally she has a man who is "five-times
beautiful and ten-times kind," and she calls him Mr. Semolina-Semolinus. Everything
is fine until a wicked queen learns about him. For grades K-3. 1997.
Sir Galahad, Mr. Longfellow, and Me RC
47223
by Betty Horvath
read by Liz Solar
1 cassette
When Emily starts the sixth grade in 1938 in her Missouri school, she gets
some big surprises. Her best school friend has moved, and the new teacher
is a man. When Emily fibs to him that she writes poetry, her teacher asks
her to bring in a poem--every day. For grades 3-6. 1998.
No Turning Back: A Novel of South Africa RC
47265
by Beverley Naidoo
read by Bob Moore
1 cassette
Twelve-year-old Sipho decides that he will take his chances on the streets
of Johannesburg rather than risk more beatings from his new stepfather. Sipho
meets other runaway boys, who teach him the basics of survival. He learns
there are worse people than cruel stepfathers, but he also finds reasons to
hope for the future. For grades 5-8. 1995.
The Lost Years of Merlin: The Lost Years of Merlin, Book 1
RC 47306
by T.A. Barron
read by Brian Conn
2 cassettes
The youthful Merlin awakes in the surf with no memory. The healer Branwen
claims to be his mother and cares for him, calling him Emrys. He gradually
becomes aware of his special powers and determines to find his true identity.
Prequel to The Seven Songs of Merlin (RC 47307). For grades 5-8.
1996.
The Wild Kid RC 47333
by Harry Mazer
read by Jim Zeiger
1 cassette
Sammy, a twelve-year-old with Down syndrome, leaves his bike unlocked and
somebody takes it. Chasing the thief, Sammy becomes lost in the woods. A boy
hiding from the authorities finds Sammy, but won't help him get home because
he's afraid Sammy will tell. The two boys learn to coexist in the wild. For
grades 5-8. 1998.
Play Me a Story: Nine Tales about Musical Instruments RC
47375
by Naomi Adler
read by Mary Ann Nichols
1 cassette
A collection of nine folktales. Each features a musical instrument typical
of the country where the story is told: a harp from Ireland, a drum from South
Africa, and a balalaika from Russia. For grades 3-6. 1997.
Habibi RC 47389
by Naomi Shihab Nye
read by Kerry Cundiff
1 cassette
Liyana Abboud lived happily in the United States, her mother's country, until
age fourteen. Then her father moves the family to Jerusalem, his home. There
she finds a colorful world, where her welcoming Palestinian relatives speak
Arabic; even their clothes and food are intriguing. When she meets a Jewish
boy, she learns about social tensions in Israel. For grades 5-8. 1997.
Old Yeller RC 47404
by Fred Gipson
read by Jack Fox
1 cassette (Reissue)
1860s Texas. Fourteen-year-old Travis at first resents the big, yellow stray
dog that hangs around his home, but he comes to love and depend on him. With
his father away on a cattle drive, Travis is the man of the house and looks
to Old Yeller for help and protection. For grades 5-8. 1956.
Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary
of Hattie Campbell RC 47406
by Kristiana Gregory
read by Jill Fox
1 cassette
In 1847 Hattie is given a diary for her thirteenth birthday. When her family
takes a March-to-October journey from Missouri to Oregon, she keeps an account
of the dangerous and tedious trip--its hardships and deaths, as well as the
joyful events that affect the group. An epilogue follows the lives of fellow
travelers up to 1906. For grades 4-7. 1997.
Sons of Liberty RC 47412
by Adele Griffin
read by John Polk
1 cassette
Rock and his brother Cliff face a father who is a bully and a mother who
won't leave the house. Meanwhile, their neighbor Liza is physically abused.
After Rock and Cliff help Liza run away, Cliff convinces their mother that
they have to leave and seek help. Rock has to decide whether to go or stay.
Some violence. For grades 5-8. 1997.
Summer Reading Is Killing Me! The Time Warp Trio RC
47435
by Jon Scieszka
read by Ray Hagen
1 cassette
Summer vacation is supposed to mean no more reading. But Fred, Sam, and Joe
all have to read four books during the summer. Unfortunately Joe has put their
reading list inside The Book his uncle gave him for his birthday.
Opening it means trouble. Suddenly the boys finds themselves in a world gone
"terribly, mixed-uply, summer-reading-listly wrong." For grades 3-6. 1998.
The Arabian Nights RC 47436
retold by Neil Philip
read by Barbara Rappaport
1 cassette
Once there was a king who married a new bride every night and had her beheaded
the next morning. When Sheherazade marries this king, she tells him such wonderful
stories that he spares her life each day to hear another. Fifteen of her tales
are retold here. For grades 4-7. 1994.
