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Home > Talking Book Topics > January and February 2008
The following information is reprinted from two issues of NLS Flash, a newsletter created to bring current information on NLS progress in digital technology to patrons, library staff, and other interested individuals.
Step by step, each piece of the digital system is coming to fruition for patrons. One area of major progress is the cartridge, which will house the digital book. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, has finalized the cartridge design and is currently preparing to contract for production. To some, designing a cartridge is a seemingly mundane manufacturing process. But designing a cartridge for blind and physically handicapped patrons is no easy task, as it requires truly unique design and testing methods. In fact, products for NLS patrons typically undergo more rigorous usability testing than most commercial consumer products.
Cartridge production is a multiphase process. Developers approach each stage of production with a strong dedication to meeting patron’s needs for the cartridge. The first step is to finalize its interior design. While the cartridge’s functional requirements have been determined, some internal components—such as circuitry and software—will be defined by the manufacturer. Once the internal components are designed, the manufacturer will build cartridge prototypes. The prototypes will then undergo testing to ensure they meet NLS specifications and that they function properly. Next the manufacturer will develop production line tooling—the metal mold that plastic is poured into to form the cartridge’s casing.
Before full production begins, the manufacturer will conduct verification tests on prototypes. These tests will evaluate whether the cartridge meets requirements for mechanical tolerance, electrical specifications, and the Federal Communication Commission’s requirements for electromagnetic compatibility. These evaluations ensure that each aspect of the device performs optimally for patrons that will use it. Testing will also assess whether books can be recorded to the cartridge at a predetermined speed, which will be evaluated again while titles are actually duplicated onto cartridges. This helps assure that the books read properly. Additionally the cartridge must be able to rerecord a minimum number of times and meet durability requirements, which specify the number of times it should withstand insertion into the player. These steps will help ensure that the cartridge meets patrons’ needs.
Full production of the cartridge is slated to begin in the spring of 2008. NLS anticipates producing 17,500 cartridges in the initial run and between one to two million cartridges each year into the future. Libraries within the NLS network, as well as other organizations, will be able to buy blank cartridges to record local or specialty books for their readers. Blank cartridges will be available once full production starts.
A lot of care went into designing a cartridge that would be fully accessible to patrons. The cartridge was designed to be easily inserted into the player, especially for readers with reduced dexterity. It has beveled edges as well as a large finger hole in the corner which will make it easier to grip and load into the player. Its wedge design allows it to be inserted into the player in only one direction. It was also important to NLS that all users found the cartridge’s label readable. For that reason, the label includes both braille and large-print characters.
The cartridge has many other benefits that will enhance patrons’ reading experience. It will deliver crisper, clearer audio quality. One cartridge will hold most titles, which adds extra convenience to the reading experience. The cartridge also plays through on one side; there’s no need to flip the cartridge like one would with a cassette tape. Readers will also enjoy the cartridge’s improved navigation features. Once inserted into an advanced player, the cartridge has markers that will track exactly where patrons are in the book, allowing the patron to pick up right where he or she left off.
The cartridge’s compact design also offers users greater portability. Unlike bulky cassettes, the cartridge is about the size of a credit card. The device will also be more reliable, since it has no moving parts to risk breaking and repairing. Unlike cassettes, it also has no tapes to tangle.
Patrons will find the cartridge to be extremely durable. To ensure the cartridges hold up to patron use and transit, they were subjected to intense durability testing. Cartridges were exposed to extreme temperatures to confirm they would not melt, freeze, crack, or become unusable. They were also dropped from varying heights onto different surfaces to verify they would not break, chip, or scratch.
The cartridge will also serve patrons longer. Since flash memory is rewritable, the cartridge can be reused many times to load new books onto it. This capability makes it very cost efficient for libraries as well.
Patrons will enjoy the flexibility the digital book has to offer. Using a USB flash drive, users will be able to download books onto their personal computers. They can essentially build a library of their favorite titles.
All of the digital system’s features will empower patrons and take their reading experience to the next level. Patrons will ultimately get more out of the talking-book program than ever before.
The journey to produce a cartridge beneficial to all users was a long one, but essential in delivering an optimal result. Considerable time was spent to systematically design, develop, and test all the cartridge’s features. The process started with a series of user-needs tests to reveal the qualities and features patrons desired most in a digital talking-book medium. User-needs tests were followed by a series of usability tests to refine cartridge models and prototypes and to test the functionality of the device. Most notably, the preliminary design review conducted in June 2006 tested the cartridge’s usability, portability, and durability. The design review team examined the ease of handling and inserting the cartridge. It also reviewed the adequacy of its large-print and braille labeling.
The next stage in the development process was to produce functional prototypes. These also went through usability testing in September 2006. Patrons validated the cartridge’s design through numerous tests under real-world reading scenarios in homes, libraries, and retirement centers. Further usability testing was conducted in February 2007. This past spring, the cartridge’s technical specifications were finalized during engineering design review and critical design review.
While the digital transition has been a lengthy process, patrons can be sure that the product will be worth the wait.
The digital download project, launched in October 2006, has evolved well beyond the hopes of its architects. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, recently expanded the download project’s scope, allowing more patrons to participate in downloading and reading digital talking books and offering those patrons improved services. The project has also shifted its focus from testing the usability of digital audiobooks to now concentrating on optimizing the functionality of the download web site. As the download project improves, so too will the capabilities offered by the download project when it officially launches in late 2008.
This effort is the second stage in a three-phase process to implement a digital system. The first stage involves replicating the current program with mail order digital books. This is followed by finalizing the digital download project, which is a new feature of the NLS program. The third stage is focused on duplication-on-demand, whereby digital titles are produced when requested by users. Cartridges are recycled during this process, making it a very cost efficient mode.
"More patrons now have a voice in shaping the digital download program. We will utilize patron comments and the lessons learned during this experimental effort to build a robust download program," said NLS research and development officer Neil Bernstein.
Patron comments are essential to improving the download program, which is why NLS recently relaxed the pilot’s enrollment requirements. To date six hundred patrons participate. Patrons enrolling in the program must be active readers in good standing, have access to a commercially available digital player compatible with NLS materials, have an e-mail address, and have access to a high-speed Internet connection.
Interested eligible patrons must fill out an online application at www.nlstalkingbooks.org/dtb. Once NLS confirms their eligibility, patrons may set up a username and password and learn how to download digital books. The player’s manufacturer will also be notified to provide the patrons with the authorization key to activate their players. When these steps are completed, patrons will be able to download a title from NLS’s download site to their computers, and from their computers to commercial flash cards, which can then be inserted into the players for reading.
The download program offers patrons instant access to more titles than ever before. The download collection has grown to more than seven thousand books and thirteen magazines and includes children’s titles and Spanish-language books. NLS recently added books converted from analog tape masters, whereas before the site only featured materials originally recorded in digital format. Larger books are also offered.
On August 31, NLS revamped the existing download web site. The robust new venue offers patrons more features to improve their digital download experience. Users can set their preferences, such as e-mail addresses or passwords, password recovery features, and the number of search results displayed. An intelligent web site, it automatically recognizes newly posted materials and makes these available to patrons. It also offers technical support.
The web site embodies various administrative functions used by NLS staff who manage the project. These functions are not accessible to patrons. For example, the web site will generate and e-mail circulation statistics to libraries on a monthly basis. The statistics, specific to each library, will include the monthly total of patrons who are using the download program as well as a breakdown of the numbers of downloaded books and magazines. Libraries may also access download circulation figures.
The site shares information among libraries, NLS, and third-party hardware
vendors.
NLS employees, with the help of this interactive web site, process applications,
send authorization e-mails to new enrollees, and notify the network when they
are approved to participate. NLS also notifies the digital player distributor
to activate the patron’s player.
While the web site has improved, it is still a work in progress. It will be enhanced continually until the final web site is launched in late 2008. Patron input is crucial at this stage. The first improvement will be to add page numbers to each page of search listings. Rather than listing search results in one continuous page, patrons will jump from page to page. Users will also have the option of receiving automatic daily or weekly notifications of new titles added to the site. Eventually the site will offer access to all NLS digital resources, such as Web-Braille.
Participant input on the digital download project is overwhelmingly positive. Though patrons are no longer required to complete a survey for each title they read, they continue to be very vocal on the web site’s message board and in e-mails to NLS. Because the digital project is no longer focused on evaluating the usability of digital books and players, input now relates to the operation and content of the download web site.
Patrons praise both the download concept as well as its web site. They enjoy the instant access to titles, and find downloading titles more convenient than mail order. The scope and range of choice is also significant: one participant remarked, "I feel as though I am in a library for the first time in my life."
Other participants praised the detail and care that went into developing an accessible web site: "My compliments to all of you involved in this project. The site is well organized and easy to use. Obviously thought has been given to the bandwidth required for a site of this nature. This project will be a great boon to many of us."
Patrons also value the sense of independence and connection afforded by downloadable reading. One participant considers the downloadable book to be "a revolutionary opportunity… to those of us wanting to be current on the news, needing the same extensive level of information to live life independently and successfully as sighted folks do."
According to Bernstein, one of the greatest benefits of the talking-book program, and especially the download initiative, is empowerment. "That’s what we do at NLS, we promote patrons’ ability to serve themselves," said Bernstein.
For information on the NLS digital project contact:
Jean M. MossTo view the Strategic Business Plan on the Web visit: www.loc.gov/nls/businessplan2006.html
The members of the Collection Development Advisory Group wish to thank fellow patrons and librarians for their input concerning the NLS program. Ideas and suggestions from readers are key components in the success of the program and are thoroughly discussed in the committee’s deliberations.
Please continue to assist us by contacting committee members or your cooperating braille or talking-book library with your suggestions. The group will meet again at NLS on May 21–23, 2008.
Two NLS programs offer readers samples of magazines not otherwise available through network libraries. Subscribers to Magazine of the Month and Young Adult Magazine of the Month receive a different magazine on audiocassette each month. For a free subscription to either program, contact your cooperating talking-book library. Subscribers may expect to receive some of the following:
Backwoodsman, Blue & Gray Magazine: For Those Who Still Hear the Guns, Body & Soul, Dirty Linen, Dissent, Essence, Harper’s, Naval History, Runner’s World, Skeptical Inquirer: The Magazine for Science and Reason, Smart Money, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review.
American Songwriter, Cosmo Girl, E: The Environmental Magazine, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Grit: American Life and Traditions, Gumbo: A Magazine of the Arts, Horse & Rider, Latina Style: A National Magazine for the Contemporary Hispanic Woman, Motor Trend, Predator Xtreme, Teen Ink, Vibe
Reflections: The Life and Writings of a Young Blind Woman
in Post-Revolutionary France RC 57874
by Thérèse-Adèle Husson
read by Miriam Wagner
1 cassette
Essay written in 1825 by twenty-two-year-old woman hoping to gain admittance
to a Paris hospital that provided aid to blind people. Addressed to the institution’s
director, Husson’s personal account affords insight into blind people’s
lives and reveals growing solidarity in their advocacy for education and independence.
2001.
Playback: From the Victrola to MP3, One Hundred Years
of Music, Machines, and Money RC 58582
by Mark Coleman
read by Eric Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
New York City journalist examines the recording industry from the start in
the 1900s to 2004. Describes its growth, personalities, and intrigues as it
evolved from Edison’s cylinder to twenty-first-century technology and
musical format. Explores the quagmire of computer-based advancements that have
prompted numerous legal battles. 2003.
