Bi Monthly Catalog Corner for November December 2004
The following material is
reprinted from NLS Flash, November 2004, volume 1, issue 1, a
newsletter created to bring current information on NLS progress in digital
technology to patrons, library staff, and other interested individuals. Flash online is at
www.loc.gov/nls/newsletters/flash/index.html
Since the 1970s, analog cassettes
have enabled NLS to deliver reliable and entertaining audio books and magazines
to people who are unable to read standard print.Analog technology continues to
work, but now it's time for something new. NLS has found the answer in
technology unavailable thirty years ago.
"Digital talking books will
bring a great range of benefits to blind and physically handicapped
readers," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "Many of the marvelous
capabilities of the printed book will be combined with the power of computers
to create a tool of unprecedented flexibility and power."
NLS will use digital technology
to enhance the listening experience. What makes digital better than analog?
Users can easily navigate through a book. Sound quality will improve. Less
handling will be required. And that's only the beginning.
Fast forward to the future. Each
patron will have access to a flash-based playback machine and will be able to
download digital books and magazines from the Internet.
Digital transformation. After 10 years of research, NLS chose
flash memory as the framework for its new system. How will it work? Imagine a
lightweight playback device with a removable cartridge that allows for faster
access to the content of a book. In 2008, this dream becomes reality.
A digital talking book (DTB) will
resemble a credit card, only slightly larger. It will be a high-density flash
memory cartridge, capable of holding a complete book. Each book's digital
master will be compressed to fit the cartridge at a rate that will deliver
high-quality audio. The books will be labeled in both large print and braille.
In the race to project
completion, NLS is off and running. In 2002, NLS began the digital audio book
production and conversion process. By 2008, the program will provide players
and have a collection of 20,000 digital titles.
"The greatest challenge of
the digital transition is pulling several long-term and complex projects
together to function smoothly," says Jean M. Moss, NLS digital projects
coordinator. "It is critical to the successful implementation of the
digital program that all key stakeholders-patrons, network libraries and their
administering agencies, producers, and staff-be involved, to some extent, in
the design and implementation process." NLS will continue to collaborate
with stakeholders through user studies and meetings with the Digital Long-Term
Planning Group. Book titles expected to be among the most popular 20 percent,
which constitute 80 percent of total circulation, are slated to be
mass-produced and distributed by network libraries. The remaining titles,
constituting 20 percent of total circulation, will be duplicated on demand
through a distribution center that will service patrons nationwide.
Driving the digital effort is the
goal to make the reading experiences for patrons more enjoyable. "The most
exciting feature of digital talking books is the reader's ability to easily
navigate through the book. All books will include a basic level of navigation
that allows the reader to jump to various chapters and sections," says
Moss. "The navigation capabilities will vary with the type of book, for
example, fiction and non-fiction."
The design of the flash-based
playback machines will be cost-efficient. The solid-state machines will have no
moving parts, which will keep repair costs low. NLS plans to build 60,000
digital playback machines by 2008. "The production quantity of DTB players
will be increased in subsequent years to satisfy patron demand," says
Moss.
Flash benefits. Why should blind and physically
handicapped readers get excited about the new technology? Here are a few good
reasons: better sound quality in playback; fewer items to keep track of
(generally one cartridge instead of several cassettes as required with the
cassette system); and no need to flip a switch or the cartridge during
playback.
Libraries also have compelling
reasons to embrace the digital transformation. Flash memory will require less
storage space for collections; memory cards can be reused many times without
loss of quality; playback devices will be compact, lightweight and durable, and
require fewer repairs; and the playback devices are expected to be less
expensive.
"We've received positive comments
on the move to a digital system from network librarians and patrons," says
Michael Moodie, NLS deputy director. "The end result of the conversion
process will exceed expectations."
The following ongoing projects, set to
conclude in 2008, are shown with start dates in parentheses.
For information on the NLS digital
project, contact Jean M. Moss, Digital Projects Coordinator. E-mail:
jemo@loc.gov; fax: (202) 707-1690. For the NLS Strategic Business Plan
online: www.loc.gov/nls/businessplan2003.html.<
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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, labeled with the
code RC, 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."
The Healing Power of
Pets: Harnessing the Amazing Ability of Pets to Make and Keep People Happy and
Healthy RC 54792
by Marty Becker
read by Bruce Nelson
3 cassettes
Practicing veterinarian advocates that people with chronic medical conditions
reclaim their health by building strong relationships with animals. Combines
information from scientific studies with the personal experiences of patients,
including autistic children and surgical and Alzheimer's patients. 2002.
A Quaker Book of Wisdom:
Life Lessons in Simplicity, Service, and Common Sense
RC 55164
by Robert Lawrence Smith
read by Peter Lavezzoli
1 cassette
Smith, a ninth generation Quaker, explores ways to harness our inner light to
guide our daily choices. He discusses ten basic Quaker precepts: silence,
worship, truth, simplicity, conscience, nonviolence, service, business,
education, and family. Concludes with a letter to his grandchildren imparting
ten life lessons. 1998.
The Lives of the Muses:
Nine Women and the Artists They Inspired RC
55457
by Francine Prose
read by Kimberly Schraf
3 cassettes
Discusses the role of the real-life muse as a connection between eros and
artistic creativity. Explores varieties of the inspirational bond in carefully
researched studies, probing themes of passion, exploitation, self-sacrifice,
and obsession. Includes studies of Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll, Gala and
Salvador Dalí, and Yoko Ono and John Lennon. 2002.
I Do Not Weep
RC 55809
by Venetta D. Baker
read by Tracy Mickens-Hundley
1 cassette
Vignettes from the life of a strong black woman who serves as her Florida
family's matriarch and caregiver in times of happiness and tragedy. She must decide
whether to sell an antique ring, given to her by a former employer to whom she
was a trusted confidante, to pay for her medical bills. 2001.
"Get Out of My Life,
but First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?" A Parent's Guide to
the New Teenager RC 56033
by Anthony E. Wolf
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
Clinical psychologist humorously offers advice on disciplining teenagers and
confronting such issues as peer pressure, the dangers of the Internet,
sexuality, substance abuse, and school problems. Wolf presents typical
scenarios and suggests methods of communication that might encourage teens to
internalize parental values. Some strong language. 2002.
Huey Long
RC 56095
by T. Harry Williams
read by Barry Bernson
7 cassettes in 2 containers (Reissue)
A portrait of Louisiana's controversial governor of the 1930s who was known as
"The Kingfish." The author recognizes Long as a rare person of power
with a potential for "great good or great evil," and presents him as
a tragic figure. Some strong language. National Book Award. Pulitzer Prize.
1969.
Birds off the Perch:
Therapy and Training for Your Pet Bird RC 56222
by Larry Lachman and others
read by Miriam Wagner
2 cassettes
A guide to understanding and correcting behavior problems like biting,
screaming, and feather plucking most often seen in younger birds. The authors
emphasize communication, positive reinforcement, and the use of family therapy
techniques. Provides important information on choosing a bird, maintaining its
good health, and contacting helpful organizations. 2003.
Moments of Grace: When
God Touches Our Lives Unexpectedly RC 56362
by Neale Donald Walsch
read by Larry Shapiro
2 cassettes
Collection of real-life stories from readers of the five "Conversations
with God" books (RC 44643, 44644, 47255, 51348, and 54766).
People share their own experiences of God working in their lives: visits by
divine voices, extraordinary coincidental circumstances, and chance utterances
of children that bring wisdom straight from God. 2001.
American Tragedy
RC 56432
by Lawrence Schiller and James Willwerth
read by Michael Scherer
6 cassettes
Presents an analysis of O.J. Simpson's legal defense team, which he retained
during his infamous criminal and civil trials. Examines the skills and
limitations of the attorneys on the "dream team," including Johnnie
Cochran, F. Lee Bailey, and Robert Shapiro. Some strong language. 1996.
Only the Strong Survive:
The Odyssey of Allen Iverson RC 56440
by Larry Platt
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
Philadelphia magazine editor-in-chief presents the tumultuous life of
the Philadelphia 76ers' six-foot point guard, from an impoverished childhood in
Newport News, Virginia, to success as the NBA's 2001 MVP. Platt portrays
Iverson as a misunderstood talent, loyal to family and friends but struggling
with his coach, the media, and the law. Strong language. 2002.
After: How America
Confronted the September 12 Era RC 56587
by Steven Brill
read by Ted Stoddard
5 cassettes
Stories from a diverse group of Americans who struggled in the year after the
September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Includes recollections of widowed
housewife Eileen Simon; Kevin McCabe of the U.S. Customs Service; Sergio
Magistri, owner of a baggage-checking company; Bernadine Healy, Red Cross
president; and Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge. 2003.
