Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet BR 15125
by Karen Armstrong
4 volumes
Prolific writer on the Middle East examines the religious beliefs
of the founder of Islam. Investigates the West's distorted view
of the Muslim faith and traces the life of Muhammad. Explains how
"Islam shares many of the ideals and visions that have inspired
both Judaism and Christianity." 2001 preface by the author. 1992.
The Presidential Nominating Process: A Place for Us? BR
15388
by Rhodes Cook
2 volumes
Former Congressional Quarterly political writer examines
the role of voters in determining presidential nominees. Traces
the history and evolution of modern primary elections; looks at
the process in other democratic countries like England, France,
and Germany; and suggests reforms that would increase competition
and empower voters. 2004.
How to Cook without a Book: Recipes and Techniques Every Cook
Should Know by Heart BR 15544
by Pam Anderson
3 volumes
Using the concept that most recipes are variations on a theme,
Anderson provides techniques and formulas that allow cooks to
create meals from on-hand ingredients. She suggests basic pantry
and refrigerator staples and outlines "easy-to-grasp" methods for
preparing soups, omelets, sauces, appetizers, and desserts. 2000.
How to Win the Nobel Prize: An Unexpected Life in Science BR
15560
by J. Michael Bishop
3 volumes
Memoir of Nobel Prize-winning microbiologist. Bishop reflects
modestly on his journey to success, from his childhood in rural
Pennsylvania to his studies at Harvard Medical School and the
cancer cell research for which he was recognized in 1989. Also
provides background on the prize, the field of microbiology, and
modern scientific controversies. 2003.
How Not to Be My Patient: A Physician's Secrets for Staying
Healthy and Surviving Any Diagnosis BR 15582
by Edward T. Creagan
3 volumes
Mayo Clinic cancer specialist outlines strategies for reducing
the risk of developing serious illness. Discusses lifestyle
choices, health screening, doctor-patient communication, and the
mind-body-spirit connection. Also explains how to survive a life-
threatening diagnosis through complementary medicine, a positive
attitude, and a good support system. 2003.
A Year of Sundays: Taking the Plunge (and Our Cat) to Explore
Europe BR 15594
by Edward D. Webster
3 volumes
Recounts author's year-long 1997 European trip with his visually
impaired, menopausal wife, Marguerite, and sixteen-year-old cat,
Felicia. Describes putting careers on hold to realize their dream
and embarking "on a quest for adventure," exploring eateries,
tourist destinations, and romantic locales in France, Greece,
Holland, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Austria. 2004.
American Indians in U.S. History BR 15602
by Roger L. Nichols
2 volumes
Concise survey of U.S. Native Americans for students and general
readers. The author, a professor, focuses on three stages of
Indian history since 1500: life before European intrusion, the
reservation experience, and contemporary society. Narrative
highlights central issues and incorporates tribal customs, ideas,
movements, and individuals. Includes suggested readings. 2003.
Partners in Independence: A Success Story of Dogs and the
Disabled BR 15603
by Ed Eames and Toni Eames
2 volumes
Accounts of disabled people whose lives have been enhanced by
specially trained guide, hearing, and service dogs. Documents
heroism as well as everyday deeds. The authors, who are visually
impaired, also describe their own experiences with canine
partners and chronicle the 1990s assistance dog movement.
Revision of 1997 edition. 2004.
The Thirty Day Natural Hormone Plan: Look and Feel Young
Again--without Synthetic HRT BR 15624
by Erika Schwartz
3 volumes
Physician provides a month-long program that relies on natural
hormones to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Suggests using diet
and exercise to maintain good health while aging. Includes meal
plans and a summary of the National Institutes of Health
synthetic hormones study. 2004.
When Good People Write Bad Sentences: Twelve Steps to Better
Writing Habits BR 15628
by Robert W. Harris
1 volume
Strategies for overcoming an "addiction to bad writing." Examines
the roots of common writing errors that lead to ineffective
sentences and baffling communication. Explains how to use correct
grammar, syntax, punctuation, diction, and style to produce
clear, confident, and persuasive prose. 2003.
Iraq: An Illustrated History and Guide BR 15671
by Gilles Munier
2 volumes
Concise, comprehensive overview of the history of Iraq from the
days of Sumer (4500-2340 BCE) to the 2003 Gulf War. Makes a
geographic tour of the country, centering in Baghdad and
highlighting monuments, landmarks, and ancient archaeological
sites. 2000.
The Complete Shade Gardener BR 15677
by George Schenk
3 volumes
Discusses the creation of a shady retreat covering all the basics
from determining the site and preparing the soil to fending off
pests and selecting specific trees, shrubs, groundcovers, ferns,
perennials, annuals, and edibles. Expanded 1991 update of 1984
edition with 2002 appendix. 2002.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl, and
Sir Orfeo BR 15685
translated by J.R.R. Tolkien
2 volumes
Three medieval poems from the age of Arthurian legend, translated
into modern English by the author of The Hobbit (BR 11595)
and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. 1975.
One Hundred Birds and How They Got Their Names BR
15688
by Diana Wells
2 volumes
Brief essays describe birds and humans' fascination with them.
Highlights species groupings, etymology of names, folk beliefs,
legends, literature, and history associated with birds. Gives the
meaning of "hoodwink" and "for the birds" and explains how cranes
have come to symbolize marital happiness. 2002.