The Power of a Positive Teen RC
60940
by Grace Ladd, Joy Ladd, and Karol Ladd
read by Miriam Wagner
2 cassettes
A Christian mother and her two daughters turn to the Scriptures for guidance
on growing up. Focusing on principles of confidence, responsibility, relationships,
faith, attitude, courage, and integrity they demonstrate ways teens can make
positive choices in their lives. Includes Bible passages. For senior high and
older readers. 2005.
Lone Star Literature: From the Red River to the Rio Grande RC
61228
edited by Don Graham
read by L.J. Ganser
5 cassettes
Anthology of short pieces representing the diversity, scope, and complexity
of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Texas. Includes over sixty essays, stories,
excerpts, and memoirs by writers such as Elmer Kelton, Molly Ivins, and O.
Henry. Foreword by Lonesome Dove (RC 22959) author Larry McMurtry. Some descriptions
of sex, some violence, and some strong language. 2003.
New Orleans: The Making of an Urban Landscape RC
61426
by Peirce F. Lewis
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Study in historical geography surveys New Orleans, Louisiana, from its origins
as a 1700s European town to its evolution as a modern metropolis. Includes
both the first, 1976 edition, which discusses the city’s unique environmental
challenges, and a 2003 revision, which chronicles later transformations in
culture, architecture, and politics. 2003.
Patches of Godlight: Father Tim’s Favorite Quotes RC
61575
compiled by Jan Karon
read by Gary Tipton
1 cassette
Collection of favorite quotes and passages that have a special meaning for
fictional Father Tim. They are drawn from the works of poets, humorists, clerics,
philosophers, and others. Companion to A Continual Feast (RC 62403). 2001.
Helen Keller: Selected Writings RC
61696
edited by Kim E. Nielsen
read by Isabel Keating
3 cassettes
Collection of letters, articles, speeches, and book excerpts written throughout
Keller’s life. Arranged chronologically, the writings express Keller’s
love for the written word, explain her book writing process, and demonstrate
her interest in social, political, and theological issues. Companion to The
Radical Lives of Helen Keller (RC 57987). 2005.
The Sword of the Prophet: Islam; History, Theology, Impact
on the World RC
61980
by Serge Trifkovic
read by Ken Kliban
3 cassettes
Journalist contends Islam is not "a religion of peace" but one
of "violence and cruelty." Analyzes Islamic theology and practice
set forth by teachings of the prophet Muhammad (born circa 570) and the Koran
to demonstrate the historical roots of jihad and Islamic militancy. Foreword
by Ambassador James Bissett. 2002.
The Three-Hour Diet: How Low-Carb Diets Make You Fat
and Timing Makes You Thin RC 62004
by Jorge Cruise
read by Ralph Lowenstein
2 cassettes
Author of Eight Minutes in the Morning (RC 55750) tells how to lose up to two
pounds per week without counting calories or sacrificing carbohydrates. Explains
the theory of the body’s "starvation protection mechanism" and
ways to defeat it. Includes exercise tips, recipes, and testimonials. 2005.
Coast of Dreams: California on the Edge, 1990–2003; Americans and the
California Dream RC 62009
by Kevin Starr
read by Jeremy Gage
6 cassettes
University of Southern California professor continues his series on California’s
history, chronicling the trends of the late twentieth and early twenty-first
centuries. Discusses gangs, urban growth, budget crises, gay culture, environmental
disasters, immigration, and the dot-com phenomenon. 2004.
A Hungry Heart: A Memoir RC
62034
by Gordon Parks
read by Bill Quinn
3 cassettes
African-American artist Parks (1912–2006) continues reminiscing about
his life since Voices in the Mirror (RC 33413). Chronicles his career path
that includes work as a fashion photographer, photojournalist, author, film
director, and composer. Discusses his several marriages and numerous children.
Strong language and some violence. 2005.
The Black Veil: A Memoir with Digressions RC
62036
by Rick Moody
read by Lewis Grenville
3 cassettes
Award-winning author of Garden State (RC 38568) and Demonology (RC 52304) recalls
his descent into clinical depression. He explores his paternal heritage, seeking
genetic clues to the origins of his illness and traces of a troubled presumptive
ancestor said to have inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Minister’s
Black Veil." Some strong language. 2002.
Mirror to America: The Autobiography of John Hope Franklin RC
62047
by John Hope Franklin
read by Bill Quinn
3 cassettes
African American historian and professor (born 1915) recounts his life—his
childhood in segregated Oklahoma, education at Fisk and Harvard, numerous positions
in government service, and work in civil rights for which he was awarded the
Presidential Medal of Freedom. Some strong language. Hurston/Wright Legacy
award. 2005.
New Orleans, Mon Amour: Twenty Years of Writings from
the City RC 62097
by Andrei Codrescu
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Essays from a Romanian-born National Public Radio commentator about his adopted
city of New Orleans. Includes some pieces written after Hurricane Katrina in
2005. Describes the Big Easy and its inhabitants, food, cemeteries, eccentrics,
neighborhoods, Mardi Gras, and crime. 2006.
The Unknown American Revolution: The Unruly Birth of
Democracy and the Struggle to Create America RC
62119
by Gary B. Nash
read by Ralph Lowenstein
5 cassettes
Professor from UCLA contends that the American Revolution was actually a chaotic
civil war and portrays the conflict through the eyes of common folk—immigrants,
slaves, farmers, women, and natives. Depicts George Washington’s efforts
to defeat the British-allied Iroquois and discusses the post-war plight of
African Americans. 2005.
The Rosary: Prayer Comes Round RC
62121
by Garry Wills
read by Peter Johnson
1 cassette
The author of Why I Am a Catholic (RC 54804) traces the history of the rosary
as prayer beads and analyzes each of its elements including the four prayers
and the mysteries associated with it. Discusses the biblical scriptures behind
the rosary and the human need for contemplation. 2005.
Queen Isabella: Treachery, Adultery, and Murder in Medieval
England RC 62232
by Alison Weir
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
British historian recounts the life of Isabella of France (1292–1358),
who wed homosexual King Edward II of England when she was twelve. Chronicles
how, after bearing four children, Isabella escaped to France, became the lover
of exiled traitor Roger Mortimer, and successfully invaded England to overthrow
her husband. 2005.
Mamaji RC 62312
by Ved Mehta
read by Yolande Bavan
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Biographical portrait of the blind author’s high-caste Hindu mother and
her circle of family, friends, and neighbors. Discusses the contrast between
her background and that of the debonair, English-educated doctor she married,
who loved her while regarding her religious practices as superstitions. Companion
to Daddyji (RC 31252). 1979.
Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix RC
62315
by Charles R. Cross
read by L.J. Ganser
3 cassettes
The author uses primary sources to depict the life of guitarist Jimi Hendrix
(1942–1970). Describes his poverty-stricken childhood in Seattle, years
on the "Chitlin’ Circuit," emergence on England’s music
scene, success at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, and death at age twenty-seven.
Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 2005.
A War like No Other: How the Athenians and Spartans Fought
the Peloponnesian War RC 62318
by Victor Davis Hanson
read by George Holmes
4 cassettes
The author of Ripples of Battle (RC 58695) analyzes the twenty-seven-year-long
Greek civil war that ended with Athens’s loss to Sparta in 404 B.C. Chronicles
the conflict’s roots and its legacy, comparing it to twentieth-century
wars. Details the savage battles, plague, famine, and sieges. 2005.
Good Poems for Hard Times RC
62393
selected by Garrison Keillor
read by Michael Scherer
2 cassettes
Anthology of 185 poems by American and British poets from John Donne and William
Blake to Carl Sandburg and Charles Simic. Selected by Keillor from works he
recited on the public radio show The Writer’s Almanac. Companion to Good
Poems (RC 57059). 2005.
A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration,
Collected by Father Tim RC 62403
compiled by Jan Karon
read by Gary Tipton
1 cassette
Words of wisdom, faith, and encouragement, as well as lively ideas, humor,
commonsense advice, and more, that fictional Father Tim of Mitford has collected
over the years from writers, philosophers, and the Bible. Companion to Patches
of Godlight (RC 61575). 2005.
Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Novel RC
62472
by Jane Smiley
read by Robert Blumenfeld
5 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning author examines the nature of the novel. Probes psychological,
artistic, and moral aspects of writing, offers a novelist’s primer, and
critiques one hundred books including Anna Karenina (RC 49499), Don Quixote
(RC 57711), The Great Gatsby (RC 55714), and The Tale of Genji (RC 53582).
2005.
Blood on the Sea: American Destroyers Lost in World War
II RC 62488
by Robert Sinclair Parkin
read by Peter Ganim
4 cassettes
Descriptions of the seventy-one U.S. destroyers that were lost in World War
II with eyewitness accounts of their final hours. Relates the ships’ launchings
and namings, their tours of duty, and the causes of their destruction. 1995.
The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and
the Mississippi Gulf Coast RC 62506
by Douglas Brinkley
read by Ted Stoddard
5 cassettes
Tulane history professor details a week in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina
devastated New Orleans and the Mississippi-Alabama Gulf coast. Highlights individual
tales of heroism and rescues, describes the man-made faults that led to breached
levees, and criticizes local and federal governments for failing to protect
their citizens. Bestseller. 2006.
Mark Twain: A Life RC 62510
by Ron Powers
read by Robert Sams
7 cassettes in 2 containers
Biography of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835–1910), the writer from Missouri
whose pen name was Mark Twain. Discusses his life on the Mississippi River
during the golden age of steamboats and his newspaper career, courtship of
Olivia Langdon, financial plights, novels and letters, and tours as a literary
celebrity. 2005.
The Cold War: A New History RC
62511
by John Lewis Gaddis
read by Alexander Strain
2 cassettes
Yale historian analyzes the power struggle that occurred between the United
States and the Soviet Union from 1945 to 1991 and its effect on world events.
Uses archives from Eastern Europe, Russia, and China to describe the tension
of nuclear armament and the leaders behind the weapons. 2005.
Financial Strategies for Today’s Widow: Coping with the Economic Challenges
of Losing a Spouse RC 62516
by David W. Latko
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
Financial counselor’s guide to developing a lifelong security plan for
widowed women of all ages. Provides matter-of-fact, reassuring advice on selling
a home, establishing credit, handling taxes, choosing insurance, accessing
assets, managing day-to-day expenses, avoiding scams, and more. 2003.
The Best American Recipes 2005–2006 RC
62553
edited by Fran McCullough and Molly Stevens
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Two cookbook editors along with a celebrity chef select more than one hundred
recipes from a wide range of food writers and illustrious cooks. Choosing dishes
for being tasty, intriguing, and easy to make, they include starters, soups,
salads, brunches, main dishes, breads, desserts, and drinks. Recipes provide
test kitchen notes. 2005.
Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different RC
62558
by Gordon S. Wood
read by Robert Sams
2 cassettes
Character studies of America’s founding fathers, including Washington,
Adams, Jefferson, and Madison. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Radicalism
of the American Revolution (RC 36630) contends that a generation of that caliber
will never be replicated. Discusses the concept of "character" that
defined these men. 2006.
Beyond Cholesterol: Seven Life-Saving Heart Disease Tests
That Your Doctor May Not Give You RC 62564
by Julius Torelli
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
A cardiologist, who has had a heart attack and who runs a clinic that offers
conventional and holistic medicine, explains the condition of heart disease,
its predictors, and seven tests that reveal problems. Includes information
on medications and lifestyle changes to consider after learning test results.