The Measure of All
Things: The Seven-Year Odyssey and Hidden Error That Transformed the World RC
56611
by Ken Alder
read by Robert Blumenfeld
3 cassettes
Historian's account of how the meter was established as a standard measure of
length. Retraces the challenging zigzag route taken along a meridian by two
Frenchmen in 1792 to determine a geographic basis for the meter. Alder
discusses the ramifications of their secret correspondence about unreported
discrepancies that he discovered during his research. 2002.
Ovarian Cancer: Your
Guide to Taking Control RC 56623
by Kristine Conner and Lauren Langford
read by Constance Crawford
5 cassettes
Resource guide orienting women to the major issues and decisions they are
likely to face after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Provides information
on finding a gynecologic oncologist, selecting treatments, and questions to ask
a doctor. Also includes a list of alternative resources and stories from other
women with the disease. 2003.
By the Grace of the Sea:
A Woman's Solo Odyssey around the World RC 56637
by Pat Henry
read by Anne Hancock
3 cassettes
Failing in business and personal relationships, forty-eight-year-old Pat Henry
set sail on May 4, 1989, for an eight-year-long solo cruise around the world.
Her memoirs describe her traverses of oceans and her soul searching for
adventure, romance, and the strength to conquer her fears and realize her
dreams. 2003.
Adventuring along the
Lewis and Clark Trail RC 56639
by Elizabeth Grossman
read by Ray Childs
3 cassettes
Travel guide traces the Corps of Discovery's 1804-1806 route across ten states
to the Pacific Ocean. Excerpts from Lewis and Clark's journals provide
perspective on ecological changes that have taken place since their expedition.
Also includes tips on hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking adventures. Gives
useful contact information. 2003.
American Lung Association
Seven Steps to a Smoke-Free Life RC 56645
by Edwin B. Fisher
read by Geoffrey Centlivre
2 cassettes
Guide to quitting smoking based on the American Lung Association's Freedom
from Smoking program. Recommends identifying individual reasons for
addiction to personalize a plan that can be used with other cessation
techniques. The seven-step process addresses how to cope with cravings, keep
off extra weight, avoid setbacks, and survive after "quit day." 1998.
The Big Fix: How the
Pharmaceutical Industry Rips Off American Consumers
RC 56649
by Katharine Greider
read by Dan Bloom
2 cassettes
Reporter analyzes the aggressive marketing and pricing practices of
pharmaceutical companies while also recognizing the enormous benefits of their
products in reducing pain and controlling illness. Discusses secret drug price
policies, efforts to extend patent protection for high-priced blockbusters,
research schemes, and advertising gimmicks that promote prescription drugs and
increase health care costs. 2003.
The Journal
RC 56694
by George Fox
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes (Reissue)
Spiritual journal and autobiography of George Fox (1624-1691), the founder of
the Religious Society of Friends--commonly known as Quakers--dictated during
his imprisonment in the mid 1670s. Records his work, hardships, and successes
in developing a new spiritual order in England. 1998 introduction by Nigel
Smith. 1674.
John Paul Jones: Sailor,
Hero, Father of the American Navy RC 56700
by Evan Thomas
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Biography of the "great sea warrior," born in Scotland in 1747, who
went to sea at age thirteen. Describes his career in the fledgling American
Continental Navy, his later exploits in Europe and Russia, and his burial in an
obscure Paris grave in 1792. 2003.
Paperboy: Confessions of
a Future Engineer RC 56717
by Henry Petroski
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Duke University history and engineering professor, author of The Book on
the Bookshelf (RC 49607), reflects on his years as a paperboy in Queens.
By recalling his paper route and the work it involved, Petroski provides a
glimpse into American life during the 1950s and a foreshadowing of his
subsequent career. 2002.
Napoleon and Wellington:
The Battle of Waterloo--and the Great Commanders Who Fought It
RC 56718
by Andrew Roberts
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
A study of the personal relationship between nineteenth-century rivals French
emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and British general Arthur Wellesley, the duke of
Wellington. It is also "a study in beliefs and rivalry, propaganda and
rancor" that continued long after their last battle at Waterloo. 2001.
Free (or Almost Free)
Prescription Medications: Where and How to Get Them
RC 56723
by David Johnson
read by Ralph Lowenstein
2 cassettes
The author, a multiple sclerosis patient who lost his health insurance, lists
168 prescription drug assistance programs run by pharmaceutical companies for
low-income people not qualifying for state aid. Provides information on each
program's eligibility criteria, enrollment instructions, steps required of
patients and their doctors, and other details. 2002.
When Walking Fails:
Mobility Problems of Adults with Chronic Conditions
RC 56727
by Lisa I. Iezzoni
read by Jill Ferris
4 cassettes
A physician with multiple sclerosis researches social and medical factors that
might improve the quality of life for people with difficulty walking. Discusses
mobility limits, physical and occupational therapy, ambulation aids and how to
pay for them, as well as psychological issues. 2003.
Bittersweet: Diabetes,
Insulin, and the Transformation of Illness RC
56731
by Chris Feudtner
read by Ralph Lowenstein
2 cassettes
Pediatrician chronicles the twentieth-century history of diabetes mellitus,
using the archives of the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. Focuses on
patient's experiences and causality of the disease's symptoms. Describes the
discovery of insulin and the complications arising from its long-term use.
2003.
Bible Code II: The
Countdown RC 56763
by Michael Drosnin
read by Butch Hoover
2 cassettes
In this sequel to The Bible Code (RC 44896), investigative reporter
Drosnin continues his quest for the truth behind an ancient code purportedly
embedded in the Bible. The author asserts the code predicted the 2001 terrorist
attacks on the World Trade Center and may warn of impending global catastrophe.
2002.
Under the Banner of
Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith RC 56777
by Jon Krakauer
read by Michael Russotto
3 cassettes
Traces the origins of Mormonism in an effort to explain certain crimes
committed by fundamentalist sect members--including the 1984 murder of Brenda
Lafferty and her baby in Utah. Conveys how Brenda's remorseless brother-in-law
Dan and his brother Ron believed God ordered them to kill. Violence, strong
language, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller 2003.
Classic Country: Legends
of Country Music RC 56780
by Charles K. Wolfe
read by Gregory Gorton
3 cassettes
The author of A Good-Natured Riot: The Birth of the Grand Ole Opry (RC
50736) presents more than fifty portraits of past and present country
music notables, based largely on interviews and recollections. Includes obscure
performers and studio musicians as well as stars such as Hank Snow and Roy
Acuff. 2001.
The Happy Bottom Riding
Club: The Life and Times of Pancho Barnes RC
56787
by Lauren Kessler
read by Coleen Delany
3 cassettes
Biography of eccentric pioneering woman aviator. Florence Lowe's grandfather
predicted she would be a flier, and in the 1920s Florence raced planes and
worked as a movie stunt pilot. She later went through several marriages and
lovers--one of whom gave her the nickname "Pancho"--and several
fortunes before dying penniless. 2000.
The Ideas That Conquered
the World: Peace, Democracy, and Free Markets in the Twenty-first Century RC
56802
by Michael Mandelbaum
read by Steven Carpenter
4 cassettes
Foreign affairs columnist analyzes how and why three major ideas have
transformed world order--peace as the basis for relations between countries, democracy
as the optimal method of political organization, and the free market as the
system to produce wealth. But Mandelbaum recognizes these principles are
neither accepted nor practiced everywhere. 2002.
Buddhism: A Concise
Introduction RC 56816
by Huston Smith and Philip Novak
read by Mary Kane
2 cassettes
Describes the history, fundamental teachings, and practices of this Eastern
religion. The first half of the book explores the life of the Buddha (born
circa 563 B.C.E.), explains the core tenets, and distinguishes between various
sects. The final chapters discuss the Western expansion and adaptations of
Buddhism, particularly in America. 2003.
Suddenly Gone: The Kansas
Murders of Serial Killer Richard Grissom RC
56817
by Dan Mitrione
read by Christopher Walker
2 cassettes
Former FBI agent details the 1989 Kansas crime spree of serial killer Richard
Grissom Jr., who kidnapped and tortured young women. Grissom's psychological
troubles--and a grisly murder he committed as a youth--were revealed in his
juvenile record, and such deviant behavior continued into his adulthood.
Violence and strong language. 1995.
In the Company of Heroes
RC 56819
by Michael J. Durant
read by Gregory Gorton
3 cassettes
Retired army pilot recounts his harrowing POW experience in Somalia after his
Blackhawk helicopter was downed during a 1993 mission to capture warlord
Mohamed Farrah Aidid. He describes being attacked by a mob, imprisoned,
interrogated, and finally released after eleven days. Introduction by the author
of Black Hawk Down (RC 48028). Strong language. 2003.