MapHead RC 47476
by Lesley Howarth
read by Rick Rohan
1 cassette
MapHead and his father travel from the Subtle World to England in search
of MapHead's mother. He hopes to connect with her through entering the school
that his human half-brother attends. But learning to act like a normal kid
is quite a challenge. For grades 5-8. 1994.
Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! RC
47527
by Dr. Seuss and Jack Prelutsky
read by Kristin Allison
1 cassette
The teachers at Diffendoofer School are different: they teach listening,
smelling, laughing, and even yelling. But can their pupils pass the special
test to show their school is the best? Also presents the history of this book,
begun by Dr. Seuss and completed by Jack Prelutsky. For grades K-3 and older
readers. 1998.
The Belonging Place RC 47528
by Jean Little
read by Kristin Allison
1 cassette
In the mid-nineteenth century, the Gordon family moves from Scotland to Canada
bringing their adopted daughter, Elspet, with them. When Elspet breaks her
leg, Granny Ross suggests that Elspet write down her life story to keep occupied.
She reflects on her experiences living with different people in various places
and how she gradually realized what it means to belong. For grades 4-7. 1997.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas RC
47536
by Dr. Seuss
read by Bob Askey
1 cassette (Reissue)
The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, tries to abolish Christmas
by stealing all the presents from the people in the valley. For grades K-3.
1957.
Sun and Spoon RC 47597
by Kevin Henkes
read by Gary Tipton
1 cassette
After the death of his beloved grandmother, ten-year-old Spoon pockets Gram's
special deck of solitaire cards as a keepsake. When his grandfather becomes
nostalgic and searches for the missing cards, Spoon returns the deck in exchange
for another memento with a very special meaning. For grades 4-7. 1997.
Bandit's Moon RC 47604
by Sid Fleischman
read by Jill Fox
1 cassette
Annyrose's mother is dead, and her brother has left her at a ranch while
he hunts for gold. But Annyrose runs away with the outlaw Wakeen. Discovering
he is really Joaquín Murieta, the Robin Hood of the California Gold
Rush, Annyrose must decide if she can stay with a thief. For grades 3-6. 1998.
Ben and Me: A New and Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin
as Written by His Good Mouse Amos RC 47613
by Robert Lawson
read by Brian Conn
1 cassette (Reissue)
In 1745 Amos, a church mouse, leaves his home to find a better place to live.
He ends up with Benjamin Franklin and becomes his confidant and traveling
companion. When Franklin dies, many writers extol his achievements, but Amos
decides to set the record straight with his own accounts. For grades 5-8.
1939.
Happy Birthday, Josefina! A Springtime Story RC
47678
by Valerie Tripp
read by Pam Ward
1 cassette
Josefina will soon be ten, and her family has several things to celebrate.
Josefina begins raising a baby goat and helping her godmother Tía Magdalena--a
healer. It looks like Josefina may be a healer, too. Sequel to Josefina's
Surprise (RC 45563). For grades 2-4. 1998.
Josefina Saves the Day: A Summer Story RC
47679
by Valerie Tripp
read by Pam Ward
1 cassette
Josefina and her family, in Santa Fe, await the arrival of wagon trains to
trade blankets and mules for goods they need. Patrick O'Toole, a wagon scout,
promises to handle the family's transactions, but he suddenly disappears.
Sequel to Happy Birthday, Josefina (RC 47678). For grades 2-4. 1998.
Changes for Josefina: A Winter Story RC
47680
by Valerie Tripp
read by Pam Ward
1 cassette
Following the family's fiesta on the Feast of the Three Kings, Tía
Dolores announces she must return home. But knowing Tía and her papá
love each other, Josefina begins making plans. Sequel to Josefina Saves
the Day (RC 47679). For grades 2-4. 1998.
Floating Home RC 47757
by David Getz
read by Kristin Allison
1 cassette
Maxine's teacher asks her class to look at their homes in a new way and to
draw what they see. One classmate surveys his house from a tree and another
views hers from the grass. But Maxine boards a space shuttle and experiences
the thrills of dressing as an astronaut, lifting off, and viewing Earth from
above. For grades K-3. 1997.
Yang the Third and Her Impossible Family RC
47759
by Lensey Namioka
read by Gabriella Cavallero
1 cassette
This sequel to Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear (RC 36736)
features the third daughter, Mary. Mortified by her mother's social mistakes
in front of a new friend, Mary seeks acceptance by taking a kitten from the
girl. But Mary has to hide the pet from her family. For grades 3-6. 1995.
