Braille Book Review, Vol. 64, No. 1, Jan.-Feb. 1995 Braille Book Review January-February 1995 Volume 64, Number 1 National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped _Braille Book Review_ is published bimonthly and distributed free to blind and physically handicapped individuals who participate in the Library of Congress free reading program. It lists braille magazines and books available through a network of cooperating libraries. The braille edition also lists recorded books, giving abbreviated annotations. News about library services is featured in both editions. The annotated list in this issue is limited to titles recently added to the national collection, which contains thousands of fiction and nonfiction titles, including classics, biographies, gothics, mysteries, and how-to and self-help guides. These books will continue to be available from your cooperating library and will be listed again in _Braille Books 1993-1994._ To learn more about the wide range of books in the national collection, readers may order catalogs and subject bibliographies from cooperating libraries. Librarians can check other resources for titles and answer requests for special materials. To order books, contact your local cooperating library. Correspondence regarding editorial matters should be sent to: Publications and Media Section, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542 Library of Congress, Washington 1995 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 53-31800 ISSN 0006-873X Contents: In Brief Books for Adults Nonfiction Fiction Books for Children Nonfiction Fiction Handcopied Braille--Other Agencies Braille Magazines IN BRIEF _Classics Now in Braille_ The NLS bibliography _Classics_ will be available in braille soon. It lists selected fiction, poetry, and drama written before 1900 and produced in braille by NLS. It also contains an audio disc listing classics that have been produced in recorded formats. If you ordered the braille edition of _Classics_ on your 1993 annual order form, you will receive it in the mail. If you did not order but would like to receive a copy, contact your local cooperating library. BOOKS FOR ADULTS The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, complete the order form and return it to your braille-lending 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 occurence, as in "some strong language." _Nonfiction_ Opera and Its Symbols: The Unity of Words, Music, and Staging BR 9248 by Robert Donington 3 volumes Discusses the use of symbolism in opera and the need to stage productions with the intentions of composer and librettist in mind. Looks for hidden meanings in the words, music, and actions of specific scenes and characters. But Donington's thesis is that each element of opera must seek to retain its integrity while contributing to the dramatic whole. 1990. Percy Grainger BR 9300 by Wilfrid Mellers 2 volumes A study of the music of the Australian-born composer who lived half of his life in the United States. Mellers examines the multicultural influences on Grainger that make his music unique. Besides his considerable interest in folk song and other popular idioms, Grainger also drew inspiration from a wide range of classical literature. A virtuoso pianist, he was probably best known for his simple piano piece "Country Gardens." 1992. Chemical Deception: The Toxic Threat to Health and the Environment BR 9353 by Marc Lapp‚ 4 volumes A professor of health policy and ethics asserts that myths regarding toxic substances further endanger people and the planet. Ten myths include "the body's defenses are adequate," "the fetus develops out of reach of toxic danger," and "the environment is resilient." Lapp‚ explains why he believes these are fallacies and offers guidelines to correct a toxic planet. 1991. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying BR 9358 by Sogyal Rinpoche 4 volumes Buddhist spiritual leader Rinpoche maintains that most westerners need a fundamental change in attitude toward death and dying--they need to understand the truth of impermanence. He discusses practicing to prepare for death and helping others with death. He stresses his belief in the importance of the dying person's last thoughts being filled with positive emotions and sacred feelings while the person lets go of grasping, yearning, and attachment. 1992. Grammar for Grownups BR 9368 by Val Dumond 3 volumes Dumond, a business writing consultant, refers to her book as "a guide to grammar and usage for everyone who has to put words on paper effectively." Dumond not only identifies and explains verbs, nouns, prepositions, verbals, and other parts of speech, she discusses grammar glitches, punctuation, spelling, and creating a unique writing style. Practice exercises are provided at the end of each chapter. 