The Autobiography of
Benjamin Franklin and Selections from His Other Writings
RC 56823
by Benjamin Franklin
read by Rick Rohan
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Memoirs of the early American newspaperman, scientist, philosopher, and
statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), addressed to his son. Describes his
intellectual development, wide-ranging interests, and diverse enterprises.
Includes selections from his newspaper columns and journal. With an introduction
by Stacy Schiff. 2001.
'Atta Girl! A Celebration
of Women in Sport RC 56824
by Alexandra Powe Allred
read by Coleen Delany
2 cassettes
Inspirational anecdotes about women in sports, including the author, a former
U.S. women's bobsled team member who also once played professional football.
Recounts female athletes' struggle for success and acceptance and explores
society's evolving perceptions. For senior high and older readers. 2003.
Beyond Glory: Medal of
Honor Heroes in Their Own Words: Extraordinary Stories of Courage from World
War II to Vietnam RC 56848
by Larry Smith
read by Lou Harpenau
3 cassettes
Twenty-four recipients of the Medal of Honor recall the deeds and circumstances
meriting their citations. Jack Jacobs of the 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam
War describes his 1968 rescue actions while wounded and under fire as simply
doing what he felt he had to do. Some strong language. 2003.
When Hollywood Had a
King: The Reign of Lew Wasserman, Who Leveraged Talent into Power and Influence
RC 56850
by Connie Bruck
read by Roy Avers
4 cassettes
Biography of the entertainment industry's most powerful force: the president of
Music Corporation of America. Traces Wasserman's career rise from the 1940s to
the 1990s. Discusses relationships between Hollywood stars, mobsters, and
politicians, as well as the deals Wasserman engineered that reshaped the movie
business. Some strong language. Bestseller 2003.
Worth the Fighting For: A
Memoir RC 56852
by John McCain
read by Butch Hoover
3 cassettes
Political recollections of former Vietnam POW and Arizona senator John McCain.
Beginning where his 1999 memoir Faith of My Fathers (RC 48807) left
off, McCain talks candidly about his political career, his understanding of
American values, and the role models that have guided him. 2002.
Making Self-Employment
Work for People with Disabilities RC 56855
by Cary Griffin and David Hammis
read by John Richardson
3 cassettes
Experienced vocational counselors offer a practical handbook that provides
individuals with disabilities information on how to start and maintain a small
business. Includes suggestions on preparing a business plan and market
strategies, understanding and using government programs, and finding mentors
and useful web sites. 2003.
Insurance Solutions, Plan
Well--Live Better: A Workbook for People with a Chronic Disease or Disability
RC 56856
by Laura D. Cooper
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Emphasizes the importance of advance insurance protection planning to account
for the possibility of a chronic illness or disability. Provides work sheets,
examples, exercises, and instructions to help people inventory and evaluate
their current insurance and improve their health care portfolios. Also suggests
strategies for obtaining coverage when traditional sources appear foreclosed.
2002.
The Kennedy Curse: Why
America's First Family Has Been Haunted by Tragedy for One Hundred and Fifty
Years RC 56880
by Edward Klein
read by Michael Scherer
2 cassettes
Author of Just Jackie (RC 49210) explores the self-destructive
behavior patterns of the Kennedy clan that have frequently led to tragedy.
Chronicles the ill fortunes of various family members from the first immigrants
to America to John Jr. and his "doomed" marriage to Carolyn Bessette.
Some strong language. Bestseller 2003.
What Becomes of the
Brokenhearted: A Memoir RC 56881
by E. Lynn Harris
read by Michael Scherer
2 cassettes
Autobiography by gay, African American, bestselling author of Invisible
Life (RC 38731). Describes his humble beginnings in Arkansas, his career
development, failed romantic relationships, bouts with depression, and deep
faith in God. Strong language and some violence. Bestseller 2003.
Paige by Paige: A Year of
Trading Spaces RC 56923
by Paige Davis
read by Kerry Cundiff
1 cassette
Host of television's popular decorating show Trading Spaces describes
a year in the lives of the cast and crew as they crisscross the United States.
Beginning in June 2002 with the third season, Paige offers behind-the-scenes
information on taping the episodes, various designers, decorating mishaps, and
unveiling newly finished rooms. Bestseller 2003.
King David: The Real Life
of the Man Who Ruled Israel RC 56945
by Jonathan Kirsch
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Author of The Harlot by the Side of the Road (RC 45959) and Moses
(RC 47585) investigates the reign of David, king of the Jews (c. 1005-965
B.C.E.). Reconstructs David's life and examines incidents related in the Bible,
assessing the king's ruthlessness and moral character. 2000.
Death as a Way of Life:
Israel Ten Years after Oslo RC 56948
by David Grossman
read by Ken Kliban
1 cassette
Essays by an Israeli author in response to the escalating regional violence in
the decade since the signing of the 1993 Oslo Accords--a supposed framework for
peace--by Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO leader Yasir Arafat.
Grossman comments on further peace negotiations and disappointments, terrorist
attacks, and possibilities for harmonious coexistence. 2003.
The Pacific War
RC 56949
by John Costello
read by Jake Williams
7 cassettes in 2 containers
Comprehensive account of political, economic, and military actions in the
Pacific during World War II. Examines strategies behind the campaign, from the
Allied entry into the war to the decision to use the atomic bomb. Reconstructs
internal government affairs by referencing official documents and military
records. 1981.
Memoirs: A
Twentieth-Century Journey in Science and Politics
RC 56986
by Edward Teller
read by Bill Wallace
5 cassettes
Memoir of Hungarian-born scientist Edward Teller's life from 1908 through 2000.
Teller chronicles the people and events that shaped his career. He describes
his coming to America in 1935, where he worked on nuclear weapons during and
after World War II and was instrumental in the development of the hydrogen
bomb. 2001.
Persecution: How Liberals
Are Waging War against Christianity RC 57012
by David Limbaugh
read by Butch Hoover
3 cassettes
The author of Absolute Power (RC 52167) "chronicles
discrimination against Christians in American society." Asserts that the
U.S. Constitution's "separation of church and state" is
misinterpreted and that liberals practice religious bigotry while preaching
"secular humanism." Bestseller 2003.
Prophecies: 4,000 Years
of Prophets, Visionaries, and Predictions RC
57015
by Tony Allan
read by Janis Gray
2 cassettes
An overview of prophetic traditions of world cultures. Discusses China's Yi
Jing, the Aztec calendar, and African divination as well as forecasts from
outstanding seers like Nostradamus and the Cumaean Sibyl. Each chapter
corresponds to a source of prognostication including divine inspiration,
dreams, secular clairvoyance, and logical reasoning. 2002.
Treason by the Book
RC 57019
by Jonathan D. Spence
read by Lou Harpenau
3 cassettes
Recalls a case of treason against the Chinese Qing dynasty in 1728, when
criticisms of the Manchu emperor Yongzheng were raised by conspirator Zeng
Jing. Instead of sentencing the traitor to death, the emperor responded to his
protests in a book called Awakening from Delusion that he distributed
throughout the country. 2001.
The Greatest Experiment
Ever Performed on Women: Exploding the Estrogen Myth
RC 57023
by Barbara Seaman
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Cofounder of the National Women's Health Network explains the controversy
surrounding the use of hormone replacement drugs--primarily estrogen--for birth
control, menopause, and postmenopause. Traces the history of their development,
marketing, and use in the twentieth century. Suggests that women are at risk
from doctors who view menopause as a disease. 2003.
A Time to Die: The Untold
Story of the Kursk
Tragedy RC 57027
by Robert Moore
read by Butch Hoover
2 cassettes
British television correspondent recreates the sinking of a Russian nuclear
submarine in the Arctic Circle on August 12, 2000, and the disastrous
subsequent rescue efforts. Analyzes the failure of Vladimir Putin's government
to enlist timely outside help. 2002.
Living with Shingles: New
Hope for an Old Disease RC 57028
by Mary-Ellen Siegel and Gray Williams
read by Patricia McDermott
1 cassette
Discusses the symptoms and progression of shingles, a medical problem brought
about by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chicken pox in
childhood. Outlines methods of treatment, complications, and possible
prevention in the future through a promising new vaccine. 1998.
America's Splendid Little
Wars: A Short History of U.S. Military Engagements, 1975-2000
RC 57032
by Peter Huchthausen
read by Tom Burch
2 cassettes
Retired naval officer and author of K-19: The Widowmaker (RC 55090)
traces America's post-Vietnam armed conflicts from the 1975 rescue of the hijacked
SS Mayaguez in the Gulf of Siam through the 1990s interventions in the
Balkans. Includes U.S. failures in Lebanon, Iran, and Somalia and victories in
Desert Storm, Grenada, and Panama. 2003.