Freaky Friday RC 47767
by Mary Rodgers
read by Kristin Allison
1 cassette (Reissue)
After thirteen-year-old Annabel Andrews and her mother have a heated argument
over freedom and responsibility, Annabel wakes up on a Friday morning and
realizes she has turned into her mother. For grades 5-8. 1972.
Moby Dick; or, The White Whale RC
47779
retold by Geraldine McCaughrean
read by Jim Zeiger
1 cassette
A classic sea adventure. Ishmael recounts the last voyage of the whaling
ship Pequod and how the one-legged Captain Ahab is obsessed with
finding the white whale Moby Dick. A retelling of Herman Melville's novel
originally published in 1851. For grades 5-8. 1996.
The Dog with Golden Eyes RC
47789
by Frances Wilbur
read by Gabriella Cavallero
1 cassette
When lonely thirteen-year-old Cassie finds a large white dog in her backyard,
she begins to feed him secretly. She does odd jobs for her neighbors to earn
dog-food money. Then she discovers that her pet is really a wolf and determines
to save it from capture. For grades 4-7. 1998.
Sooner RC 47841
by Patricia Calvert
read by John Stratton
1 cassette
In this sequel to Bigger (RC 39559), thirteen-year-old Tyler Bohannon
has learned that his father will not be returning from the Civil War and takes
on his new role as head of the household, with help from the Snepp family.
The siblings now have "Sooner," the offspring of Bigger--the abused dog Tyler
adopted--to keep them company. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1998.
The Exiles in Love RC 47843
by Hilary McKay
read by Patricia Kilgarriff
1 cassette
In this sequel to The Exiles at Home (RC 40530), the Conroy sisters--especially
Ruth--are dealing with numerous schoolgirl crushes. Big Grandma calls it the
family failing and tries to help by inviting a French boy to visit. For grades
4-7. 1996.
Foreign Language Books
The following cassette titles are available in the languages designated.
Spanish
El Plan de Negocios: Guía Completa para Definir Su
Producto, Servicio, Mercado, y Financiamento RC 46980
por David H. Bangs Jr.
read by leído por Maria Pino
2 cassettes
Una guía práctica para empresas grandes o pequeñas.
Presenta paso por paso las reglas para elaborar planes de negocio y propuestos
de financiamiento. Incluye ejemplos y hojas de trabajo. (Step-by-step planning
guide for businesses both big and small in writing a business plan and a financial
proposal. Includes samples and work sheets.) 1997.
Diccionario del Negocio Inmobiliario: Guía Español-Inglés/
Inglés-Español de Términos de Mayor Uso en Norte, Centro,
y Sudamérica RC 46984
por Marcelo Salles Bergés y Chapital
read by leído por Peter Gil
2 cassettes
Un vocabulario actualizado que ofrece más de mil términos y
expresiones utilizados en negocios inmobiliarios de Norte, Centro, y Sudamérica.
En inglés y español. (An up-to-date bilingual vocabulary that
presents more than one thousand terms and expressions used in the real estate
industry in North and South America. In English and Spanish.) 1997.
La Guerra de Sucesión RC
46985
por Pedro Voltes
read by leído por Juan Ramirez
3 cassettes
Un historiador español describe la Guerra de Sucesión del siglo
dieciocho en que lucharon los Borbones de Francia contra los Habsburgos de
Austria con el fin de ceñirse la Corona española. Voltes apunta
los eventos precipitantes de la guerra así como sus batallas y personajes.
Es por esta guerra que nace el concepto político de "equilibrio entre
potencias." (A Spanish historian describes the eighteenth-century War of the
Spanish Succession that pitted the Bourbon dynasty of France against the Austrian
Hapsburgs for possession of the Spanish Crown. Voltes details the events leading
up to the war and the numerous battles and personages of the conflict that
established the concept of the "balance of powers" in modern European politics.)
1990.
Afrodita: Cuentos, Recetas, y Otros Afrodisíacos RC
46986
por Isabel Allende
read by leído por Maria Pino
3 cassettes
La famosa autora chilena mezcla comida y amor erótico en estos cuentos
y anécdotas. Allende afirma que apetito y sexo son los grandes motores
de la historia, y reflexiona sobre el papel de sexo y comida en su propria
vida así como en diferentes culturas y a través de la historia.
Incluye recetas de platos que tienen sabor a afrodisíaco. (Erotic love
and food are blended in these reminiscences by the famous Chilean author.
Suggesting that appetites for food and sex are the great moving forces of
history, Allende reflects on the relationship between the two in different
cultures and throughout history. Includes recipes for dishes with aphrodisiac
reputations.) 1997.