Celia: My Life BR 15691
by Celia Cruz
2 volumes
Autobiography by the Afro-Cuban singer, the "Queen of Salsa," who
died in 2003. Reminisces about her upbringing and early career in
Havana and her road to international success. Recalls her
voluntary exile after Castro came to power, her long marriage,
and associations with other musicians. Foreword by Maya Angelou.
2004.
The Speckled People BR 15714
by Hugo Hamilton
2 volumes
Troubled childhood recounted by a native of Ireland, whose Irish-
nationalist father refused to allow him and his siblings to speak
English and whose German mother had fled war-torn Europe. Depicts
Hamilton's struggle for acceptance and reflects the links between
culture, language, and identity. Some violence and some strong
language. 2003.
Chet Atkins: Me and My Guitars BR 15715
by Chet Atkins and Michael Cochran
1 volume
Autobiography written with longtime friends the Cochran brothers.
The guitarist recalls his career, beginning with his early days
in Tennessee and Georgia, by focusing on guitars he's had over
the years. Describes the evolution of his guitars' construction
and includes anecdotes about favorite instruments. Introduction
by Jerry Reed. 2001.
Profiles in Courage BR 15716
by John F. Kennedy
2 volumes
Biographical sketches of historic statesmen who demonstrated
great political courage at crucial moments in U.S. history.
Includes John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, and others. Written
by then-senator Kennedy while convalescing from the effects of
war wounds. 2003 introduction by Caroline Kennedy; 1964 foreword
by Robert F. Kennedy. Pulitzer Prize. 1955.
They Shoot Canoes, Don't They? BR 15723
by Patrick F. McManus
2 volumes
Tongue-in-cheek tales about a sportsman's life. McManus
celebrates the hidden pleasures, and the opportunities for
disaster, in the recreations of camping, hunting, and fishing.
Includes amusing accounts of his dog Strange and an incorrigible
old woodsman, Rancid Crabtree. 1981.
The Art of Happiness at Work BR 15725
by Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler
2 volumes
In this sequel to The Art of Happiness (BR 13301), a
psychiatrist questions the Dalai Lama about applying Buddhist
principles in the workplace. The Tibetan spiritual leader advises
that career satisfaction is related to staying motivated, having
a realistic "sense of self," and maintaining "basic human values"
such as kindness and compassion. 2003.
The Royal Road to Card Magic BR 15735
by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braué
3 volumes
Noted magic authorities present a guide to developing a versatile
repertoire of tricks enabling card handlers to perform more than
a hundred feats of magic. Includes instructions for Thought
Stealer, Gray's Spelling Trick, Now You See It, Obliging Aces,
Rapid Transit, Kangaroo Card, and others. 1951.
The King and I: The Uncensored Tale of Luciano Pavarotti's
Rise to Fame by His Manager, Friend, and Sometime Adversary BR
15739
by Herbert Breslin and Anne Midgette
3 volumes
Luciano Pavarotti's manager/publicist candidly recounts his
thirty-six-year relationship with the opera singer. Breslin
describes the tenor as evolving from a "simple, lovely guy" to a
"determined, aggressive, and somewhat unhappy superstar." Details
his career, quirks, superstitions, and love life. 2004.
Scattered Shadows: A Memoir of Blindness and Vision BR
15751
by John Howard Griffin
3 volumes
The author of Black like Me (RC 17498) recounts losing his
sight in 1947 from a war injury and unexpectedly recovering it
ten years later. Describes his religious conversion to
Catholicism during his blindness and individual and institutional
reactions to his physical impairment. Some strong language. 2004.
Card Manipulations: Series 1-5 BR 15753
by Jean Hugard
2 volumes
Master card performer provides a five-part resource guide to more
than 165 card tricks and stunts. Demonstrates stage and small
group performances and teaches passes, palming methods, shuffles,
arm spreads, color reverses, sleights, flourishes, set-ups, and
tricks. Includes step-by-step explanations. 1934.
Health Care Meltdown: Confronting the Myths and Fixing Our
Failing System BR 15770
by Robert H. LeBow
3 volumes
Quadriplegic physician criticizes U.S. health care system flaws
that leave millions uninsured or underinsured. Using case
studies, LeBow identifies misconceptions preventing change and
proposes a solution to provide "affordable, comprehensive health
care" for every American. Discusses co-pays, deductibles, and
Medicare. Update of 2002 edition, published posthumously. 2003.
More Damned Lies and Statistics: How Numbers Confuse Public
Issues BR 15779
by Joel Best
2 volumes
Sociologist advocates skepticism toward quantitative information
used by journalists and politicians, among others, to influence
public opinion. In this sequel to Damned Lies and Statistics
(BR 13790), Best explores common problems in numerical
thinking: omission of data, confusion about categories, and
unquestioned authority. Offers suggestions for teaching
statistical literacy. 2004.
Chronicles, Volume 1 BR 15792
by Bob Dylan
2 volumes
First of a three-volume memoir by music legend Bob Dylan.
Describes his intellectual development, folk songs and blues he
listened to in the 1960s, and the growth of his artistic
conscience. Recalls early days in Greenwich Village, transient
loves, lasting friendships, and experiences in New Orleans and
Woodstock. Bestseller 2004.
Next section of Braille Book Review | Previous section of Braille Book Review | Braille Book Review Home Page
Go to the NLS Home Page