Ghosts of Tsavo: Stalking
the Mystery Lions of East Africa RC 57035
by Philip Caputo
read by Fred Major
2 cassettes
Novelist and travel/adventure writer Caputo explores the nature and terrain of
the maneless lions documented and mythologized in J.H. Patterson's 1907 Man-Eaters
of Tsavo (RC 46487). Caputo reports on trips to Kenya and interviews with
scientists researching the phenomenon of lions that stalk human prey and
terrorize local villagers. 2002.
Don't Mess with My Money:
The Dolans' No-Nonsense Lifetime Money Plan RC
57036
by Ken Dolan and Daria Dolan
read by Jack Fox
3 cassettes
Practical money guide from the hosts of a top-rated personal finance radio
show. The Dolans reveal loopholes and insider secrets as they candidly discuss
how to organize financial resources and safeguard capital against unexpected
events like layoffs and illness. Other topics include debt reduction,
investing, family management, and retirement. 2003.
I Am a Soldier, Too: The
Jessica Lynch Story RC 57047
by Rick Bragg
read by Margaret Strom
1 cassette
Relates the experiences of nineteen-year-old U.S. Army private Jessica Lynch,
captured during an ambush in March 2003 in southern Iraq and dramatically
rescued weeks later, catapulting her into the international spotlight.
Describes her West Virginia childhood and adjustment upon returning home
wounded. Some violence and some strong language. Bestseller 2003.
A Journey: The
Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno RC 57065
by Apolo Anton Ohno
read by Mark Ashby
1 cassette
A Japanese American short track ice skater, who won both a silver and a gold
medal in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics at age nineteen, presents an account
of his life and career. Ohno describes his upbringing and training, his
injuries and illnesses, and his later success. For senior high and older readers.
2002.
Bushwhacked: Life in
George W. Bush's America RC 57075
by Molly Ivins and Lou Dubose
read by Erin Jones
2 cassettes
Examines the impact and legacy of Bush administration policy. Critically
dissects the two tax cuts, environmental issues, financial scandals, education
and foreign policy, civil and workers' rights, and workplace standards. Offers
suggestions for economic and political reform. Some strong language. Bestseller
2003.
Bob Hope: My Life in
Jokes RC 57077
by Bob Hope
read by Jack Fox
1 cassette
The late comedian, who died in 2003 at one hundred years of age, tells his life
story through jokes--organized by decade--revealing his family, experiences,
interests, and personal and political thoughts. Reminisces about his long career
in show business on the radio, screen, and television--and in the war theaters
entertaining American troops. Introduction by daughter Linda. 2003.
Street Soldier: My Life
as an Enforcer for Whitey Bulger and the Boston Irish Mob
RC 57080
by Edward J. MacKenzie and Phyllis Karas
read by Fred Major
2 cassettes
A former drug dealer for south Boston's Irish mafia head chronicles his violent
life of crime. MacKenzie's edgy memoir portrays his abuse in childhood,
juvenile delinquency, and the bust that landed him in prison--when mob boss and
longtime FBI informant Whitey Bulger turned him in. Violence, strong language,
and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2003.
The Founding Fish
RC 57081
by John McPhee
read by Jack Fox
3 cassettes
Inspired by obsession, Delaware River fisherman McPhee explores the nature and
biology of shad and the historical role of the species in America. He
reconstructs the fish's legendary connections to the founding fathers--shad
saved George Washington's army from starvation at Valley Forge. Includes
McPhee's personal experiences and scientific research. 2002.
Rogue Nation: American
Unilateralism and the Failure of Good Intentions
RC 57090
by Clyde Prestowitz
read by Butch Hoover
3 cassettes
Economic strategist explores the roots of American unilateralism and its
influence on recent policy decisions regarding trade, energy, global warming,
arms control, and the Israel-Palestine question. Prestowitz explains how
one-sided U.S. actions are frequently misinterpreted by the global community
and have increasingly alienated foreign countries. He urges pursuit of
multilateral solutions. 2003.
Ball of Fire: The
Tumultuous Life and Comic Art of Lucille Ball RC
57093
by Stefan Kanfer
read by Mitzi Friedlander
3 cassettes
Details the life and times of comedienne and sit-com star Lucille Ball
(1911-1989), beginning with her difficult childhood in upstate New York. Covers
her unhappy marriage to Desi Arnaz and the evolution of her career until she
became "the first woman with major economic power in postwar
Hollywood." Bestseller 2003.
Before the Change: Taking
Charge of Your Perimenopause RC 57110
by Ann Louise Gittleman
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Revised edition of 1998 work explains the symptoms of perimenopause, including
hypothyroidism. Suggests natural remedies such as dietary changes and herbal
and vitamin supplements. Provides sample menus. Also describes how long-term
hormone replacement research was halted in 2002 because of the therapy's cancer
risk. Bestseller 2003.
The Great Unraveling:
Losing Our Way in the New Century RC 57113
by Paul Krugman
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Collection of more than one hundred New York Times columns by the
Princeton economist during 2000-2003 criticizing the second Bush
administration, especially its financial directions. Krugman lashes out at a
"right-wing conspiracy" while analyzing the global economy, the
California energy crisis, the federal budget, and the future of Social
Security. Bestseller 2003.
The World according to
Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember RC
57115
by Fred Rogers
read by Brian Conn
1 cassette
Words of wisdom by the late Fred Rogers--composer, writer, puppeteer, and
beloved host of TV's "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" who dedicated his
life to serving children through public television. His stories, anecdotes, and
insights on life ultimately speak to being yourself, understanding love, and
discovering the rewards of inner discipline. Bestseller 2003.
The New Joy of Sex
RC 57129
by Alex Comfort
read by Suzanne Toren
2 cassettes
Updates the classic guide to sex, first published in 1972, stressing the
refinements and enjoyment of lovemaking. Describes sexual techniques aimed at
adding zest and variety to erotic relations between men and women. Discusses
AIDS and other health issues. Companion to More Joy (RC 57167).
Explicit descriptions of sex. 1991.
A Time to Love: Stories
from the Old Testament RC 57134
by Walter Dean Myers
read by Gail Nelson
1 cassette
A retelling from the perspective of teenage characters of six Bible episodes
that explore the complexities of love. Includes the stories of Delilah, Reuben,
Naomi, Isaac, Zillah, and Aser. For junior and senior high readers. 2003.
First among Equals: The
Supreme Court in American Life RC 57142
by Kenneth W. Starr
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Former solicitor general and independent counsel addresses key Supreme Court
decisions made since Chief Justice Earl Warren's 1969 departure. Starr explores
the evolution of judicial philosophies and profiles the leadership roles of
individual justices. He evaluates the most contentious issues, including
abortion, affirmative action, and the 2000 presidential election. 2002.
The Essential
Conversation: What Parents and Teachers Can Learn from Each Other
RC 57143
by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot
read by Jill Ferris
3 cassettes
Harvard professor of education examines the dynamics of parent-teacher
conferences from the standpoint of both parties, whose relationships are often
adversarial and competitive rather than collaborative and empathetic. Suggests
ways to make these meetings more productive, especially when broader cultural
priorities and values are involved, and to improve home-school connections.
2003.
Genghis Khan: The
Conqueror; Emperor of All Men RC 57144
by Harold Lamb
read by Gordon Gould
2 cassettes
The life and times of Mongolian warlord Genghis Khan, who conquered half the
world from Armenia to Korea by the early thirteenth century and ruled it by terror.
Describes his nomadic origins in the Gobi desert, military conquest of Cathay,
takeover of Islamic lands, and the empire's eventual collapse after his death
in 1227. 1927.
In Schools We Trust:
Creating Communities of Learning in an Era of Testing and Standardization RC
57149
by Deborah Meier
read by Jill Ferris
2 cassettes
Founder of alternative public schools argues strongly that standardized tests
are irrelevant and invalid methods of assessment. Offers model solutions in the
form of small, intimate communities of learning where trust can evolve between
educators, parents, and students. Passionate plea for educational reform. 2002.
First Great Triumph: How
Five Americans Made Their Country a World Power
RC 57156
by Warren Zimmermann
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
Former Foreign Service officer profiles "the fathers of modern American
imperialism": John Hay, Henry Cabot Lodge, Alfred T. Mahan, Theodore
Roosevelt, and Elihu Root. He chronicles America's territorial expansion
between 1898 and 1903 and analyzes how the acquisitions--including the
Philippines and Hawaii--launched the United States into world politics. 2002.
Getting Away with Murder:
The True Story of the Emmett Till Case RC 57157
by Chris Crowe
read by Bill Wallace
1 cassette
Account of a fourteen-year-old African American boy from Chicago who was
murdered in 1955 while visiting relatives in Mississippi. Emmett Till, accused
of flirting with a white woman, was subsequently killed by her husband and
brother-in-law, who escaped punishment. Some violence and some strong language.