2005.
ReadyMade: How to Make (Almost) Everything; a Do-It-Yourself
Primer RC 62571
by Shoshana Berger and Grace Hawthorne
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
ReadyMade magazine founders provide step-by-step instructions for more than
thirty projects using recycled wood, paper, plastic, metal, glass, and fabric.
Includes directions for a shopping bag rug, clothespin doormat, water bottle
planter, hubcap fountain, coat hanger wine rack, and more. Lists necessary
tools and estimated completion times. 2005.
Is Bill Cosby Right? Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost
Its Mind? RC 62585
by Michael Eric Dyson
read by Dan Bloom
2 cassettes
Professor rebuts Bill Cosby’s 2004 NAACP speech criticizing indigent
African Americans. Dyson discusses racism, crime, family, education, self-identity,
and other factors that may contribute to the actions of the poor and defends
the culture of the lower classes. Some strong language. 2005.
Truth and Beauty: A Friendship RC
62610
by Ann Patchett
read by Barbara Caruso
2 cassettes
Author reminisces about her long-term friendship with Lucy Grealy, whom she
met in college at Sarah Lawrence and who wrote Autobiography of a Face (RC
40052) describing her battle with facial cancer. Patchett describes their relationship
until Grealy’s 2002 death from a heroin overdose. 2004.
The Woman at the Washington Zoo: Writings on Politics,
Family, and Fate RC
62649
by Marjorie Williams
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
3 cassettes
Posthumous essays from the Washington Post and Vanity Fair columnist Marjorie
Williams (1958–2005). Contains observations of the powerful social and
political movers and shakers of Washington, D.C. Includes a memoir of her cancer
diagnosis. Introduction by her husband Timothy Noah. 2005.
President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination RC
62702
by Richard Reeves
read by Mark Ashby
4 cassettes
The author of President Nixon (RC 55252) and President Kennedy (RC 37423) uses
archives and anecdotes to portray Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Covers
the 1981 assassination attempt on Reagan’s life and his meeting with
Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985. Discusses Reagan’s management style and achievements,
highlighting his determination and negotiation skills. 2005.
The One Percent Doctrine: Deep inside America’s Pursuit of Its Enemies
since 9/11 RC 62715
by Ron Suskind
read by Ralph Lowenstein
3 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The Price of Loyalty (RC 57591)
interviews former officials to describe U.S. counterterrorism efforts at the
CIA, FBI, and NSA. Criticizes the George W. Bush administration’s policy
of treating even the smallest threat as a reason for attack. Bestseller. 2006.
Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters
and Sons RC 62716
by Tim Russert
read by Gordon Gould
2 cassettes
Collection of letters Russert received after publication of a memoir about
his father, Big Russ and Me (RC 58298). Includes correspondence from Americans
recounting relationships with their fathers, along with Russert’s interviews
and memories. Recalls generational differences and relates ways fathers have
passed on wisdom to their children. Bestseller. 2006.
Raw Food Made Easy for One or Two People RC
62722
by Jennifer Cornbleet
read by Catherine Byers
1 cassette
Dozens of no-cook recipes using all-natural, unprocessed ingredients such as
vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and seeds to save time and maximize
nutritional value. Offers suggestions for beverages, cereals, soups, sauces,
entrées, desserts, and more. Includes raw food basics, sample menus,
and tips on avoiding bad carbohydrates and fats. 2005.
Dying to Live: Near-Death Experiences RC
62729
by Susan Blackmore
read by Catherine Byers
3 cassettes
Psychologist examines psychological, biological, and medical aspects of death
and dying. Evaluates two theories behind near-death experiences (NDEs): the
afterlife hypothesis, which contends NDEs are the soul’s glimpse of the
afterlife, and the dying brain hypothesis, which posits that NDEs are chemical
and physiological in origin. 1993.
Danica—Crossing the Line RC
62730
by Danica Patrick
read by Gabra Zackman
2 cassettes
Autobiography of a young woman who competes in the male-oriented sport of car
racing. Patrick describes driving go-karts as a child, the ups and downs of
her professional racecar career, and being named the 2005 Indianapolis 500
Rookie of the Year. Foreword by Bobby Rahal. 2006.
Cooking with Convection RC 62732
by Beatrice Ojakangas
read by Catherine Byers
2 cassettes
Recipes for convection ovens, which use a fan to circulate hot air around food
to cook more evenly and in less time at lower temperatures than conventional
ovens. Includes general cooking guidelines, useful tips, and more than 150
suggestions for appetizers, pizza, meat, poultry, shellfish, vegetables, breads,
and desserts. 2005.
Women Who Risk: Profiles of Women in Extreme Sports RC
62750
by Marilyn Olsen
read by Catherine Byers
1 cassette
Eleven exceptional female athletes share sports experiences including inspirations,
obstacles, and achievements. Provides practical information on training, expenses,
and equipment. Profiles triathlete Heather Hedrick, surfer Jodie Nelson, and
women in wakeboarding, auto racing, rock climbing, dogsledding, skydiving,
mountain biking, and more. For senior high and older readers. 2001.
The Incas and Their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru RC
62751
by Michael E. Moseley
read by Lewis Grenville
3 cassettes
A general introduction to the history and civilization of the Incan Empire,
based on archaeological evidence and research. Discusses the cultural practices
of ancient Peru: mummification of the dead and other burial customs, Andean
agriculture, Nazca line drawings, architecture, weaving, and ceramics. 2001.
The Places In Between RC 62788
by Rory Stewart
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Afghanistan, 2002. Scotsman Rory Stewart recounts his solitary walk from Herat
to Kabul, straight through the central mountains, after the fall of the Taliban.
He recalls strangers’ hospitality, a dog’s companionship, and his
adventures on the road. Comments on local history and customs. Some strong
language. Bestseller. 2004.
American Vertigo: Traveling America in the Footsteps
of Tocqueville RC 62806
by Bernard-Henri Lévy
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
A French journalist, philosopher, and filmmaker relates a year spent exploring,
observing, and analyzing the United States in the spirit of Alexis de Tocqueville’s
1835 journey described in Democracy in America (RC 61828). Lévy describes
encounters with ordinary and illustrious citizens and visits to prisons, an
Amish town, and other diverse places. 2006.
God Wants You to Roll: The $21 Million "Miracle Cars" Scam—How
Two Boys Fleeced America’s Churchgoers RC 62807
by John Phillips III
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Recounts the scheme of nineteen-year-old California security guards Robert
Gomez and James Nichols, con artists who claimed to be heirs to millions and
sold nonexistent automobiles to church congregations. Describes how they laundered
money through casinos and led investors on for years until their 2003 conviction.
Strong language. 2005.
Pressure Perfect: Two-Hour Taste in Twenty Minutes Using
Your Pressure Cooker RC 62809
by Lorna Sass
read by Jill Ferris
2 cassettes
Instructional guide and cookbook for using safe, modern pressure cookers. Highlights
techniques for tenderizing meat and cooking different foods simultaneously.
Offers more than two hundred recipes for soups, meat, poultry, fish, rice,
risotto, pasta, beans, vegetables, desserts, and more. Includes timing charts,
mail order sources, and a troubleshooting section. 2004.
Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle
Astronaut RC 62819
by Mike Mullane
read by Jake Williams
4 cassettes
Autobiography of one of the first space shuttle astronauts. Mullane, a West
Point graduate, aeronautical engineer, and Vietnam veteran, describes with
humor and candor his selection process, training program, and space flight
experiences. Recounts three missions and discusses NASA’s role in the
1986 Challenger disaster. Some strong language. 2006.
Hunger: An Unnatural History RC
62824
by Sharman Apt Russell
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
Examines the biological, psycho-emotional, political, and cultural aspects
of hunger. Describes the experience of going without food for eighteen to thirty-six
hours and for a week and longer. Discusses the differences between fasting,
famine, and starvation. Considers ways to end world hunger. 2005.
1968: The Year That Rocked the World RC
62834
by Mark Kurlansky
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
The author highlights the pivotal year of 1968, during which seminal events—including
the Tet Offensive in Vietnam and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr.
and Robert Kennedy—occurred. Describes the civil rights movement and
student protests. Examines the impact of same-day television broadcasting
on public opinion. Strong language. 2004.
Alzheimer’s Essentials: Practical Skills for Caregivers RC
62835
by Bretten C. Gordeau and Jeffrey Hillier
read by Jake Williams
1 cassette
Concise, comprehensive guide for caring for patients with Alzheimer’s
disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. Discusses handling patients’ daily
needs, coping with behavioral changes, and assuring proper nutrition. Also
covers financial, safety, and end-of-life issues. Does not provide medical
advice. Includes resources. 2005.
A Gospel of Shame: Children, Sexual Abuse, and the Catholic
Church RC 62836
by Frank Bruni and Elinor Burkett
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Award-winning journalists analyze the breadth and implications of child sexual
abuse by Catholic priests and the Church’s response. Documents scores
of cases and addresses possible root causes, including the Church’s secretive,
hierarchical structure and institutional celibacy. Updated edition of investigation
first published in 1993. Some descriptions of sex. 2002.
The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez RC
62844
by Philip Carlo
read by Jim Zeiger
5 cassettes
The background, crimes, capture, and trial of the serial rapist and murderer
dubbed "Night Stalker," who terrorized Los Angeles in 1985. Original
1996 edition with supplemental transcript of a 2005 death-row interview in
which Ramirez discusses his groupies—one of whom he married. Explicit
descriptions of sex, violence, and strong language. 1996.
Into the Water: The Story of Serial Killer Richard Marc
Evonitz RC 62848
by Diane Fanning
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Account of Navy veteran Richard Marc Evonitz, who stalked and killed young
girls in Virginia in the 1990s, including sisters Kristin and Kati Lisk. Describes
his 2002 capture when, after returning to live in his home state of South Carolina,
Evonitz abducted a fifteen-year-old who escaped and alerted authorities. 2004.
Cockeyed: A Memoir RC 62851
by Ryan Knighton
read by Erik Sandvold
2 cassettes
Canadian professor’s account of going blind in adolescence from retinitis
pigmentosa. Describes attending college in the early 1990s, living with a deaf
girl, and teaching English to children in South Korea. Offers his assessment
of others’ perceptions of his disability. Strong language. 2006.
The Irish Game: A True Story of Crime and Art RC
62853
by Matthew Hart
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Journalist author of Diamond (RC 55703) examines the 1986 heist at Ireland’s
Russborough House during which Dubliner Martin Cahill stole eighteen paintings
including Vermeer’s Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid. Chronicles Scotland
Yard’s investigations and the sting that uncovered illicit drug connections
and a stunning art discovery. 2004.
Coping with Vision Disorders RC
62855
by Debbie Stanley
read by Jill Ferris
1 cassette
Provides a brief overview of eye conditions that can cause vision impairment
or blindness, such as retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma,
cataracts, papilledema, macular degeneration, and traumatic injury. Discusses
treatment options, physical and emotional impact, and ways to accommodate vision
disorders. For senior high and older readers. 2001.
Confronting Iran: The Failure of American Foreign Policy
and the Next Great Crisis in the Middle East RC
62901
by Ali M. Ansari
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
British professor analyzes the historical relationship between Iran and the
United States. Focuses on 1953 to 2005 and the failure of American administrations
to implement a coherent policy toward the Islamic republic of Iran. Offers
solutions to overcome the conflict of cultures and avoid a nuclear standoff.