1993. Kissinger: A Biography BR 9372 by Walter Isaacson 10 volumes The author interviewed 150 people, including the subject, to assemble this profile of the Bavarian-born Jewish boy who became the American Secretary of State. Isaacson dwells on the circumstances that forced "Heinz" from his homeland, returning to those years to explain several facets of his adult character. He concludes with an assessment of Kissinger's civilian life after his public career ends. Bestseller 1992. Further along the Road Less Traveled: The Unending Journey toward Spiritual Growth; The Edited Lectures BR 9391 by M. Scott Peck 2 volumes Continuing with the messages put forth in _The Road Less Traveled (BR 5732)_, Peck lectures as both psychiatrist and spiritual guide. He stresses striving for self-love rather than self-esteem and proposes that being disillusioned and being confused are actually signs of mental health. Some strong language. Bestseller 1993. Taken on Trust BR 9416 by Terry Waite 4 volumes While negotiating on behalf of the Church of England to free hostages in Beirut, Waite was taken prisoner himself. During the following four years of solitary confinement, Waite composed this book in his head. He intersperses details of his ordeal with descriptions of his youth and his international work. Toward the end of his captivity Waite was placed with men he had been trying to free--Terry Anderson, Tom Sutherland, and John McCarthy. 1993. Live Your Dreams BR 9438 by Les Brown 2 volumes Brown, a motivational speaker, offers readers his personal growth message. Once labeled educationally mentally retarded, he has been a sanitation worker, disc jockey, activist, state legislator, and nightclub emcee. Through his "Nine Principles of Life Enrichment," Brown proposes that anyone can succeed by working toward a dream. 1992. Star Trek Memories BR 9441 by William Shatner and Chris Kreski 3 volumes William Shatner, known to "Star Trek" fans as Captain James T. Kirk of the starship _Enterprise_, tells the behind-the-scenes story of the original "Star Trek" television series that ran from 1966 to 1969. Gathering his memories with those of other cast members, writers, and technicians, Shatner shares anecdotes of writing, filming, and producing the fledgling series that became a cultural phenomenon. Bestseller 1993. Beating the Street: The Best-Selling Author of _One_ _Up on Wall Street_ Shows You How to Pick Winning Stocks and Develop a Strategy for Mutual Funds BR 9443 by Peter Lynch and John Rothchild 3 volumes Former manager of Fidelity Magellan Fund asserts that the stock market is the best investment and that a small investor does not need a professional manager. Lynch explains how he makes investment selections and suggests how to develop a method for choosing mutual funds. Bestseller 1993. That Mighty Sculptor, Time BR 9456 by Marguerite Yourcenar 2 volumes In the title essay, Yourcenar ponders the effects of time, nature, and human judgment on art. In others, the first woman to be elected to the Acad‚mie fran‡aise expresses her opinions on topics such as the killing of fur-bearing animals, erotic and mystic themes in Indian myths, and the difficulty of finding the right tone in writing a historical novel. 1983. Blazing Bladers: The Wild and Exciting World of In-Line Skating BR 9457 by Bill Gutman 1 volume In-line skating began in the 1980s. In-line skates consist of a single line of three to five wheels in the center of a boot. According to the author, in-line skating, or blading, is a versatile sport that can be adapted for roller-hockey, racing, and simulated skiing. Provides tips on getting started, safety information, and techniques. For junior and senior high readers. 1992. _Fiction_ Send a Fax to the Kasbah BR 9374 by Dorothy Dunnett 3 volumes Executive secretary Wendy Helmann is in Morocco with her boss Sir Robert after she suggests that he have his portrait-in-progress completed there while he secretly attempts to buy out a smaller company. (Wendy's mother is there because she's involved in every last detail of Wendy's life.) Almost everyone else in the country appears to have secret agendas also--from the portrait painter to some Arab kidnappers. Strong language and some violence. 1991. The Dragon on the Border BR 9384 by Gordon R. Dickson 3 volumes Twentieth-century American Jim Eckert, now Baron de Malencontri et Riveroak, continues his sojourn in medieval England. As he and Sir Brian travel toward the Scottish border, they are met by several men who appear to be riding on invisible steeds. They soon discover that England is being invaded by Hollow Men, and, unfortunately, these men when killed can be restored to life as long as one Hollow Man lives. Sequel to _Dragon Knight (BR 9094)_. 1992. The Dragon at War BR 9385 by Gordon R. Dickson 3 volumes Dragon Knight Sir James Eckert loses the help of his powerful ally, the magician Carolinus, just as the French, allied with a host of nasty sea serpents, begin the invasion of England. Alone with his lesser powers of magic and the ability to transform himself into a dragon, Eckert faces the evil mastermind behind the raid. Sequel to _Dragon on the Border (BR 9384)_. 