For senior high and older readers. 2003.
Gordie Howe: My Hockey
Memories RC 57158
by Gordie Howe
read by Jake Williams
1 cassette
Autobiography by Canadian hockey champion, who joined the Detroit Red Wings in
1946 at the age of eighteen. Howe describes his career on the ice; his most
famous games; and the athletes he played with, including his two sons. Some
strong language. 1999.
Nothing about Us without
Us: Disability Oppression and Empowerment RC
57159
by James I. Charlton
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Analysis by U.S. activist in the global disability rights movement. Drawing on
interviews of people with disabilities in ten countries in the Americas,
Europe, and Third World, Charlton provides a political, economic, and cultural
context to better understand and support an emerging international effort
seeking power to resist and end dependency. 1998.
More Joy: A Lovemaking
Companion to The Joy of Sex RC 57167
by Alex Comfort
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette
Emphasizes human relationships between sex partners and considers sexuality as
a source of personal growth. Discusses body language, concerns of the elderly
or those with special needs, and ways to overcome sexual hangups. Revises and
updates original 1973 edition. Companion to The New Joy of Sex (RC 57129).
Explicit descriptions of sex. 1986.
Star-Spangled Manners: In
Which Miss Manners Defends American Etiquette (for a Change)
RC 57192
by Judith Martin
read by Faith Potts
2 cassettes
Martin's social history analyzes every aspect of American life of the past two
centuries, beginning with the Founding Fathers who, "having toppled a
government," imagined "themselves capable of becoming master
etiquetteers." Topics include how not to be a nuisance, being yourself,
disaster (earthquake, fire, bombings) etiquette, public celebrations, and
personal appearance. 2003.
The Bakke Case: Quotas in
College Admissions RC 57194
by Susan Banfield
read by Robert Sams
1 cassette
Discusses the 1970s case brought by a white male student challenging the
affirmative action policy used in admitting students to the University of
California medical school. Reviews the divided Supreme Court ruling in 1978 for
Bakke, the continuing debate over preferential admission standards, and
remaining unanswered questions. For junior and senior high readers. 1998.
Everything You Need to
Know about Going to the Gynecologist RC 57269
by Shifra N. Diamond
read by Carol Dines
1 cassette
Explains to teens and older readers why gynecological exams are important, when
to seek them, and what to expect during one. Also discusses reproductive health
including diseases, contraception, and common problems. For senior high and
older readers. 1999.
Take Charge of Your
Breast Cancer: A Guide to Getting the Best Possible Treatment
RC 57296
by John S. Link
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
In this companion to The Breast Cancer Survival Manual (RC 47548), an
oncologist encourages women to learn about their condition and participate in
treatment decisions. Explains the development and variations of the disease,
the risks and benefits of different therapies, and the importance of open
communication with one's physicians. 2002.
Antiquity: The
Civilization of the Ancient World RC 57301
by Norman F. Cantor
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Survey of major Mediterranean empires from the birth of the Sumerians around
3500 B.C. in the Tigris-Euphrates valley to the fall of the Roman Empire in
A.D. 453. Discusses principles of religion, philosophy, politics, health, and
law developed in this period and their continuing influence on modern culture.
2003.
Siren's Dance: My
Marriage to a Borderline; a Case Study RC 57310
by Anthony Walker
read by Jim Zeiger
1 cassette
A psychiatrist's memoir of his brief, "pathological" marriage to a
woman with borderline personality disorder. While a medical student, Walker
falls in love with a patient hospitalized for a suicide attempt. Relates the
chaos in his life and the painful decision to leave someone he cannot help.
Strong language. 2003.
Inner City Miracle
RC 57314
by Greg Mathis
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Star of his own nationally syndicated television show recounts his
transformation from troubled inner-city youth to Detroit district court judge.
Mathis chronicles his early exploits on the wrong side of the law to the
moment, at age seventeen, he learned his mother had cancer--a revelation that
turned his life around. Strong language. 2002.
Whatever You Say I Am:
The Life and Times of Eminem RC 57318
by Anthony Bozza
read by Bill Quinn
2 cassettes
Chronicles the career of controversial hip-hop artist Marshall
"Eminem" Mathers of Detroit, the foremost award-winning white rapper
in America. Traces his rise from poverty to musical and film success as well as
his personal struggles. Strong language. For senior high and older readers.
2003.
The Assassination of
Julius Caesar: A People's History of Ancient Rome
RC 57323
by Michael Parenti
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Historian views Julius Caesar's murder by Roman senators on March 15, 44 B.C.,
as motivated by class warfare, not by a desire to restore republican liberties
usurped by a despotic ruler. Posits that the emperor supported economic reforms
to benefit the masses and was killed by nobles who resisted giving up power.
2003.
Joyce Ann Brown: Justice
Denied RC 57325
by Joyce Ann Brown
read by Gail Nelson
2 cassettes
Experiences of an African American Texas woman wrongly convicted of robbery and
murder in 1980. Brown recounts the bewildering criminal trial that resulted in
a life sentence, her nightmare behind bars, and her nine-year struggle to prove
her innocence. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language.
1990.
Floating off the Page:
The Best Stories from the Wall Street Journal's "Middle Column"
RC 57335
edited by Ken Wells
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Wall Street Journal feature editor selects over sixty memorable
articles from the newspaper's offbeat, front-page column, devoted since 1941 to
any staff writer's capricious digression. Often humorous, sometimes serious,
and usually under fifteen hundred words, these stories cover various topics
from vegetarian pets to the case for short-sleeve dress shirts. 2002.
The Complete Kama Sutra:
The First Unabridged Modern Translation of the Classic Indian Text by
Vatsyayana RC 57344
translated by Alain Daniélou
read by Frank Coffee
4 cassettes
Classic guide to eroticism, exploring the sexual arts and practices of India,
collected in the fourth century B.C. Discusses heterosexual and homosexual
relationships with numerous variations. Includes commentary by Indian scholars.
Explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. 1994.
Muhammad: A Biography of
the Prophet RC 57345
by Karen Armstrong
read by Ken Kliban
3 cassettes
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.
Adventures in Arabia:
Among the Bedouins, Druses, Whirling Dervishes, and Yezidee Devil Worshipers RC
57348
by W.B. Seabrook
read by Gordon Gould
2 cassettes
In the 1920s an adventurous American and his wife set out for the pleasure of
new experiences to wander in the Middle East. Seabrook describes the overland
journey and the various ethnic groups encountered--their customs, traditions,
stories, and religious practices. 1927.
Audrey Hepburn: An
Elegant Spirit RC 57351
by Sean Hepburn Ferrer
read by Ken Kliban
1 cassette
Recollections by the son of actors Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer. Sean Ferrer
details his European childhood and provides intimate glimpses of his mother,
her strengths, vulnerabilities, family history, later years, and final illness.
Describes her devoted work for UNICEF that Ferrer himself continues. Bestseller
2003.
Five Complete Mike Hammer
Novels: I,
the Jury; Vengeance Is Mine; The Big Kill; My Gun Is Quick; Kiss Me, Deadly RC 53637
by Mickey Spillane
read by Conrad Feininger
6 cassettes
Five detective novels featuring private detective Mike Hammer. In I, The
Jury, Hammer vows to track down and kill the murderer of his best friend.
His search leads him into a lurid and deadly underworld of drugs and
prostitution. Violence, some descriptions of sex, and some strong language.
1987.
Four Blind Mice
RC 55046
by James Patterson
read by Peter Jay Fernandez
2 cassettes
Alex Cross helps buddy John Sampson investigate the case of an army sergeant
framed for serial murder. The pair discover a pattern of wrongful military
court convictions around the country, but authorities are uncooperative, and
the real killer is ready to strike again. Violence, strong language, and some
explicit descriptions of sex. 2002.
Best of the West: Stories
That Inspired Classic Western Films RC 55165
edited by Bill Pronzini and Martin H. Greenberg
read by Rick Wiseman
1 cassette
Nine western stories that were made into movies: The Cisco Kid, Face
to Face, High Noon, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The
Outcasts of Poker Flat, Rio Grande, Three-Ten to Yuma, Town
Tamer, and Tribute to a Bad Man. 1986.
River Road: Callahan
Brothers Trilogy, Book 2 RC 55262
by JoAnn Ross
read by Laura Giannarelli
2 cassettes
FBI agent Finn Callahan, suspended for four weeks, has come home to Blue
Bayou (RC 55261). Actress Julia Summers is there to film scenes for her
soap opera. Although they have opposite personalities, Finn reluctantly becomes
her bodyguard when she receives deadly threats. Strong language and some
explicit descriptions of sex. 2002.