2006.
Robert E. Lee: Virginian Soldier, American Citizen RC
62915
by James I. Robertson Jr.
read by Frank Coffee
1 cassette
In-depth biography of Confederate Civil War general. Chronicles Lee’s
family life, studies at West Point, military service in the Mexican War, and
leadership of the Southern forces. Analyzes his decision to join Virginia’s
secession from the Union and describes his life after the war. For senior high
readers. 2005.
The Holocaust Lady RC 62947
by Ruth Minsky Sender
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette
Author of previous memoirs The Cage (RC 29061) and To Life (RC 29574), Holocaust
survivor Ruth Minsky Sender recalls coming to America in 1950 burdened with
nightmares and becoming a teacher of Jewish history to keep the truth alive.
For junior and senior high and older readers. 1992.
Taking Care of Your Smile:
A Teen’s Guide to Dental Care RC 63001
by Autumn Libal and Christopher Hovius
read by Annie Wauters
1 cassette
Explains the physical and emotional importance of dental hygiene. Includes
techniques for caring for your teeth and combating decay and stains by brushing,
flossing, and rinsing. Examines the history of dentistry and provides information
on orthodontic work like braces, porcelain veneers, and crowns. For senior
high and older readers. 2005.
What Do I Have to Lose? A Teen’s Guide to Weight Management RC
63003
by Elizabeth Bauchner
read by Annie Wauters
1 cassette
Explains ways to determine one’s ideal weight according to height, body
type, gender, and age. Describes the body’s method of processing food
and the importance of proper nutrition and exercise. Offers information on
obesity health risks, eating disorders, and workout schedules. For senior high
and older readers. 2005.
Right on Schedule: A Teen’s Guide to Growth and Development RC
63004
by Jean Ford
read by Annie Wauters
1 cassette
Examines the physical, emotional, and social changes associated with adolescence
in girls and boys. Describes what to expect during puberty, such as hair growth
and acne. Explains the importance of maintaining proper hygiene. Also covers
dating and sex, self-esteem issues, and peer pressure. For senior high and
older readers. 2005.
Dying for Acceptance: A Teen’s Guide to Drug- and Alcohol-Related Health
Issues RC 63008
by Joan Esherick
read by Annie Wauters
1 cassette
Explains why teens choose to use drugs and alcohol recreationally and how these
chemicals affect the brain. Describes health risks and consequences associated
with abusing substances such as tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, prescription
and over-the-counter medications, steroids, heroin, and club drugs like Ecstasy.
For senior high and older readers. 2005.
The Path: A One-Mile Walk through the Universe RC
63013
by Chet Raymo
read by Steven Carpenter
1 cassette
Author of An Intimate Look at the Night Sky (RC 57521) describes his daily
stroll to the Massachusetts college where he teaches physics and astronomy.
Raymo’s enlightening commute, which illuminates the landscape’s
multifaceted history and nature, becomes not just a walk but "a thread
that ties one human life and the universe together." 2003.
Monster of God: The Man-Eating Predator in the Jungles
of History and the Mind RC 63017
by David Quammen
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
Quammen explores myths, symbols, and traditions surrounding humans’ natural
enemies: lions, tigers, bears, and crocodiles. Predicts their extinction, except
in captivity, by 2150 because of habitat destruction. Suggests that their disappearance
from the ecosystem will cause mankind to lose a certain perspective on its
own place in the universe. Some strong language. 2003.
April Blood: Florence and the Plot against the Medici RC
63022
by Lauro Martines
read by Laura Giannarelli
3 cassettes
Florence, 1478. Reconstruction of the political and social feuds in Renaissance
Italy that led to the assassination of Giuliano de’ Medici and wounding
of his brother Lorenzo the Magnificent. Describes the machinations of the Pazzi
and de’ Medici families, as well as those of the papacy and other powerful
state rulers. Some violence. 2003.
Plundering Paradise: The Hand of Man on the Galápagos Islands RC
63025
by Michael D’Orso
read by Steven Carpenter
2 cassettes
Journalist’s multifaceted portrait of the human inhabitants of the isolated
Pacific island ecosystem immortalized by Charles Darwin’s evolutionary
theories. D’Orso, author of Like Judgment Day (RC 46947), relates to
Galápagos history his observations of modern economic, political, and
ecological challenges faced by natives and assorted immigrants. 2002.
Sex the Measure of All Things: A Life of Alfred C. Kinsey RC
63033
by Jonathan Gathorne-Hardy
read by Michele Schaeffer
4 cassettes
Analyzes the study of human sexuality conducted by bisexual entomologist Alfred
Kinsey at Indiana University beginning in the 1930s. Discusses Kinsey’s
personal and scientific background and his publication of Sexual Behavior in
the Human Male (RC 16493) and a later female study (RC 16503). Explicit descriptions
of sex. 1998.
Family Circle: The Boudins and the Aristocracy of the
Left RC 63039
by Susan Braudy
read by Mary Kane
4 cassettes
Portrait of political activist Kathy Boudin who, as a member of the Weather
Underground and one of the FBI’s ten most wanted, pled guilty to a 1981
armored-truck robbery and murder. Braudy attributes her college associate Boudin’s
radicalism to a turbulent relationship with her father, a noted civil-rights
lawyer. Some strong language. 2003.
Daily Readings from Your Best Life Now: Ninety Devotions
for Living at Your Full Potential RC 63057
by Joel Osteen
read by Richard Hauenstein
2 cassettes
Christian pastor offers a devotional as a companion to his bestselling Your
Best Life Now (RC 59330). Presents ninety days of motivational and inspirational
messages and scripture intended to strengthen belief in God. 2005.
Happy Days: 1880–1892 RC
63090
by H.L. Mencken
read by Robert Sams
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Lighthearted autobiographical account of the muckraking journalist’s
happy boyhood in 1880s Baltimore, covering his introduction to music, genesis
as a bookworm, adventures as an athlete, and first steps in theology. 1936.
The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling
Less of More RC 63130
by Chris Anderson
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Editor in chief of Wired magazine examines the fragmentation of the media and
entertainment industries due to the virtually limitless inventory offered by
Internet retailers. Discusses the impact of online sellers like Netflix, iTunes,
Amazon, and eBay on the traditional marketplace and consumer culture. Bestseller.
2006.
Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics; the History
of the Explosive That Changed the World RC 63136
by Jack Kelly
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Chronicles the evolution and cultural impact of the ancient propellant made
from a volatile mixture of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. Traces gunpowder’s
nine-hundred-year history from its tenth-century invention in China to its
peak military use in Europe and America and its eventual replacement by modern
synthetic explosives. 2004.
The Eldercare Handbook: Difficult Choices, Compassionate
Solutions RC 63152
by Stella Mora Henry
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
Long-term care specialist’s advice on navigating the emotional and logistical
aspects of caring for aging loved ones. Covers recognizing and managing dementia,
coping with denial and changing family roles, avoiding caregiver burnout, transitioning
to an assisted living facility, and handling legal and financial matters such
as Medicare and Medicaid. 2006.
A Death in Belmont RC 63160
by Sebastian Junger
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Examines the 1963 arrest, trial, and conviction of African American Roy Smith
for the murder of Boston-area resident Bessie Goldberg. Describes how Smith’s
case was later called into question by the dubious confession of the Boston
Strangler, Albert DeSalvo. Some descriptions of sex, some violence, and some
strong language. 2006.
Man of Letters: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Literary
Impresario Rupert Hart-Davis RC 63163
by Philip Ziegler
read by Constance Crawford
3 cassettes
Biography of British editor and publisher Rupert Hart-Davis (1907–1999).
Relates his upper-class childhood, his initial attempt at a career in the theater,
and his success in the world of manuscripts that led to a knighthood in 1967.
2004.
Conservatives without Conscience RC
63177
by John W. Dean
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
John Dean, former counsel to President Richard Nixon and author of Worse than
Watergate (RC 58240), criticizes the Republican party and Christian fundamentalists.
Posits that leaders with ruthless authoritarian personalities have taken over
the conservative movement and illustrates his premise with research studies.
Some strong language. Bestseller. 2006.
To Save the Wild Bison: Life on the Edge in Yellowstone RC
63179
by Mary Ann Franke
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
National Park Service volunteer examines the debate over the management of
Yellowstone’s buffalo herds. Critiques federal and state policies attempting
to balance human needs with wildlife autonomy and the competing interests of
Native Americans, environmentalists, ranchers, and landowners. Contends domestication,
not extinction, poses the largest threat to wild bison. 2005.
Orphans Preferred: The Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend
of the Pony Express RC 63187
by Christopher Corbett
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Journalist’s revisionist history of the Wild West mail service (1860–1861)
that ended with the onset of the Civil War and the invention of the telegraph.
Corbett attempts to discern fact from fabrication by piecing together events
and examining individuals like Buffalo Bill, who later embellished the riders’ experiences.
2003.
The First Year: Age-Related Macular Degeneration; an
Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed RC 63206
by Daniel L. Roberts
read by Ralph Lowenstein
2 cassettes
Visually impaired educator and musician offers a month-by-month guide to coping
with this progressive retinal disease and related conditions. Discusses causes
and characteristics, strategies for slowing its progression, and treatment
options. Covers lifestyle issues such as traveling, staying healthy, combating
boredom and depression, and navigating daily tasks. Includes resources. 2006.
River of Shadows: Eadweard Muybridge and the Technological
Wild West RC 63264
by Rebecca Solnit
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
Biography of eccentric landscape photographer and father of the modern motion
picture industry Eadweard Muybridge (1830–1904), who invented high-speed
motion photography. Depicting post-Civil War California society, recounts his
work during the 1873 Modoc Indian war and his trial for the murder of his wife’s
lover. National Book Critics Circle Award. 2003.
The Ancestor’s Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution RC
63302
by Richard Dawkins
read by Lou Harpenau
5 cassettes
Patterned after Chaucer’s tales, Dawkins’s chronicle of human evolution
describes ancestor "pilgrims" in Earth’s four-billion-year
continuum of organic life. Journeying backward in time and meeting at specified
rendezvous points are Neanderthals, marsupials, amphibians, fungi, and dozens
more. Covers genetics, heredity, sexual selection, biochemistry, and evolutionary
theory and research. 2004.
Uphill Both Ways RC 63610
by Seth C. Macon
read by Robert Sams
3 cassettes
North Carolina businessman Seth Craven Macon (born 1919) reminisces about his
life, from his Depression-era boyhood to his successful forty-four-year career
in insurance. Recalls his marriage to his college sweetheart, service in World
War II, and religious devotion. Describes overcoming hardships and the joys
of family love. 2005.
That Summer RC 59017
by Joan Wolf
read by Mary Beth Wise
2 cassettes
Veterinarian Anne Foster, home for her father’s funeral, reunites with
her childhood crush, Liam, a thoroughbred farm manager. Anne hopes for love
despite a decade-old crime, recently unearthed, of which Liam is still suspected.
Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2003.
The Complete Stories of Truman Capote RC
59446
by Truman Capote
read by Gary Roan
2 cassettes
Short fiction written between 1943 and 1982 by the author of In Cold Blood
(RC 22726) and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (RC 58223). Includes the early
classics "A Tree of Night" and "House of Flowers" as
well as the later "Mojave." Introduction by novelist Reynolds Price.