Bailando en Silencio: Escenas de una Niñez Puertorriqueña
RC 46989
por Judith Ortiz Cofer
read by leído por Maria Pino
1 cassette
La autora presenta narraciones y poesías que recuerdan la niñez
que pasó viajando entre Paterson, New Jersey, y su tierra natal de
Puerto Rico. Enfocándose en la mezcla de dos idiomas y dos culturas,
Ortiz Cofer narra las experiencias de su vida como niña transformándose
en mujer. (In short narrative pieces and poetry, the author recalls her childhood
shuttling between Paterson, New Jersey, and her native Puerto Rico. The two
cultures and languages crosscut her experiences as a girl moving into womanhood.)
1997.
El Astillero RC 46991
por Juan Carlos Onetti
read by leído por Juan Ramirez
2 cassettes
Larsen, cincuentón y cínico, llega a trabajar en un astillero
de un polvoriento pueblo. Es una empresa ruinosa sin trabajo ni clientes,
pero con dos gerentes. En esta fantasmagórico lugar, Larsen conoce
a tres mujeres con quienes emprende un devastador viaje espiritual para salvar
el astillero y redimir unas ilusiones de su vida. (Cynical, fiftyish Larsen
comes to work in a shipyard in a small town. It is a run-down operation with
two managers but no work or clients. He meets three women with whom he begins
an intense spiritual journey to redeem his life and save the shipyard, an
effort that appears to be doomed from the start.) 1961.
Encuentro Amoroso RC 46993
por Audra Adams
read by leído por Maria Pino
1 cassette
Después de un encuentro amoroso, Rachel Morgan descubre que ha concebido
al hijo de un hombre del que ni siquiera se acordaba. Ahora se ve obligada
a enfrentarse a un nuevo futuro con un bebé. Mientras tanto, Reid James,
el padre del bebé, no ha olvidado a Rachel, y quiere más que
el recuerdo de aquella noche de amor. Pero Rachel es una mujer orgullosa,
y convencerle que formara una familia con él no sería una tarea
facíl. Contiene descripciones de índole sexual. (After a night
of passion with a total stranger, Rachel Morgan discovers she is pregnant,
and she knows her life is changed forever. Meanwhile, Reid James, the father
of her child, has not forgotten Rachel, and he wants more than the memory
of that night of love. But Rachel is a proud woman, and their final union
will not be an easy task. Some descriptions of sex.) 1995.
Talking Book Magazines
Discs
These free direct-circulation magazines are produced for NLS.
To be put on the mailing list, contact your cooperating library.
American Heritage (8 issues)
Analog Science Fiction and Fact (13 issues)
Contemporary Sound Track: A Review of Pop, Jazz, Rock, and Country
(bimonthly)
Diabetes Forecast (monthly)
The Musical Mainstream (quarterly)
The Nation (47 issues)
National Geographic (monthly)
National Review (biweekly)
Quarterly Music Magazine (quarterly)
Talking Book Topics (bimonthly)
U.S. News and World Report (weekly)
Cassettes
For a free subscription to these magazines, contact your
cooperating library.
Asimov's Science Fiction (11 issues)
The Atlantic Monthly (monthly)
Das Beste aus Reader's Digest (monthly)
Bon Appétit (monthly)
Buenhogar (monthly)
Choice Magazine Listening (on loan from cooperating libraries,
bimonthly)
Civilization: The Magazine of the Library of Congress (bimonthly)
Consumer Reports (monthly)
Cricket (for children, on one cassette with National Geographic World, monthly)
Discover (monthly)
Ebony (monthly)
Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine (11 issues)
Good Housekeeping (monthly plus special issues)
Health and Nutrition Newsletters (includes Dr. Andrew Weil's Self Healing,
Healthline, The Johns Hopkins Medical Letter--Health after Fifty, and Nutrition
Action Healthletter, monthly)
Journal Français (monthly)
Magazine of the Month (monthly)
Money (monthly plus special issues)
National Geographic World (for children and teens, on one cassette with Cricket, monthly)
New Choices: Living Even Better after Fifty (10 issues)
The New York Times Book Review (weekly)
Outdoor Life (monthly)
People Weekly (weekly)
QST (monthly)
Selecciones del Reader's Digest (monthly)
Sélections du Reader's Digest (monthly)
Seventeen (monthly)
Smart Computing (monthly)
Spider: The Magazine for Children (monthly)
Sports Illustrated (weekly plus special issues)
Sports Illustrated for Kids (monthly)
Stereo Review's Sound and Vision (10 issues)
Talking Book Topics (bimonthly, also contains selections from
NLS News irregularly)
Travel Holiday (10 issues)
True West (monthly)
The Writer (10 issues)
Young Adult Magazine of the Month (monthly)
Posted on 2006-02-24