The Lonely Men
RC 55608
by Louis L'Amour
read by Gary Roan
1 cassette (Reissue)
Orrin Sackett's embittered wife Laura inveigles her brother-in-law Tell to
journey into the Sierra Madres by claiming her son was kidnapped by the
Apaches. Some violence and some strong language. 1969.
Soul Circus
RC 55736
by George P. Pelecanos
read by Chuck Young
2 cassettes
Washington, D.C., private investigator Derek Strange tries to save a drug
dealer from the death penalty. With partner Terry Quinn he ends up endangering
the life of a young mother. Violence, strong language, and some explicit
descriptions of sex. Bestseller 2003.
All He Ever Wanted
RC 55765
by Anita Shreve
read by Dennis Boutsikaris
2 cassettes
New England, early twentieth century. Professor Nicholas Van Tassel first meets
Etna Bliss when they escape from a hotel fire. He is immediately drawn to her,
and they eventually marry, although she admits she does not really love him.
Nicholas's obsessive, one-sided love eventually destroys their family. 2003.
The Jazz Bird
RC 55791
by Craig Holden
read by Ray Hagen
2 cassettes
October, 1927. When Cincinnati bootlegger and lawyer George Remus turns himself
in after killing his society wife, the question is not whether he did it, but
why? Prosecuting attorney Charlie Taft investigates a tale of murder, lust, and
betrayal. Based on a true story. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some
violence. 2002.
My Heartbeat
RC 55794
by Garret Freymann-Weyr
read by Mimi Bederman
1 cassette
Ellen has a crush on James, her older brother Link's best friend. She wonders
if Link and James have a sexual relationship and is not sure where she fits
into her friendship with James--until the day James kisses her. Some
descriptions of sex. For senior high readers. Printz Honor Book. 2002.
The Cleric Quintet: Canticle, In Sylvan Shadows, Night Masks, The Fallen Fortress, The Chaos Curse RC 55855
by R.A. Salvatore
read by Erik Sandvold
10 cassettes in 2 containers
Collection of five tales. In the land of Faerûn, a malevolent, consuming
essence has been uncorked. The cleric Cadderly must put aside his studies at
the Edificant Library to battle the evil. This heroic quest tests his powerful
priestly magic as well as the character and courage of his companions. Some
violence. 1999.
Must Love Dogs
RC 56004
by Claire Cook
read by Cyn Delafield
2 cassettes
At the urging of her large family, forty-year-old divorced preschool teacher
Sarah Hurlihy turns to the personal ads to find a date. When the first guy
turns out to be her own father, she figures things can only get worse, until
she borrows her brother's dog as bait. Some strong language. 2002.
Drum's Ring
RC 56008
by Richard S. Wheeler
read by Mimi Bederman
2 cassettes
Widow Angie Drum runs a one-woman newspaper in Opportunity, Kansas, where her
son, Martin, is the mayor. Tracking a story of an unlikely suicide, Angie
discovers the city leader is corrupt. She wrestles with her conscience over
whether to expose her son and his cronies. Some strong language. 2001.
Red Thunder
RC 56119
by John Varley
read by Robert Sams
3 cassettes
To keep China from beating America to Mars, an ex-astronaut, his brilliant
unconventional cousin, and four young Floridians build their own spaceship--Red
Thunder--to get there first. Their journey becomes a rescue mission for
U.S. spacecraft Ares Seven, marooned in space. Some descriptions of
sex. 2003.
Late for the Wedding
RC 56251
by Amanda Quick
read by Gabriella Cavallero
2 cassettes
Regency England. London private detectives Tobias March and Lavinia Lake accept
an invitation to a country house party hoping to spend romantic time together.
Instead they investigate a murder resembling earlier killings-for-hire and
uncover other suspicious deaths, all apparently linked by someone's desire to
prevent marriages. Some descriptions of sex. 2003.
Moon Medicine
RC 56340
by Mike Blakely
read by Chuck Benson
3 cassettes
In 1927, ninety-nine-year-old Honoré Greenwood, aka Moon Medicine, relates his
rollicking adventures accompanying the rise and fall of Fort Adobe in Texas. He
recalls his loves, and also tells of trading with the Comanche, fighting
battles, and ransoming children from captivity. Some descriptions of sex and some
violence. 2001.
Ranger's Trail
RC 56377
by Elmer Kelton
read by Ted Stoddard
2 cassettes
1874. Former Texas Ranger Rusty Shannon is set to marry Josie Monahan, but in a
tragic incident, she is murdered by outlaws. Rusty is bent on revenge and searches
for Corey Bascom, the man he thinks killed Josie. Some strong language. 2002.
Beyond Suspicion
RC 56556
by James Grippando
read by Ray Foushee
2 cassettes
Attorney Jack Swyteck--last seen in The Pardon (RC 41625)--is scammed
by a former lover into taking and winning an insurance case that the Russian
Mafia is involved in. When she ends up dead in his bathtub, Jack is framed for
her murder. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2002.
Sorority Sisters
RC 56618
by Tajuana "TJ" Butler
read by Nanette Savard
2 cassettes
Five sophisticated African American college coeds struggle with relationships,
campus life, and the rigors of rushing a prestigious sorority. Cajen,
Stephanie, Malena, Tiara, and Chancey search for sisterhood and find lasting
friendship during the pledge process. Companion to Hand-Me-Down Heartache
(RC 56619). Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. 1998.
Hand-Me-Down Heartache
RC 56619
by Tajuana "TJ" Butler
read by Nanette Savard
2 cassettes
After college graduation, Nina Lander leaves her friends from Sorority
Sisters (RC 56618) and returns to Atlanta to pursue a sports reporting
career. She begins a relationship with an abusive basketball player but also
dates a budding rap artist. She must choose between them. Some explicit
descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2001.
Eyes of the Calculor
RC 56636
by Sean McMullen
read by Ray Childs
5 cassettes
Australica, A.D. 3961. The Call ceases, the orbiting Mirrorsun fails, and
electronics self-destruct. To save Australica, misguided Dragon Librarians
begin rebuilding the human-powered Calculor computer. But when North American
Princess Samondel is shot down, she disguises herself as a student to save
humanity. Some descriptions of sex and some violence. 2001.
A Man Most Worthy
RC 56640
by Marcus Major
read by Constance Crawford
2 cassettes
John Sebastian is a successful thirty-six-year-old African American businessman
who has everything--money, cars, a trophy girlfriend--but is still unsatisfied.
Business brings him back to his hometown and to Josephine, an old flame and the
love of his life. Unfortunately, she's married. Strong language and some
explicit descriptions of sex. 2003.
Moon over Manhattan:
Mystery and Mayhem RC 56644
by Larry King and Thomas H. Cook
read by Ray Childs
2 cassettes
Wealthy teenager Allison Vandameer, daughter of a liberal television
commentator in New York City, plots a fake elopement to blackmail dad into
letting her attend film school. The plan goes awry when her dim-witted
boyfriend, Goonie, gets confused. Further schemes involve Goonie, a doorman, a
reporter, and other hustlers. Some strong language. 2003.
The Enemy Has a Face
RC 56652
by Gloria D. Miklowitz
read by Anne Hancock
1 cassette
Middle schooler Netta Hofman and her family have temporarily moved to Los
Angeles from Israel when her seventeen-year-old brother disappears. Netta
becomes convinced that Arab terrorists are involved, even as she befriends a
Palestinian boy at school. For junior and senior high readers. 2003.
Avenger: Star Trek;
Odyssey, Book 3 RC 56719
by William Shatner
read by Bob Askey
2 cassettes
A virus lethal to plant life threatens to starve the Federation. Picard and his
crew oversee a quarantine, and Kirk--believed dead--suspects the plague may be
artificial. Meanwhile, Spock, seeking the truth behind his father Sarek's
death, takes a journey that will reunite him with a long-lost friend. Sequel to
The Return (RC 56702). 1997.
This Side of Paradise
RC 56720
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
read by Gordon Gould
2 cassettes (Reissue)
The author's first novel, published in 1920, is a semiautobiographical piece
about a self-indulgent young man and his superficial life. At Princeton
University prior to World War I, midwesterner Amory Blaine experiences fleeting
relationships and is later unprepared for the real world. 1920.
False Claims at the
Little Stephen Mine RC 56743
by Stephen Bly
read by Jack Fox
1 cassette
Gunmen fire at Stuart Brannon and Englishman Edwin Fletcher while they are
expecting their tardy partner Everett Davis, who's been filing claim on the
gold mine they've discovered. Now Brannon learns first-hand about the greed and
violence that accompanies gold prospecting. 1992.