2004.
The House by the Medlar Tree RC
60511
by Giovanni Verga
read by Laura Giannarelli
2 cassettes
Italian classic by a student of Balzac, Flaubert, and Zola portrays the Malavoglia
family, community, and house, which symbolizes tradition and unity. Grandfather
buys cargo on credit, setting off a chain of catastrophic deaths and property
losses, while the grandson pursues a journey of alienation. 1881.
The Faery Reel: Tales from the Twilight Realm RC
60897
edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling
read by Nicola Daval
3 cassettes
Anthology of short stories by fantasy writers including Delia Sherman, Holly
Black, and Neil Gaiman. In "Screaming for Faeries" a girl reluctantly
accepts the faeries’ advice to communicate truthfully with her boyfriend.
In "Elvenbrood" a teenager seeks an explanation for his odd new
home. Some strong language. For senior high readers. 2004.
In a Lonely Place RC 60948
by Dorothy B. Hughes
read by Michael Russotto
2 cassettes
Classic mystery views life through the eyes of a serial murderer who preys
on young women in post-World War II Los Angeles. Veteran Dix Steele falls for
sexy neighbor Laurel Gray while on his killing spree. Basis for the 1950 Humphrey
Bogart film noir. Some strong language. 1947.
Magic Street RC 61713
by Orson Scott Card
read by Bill Quinn
3 cassettes
Los Angeles. Thirteen-year-old African American Mack Street slips through a
secret house into Fairyland, where time and reality are skewed. Struggling
to understand himself and his special powers, Mack engages in a battle between
good and evil. Some descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language.
2005.
Rebels of Babylon: An Abel Jones Mystery, Book 6 RC
61860
by Owen Parry
read by Nick Sullivan
3 cassettes
During the Civil War, federal special agent Abel Jones journeys to occupied
New Orleans to investigate the murder of wealthy abolitionist Susan Peabody.
Jones races through the sinful city, surviving multiple attempts on his life
with the help of Mr. Barnaby. Violence and strong language. 2005.
Acts of Faith RC 61893
by Philip Caputo
read by John Horton
5 cassettes
American Douglas Braithwaite, a former mercenary, starts a charter airline
in Africa with partner Wesley Dare. Braithwaite and his multiracial operations
manager, Fitzhugh Martin, become involved in gunrunning during the civil war
in Sudan. Meanwhile, missionary Quinette Hardin marries a rebel commander.
Violence and strong language. 2005.
The Best American Short Stories, 2005: Selected from
U.S. and Canadian Magazines RC 62003
selected by Michael Chabon
read by Ken Kliban
4 cassettes
Twenty stories from the New Yorker and other periodicals. In Tom Perrotta’s "The
Smile on Happy Chang’s Face" a Little League umpire copes with
regret in life and indecision on the field. Includes works by Joyce Carol Oates,
Charles D’Ambrosio, and others. Strong language and some descriptions
of sex. 2005.
Code Name: Princess RC 62027
by Christina Skye
read by Barbara Caruso
2 cassettes
Undercover hotel investigator Jess Mulcahey bribes an employee so she can move
to a room occupied by Navy SEAL Hawk Mackenzie. Jess and Hawk attempt to recover
a kidnapped koala bear, Princess. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some
strong language. 2004.
The Avenging Chance and Other Mysteries from Roger Sheringham’s Casebook
RC 62057
by Anthony Berkeley
read by George Holmes
2 cassettes
Nine short stories by Anthony Berkeley, pen name of Anthony Berkeley Cox (1893–1971),
a founder of London’s Detection Club during the golden age of mystery
writing. Includes the classic "The Avenging Chance," in which clues
to a murder lead amateur criminologist Roger Sheringham and Scotland Yard to
multiple possibilities. 2004.
The Legacy: A Joseph Antonelli Novel RC
62069
by D.W. Buffa
read by John Haag
3 cassettes
San Francisco. Police accuse African American premed student Jamaal Washington
of killing U.S. senator and presidential hopeful Jeremy Fullerton. Portland,
Oregon, defense attorney Joseph Antonelli flies in to defend Jamaal and pursues
rumors that Jeremy was linked to the Russian KGB. Some violence and some strong
language. 2002.
Somewhere in Time RC 62109
by Richard Matheson
read by Jonathan Davis
2 cassettes
California, 1971. Richard Collier, a young writer with a brain tumor, becomes
obsessed with nineteenth-century actress Elise McKenna and travels back in
time to woo her. Originally published as Bid Time Return. Basis for the film
starring Christopher Reeve. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some violence.
1980.
Dunkirk Crescendo: Zion Covenant, Volume 9 RC
62122
by Bodie Thoene and Brock Thoene
read by Catherine Byers
3 cassettes
1940. Associated Press journalist Josie Marlow undertakes a dangerous mission
that could save the lives of many children. And her friend French colonel Andre
Chardon receives a coded message that no one believes. Sequel to Paris Encore
(RC 61934). 1994.
Fifty Degrees Below RC 62127
by Kim Stanley Robinson
read by Catherine Byers
4 cassettes
Fresh water from the melting polar ice cap has stalled the Gulf Stream, threatening
to trigger another ice age. National Science Foundation sociobiologist Frank
Vanderwal races to prevent an ecological catastrophe. Sequel to Forty Signs
of Rain (RC 61935). Strong language, some descriptions of sex, and some violence.
2005.
Son of a Wanted Man RC 62134
by Louis L’Amour
read by Richard Davidson
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Ben Curry wants to turn over his outlaw kingdom to his adopted son, Mike Bastian.
As treachery emerges among Ben’s riders, a pair of lawmen—Borden
Chantry and Tyrel Sackett—close in on the gang, and Mike must choose
between his loyalty to Ben and his yearning for a different life. 1984.
Transgressions RC 62174
edited by Ed McBain
read by Annie Wauters
6 cassettes
Ten novellas of mystery and suspense by bestselling authors Donald E. Westlake,
Anne Perry, Joyce Carol Oates, Walter Mosley, Sharyn McCrumb, Ed McBain, Stephen
King, John Farris, Jeffery Deaver, and Lawrence Block. Some strong language.
2005.
Dead Soul: A Charlie Moon Mystery RC
62196
by James D. Doss
read by Gregory Gorton
3 cassettes
Ute elder Oscar Sweetwater asks former policeman Charlie Moon to investigate
the unsolved murder of fellow tribesman Billy Smoke, killed during an attack
that left Billy’s boss, Colorado senator Patch Davidson, severely injured.
Meanwhile, Charlie’s shaman aunt encounters a young woman in trouble
and urges Charlie to help her. 2003.
The Light of Western Stars: A Romance RC
62310
by Zane Grey
read by Ken Kliban
3 cassettes
New York socialite Madeline Hammond’s western adventures begin with her
late night arrival at the train station in El Cajon, New Mexico, where a drunken
cowboy tries to marry her. Frontier life and cattlemen appeal to her more than
effete Easterners, so she buys a ranch. 1914.
Cat on a Hyacinth Hunt: A Midnight Louie Mystery RC
62323
by Carole Nelson Douglas
read by J.P. Linton
3 cassettes
Las Vegas. Midnight Louie, cat detective, and his human owner Temple Barr investigate
the murder of a small-time con artist who was Matt Devine’s evil stepfather.
Matt’s rival, magician Max Kinsella, also joins the search, while Midnight
Louie becomes infatuated with a feline performer. 1998.
Ambush of the Mountain Man RC
62343
by William W. Johnstone
read by Michael Scherer
2 cassettes
Colorado. Vowing revenge for his son’s death, Angus MacDougal sends out
a posse to apprehend gunslinger Smoke Jensen. Angus’s daughter Sarah
eager to avenge her brother, lures Smoke into a trap. Once Sarah learns that
Smoke isn’t a cold-blooded killer, she helps him escape. Violence and
some strong language. 2003.
Justice of the Mountain Man RC
62344
by William W. Johnstone
read by Michael Scherer
2 cassettes
Gunfighter Smoke Jensen heads to Fort Worth, Texas, to negotiate a cattle deal.
While Smoke argues with outlaw James Slade, a.k.a. the Durango Kid, outside
a saloon, someone shoots the Kid. Marshal Bill Tilghman arrests Smoke but Smoke
escapes to track the real killer. Violence and some strong language. 2000.
Pride of the Mountain Man RC
62346
by William W. Johnstone
read by Michael Scherer
2 cassettes
Gunslinger Smoke Jensen and his hands Cal and Pearlie drive a herd of steers
to Dodge City, Kansas, hoping to sell them to eastern cattle buyers. When bandit "Bloody
Bill" Anderson robs the town’s two banks, Smoke helps marshal Wyatt
Earp recover the money. Violence and some strong language. 1998.
Vineyard Prey: A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery RC
62353
by Philip R. Craig
read by Michael Russotto
2 cassettes
Retired cop J.W. Jackson and his family are spending a quiet winter on Martha’s
Vineyard when former Vietnam War buddy Joe Begay seeks help. An unknown terrorist
called the Easter Bunny is killing members of Joe’s government undercover
team that includes Kate MacLeod. J.W.’s family becomes vulnerable. 2005.
Watchdog: A Melanie Travis Mystery RC
62362
by Laurien Berenson
read by Michele Schaeffer
2 cassettes
Sleuthy single mom Melanie Travis wants nothing to do with her brother Frank’s
latest money-making scheme to convert an old store into a coffee bar. When
Frank’s partner, wealthy developer Marcus Rattigan, turns up dead, Melanie
draws on her dog show connections to clear Frank’s name. Some strong
language. 1998.
A Detective in Love: A Harriet Martens Mystery RC
62369
by H.R.F. Keating
read by Corrie James
2 cassettes
Detective Superintendent Harriet Martens a.k.a., the "Hard Detective," investigates
the fatal stabbing of nine-teen-year-old tennis star Bubbles Xingara. While
tracking suspects including a French gangster, Harriet falls for a subordinate
officer and considers an affair that could jeopardize the case—and her
marriage. Descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2001.
’Salem’s Lot RC
62402
by Stephen King
read by Steven Carpenter
4 cassettes
Updated edition of King’s 1975 novel about Jerusalem’s Lot, a small
Maine town where the residents turn into vampires. Features previously unpublished
material including deleted and alternate scenes, two short stories, and an
introduction by the author. Some explicit descriptions of sex, some violence,
and some strong language. 2005.
Chasing Destiny RC 62450
by Eric Jerome Dickey
read by Melissa Maxwell
3 cassettes
Pregnant Billie’s lover Keith returns to his wife Carmen for the sake
of his fifteen-year-old daughter, Destiny. But Destiny rebels, falls in with
the wrong crowd, and is raped. Ashamed, Destiny runs away while the three adults
search for her. Explicit descriptions of sex, violence, and strong language.
Bestseller. 2006.
Vanished RC 62482
by Karen Robards
read by Gabra Zackman
3 cassettes
South Carolina. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Mason rescues nine-year-old
Angie during a convenience-store robbery. Later Sarah receives disturbing phone
calls about her daughter, Lexie, who vanished seven years ago. While PI Jake
Hogan races to find connections—and Lexie—Angie disappears. Strong
language, some explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence. 2006.
