Braille Book Review

Books for Adults The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. Note: For the infomation of the reader, a notice may appear immediately following the book description to indicate occurrences of strong language, explicit descriptions of sex, or violence. The word "some" before any of these terms indicates an occasional or infrequent occurence, as in "some strong language." Nonfiction

His Oldest Friend: The Story of an Unlikely Bond BR 16600
by Sonny Kleinfield
2 volumes
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter portrays the relationship between Margaret Oliver, a ninety-three-year-old New York City nursing home resident, and Elvis Checo, a young Dominican Republic immigrant hired as Margaret's companion by her daughter. Depicts how the arrangement evolved into genuine friendship as they shared stories and laughs. 2005.

The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood: Ten Ways to Get Your Family on the Right Nutritional Track BR 16937
by William Sears and others
3 volumes
Family of medical professionals discusses nutrition for children and ways to prevent obesity and ill health. Includes tips for choosing healthy foods, teaching children to grocery shop, and introducing new foods to the family. Discusses good carbohydrates and fats, answers questions about nutrition, and includes recipes. 2006.

The Poison Paradox: Chemicals as Friends and Foes BR 16938
by John Timbrell
4 volumes
British toxicologist explores both the harmful and the beneficial effects of synthetic and natural chemicals. Details the absorption and processing in the human body and exposure risks of specific substances such as illicit drugs, medicine, pesticides, environmental contaminants, industrial and household chemicals, and food additives. 2005.

Blind Rage: Letters to Helen Keller BR 16939
by Georgina Kleege
2 volumes
A blind professor, author of Sight Unseen (BR 12149), pens letters to the deceased Helen Keller and probes for the private feelings behind Keller's idealized public image. Kleege expresses admiration for Keller but criticizes her as an unrealistic model. Speculates about Keller's love life and personal emotions. 2006.

George Mason: Forgotten Founder BR 16942
by Jeff Broadwater
4 volumes
Biography of landowner, lawmaker, and influential member of the Virginia gentry, George Mason (1725-1792). Emphasizes Mason's authorship of Virginia's Declaration of Rights and the state's constitution. Explains his opposition to ratifying the U.S. Constitution because of the absence of a Bill of Rights. 2006.

Divine Wind: The History and Science of Hurricanes BR 17092
by Kerry Emanuel
3 volumes
Professor explains the atmospheric forces that cause tropical storms and explores the influence of such weather on human history and the arts. Discusses weather systems and forecasting and recounts remarkable historic storms including the 1935 Florida Labor Day hurricane and the seventeenth-century storm that inspired Shakespeare's play The Tempest. 2005.

What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful! BR 17144
by Marshall Goldsmith
3 volumes
Corporate executive coach specializing in leadership development discusses twenty workplace behaviors associated with success that can hinder further advancement. Examines the pitfalls of passing judgment, making excuses, playing favorites, and not listening, among others, and offers a systematic approach to correcting flaws. Includes anecdotes and case studies. 2007.

Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--and Doesn't BR 17162
by Stephen Prothero
4 volumes
Professor traces the rise and fall of religious knowledge in America and recommends that the study of the historical and cultural role of religion return to school curricula. Covers the core tenets of the world's major religions and the differences among them. 2007.

Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes behind the Veil BR 17213
by Deborah Rodriguez
2 volumes
Michigan hairdresser recounts her experiences as founder and director of the Kabul Beauty School, Afghanistan's first modern beauty academy, which she opened in 2002 after the Taliban's fall. Describes how she taught, befriended, and empowered her students despite financial problems, language barriers, and cultural misunderstandings. Bestseller 2007.

Heavens to Betsy! And Other Curious Sayings BR 17232
by Charles Earle Funk
2 volumes
Offers explanations for many of the expressions used in everyday speech that originated in various periods of English and American history. Covers such sayings as "to turn the tables," "in the doghouse," "raining cats and dogs," "other fish to fry," and "knock on wood." 1955.

The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future BR 17234
by Vali Nasr
3 volumes
Middle East scholar discusses the schism between Shias and Sunnis in the Muslim world. Provides cultural and historical context for their traditional hostility in order to explain the animosity between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the reasons each branch of Islam seeks dominance in the Middle East. 2006.

The Dance of Molecules: How Nanotechnology Is Changing Our Lives BR 17235
by Ted Sargent
2 volumes
Professor provides an overview of nanotechnology, the science of engineering materials at atomic and molecular levels. Describes applications in medicine (growing replacement organs), in the environment (developing alternative energy sources), and in information technology (advancing computer and communication science). For senior high and older readers. 2006.

The Living White House BR 17250
by Betty C. Monkman
2 volumes
Former White House curator pens an updated edition of this celebration of the executive mansion in its various roles since 1800: office of the commander-in-chief, home to the first family, and historic residence. Describes two hundred years of daily routines, state occasions, weddings, funerals, and renovations. 2007.

Her Way: The Hopes and Ambitions of Hillary Rodham Clinton BR 17267
by Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta
6 volumes
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporters analyze Hillary Clinton's personal and public life, including her years in Arkansas, the White House, and the U.S. Senate and as a 2008 presidential candidate. Authors conducted interviews and researched documents to portray Clinton's legislative career, faith-based social activism, and marriage. 2007.

How to Prevent Your Stroke BR 17280
by J. David Spence
2 volumes
Neurologist's guide to reducing the risk of stroke up to 75 percent. Discusses causes and warning signs of cardiovascular disease. Stresses the importance of quitting smoking, having a diet and exercise plan, taking medication to control blood pressure and cholesterol, and undergoing surgery to widen narrow arteries. Includes recipes. 2006.

Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King BR 17291
by Antonia Fraser
5 volumes
Royal biographer, author of The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England (BR 15910), researches the life of French king Louis XIV (1638-1715). Highlights the influence of his pious mother; his wife, first cousin Maria Teresa of Spain; and his mistresses, including the governess of his illegitimate children. 2006.

QuickFacts: Lung Cancer, What You Need to Know--Now; Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer BR 17346
by American Cancer Society
2 volumes
Comprehensive guide to two forms of lung cancer--small cell and non-small cell. Covers risk factors and causes, prevention and detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, and posttreatment care. Includes resources. 2007.

Clapton: The Autobiography BR 17352
by Eric Clapton
3 volumes
Autobiography of rock musician Eric Clapton (b. 1945), who performed with the Yardbirds, Cream, and Blind Faith before going solo in 1974. Describes his childhood in rural England, rise to stardom, alcohol and drug addictions, affairs and marriages, and personal road to recovery. Bestseller 2007.

On My Journey Now: Looking at African-American History through the Spirituals BR 17356
by Nikki Giovanni
1 volume
Poet explains traditional spirituals from the viewpoint of the original singers--Africans in bondage--and their children. Points out the songs' universal meanings and ways they illustrate the challenges of slaves dealing with their captivity. Includes complete lyrics for quoted spirituals. For junior and senior high and older readers. 2007.

The Fatal Fashione: An Elizabeth I Mystery BR 16544
by Karen Harper
2 volumes
London, 1566. Someone has murdered the royal household's starcher. Elizabeth Tudor goes undercover with the help of her herb mistress Meg Milligrew to expose the culprit desperate enough to kill for the monopoly in the new starch industry. 2006.


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