Paradise Alley: City of
Fire Trilogy, Book 2 RC 56752
by Kevin Baker
read by Richard Hauenstein
5 cassettes
In the waterfront slums of New York City in 1863, three working-class women
wait out riots against a military draft decree. Recreates the Irish experience
and racial tensions of Civil War-era New York. Sequel to Dreamland (RC
50727). Violence, strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex.
2002.
The Rock Rats: Asteroid
Wars, Book 2 RC 56767
by Ben Bova
read by Jack Fox
2 cassettes
Battle for corporate control of the asteroid belt rages on as Astro
Manufacturing competes against seditious rival Humphries Space Systems. Murder
and sabotage prevail as the conniving Humphries seeks to recover a lost and
reluctant love. Sequel to The Precipice (RC 56733). Some descriptions
of sex, some violence, and some strong language. 2002.
A Body to Die For
RC 56769
by Kate White
read by Madelyn Buzzard
2 cassettes
After solving the murder of her employer's nanny in If Looks Could Kill (RC
54169), Bailey Weggins is relaxing at the Cedar Inn. There she discovers a
body in the spa, is attracted to the investigating detective, and becomes the
killer's next target. Some violence and some strong language. 2003.
Gone Too Far
RC 56772
retold by Suzanne Brockmann
read by Barbara Pinolini
4 cassettes
When Navy SEAL Sam Starrett arrives at his wife's Florida home to finalize
their divorce, he finds a woman murdered and his infant daughter missing. FBI
agent Alyssa Locke--Sam's former lover--heads an investigation possibly linked
to the terrorist plot in Into the Night (RC 55522). Strong language
and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller 2003.
Not Guilty
RC 56778
by Patricia MacDonald
read by Margaret Strom
3 cassettes
Keely Weaver is shocked when her second husband drowns in their pool. She is
stunned when her teenage son, Dylan, is accused of his stepfather's murder and
also that of his father years ago. Keely uses all her resources to find the
real killer. Some violence and some strong language. 2002.
Drum
RC 56779
by Kyle Onstott
read by Robert Sams
4 cassettes (Reissue)
Author of Mandingo (RC 49298) portrays the hardships of three
generations of African slaves. The saga begins when Tamboura is given to
traders by his brother and taken to Cuba. His son and grandson are raised in
New Orleans. Violence, strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex.
1962.
Shards of Empire
RC 56782
by Susan Shwartz
read by Corrie James
4 cassettes
Tenth-century Byzantium. Leo Ducas, a young aristocratic soldier in the service
of the emperor and Christ, is betrayed in battle by his own kinsmen. Seeking
solace, he travels the length of the empire, eventually meeting Asherah, a
Jewess who may hold the key to uniting the people of Asia Minor. Some violence.
1996.
The Gang That Couldn't
Shoot Straight RC 56786
by Jimmy Breslin
read by Robert Sams
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Satirical tale of a Brooklyn Mafia family's turf wars. Boss Anthony
"Baccala" Pastrumo Sr. organizes a bike race to give restless gangster
Kid Sally Palumbo a chance to make some real money, but the scheme veers wildly
out of control. Some strong language. 1969.
Blood of Victory
RC 56799
by Alan Furst
read by Rick Rohan
2 cassettes
In 1940 Russian émigré writer I.A. Serebin, trapped in Paris in his fifth war,
spies for the Allies with his lover Marie-Galante Labonniere, a diplomat's
wife. Serebin travels throughout the Balkans trying to prevent Romanian oil
from reaching Germany by barge. Violence and strong language. 2002.
One Man's Bible
RC 56800
by Gao Xingjian
read by Robert Sams
3 cassettes
Nobel Prize-winning expatriate's fictionalized autobiographical account of life
during China's Cultural Revolution. A dissident artist and intellectual revisits
memories of labor-reform school, several love affairs, and the political
turmoil of Mao's brutal Communist regime. Some explicit descriptions of sex,
some violence, and some strong language. 1999.
The Feast of the Goat
RC 56801
by Mario Vargas Llosa
read by Annie Wauters
4 cassettes
Urania Cabral, returning to the Dominican Republic where her father is
terminally ill, recalls her youth during the brutal dictatorship of Rafael
Trujillo. Called "the Goat" for his depravity with women, Trujillo
was the reason for her forty-year estrangement from her father. Strong language
and some violence. 2000.
Leaving Missouri
RC 56825
by Ellen Recknor
read by Michele Schaeffer
2 cassettes
Missouri, late nineteenth century. The Jukeses are the lowest of the
low--inbred and infamous--and Clutie Mae knows she is meant for something
better than life on the family farm. After being forced to marry her cousin,
she fights her way to a new life. Violence, some descriptions of sex, and some
strong language. 1997.
Remember Me
RC 56835
by Laura Hendrie
read by Annie Wauters
3 cassettes
Like most people in Queduro, New Mexico, twenty-nine-year-old Rose Devonic
makes a living selling embroidery to tourists. She is an outcast, however,
accepted only by her elderly landlord, and when he has a stroke, she is forced
to face her tragic past. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language.
1999.
In Her Shoes
RC 56836
by Jennifer Weiner
read by Margaret Strom
3 cassettes
Estranged sisters Maggie, who is dyslexic, and Rose Feller, an attorney, were
left motherless as children and haven't seen their maternal grandmother, Ella
Hirsch, in twenty years. Widowed Ella searches for her granddaughters, and the
three attempt to become a family again. Some descriptions of sex and some
strong language. 2002.
The Son of Tarzan
RC 56843
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
read by L.J. Ganser
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Tarzan's son is lured away from London by his father's archenemy, but manages to
escape to the savage African jungles. He comes to be known as Korak the Killer,
a fighter almost as mighty as his father. Sequel to The Beasts of Tarzan
(RC 56842). Some violence. 1917.
Tarzan the Untamed
RC 56846
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
read by L.J. Ganser
2 cassettes
Following the short story collection Jungle Tales of Tarzan (RC 56845),
Tarzan's tale continues as he returns to his jungle home during World War I to
find his farm in shambles and his wife dead. Swearing vengeance, he sets out to
track down those responsible. Some violence. 1920.
Tarzan the Terrible
RC 56847
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
read by L.J. Ganser
2 cassettes
In this sequel to Tarzan the Untamed (RC 56846), Tarzan learns that
Jane is alive and being held captive by the Germans. He searches for months and
almost gives up hope until he stumbles upon an unexplored region of the jungle.
Some violence. 1921.
Maneater
RC 56849
by Gigi Levangie Grazer
read by Erin Jones
2 cassettes
Clarissa Alpert is a well-connected Hollywood woman-about-town who claims to be
twenty-eight and has marriage on her agenda. Aaron Mason, a fabulously wealthy
bachelor and would-be producer recently arrived from Georgia, is her willing
groom. But Clarissa's husband is not the real Aaron Mason. Strong language and
some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller 2003.
Blindside: An FBI
Thriller RC 56851
by Catherine Coulter
read by Roy Avers
2 cassettes
Married FBI agents Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich are searching for the
serial murderer of math teachers. Meanwhile six-year-old Sam Kettering, son of
retired agent Miles, is kidnapped but manages to escape and seeks help from
Tennessee sheriff Katie Benedict. Strong language and some violence. Bestseller
2003.
The Bridal Season
RC 56853
by Connie Brockway
read by Erin Jones
2 cassettes
Victorian England. Runaway music hall performer Letty Potts finds a train
ticket and travels to Little Bidewell, Northumberland. She is mistaken for
wedding planner Lady Agatha Whyte, and manages to orchestrate a high society
nuptial. Sir Elliot March, despite his suspicions, falls in love with Letty.
Prequel to Bridal Favors (RC 56854). Explicit descriptions of sex.
2001.
Bridal Favors
RC 56854
by Connie Brockway
read by Erin Jones
2 cassettes
England, 1895. Twenty-five-year-old Evelyn Whyte has taken over Aunt Agatha's
wedding planning business. She borrows a country estate for from Justin Powell
a nuptial. Justin, however, is a spy who falls in love with Evelyn, placing her
in danger. Sequel to Bridal Season (RC 56853). Explicit descriptions
of sex. 2002.
Blowing Smoke
RC 56858
by Barbara Block
read by Madelyn Buzzard
2 cassettes
Syracuse pet store owner and sleuth Robin Light is hired by the children of
wealthy Rose Taylor to investigate pet psychic Pat Humphrey, who is supposedly
conning their mother. Robin is on the case when Pat disappears and Rose's nurse
is murdered. Strong language and some violence. 2001.
To Sir Phillip, with Love
RC 56868
by Julia Quinn
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
Gloucestershire, 1820s. A series of letters between Eloise Bridgerton and Sir
Phillip Crane, begun when she sent condolences after his wife's death, leads
Phillip to invite Eloise to visit his estate--to determine their suitability
for marriage. But is a spirited London lady prepared for country life and a
ready-made family? Some descriptions of sex. 2003.