Cold Case: A Carlotta Carlyle Mystery RC
62503
by Linda Barnes
read by Madelyn Buzzard
3 cassettes
Adam Mayhew hires Boston cop-turned-private investigator Carlotta Carlyle to
find out whether teen prodigy Thea Janis, who presumably committed suicide
twenty-four years ago, could have written a new manuscript. While researching
Thea’s disappearance, Carlotta uncovers Adam’s true identity and
the dark secrets of Thea’s prominent family. Some strong language. 1997.
Suite Française RC 62505
by Irène Némirovsky
read by Michele Schaeffer
3 cassettes
When the Germans invade France in 1940, Parisians flee to the countryside amid
chaos. The following year, the Nazis occupy a provincial village, where a woman—who
is hiding another villager wanted for the murder of an enemy soldier—falls
in love with a German officer. Published posthumously in 2006. Bestseller.
1942.
The Lone Star Ranger RC 62538
by Zane Grey
read by L.J. Ganser
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Buck Duane becomes a fugitive after killing a man in self-defense. Texas Ranger
Captain MacNelly, skeptical of Buck’s criminal reputation, offers him
a pardon. In exchange, Buck must join the Rangers and go undercover to help
eliminate outlaw bands along the Rio Grande—beginning with the notorious
rustler Cheseldine. 1915.
Black and White RC 62540
by Paul Volponi
read by Bill Quinn
1 cassette
Long Island. Black Marcus Brown and white Eddie Russo, best friends and high
school basketball stars, stick up people for easy money. When a holdup leads
to an accidental shooting, the two find unequal justice in a biased system.
Strong language and some violence. For senior high readers. 2005.
Sapphire RC 62542
by Rosemary Rogers
read by Yolande Bavan
3 cassettes
1830s. West Indian beauty Sapphire Fabergine arrives in London to claim her
inheritance as the earl of Wessex’s daughter. But the earl’s title
has passed to distant cousin Blake Thixton. Blake whisks Sapphire to America
and offers a choice—become his mistress or his maid. Some explicit descriptions
of sex. 2005.
Death Is Forever RC 62548
by Elizabeth Lowell
read by Gabra Zackman
3 cassettes
Erin Windsor inherits an Australian diamond mine with cryptic clues to the
claim’s location. To find it, Erin must trust ex-marine Cole Blackburn,
a prospector hired by her CIA father, and another more sinister party. Strong
language, some explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence. 1992.
The Phantom Bandit: Western Stories RC
62549
by Frank Bonham
read by Richard Davidson
2 cassettes
Eight short tales published in the 1940s and 1950s. In "Wanted!" a
former army officer convicted of embezzling escapes custody and pursues the
real culprit. Also includes "Hell in Dakota" and the title piece,
a fictionalized account of safe-robber and would-be poet Black Bart. Foreword
by Bill Pronzini. 2005.
The Witch’s Tongue: A Charlie Moon Mystery RC
62561
by James D. Doss
read by Gregory Gorton
3 cassettes
Ute tribal policeman Charlie Moon investigates a break-in at a local museum,
the wounding of an antiques merchant, and the murder of an Apache. He also
becomes interested in FBI agent Lila Mae McTeague, who arrives to assist him.
Violence and some strong language. 2004.
Nothing but Trouble: A Kevin Kerney Novel RC
62562
by Michael McGarrity
read by Gregory Gorton
2 cassettes
His retirement pending, Santa Fe police chief Kevin Kerney takes a working
vacation to serve as technical advisor for a western movie. He also helps U.S.
Customs agents investigate immigrant smuggling and cares for his three-year-old
son while his career-army wife, Sara, travels overseas on special assignment.
Strong language. 2005.
Comanche Crossing: The Trailsman RC
62565
by Jon Sharpe
read by Michael Russotto
2 cassettes
Texas, 1860. Frontiersman Skye Fargo rescues three beautiful French nuns from
Mexican federales and Moroccan Arabs. Skye agrees to escort them to Cowtown,
but when Comanche warriors join the pursuit he begins to doubt the women’s
true mission. Explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong
language. 1990.
Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea RC
62567
by Nancy Atherton
read by Michele Schaeffer
2 cassettes
England. Lori Shepherd’s attorney husband, Bill, receives death threats,
presumably from a vengeful former client. While Bill stays in London to help
Scotland Yard, Lori and her twin sons seek refuge at a remote Scottish island
estate, where she relies on Aunt Dimity’s supernatural help to investigate
mysterious occurrences. 2006.
Regeneration: Species Imperative, Book 3 RC
62570
by Julie E. Czerneda
read by Mary Kane
4 cassettes
Biologist Mackenzie "Mac" Connor believes the alien Ro are using
the extraterrestrial Dhryn race to eradicate life throughout the universe.
Mac travels offworld to prove the Ro are the true enemy while her colleague
Emily Mamani searches for legendary survivors of the interstellar assault.
Sequel to Migration (RC 61083). 2006.
Wedding Ring: Shenandoah Album, Book 1 RC
62580
by Emilie Richards
read by Lindsay Ellison
3 cassettes
High school English teacher Tessa MacRae helps her mother and grandmother clean
out the family homestead in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. While restoring
a tattered heirloom wedding ring quilt, Tessa mends generational bonds, contemplates
her failing marriage, and confronts her grief over her daughter’s death.
Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2004.
Endless Chain: Shenandoah Album, Book 2 RC
62582
by Emilie Richards
read by Lindsay Ellison
3 cassettes
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. Minister Sam Kinkade hires Elisa Martinez as church
sexton to help run a Hispanic outreach program. Though Sam is engaged and Elisa
hides her true identity as a Guatemalan political refugee, they fall in love—jeopardizing
Sam’s career and their safety. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2005.
The Island RC 62587
by Heather Graham
read by Ray Childs
2 cassettes
Florida. While camping on Calliope Key, Beth Anderson finds a skull that may
be linked to some missing boaters. Her investigation draws warnings from diver
Keith Henson and threats from a stalker who appears at a yacht-club party.
Some explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language.
2006.
The Defense: A Joseph Antonelli Novel RC
62589
by D.W. Buffa
read by Dan Bloom
2 cassettes
Oregon. At Judge Leopold Rifkin’s request, attorney Joseph Antonelli
defends Johnny Morel, who is accused of raping his own stepdaughter. Johnny
is acquitted, but years later is killed. His wife, Denise, is convicted for
his murder and then found dead—in Rifkin’s study. Strong language
and some descriptions of sex. 1997.
The Witness RC 62590
by Dee Henderson
read by Don Feldheim
3 cassettes
For years Amanda Griffin has been on the run from her dead bookie boyfriend’s
former client, Richard Wise. When Amanda’s sisters Marie and Tracey—who
think Amanda is dead— unexpectedly become millionaires, police chief
Luke Granger fears for all three women’s lives and races to find Amanda
before Richard does. 2006.
The Christmas Scrapbook: A Harmony Novel RC
62595
by Philip Gulley
read by Derald Breneman
1 cassette
Pastor Sam Gardner, determined to give his wife, Barbara, a special Christmas
gift, enrolls in a scrap-booking class. Barbara becomes suspicious of his "men’s
meeting" every Wednesday night and fears he is either cheating on her
or secretly getting medical treatment. Suddenly all of Harmony believes Sam
is dying. 2005.
Dead Watch RC 62600
by John Sandford
read by Nick Sullivan
2 cassettes
After someone murders Lincoln Bowe, a former Republican U.S. senator from Virginia,
the White House asks operative Jake Winter to investigate. Lincoln’s
wife, Madison, suspects rival Democratic governor Arlo Goodman and his henchmen.
Jake uncovers backroom political conspiracies as he falls for Madison. Strong
language and some violence. Bestseller. 2006.
Cover Your Assets: A Tucker Sinclair Mystery RC
62612
by Patricia Smiley
read by Lindsay Ellison
2 cassettes
After her experiences in False Profits (RC 62129), financial consultant Tucker
Sinclair operates her own firm from the beachfront bungalow she shares with
her mother and dog. When her ex-boyfriend is murdered, Tucker reluctantly agrees
to help Cissy, his accused wife and her former best friend. Some strong language.
2005.
Holy Skirts RC 62616
by René Steinke
read by Suzanne Toren
3 cassettes
A fictional account of Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven, who describes
her many lovers as her career progresses from cabaret performing in 1904 Berlin
to film acting with Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray in Greenwich Village. Descriptions
of sex and some strong language. National Book Award finalist. 2005.
Purity of Blood: The Adventures of Captain Alatriste,
Book 2 RC 62618
by Arturo Pérez-Reverte
read by John Horton
2 cassettes
Madrid, 1623. A desperate father hires swordsman Diego Alatriste to rescue
his daughter from a convent run by a lascivious priest threatening to expose
the girl’s Jewish heritage. When the mission fails and the Inquisition
captures Qñigo, Alatriste’s thirteen-year-old ward, Alatriste
must save the boy from execution. Some violence. 1997.
The Huntsman RC 62622
by Whitney Terrell
read by Bill Quinn
3 cassettes
Kansas City. When the body of white debutante Clarissa Sayers is fished from
the Missouri River, police suspect her lover, African American ex-con Booker
Short. A former army commander seeking to right a wrong helps expose the true
killer. Strong language, some explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence.
2001.
Last Call for Blackford Oakes: A Blackford Oakes Novel RC
62623
by William F. Buckley Jr.
read by L.J. Ganser
2 cassettes
U.S. president Ronald Reagan sends veteran CIA agent Blackford Oakes to Moscow
to investigate a rumored assassination plot against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Oakes falls for Soviet urologist Ursina Chadinov and engages in a deadly struggle
with British diplomat-turned-communist agent Kim Philby. Some violence and
some strong language. 2005.
The Gilded Chamber: A Novel of Queen Esther RC
62624
by Rebecca Kohn
read by Suzanne Toren
2 cassettes
Fictionalized portrait of biblical Esther, who, orphaned, goes to live with
her cousin Mordechai, an official in the Persian Empire. Concealing her Jewish
heritage, she becomes King Xerxes’ concubine, then queen. When Xerxes
decrees that Jews be slaughtered, Esther courageously intervenes. Some explicit
descriptions of sex and some violence. 2004.
The Dream Life of Sukhanov RC
62629
by Olga Grushin
read by Ken Kliban
3 cassettes
Russia, 1985. The wealthy family life and secure position of art critic Anatoly
Pavlovich Sukhanov begin to unravel as bizarre events occur. Memories and dreams
assail him, reminding him of the youthful artistic ambitions he gave up for
the Soviet Party, as his hold on the present slips. 2005.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story RC
62633
by Ned Vizzini
read by Jonathan Davis
2 cassettes
A tongue-in-cheek account of what leads high-achieving New York teenager Craig
Gilner to check himself into a psychiatric hospital and how he comes to terms
with depression while staying in the adult ward. Some descriptions of sex and
some strong language. For senior high readers. 2006.
The Big Over Easy: A Nursery Crime RC
62658
by Jasper Fforde
read by Erik Sandvold
3 cassettes
Detective Inspector Jack Spratt of the Reading Police Department Nursery Crime
Division investigates the untimely demise of Humpty Dumpty—ex-con, womanizer,
alcoholic, and philanthropist—found shattered to death. When the pieces
add up to foul play, Jack and his partner, Mary Mary, sort through Humpty’s
secret, sordid past. Some strong language. 2005.