1992. I Been in Sorrow's Kitchen and Licked Out All the Pots BR 9398 by Susan Straight 4 volumes At fourteen, Marietta Cook is already as tall as a man, with blue-black skin and the speech cadence of her rural community. When her mother dies, Marietta tries Charleston rather than weave sweet grass baskets. Returning pregnant, she learns her home is being restored as part of a plantation tourist attraction. Disillusioned, she and her twin boys return to the modern world. Strong language and descriptions of sex. 1992. Brules BR 9399 by Harry Combs 6 volumes Brules relates that back in 1867, when he was eighteen, he found himself an honest whore named Michelle. Only trouble was, he had to kill his boss to claim her. From then on, they are on the run--until a group of Comanches capture and burn her to death. Then Brules, with time out for buffalo-hunting and mule-driving, sets out for revenge. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 1992. The Scarlet Letter BR 9407 by Nathaniel Hawthorne 2 volumes First published in 1850, this symbolic novel set in Puritan New England traces the effects of one particular sin on the lives of four people. Hester Prynne is forced to wear her sin openly in the form of a scarlet letter "A" for adultery. The other characters are Hester's child; her husband, who seeks vengeance; and the minister, who conceals his guilt. 1850. Star Flight BR 9409 by Phyllis A. Whitney 2 volumes Lauren Castle never thought she would go to North Carolina--her husband Jim had been killed there while working on a documentary about the life of Roger Brandt and Victoria Frazer. But a note signed simply "N" compels her. Perhaps in venturing to the state she can find out why Jim was killed, learn more about the ill-fated love affair between her grandparents, Roger and Victoria, and discover who is responsible for Victoria's death. 1993. The Training Ground BR 9420 by Siegfried Lenz 4 volumes Bruno Messmer, rescued by Konrad Zeller, narrates the story of the Zeller family's resettlement on the Baltic coast after World War II. Mistrust reigns until financial success earns the Zellers a measure of respect. But Bruno is worried that Konrad may soon die and that his children care little for the tree farm that they have raised on a former military training ground. Bruno's observations may be construed as a metaphor for modern Germany. 1985. The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer BR 9421 by Jennifer Lynch 2 volumes Laura, late of the TV series _Twin Peaks_, received her diary on July 22, 1984, a perfect day to turn twelve. As she matures, Laura appears to be a happy and popular young girl. But she also has a dark side. She is haunted in her dreams by someone named BOB, and she is involved with drugs. As she struggles through her teenage years, she becomes more and more ashamed of the person she has become. Strong language and descriptions of sex. Bestseller 1990. The Great Starship Race BR 9424 by Diane Carey 2 volumes A newly discovered alien people is eager to join the Federation of planets, and they sponsor a starship race to promote their membership. The U.S.S. _Enterprise_, under the command of Captain Kirk, is sent to compete. But the good-natured contest turns ominous when a Romulan warship shows up and enters the race with an unknown motive. A Star Trek novel. Bestseller 1993. Cauldron BR 9426 by Larry Bond 6 volumes By 1997 the New World Order has gone awry, and the entire planet is in an economic mess. France and Germany have joined together to form EurCon, with Russia planning to join them. The United States and Britain have allied themselves with new Eastern European countries against EurCon. Suddenly France and Germany are locked in battle with Poland, and the world is at war. Some violence and some strong language. 1993. Tom Brown's Schooldays BR 9429 by Thomas Hughes 3 volumes Tom Brown is from a long line of Browns who claim that the British nation owes much of its greatness to them. As a young boy, Tom, the son of a squire, is encouraged to play with the village boys. But at the age of nine, Tom is packed off to Rugby, where he fears but learns to respect the famous Dr. Arnold; develops long-lasting friendships; and gets involved in typical English schoolboy adventures, including the inevitable fights. 1857. A Christmas Sampler: Classic Stories of the Season, from Twain to Cheever BR 9430 edited by E.A. Crawford and Teresa Kennedy 3 volumes American authors reinforce the notion that Christmas brings mixed emotions. "Christmas Thoughts" evokes the festivity of the season and "Christmas Is a Sad Season for the Poor" puts a new slant on the joy of giving gifts. "One Christmas Eve" brings out mean-spiritedness toward a black child and "Oh, Joseph, I'm So Tired" introduces anti-Semitism. 1992. In the Land of Men: Stories BR 9446 by Antonya Nelson 2 volumes In the collection's title story, the brothers of a recently raped waitress bring her the perpetrator in the trunk of the family car. In "Adobe," a divorc‚e is intrigued with the homeless Chicano who is building her house, while in "The Facts of Air," a recently separated woman's days revolve around a sick cat and the veterinarian. "Fort Despair" describes a family trip in which the mother runs off with her lover. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. 1992. Decider BR 9448 by Dick Francis 3 volumes As shareholders examine the grandstands of a run-down family-owned racetrack, an explosion nearly kills Lee Morris, whose stock in the track was part of his mother's divorce settlement. It is not the first such incident to befall Morris, a young architect who specializes in doing restorations, and he intends to find out who is behind this attack. Bestseller 1993. The Secret of Snake Canyon BR 9451 by Terrell L. Bowers 1 volume Reese Corbett, deputy marshal out of Sacramento, is put on the case of missing Chinese immigrants--hundreds of them. Not knowing the language, Corbett is told to enlist the help of Alley Cat, the half-white, half-Chinese, orphaned daughter of a "joy girl." But evil Chinese lord Hoy Quan has other plans for the young woman. Dismayed to learn that Cat has been kidnapped, Corbett sets out on the still-warm trail. Violence. 1993. BOOKS FOR CHILDREN The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, complete the order form and return it to your braille-lending library. _Nonfiction_ My Great-Aunt Arizona BR 8996 by Gloria Houston 1 volume Arizona was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains and named by her uncle who was in the cavalry out in the West. Arizona loved school, and she loved to read and to dream of faraway places that she would visit one day. Arizona grew up and became a teacher, and for nearly sixty years she taught generations of children in the Blue Ridge Mountains to read and about faraway places. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1992. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History BR 8998 by Lynne Cherry 1 volume Long ago, Indian peoples discovered the Nashua River. Later they settled on its banks and lived in harmony with nature. In the 1600s, English colonists with a different view toward nature settled there. At the start of the twentieth century, an industrial revolution began decades of pollution that destroyed the river--until an ambitious cleanup campaign was launched. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1992. Native American Animal Stories BR 9415 retold by Joseph Bruchac 1 volume A collection of twenty-four animal stories from various native North American cultures. The foreword and introduction are valuable for understanding the messages of the stories. A glossary of key words and descriptions of tribal nations represented in the anthology are also included. For grades 5-8. 1992. Where to Find Dinosaurs Today BR 9437 by Daniel and Susan Cohen 2 volumes The authors scoured the United States and Canada in search of dinosaurs and developed a guide to dinosaur fossils, exhibitions, and memorabilia. Most of the listings are for museums, fossil quarries, and "dinosaur parks" with models of prehistoric animals. Nearly every state is represented, and the authors include for each site vital information for planning a visit. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1992. Louis Braille: The Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind BR 9495 by Margaret Davidson 1 volume A simple biography of Louis Braille, who invented an alphabet that enables blind people to read when he was only fifteen. For grades 3-6. 1971. _Fiction_ The Samurai's Daughter: A Japanese Legend BR 8989 retold by Robert D. San Souci 1 volume A Japanese tale about the dauntless Tokoyo, whose beloved father has taught her samurai virtues, plus such "manly" arts as riding. Tokoyo insists on learning to dive for pearls--a traditional skill of some coastal women--despite her noble birth. When her father is unjustly exiled, Tokoyo follows, braving ghosts, battling a sea monster, and ending the curse that has caused the ruler's madness. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1992. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish BR 8990 by Dr. Seuss 1 volume Nonsense verses for beginning readers. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1960. The Rainbabies BR 8994 by Laura Krauss Melmed 1 volume There was once an old couple that did not want for food or shelter, but longed to have a child of their own. They awakened one spring night to stand in a moonshower in the hope of receiving good fortune. To their surprise, they found twelve tiny babies in the raindrops. They loved the babies and protected them from dangers born of water, fire, and earth. And in the end they received a fitting reward. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1992. Farmer Boy BR 9408 by Laura Ingalls Wilder 2 volumes Story about a traditional farm family in upper New York state in the 1860s. Tells about work, school, and simple amusements and introduces nine-year-old Almanzo Wilder, who later married Laura Ingalls. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1933. The Good Luck Pony BR 9425 by Elizabeth Koda-Callan 1 volume There was once a little girl who wanted, more than anything, to be able to ride and jump a pony. After only a few lessons, however, she lost control of her pony and had a frightful experience. Her mother gave her a necklace and charm that she called "the good luck pony." After many months of hard work, the girl learned to ride and jump, and that her own efforts had brought her good luck. For grades 2-4. 1990. Mary Anne's Makeover BR 9465 by Ann M. Martin 1 volume Mary Anne is one of seven girls in the Baby-sitters Club. She's convinced her dad to take her to the salon at Washington Mall so that she can get her long, mousy brown hair cut into a style from the pages of _Seventeen_ magazine. Mary Anne is pleasantly surprised by how nice the haircut makes her look, but her biggest surprise is the reaction of the other members of the club. A Baby-sitters Club book for grades 4-7. 1993. Logan Bruno, Boy Baby-sitter BR 9467 by Ann M. Martin 1 volume Logan Bruno, thirteen, is the first boy member of the Baby-sitters Club. He's teased about it at school, but the fact that Mary Anne, a club founder, is his girlfriend helps ease the pain. When Logan loses an important track meet for Stoneybrook Middle School, the teasing becomes big time. Logan jumps at the opportunity to hang out with T-Jam, one of the coolest kids around, and lands in big trouble. A Baby-sitters Club book for grades 4-7. 1993. Doctor De Soto Goes to Africa BR 9506 by William Steig 1 volume Doctor Bernard De Soto is a humdinger of a dentist, known worldwide for his marvelous work that his wife, Deborah, assists him with. So, it is no surprise when they receive a cablegram from an elephant in Africa who has an excruciating toothache. They leave right away, but before they can help poor Mudambo, they are kidnapped by a monkey who is angry with him. Sequel to _Doctor De Soto (BR 5462)_. For grades K-3. 1992. The Boxcar Children BR 9507 by Gertrude Chandler Warner 1 volume The four orphaned Alden children begin their adventures by making a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the woods. Their hardest job is to keep the people in the nearby town from knowing that they are orphans and all alone. For grades 4-7. 1942. The Biggest Pumpkin Ever BR 9517 by Steven Kroll 1 volume Two mice, one a house mouse and the other a field mouse, fall in love with the very same pumpkin. The house mouse intends to enter it in the town's pumpkin contest, and the field mouse intends to carve it into the world's biggest jack-o'-lantern for Halloween. For grades 2-4. 1984. HANDCOPIED BRAILLE--OTHER AGENCIES The following books have been hand transcribed for the library indicated with each entry and are available from that library for circulation throughout the country. Please write or call directly to the library indicated. LLB Lutheran Library for the Blind 1133 South Kirkwood Road St. Louis, MO 63122 314-965-9000, 800-433-3954 _Adult Nonfiction_ Dying to Live LLB by John A. Braun 2 volumes The author offers the comfort and reassurance of God's Word together with practical advice for those who have to deal with suffering and dying. Falling off Cloud Nine and Other High Places LLB by Lorraine Peterson 3 volumes Offers spiritual ideas on the concerns of teen-agers. Children's Fiction The Kids Nobody Liked LLB by Joslyn Wiechmann Moldstad 5 volumes A mystery revolving around the lives of four teen-agers who may be blamed for robberies in the community. They discover answers to many of their questions and learn to rely on Jesus. BRAILLE MAGAZINES The following is a list of braille magazines in the Library of Congress program. Readers may obtain free personal subscriptions to these magazines. For information on the availability of specific magazines, consult the library that sends you braille materials. Asimov's Science Fiction (monthly plus mid-December) Better Homes and Gardens (monthly) Boys' Life (for children and teens, monthly) Braille Book Review (bimonthly) Braille Chess Magazine (British quarterly) Braille Journal of Physiotherapy (British monthly) Braille Music Magazine (British monthly) Braille Variety News (monthly) Children's Digest (for children, 8 issues) Consumers' Research (monthly) Cooking Light (bimonthly plus Christmas) Fortune (biweekly plus specials) Inside Sports (monthly) Jack and Jill (for children, 8 issues) Journal of Rehabilitation (quarterly) Ladies' Home Journal (monthly) Madam (British monthly) The Musical Mainstream (quarterly) National Geographic (monthly) New Beacon (British monthly) The _New York Times_ Large Type Weekly (weekly) News (NLS quarterly) Parenting (monthly except January and July) PC/Computing (monthly) Playboy, selections (monthly) Poetry (monthly) Popular Communications (monthly) Popular Mechanics (monthly) Popular Music Lead Sheets (3 per year) Progress (British monthly) Science News (weekly) Seventeen (for teens, monthly) Update (NLS quarterly) The _Washington Post_ Book World (weekly) The following sports schedules are also available: American Baseball League Schedule National Baseball League Schedule National Basketball Association Schedule National Football League Schedule National Hockey League Schedule ***1/9/95 (gft)***