The Killing Hour
RC 56869
by Lisa Gardner
read by Madelyn Buzzard
3 cassettes
New FBI agent Kimberly Quincy, daughter of former agent Pierce in The Next
Accident (RC 54334), finds a woman's body on the grounds of the Quantico,
Virginia, FBI training facility. The "Eco-Killer" from Georgia has
struck after five-year dormancy, and Special Agent Mac McCormack arrives to
help. Violence and strong language. 2003.
The War of the Flowers
RC 56871
by Tad Williams
read by Gary Tipton
5 cassettes
Theo Vilmos is a rock musician whose world is crashing down around him. His
girlfriend had a miscarriage and left him, his mother died, and he is having
nightmares. When he discovers a book written by a long-dead uncle, Theo's
nightmares become real--he is transported to the land of Faerie. Strong
language. 2003.
The Teeth of the Tiger
RC 56873
by Tom Clancy
read by David Hartley-Margolin
3 cassettes
President Jack Ryan's son, Jack Jr., and Jack Jr.'s cousins Dominic, an FBI
agent, and Brian, a marine, join a secret vigilante group that fights terrorism
by any means. Together they thwart Islamic and Columbian terrorists aiming to
kill innocent Americans at home. Violence and strong language. Bestseller 2003.
The Sinner
RC 56875
by Tess Gerritsen
read by Chuck Benson
2 cassettes
Boston police detective Jane Rizzoli from The Apprentice (RC 54928)
and medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles--both lapsed Catholics--gather evidence
after two nuns are murdered in a convent. Meanwhile, Maura's ex-husband shows
up, Jane learns that she's pregnant, and another woman is found dead. Violence,
strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller 2003.
Tom Clancy's Op-Center:
Sea of Fire RC 56878
by Jeff Rovin
read by Jim Zeiger
3 cassettes
When a half-dead Singapore pirate bearing traces of radiation is found floating
in the western Pacific, investigating Australian officials seek assistance from
Op-Center. Discovery of an empty concrete block at a nuclear waste disposal
site indicates illegal trafficking of the dangerous materials. Some violence.
Bestseller 2003.
Ilium
RC 56883
by Dan Simmons
read by Fred Major
5 cassettes
Twentieth-century professor Thomas Hockenberry has been resurrected by the gods
of Mars's Olympos Mons and forced to observe the Trojan War. Aphrodite then
assigns him another task--to spy on the other gods and kill her rival, Athena.
Violence, some descriptions of sex, and some strong language. 2003.
The Center of Everything
RC 56884
by Laura Moriarty
read by Margaret Strom
3 cassettes
Young Evelyn Bucknow lives in a small Kansas town with her immature single
mother, Tina. When Evelyn is ten, Tina's affair with her married boss
dissolves, leaving her financially and emotionally devastated--and pregnant.
Evelyn initially tries to distance herself but learns during high school that
people aren't all good or bad. Some strong language. 2003.
Inflating a Dog: The
Story of Ella's Lunch Launch RC 56887
by Eric Kraft
read by Michael Scherer
2 cassettes
Peter Leroy recalls an entrepreneurial adventure of his mother: her summer
purchase of a clam boat to sell refreshments along the bay. Arcinella,
however, is slowly sinking despite the secret efforts of thirteen-year-old
Peter and his sweetheart, Patti, to keep the boat and his mother's dreams
afloat. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2002.
Bleachers
RC 56894
by John Grisham
read by Nick Sullivan
1 cassette
After fifteen years former high school quarterback Neely Crenshaw returns to
his hometown, where he learns that legendary football coach Eddie Rake lies
dying. With other Spartans he reminisces about the "glory days" of
their youth while contemplating his own lost potential. Some strong language.
Bestseller 2003.
Fatal Tide
RC 56902
by Iris Johansen
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
After the apparent death of her foster father, dolphin researcher Melis Nemid
continues his search for a legendary underwater city believed to harbor
powerful technological secrets. Assisting her is ex-Navy SEAL Jed Kelby, who
finds the opportunity--and Melis--irresistible. So does a killer. Some
descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. 2003.
Last Car to Elysian
Fields RC 56931
by James Lee Burke
read by Bruce Huntey
2 cassettes
One seemingly unrelated crime leads to another for New Iberia, Louisiana,
homicide detective Dave Robicheaux. A Catholic priest is beaten, an
alcohol-related car accident kills three teenage girls, and a man is murdered.
Robicheaux investigates a New Orleans porn operation, a fugitive, and a
long-missing blues guitarist. Violence and strong language. Bestseller 2003.
The Namesake
RC 56937
by Jhumpa Lahiri
read by Yolande Bavan
3 cassettes
Thirty years in the life of Gogol Ganguli, born to Calcutta immigrants shortly
after their 1960s arrival in Boston. Gogol's name is a constant burden to him,
so he legally changes it to Nikhil. Yet as a first-generation American
stumbling along the path to maturity, he remains defined by the name Gogol.
Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. Bestseller 2003.
Sunday Jews
RC 56942
by Hortense Calisher
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
5 cassettes
Though Jewish Zipporah "Zoe" Zangwill is married to a Catholic,
Charles Duffy, the New York City family considers itself culturally Jewish. The
five children share in each other's lives through adulthood. Zoe, meanwhile,
cherishes the potential future of her favorite grandson, Bert--who becomes a
rabbi. 2002.
Pen Pals
RC 56943
by Olivia Goldsmith
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
3 cassettes
Wall Street hot shot Jennifer Spencer agrees to take the fall for her boss's
insider trading until she is imprisoned in a harsh female correctional
facility. Vowing revenge, she enlists the help of her former company's
accountant and some fellow inmates, all the while learning about injustice and
suffering. Strong language. 2002.
Goldfinger: A James Bond
Novel RC 56944
by Ian Fleming
read by Jim Zeiger
2 cassettes (Reissue)
British secret service agent James Bond is pitted against Auric Goldfinger--one
of the world's richest men, who is obsessed with gold. Bond infiltrates
Goldfinger's organization and foils a plan to rob Fort Knox. Some violence and
some strong language. 1959.
The Count of Monte Cristo
RC 56946
by Alexandre Dumas
read by Robert Blumenfeld
8 cassettes in 2 containers (Reissue)
Young sailor Edmond Dantès, unjustly accused of helping the exiled Napoleon in
1815, escapes from jail after fourteen years to take revenge on the four men
who caused his imprisonment. Now wealthy after recovering a buried treasure,
Dantès assumes a new identity and plots the ruin of his accusers. 1845.
The Final Country
RC 56947
by James Crumley
read by Jim Zeiger
2 cassettes
Milo Milodragovitch, hard-living Texas private eye, gets tangled up with an
ex-con who has just committed murder. Milo's burden becomes heavier when his
newest client becomes his latest conquest. Strong language, some descriptions
of sex, and some violence. 2001.
The Far Tribes: Skye's
West RC 56988
by Richard S. Wheeler
read by David Hartley-Margolin
3 cassettes
Elkanah Morse came west with his wife and daughter to study the ways of the far
tribes. But only one man is capable of guiding them safely along this dangerous
journey and making sure they return alive--the legendary Barnaby Skye. Violence
and some descriptions of sex. 1990.
Bitterroot: Skye's West
RC 56989
by Richard S. Wheeler
read by David Hartley-Margolin
3 cassettes
In 1853, eager to earn good money, Barnaby Skye agrees--against his better
judgment--to guide a pacifist Quaker family into hostile Blackfeet territory.
The challenge proves greater than anticipated. Some strong language. 1991.
Light on Lucrezia
RC 56990
by Jean Plaidy
read by Gabriella Cavallero
3 cassettes
In this sequel to Madonna of the Seven Hills (RC 55369), Lucrezia
Borgia, the illegitimate, divorced daughter of Pope Alexander VI, and a member
of one of medieval Italy's most powerful and ruthless families, is used as a
pawn in a political struggle for power. 1958.
The Paris Option
RC 56991
by Robert Ludlum and Gayle Lynds
read by Bob Askey
3 cassettes
After Dr. Émile Chambord is killed by an explosion at the famed Pasteur
Institute in Paris, his research on creating a DNA computer is missing--either
destroyed or stolen. Covert-One agent Jon Smith goes to France to make sure the
technology hasn't fallen into enemy hands. Some violence. 2002.
And Justice There Is None
RC 56992
by Deborah Crombie
read by Barbara Caruso
3 cassettes
When antiques dealer Dawn Arrowood is murdered in Notting Hill, both her
husband and her lover become suspects. Inspector Duncan Kincaid and his
pregnant mistress, Gemma James--last seen in A Finer End (RC 55014)--investigate
a prior death, suspecting that a serial killer is targeting