Thieves of Mercy: A Novel of the Civil War at Sea RC
62659
by James L. Nelson
read by David Hartley-Margolin
3 cassettes
Mississippi River, 1862. Confederate naval lieutenant Samuel Bowater heads
to Memphis to command the ironclad Tennessee—which, to his dismay, remains
under construction. Meanwhile, his sweetheart Wendy Atkins attempts to escape
Norfolk. Sequel to Glory in the Name (RC 61521). Some descriptions of sex,
some violence, and some strong language. 2005.
The Hard Way: A Jack Reacher Novel RC
62686
by Lee Child
read by Ted Stoddard
3 cassettes
Former military cop Jack Reacher is hired by mercenary Edward Lane to find
his kidnapped wife and stepdaughter. Reacher hooks up with ex-FBI agent Lauren
Pauling, who investigated Lane’s first wife’s disappearance. Together
they uncover the truth about Lane’s past and his family’s whereabouts.
Violence and strong language. Bestseller. 2006.
A Burnt-Out Case RC 62690
by Graham Greene
read by David Cutler
2 cassettes
Colonial-era Belgian Congo. Querry, a European architect with a lurid background,
retires to an African leper colony run by clergy and an atheist doctor. He
develops a saintly reputation by using his expertise to improve facilities
until the arrival of an unscrupulous journalist threatens to expose his past.
1960.
Any Rich Man Will Do RC 62691
by Francis Ray
read by Michele Schaeffer
2 cassettes
Divorced and disgraced, Jana Franklin wanders into Olivia Sanders’s Dallas
boutique. Olivia offers Jana a job and a home against her brother Tyler’s
advice. Jana eventually wins Tyler’s trust—and love—by confronting
past mistakes. Companion to Like the First Time (RC 62376). Some explicit descriptions
of sex and some strong language. 2005.
The Ruins of California RC 62694
by Martha Sherrill
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
1970s. Inez Garcia Ruin divides her childhood between her mother’s second
generation Hispanic world in L.A. and her bohemian father’s society circles
in San Francisco. In this permissive lifestyle, Inez and her half-brother grow
up too fast, until Inez chooses to change. Strong language and some descriptions
of sex. 2006.
The Wrong Hostage RC 62704
by Elizabeth Lowell
read by Annie Wauters
3 cassettes
Federal judge Grace Silva’s fifteen-year-old son, Lane, is kidnapped
in Mexico by drug kingpin Hector Osuna. Apparently Grace’s ex-husband,
Ted Franklin—whereabouts unknown—owes Hector money. Grace contacts
onetime lover Joe Faroe, a former DEA agent, for help. Violence, strong language,
and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2006.
Water for Elephants RC 62718
by Sara Gruen
read by Nick Sullivan
3 cassettes
1931. Veterinary student Jacob Jankowski’s world comes crashing down
when his parents die in a car accident. Broke, Jacob joins the circus, falls
for Marlena, a married circus star, and cares for animals like Rosie the elephant.
Strong language, some descriptions of sex, and some violence. Bestseller. 2006.
Piece of My Heart: An Inspector Alan Banks Mystery RC
62719
by Peter Robinson
read by Graeme Malcolm
3 cassettes
An English rock band, the Mad Hatters, is the link between two murders committed
decades apart. In 2005, Detective Alan Banks investigates the death of a music
journalist researching the group. In 1969, Detective Stanley Chadwick investigates
a killing at a music festival featuring the band. Some strong language. 2006.
The Man from Stone Creek RC
62721
by Linda Lael Miller
read by L.J. Ganser
2 cassettes
1903. Ranger Sam O’Ballivan has come to Haven, Arizona, to catch a band
of rustlers. Posing as the new schoolteacher, he will have a bunch of unruly
kids to put in order, including the brother of the charming postmistress, Maddie
Chancelor. Explicit descriptions of sex and some violence. 2006.
The Building of Jalna: Whiteoak Chronicles, Book 1 RC
62723
by Mazo de la Roche
read by Terry Donnelly
3 cassettes (Reissue)
1850s. Philip Whiteoak, an English army officer stationed in India, yearns
for the freedom of the New World. He and his Irish wife, Adeline, and infant
daughter, Augusta, emigrate to Canada where, after an eventful voyage, they
construct a homestead in the Ontario wilderness, calling it Jalna. 1944.
I Know I’ve Been Changed RC
62724
by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
read by Melissa Maxwell
2 cassettes
Houston news anchor and talk-show host Rae Rollins is enjoying her hard-earned
success and new husband, city councilman Myles Jacobs, when her dysfunctional
Arkansas family arrives in town for a reunion. Reluctant to confront painful
memories, Rae avoids relatives until Myles’s unexpected betrayal prompts
reconciliation with them. 2006.
The Bluebird and the Sparrow: Women of the West RC
62727
by Janette Oke
read by Barbara Caruso
2 cassettes
When Berta Berdette’s baby sister Glenna arrives, Berta’s entire
world is upset. As the girls grow into young women, Berta resents the lovely
Glenna and vows to be her complete opposite. Berta drives a wedge between herself,
her family, and her God until a family tragedy changes her attitude. 1995.
A Bit on the Side RC 62728
by William Trevor
read by Terry Donnelly
2 cassettes
Twelve short stories by an Irish writer that deal with personal struggles.
In the title piece a married man ends an affair to maintain his lover’s
reputation. In "Sitting with the Dead" two sisters who do charity
work listen to a widow lament her marriage to a nasty husband. 2004.
Through a Glass, Darkly: A Commissario Guido Brunetti
Mystery RC 62738
by Donna Leon
read by Peter Ganim
2 cassettes
Venetian detective Guido Brunetti investigates threats being made at a Murano
Island glass factory. Soon after, the factory’s night watchman Giorgio
Tassini—who blamed the factory’s toxic chemicals for his daughter’s
birth defects—is found dead. Tassini’s annotated copy of Dante’s
Inferno may hold clues to his demise. 2006.
Rachel’s Holiday RC 62739
by Marian Keyes
read by Patricia Kilgarriff
4 cassettes
Twenty-seven-year-old drug addict Rachel Walsh is in denial. She returns home
to Ireland and checks into an upscale treatment center. Through self-examination
and group therapy Rachel confronts her addiction and memories of her ex-boyfriend,
beginning the road to recovery—and perhaps new love. Explicit descriptions
of sex and strong language. 1998.
Greatest Indian Stories RC 62740
by Zane Grey
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Four tales, "Siena Waits," "The Haunted Spring," "Daughter
of the Moon," and "Nophaie’s Redemption," that speak
out for Native Americans. They range historically from pre-Columbian North
America to World War I. Includes the frontier story about the legendary Indian
hunter Lewis Wetzel, called the Wind of Death. 1975.
Inspector Queen’s Own Case: November Song; an Inner Sanctum Mystery
RC 62747
by Ellery Queen
read by Jeremy Gage
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Vacationing at a Connecticut beach house, retired NYPD inspector Richard Queen
investigates the attempted kidnapping of the wealthy Humffrey family’s
infant son Michael, whom they adopted under dubious circumstances. The Humffrey’s
nursemaid, Jessie Sherwood, later discovers Michael dead. Richard tracks the
killer while protecting Jessie—a potential romantic interest. 1956.
We Are All Welcome Here RC 62748
by Elizabeth Berg
read by Gail Nelson
2 cassettes
Tupelo, Mississippi; 1964. Thirteen-year-old Diana, raised by her quadriplegic
mother and their African American caregiver Peacie, yearns for freedom. Life
changes for all three that summer when a social worker investigates and Peacie’s
boyfriend becomes involved in civil rights. Strong language and some descriptions
of sex. 2006.
Shades of Gray RC 62754
by Jacquelin Thomas
read by Gail Nelson
2 cassettes
African American Sela Barnes loses her Caucasian husband of twenty years to
illness. Her relationship with his parents deteriorates as they try to gain
custody of Sela’s six children. Sela renews her faith in God and with
the help of her pastor finds the strength to forgive. 2006.
Morning at Jalna: Whiteoak Chronicles, Book 2 RC
62755
by Mazo de la Roche
read by Terry Donnelly
2 cassettes (Reissue)
South Carolina planter Curtis Sinclair, his wife Lucy, and their slaves seek
refuge from the Civil War at Jalna, the Canadian home of Philip and Adeline
Whiteoak. But the Whiteoaks don’t know that their guests are secretly
members of a Confederate resistance movement looking to further the Southern
cause. 1960.
The Taming of the Duke: Essex Sisters, Book 3 RC
62757
by Eloisa James
read by Patricia Kilgarriff
2 cassettes
England, 1817. Imogen, the widowed Lady Maitland, returns to the country estate
of her former guardian Rafe, the duke of Holbrook. She fancies having an affair
with the duke’s illegitimate half-brother Gabe, but is distracted by
helping Rafe become sober. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2006.
Between, Georgia RC 62771
by Joshilyn Jackson
read by Joshilyn Jackson
2 cassettes
Sign-language interpreter Nonny was born to a teenaged Crabtree girl but raised
by a deaf/blind Frett woman in a small Georgia town. A family feud brings Nonny
home, where she makes peace with her family and changes her lifestyle. Strong
language, some descriptions of sex, and some violence. 2006.
Cover of Night RC 62774
by Linda Howard
read by Ray Childs
3 cassettes
Gunmen raid widow Cate Nightingale’s Idaho bed-and-breakfast seeking
a guest who mysteriously vanished. Ex-marine handyman Calvin Harris repels
the invaders, but they return and take the whole town hostage. Cate, Cal, and
Cal’s former comrades plan a rescue operation. Strong language, some
explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence. Bestseller. 2006.
Murder at the Nightwood Bar: A Kate Delafield Mystery RC
62777
by Katherine V. Forrest
read by Lindsay Ellison
2 cassettes
Los Angeles police detective Kate Delafield investigates the killing of nineteen-year-old
Dory Quillin outside the Nightwood Bar, a lesbian hangout. Seeking answers,
Kate interviews potential witnesses like enigmatic bar patron Andrea Ross,
for whom she develops a powerful attraction. Strong language, some explicit
descriptions of sex, and some violence. 1987.
Bloodstone RC 62812
by Nate Kenyon
read by Jim Zeiger
2 cassettes
Compelled by nightmares, ex-con Billy Smith kidnaps Angel, a prostitute with
similar visions, and heads to White Falls, Maine—a town beset by a shadowy
terror. A murderer’s son obtains an amulet that could hold the key to
the evil. Strong language, some explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence.
2006.
Just Rewards: Emma Harte Saga, Book 6 RC
62813
by Barbara Taylor Bradford
read by Jill Ferris
3 cassettes
Four of Emma Harte’s great grandchildren carry on the family traditions.
Linnet, just married, begins taking the helm of the Harte empire, while Tessa,
India, and Evan plan their weddings. Into their midst comes the Hartes’ archenemy
Jonathan Ainsley. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language.
2006.
The Little Lady Agency RC 62840
by Hester Browne
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
3 cassettes
Twenty-seven-year-old Londoner Melissa Romney-Jones opens Little Lady Agency,
a consulting firm dedicated to helping bachelors navigate their personal and
social lives. Melissa dons a wig and assumes the professional identity of "Honey," but
when sparks fly with American client Jonathan Riley, Melissa wonders whether
he loves her or Honey. 2005.
Without Mercy: Sean Dillon Series RC
62860
by Jack Higgins
read by David Hartley-Margolin
2 cassettes
Following the death of Russian oil czar Josef Belov in Dark Justice (RC 58861),
British agents Sean Dillon and Charles Ferguson are shocked when wounded colleague
Hannah Bernstein is murdered. They vow revenge and complete the mission of
keeping the world’s oil out of Russian hands. Some violence. 2005.
Nail Biter: A Home Repair Is Homicide Mystery RC
62862
by Sarah Graves
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Eastport, Maine. Do-it-yourself enthusiast Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree,
a former Manhattan finance expert, answers a tenant repair call and discovers
the corpse of local derelict Eugene Dibble on her waterfront bungalow property.
The renters, a coven of witches, deny involvement but turn to Jake when one
of their own disappears. 2006.
Witches Abroad: A Discworld Novel RC
62864
by Terry Pratchett
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
Fairy godmother Desiderata dies, leaving her charge in the hands of manipulative
Lilith, who is determined to marry the girl to a prince. Reluctant witch foster
godmothers Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick must stop Lilith
before her "happy ending" destroys the kingdom. For senior high
and older readers. 1991.
Twelve Sharp: A Stephanie Plum Novel RC
62872
by Janet Evanovich
read by Annie Wauters
2 cassettes
New Jersey. A woman claiming to be a bond enforcement agent’s wife stalks
bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. When someone kills the stalker, Stephanie helps
the agent, known as Ranger, to locate his kidnapped daughter—and finds
herself attracted to him. Strong language, some descriptions of sex, and some
violence. Bestseller. 2006.
Danse Macabre: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter RC
62873
by Laurell K. Hamilton
read by Victoria Gordon
4 cassettes
Federal marshal and vampire executioner Anita Blake fears she may be pregnant.
Anita continues her amorous escapades while trying to figure out which of her
several preternatural lovers could be the father—among them werewolf
Richard and master vampire Jean-Claude. Explicit descriptions of sex, strong
language, and some violence. Bestseller. 2006.
The Seduction of His Wife: The Loggers, Book 1 RC
62874
by Janet Chapman
read by Colleen Delany
2 cassettes
In Maine, Alex Knight’s father turns to his housekeeper Sarah Banks for
help after Alex is presumed murdered in Brazil. Sarah marries Alex by proxy
in order to adopt his children, but then Alex returns and complications arise.
Explicit descriptions of sex and strong language. 2006.
The Englisher: Annie’s People, Book 2 RC
62875
by Beverly Lewis
read by Mary Kane
2 cassettes
Annie, from The Preacher’s Daughter (RC 62283), promised her father she
would give up her forbidden art for six months and join the Amish church, but
she falls in love with outsider Ben Martin. Meanwhile, Annie’s pen pal
Louisa decides to go home, and an Amish mother chooses excommunication. 2006.
Cat in a Quicksilver Caper: A Midnight Louie Mystery RC
62883
by Carole Nelson Douglas
read by Faith Potts
3 cassettes
Las Vegas’s New Millennium Hotel hires Temple Barr to handle public relations
for an exhibition of Russian artifacts including Czar Alexander’s scepter.
When two acrobats die during an accompanying aerial magic show and the scepter
vanishes, feline sleuth Midnight Louie identifies possible suspects, one intimately
close to Temple. 2006.
Specials RC 62890
by Scott Westerfeld
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
Fifteen-year-old Tally, from Pretties (RC 62180), her boyfriend Zane, and their
boss Shay have been reconstructed into super-strong paramilitary "specials." When
they are sent to capture rebels who want to return to an unaltered state of
mind, part of Tally wants to resist her programming. For senior high readers.
2006.
Angels Fall RC 62893
by Nora Roberts
read by Margaret Strom
4 cassettes
Traumatized by a shooting in Boston, Reece Gilmore flees across the country.
She stops in Angel’s Fist, Wyoming, and takes a job as a fast-order cook.
When she witnesses a murder, only reporter-turned-author Brody believes her.
Violence, strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller.
2006.
One False Move: A Myron Bolitar Mystery RC
62894
by Harlan Coben
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
Sports agent Myron Bolitar’s first duty for his new client, African American
pro basketball player Brenda Slaughter, is to find her missing father. While
trying to protect Brenda, Myron uncovers connections to the mob and a decades-old
scandal involving gubernatorial candidate Arthur Bradford. Strong language
and some violence. 1998.
A Hole in Juan: An Amanda Pepper Mystery RC
62895
by Gillian Roberts
read by Annie Wauters
2 cassettes
Halloween pranks at Philly Prep turn sinister when science teacher Juan Reyes
is seriously injured in a chemistry lab explosion shortly after complaining
of being harassed by his students. To find the culprit, English teacher Amanda
Pepper enlists the aid of her new PI husband, C.K. Mackenzie. 2006.
Dead in Vineyard Sand: A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery RC
62896
by Philip R. Craig
read by Michael Russotto
2 cassettes
Ex-cop J.W. Jackson and his golfing buddies discover a corpse in a fourth-hole
sand trap. It’s the body of Henry Highsmith, a pro cyclist and environmentalist
with whom J.W. has feuded. Accused of murder, J.W. investigates Henry’s
enemies and relatives as well as an island drowning. Includes recipes. 2006.
Black Order: A Sigma Force Novel RC
62904
by James Rollins
read by Richard Davidson
3 cassettes
Painter Crowe and Grayson Pierce of Sigma Force investigate strange, simultaneous
occurrences—a plague in Nepal, a killer beast preying in South Africa,
and the purchase of Darwin’s Bible in Denmark. They uncover a Nazi experiment
involving evolution, quantum physics, and a lost baby. Violence and some strong
language. Bestseller. 2006.
Under Pressure RC 62914
by Frank Herbert
read by John Horton
2 cassettes
The United States secretly steals oil from underwater deposits in enemy territory.
But the last twenty missions have all been lost, and command suspects a traitor.
Ensign John Ramsey goes undercover aboard a four-man subtug to find the saboteur.
Formerly titled The Dragon in the Sea. Some strong language. 1955.
Death of a Dreamer: A Hamish Macbeth Mystery RC
62923
by M.C. Beaton
read by Steven Crossley
2 cassettes
Scottish Highlands constable Hamish Macbeth investigates the suicide of artist
Effie Garrard. Effie claimed to be engaged to painter Jock Fleming, who denies
their relationship and involvement in her death. When an American tourist is
murdered, Hamish tracks the killer but becomes distracted by personal affairs—including
his ex-fiancée’s arrival. 2006.
Terror Town: An Abe Lieberman Mystery RC
62943
by Stuart M. Kaminsky
read by Richard Davidson
2 cassettes
Jewish detective Abe Lieberman connects three diverse cases: extortion committed
by a religious maniac, the beating of a former Cubs player, and the murder
of a young mother in the south Chicago neighborhood called Terror Town. Meanwhile,
someone stalks the family of Abe’s partner. Strong language and some
violence. 2006.
At Risk RC 62949
by Patricia Cornwell
read by Margaret Strom
1 cassette
Massachusetts district attorney Monique Lamont sends state police investigator
Winston Garano to Knoxville, Tennessee, to learn the latest in crime scene
investigation. He’s also ordered to solve a twenty-year-old murder that
took place there. But another crime occurs back in Cambridge. Some violence
and some strong language. Bestseller. 2006.
Dark Voyage of the Mittie Stephens: A Western Story RC
63016
by Johnny D. Boggs
read by Ted Stoddard
2 cassettes
Post-Civil War Louisiana. Professional gambler Bobby Randow, suffering from
transient amnesia, meets belle- on-the-run Laura Kelley aboard the Mittie Stephens
bound for Jefferson, Texas. Unbeknownst to most passengers, the ship carries
ex-confederate thieves from Bobby’s past, who seek the vessel’s
concealed gold payroll, and enforcement officers in pursuit of Laura. 2004.
The Work of Wolves RC 63021
by Kent Meyers
read by Michele Schaeffer
3 cassettes
South Dakota. Cruel landowner Magnus Yarborough hires Carson Fielding to train
the Yarborough horses and teach his wife, Rebecca, to ride. But Magnus, suspecting
infidelity, takes his anger out on Rebecca’s horses. Carson and friends
plot to free the animals by stealing them. Some violence and some strong language.
2004.
Angels Watching Over Me: Shenandoah Sisters, Book 1 RC
63027
by Michael Phillips
read by Michele Schaeffer
2 cassettes
Shenandoah County, North Carolina; 1860s. When Confederate soldiers murder
her family, fifteen-year-old slave Mayme Jukes seeks refuge at Rosewood plantation.
She befriends the white owner’s daughter Katie, orphaned by a similar
attack. The girls vow to protect each other and Rosewood. Some violence. For
senior high and older readers. 2003.
The Italian Secretary: A Further Adventure of Sherlock
Holmes RC 63029
by Caleb Carr
read by Robert Sams
2 cassettes
Detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate two deaths at the royal
palace in Edinburgh, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Holmes’s brother,
Mycroft, fears these killings are part of an assassination plot while Sherlock
links them to the three-centuries-old murder of Mary’s confidante, Italian
secretary David Rizzio. 2005.
Hit on the House: A Detective Sergeant Mulheisen Mystery RC
63060
by Jon A. Jackson
read by Ray Foushee
2 cassettes
Detective Sergeant Mulheisen investigates the slaying of several mobsters around
Detroit. He discovers that millions of dollars in drug money are missing. He
also runs into high school heartbreaker Bonny Wheeler, who’s married
to a computer geek with ties to the mob. Violence and strong language. 1993.
Man with an Axe: A Detective Sergeant Mulheisen Mystery RC
63061
by Jon A. Jackson
read by Ray Foushee
2 cassettes
Detroit cop Fang Mulheisen finds the notebooks of his late partner Grootka.
The story he reads leads him to investigate Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance
as well as that of black jazz saxophonist Tyrone Addison, who helped Hoffa
avoid an assassination attempt. Violence and strong language. 1998.
Miss Julia Stands Her Ground RC
63070
by Ann B. Ross
read by Mitzi Friedlander
2 cassettes
Miss Julia is happily residing with her new spouse Sam, her late husband’s
son Little Lloyd, and his mother Hazel Marie. When Hazel Marie’s busybody
uncle Brother Vernon Puckett doubts Little Lloyd’s paternity, Miss Julia
sets about gathering DNA evidence to prove it. 2006.
Beginning Operations: A Sector General Omnibus, Volume
1 RC 63073
by James White
read by Jack Fox
4 cassettes
Contains the first three volumes in the Sector General series written between
1957 and 1971: Hospital Station (comprising five stories), Star Surgeon (one
novelette and one novella), and Major Operation (five novelettes). Follows
young Dr. Conway’s adventures as he treats alien patients aboard the
galaxy’s largest multienvironment, interplanetary hospital. 2001.
Pet Peeve: Xanth RC 63074
by Piers Anthony
read by Sharon Murray
2 cassettes
While searching for an appropriate abode for an obnoxious bird (the Pet Peeve),
Goody Goblin encounters a horde of robots invading Xanth. To repel the intruders,
Goody rallies dragons, zombies, centaurs, demons, and elves, among others,
and finds an unexpected ally, Gwenny Goblin. For senior high and older readers.
2005.
Sleeping Lady: An Alaska Mystery RC
63075
by Sue Henry
read by Gary Tipton
2 cassettes
After the Alaskan spring thaw, Rochelle Lewis hurries to the site of her missing
husband’s small plane, where bullet holes and a woman’s beaten
corpse are discov