Cassette Books 2007
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Library of Congress 
Washington 2008 

Adult Nonfiction

Adventure

Dragon Hunter: Roy Chapman Andrews and the Central Asiatic Expeditions RC 60876
by Charles Gallenkamp
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Biography of the adventurous American who pioneered explorations of the Mongolian Gobi
Desert between 1922 and 1930. Discusses the expeditions' hardships as they traveled by
automobile and camel across barren areas, "hampered by war, politics, and bandits." Describes
the amazing fossils discovered by Andrews's team and the celebrity he subsequently enjoyed.
2001.


A Furnace Afloat: The Wreck of the Hornet and the Harrowing 4,300-Mile Voyage of Its
Survivors RC 60700
by Joe Jackson
read by John Polk
3 cassettes
Recounts the 1866 burning and sinking of an American clipper sailing from New York to San
Francisco that left thirty-one men adrift in the Pacific for forty-three days. Describes storms and
starvation endured and threats of mutiny and cannibalism. Sources include journals and
then-journalist Samuel Langhorne Clemens's unpublished notes. 2003.


A Mile Down: The True Story of a Disastrous Career at Sea RC 63117
by David Vann
read by Erik Sandvold
2 cassettes
Charter-boat captain chronicles his ill-fated voyages aboard the ninety- foot-long sailboat Bird of
Paradise, which he had constructed in Turkey to house writing workshops. Describes adventures
in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean, as well as chronic financial and structural
problems the latter of which ultimately sank his yacht. Some strong language. 2005.


Simple Courage: A True Story of Peril on the Sea RC 62150
by Frank Delaney
read by Frank Delaney
2 cassettes
Uses archives and interviews to document the December 1951 disaster that befell the freighter SS
Flying Enterprise while it crossed the Atlantic. Describes thirty-seven-year-old captain Kurt
Carlsen's effort to transfer all the passengers and crew to lifeboats and his refusal to abandon
ship after it was damaged in a storm. Strong language and some violence. 2006.


Animals and Wildlife

A Bevy of Beasts RC 61226
by Gerald Durrell
read by Steven Crossley
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Author recounts with characteristic wit his early years as student keeper at England's Whipsnade
Zoo, one of the country's first "open" exhibitions. Describes humorous experiences with animals
including a singing bear, a herd of friendly yaks, and a gentle giraffe whose best friend is a goat.
1973.


Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog
Problems RC 62405
by Cesar Millan
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Mexican-born dog-rehabilitator and star of television's Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan
explains using psychology to train one's pet. Includes anecdotes from his clients and his own
pack of dogs. Describes how he teaches owners to "speak" their dog's language and encourages
exercise, discipline, and affection. Bestseller. 2006.


The Dogs of Bedlam Farm: An Adventure with Sixteen Sheep, Three Dogs, Two Donkeys, and
Me RC 62296
by Jon Katz
read by Peter Johnson
2 cassettes
Author recounts a season on his forty-two-acre upstate New York spread, where he attempted to
train three border collies Orson, Homer, and Rose to herd sheep. Describes the challenges of
farming and dog-training and relates the ways his relationship with the canines helped him to
become a better person. 2004.


Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog RC 61561
by John Grogan
read by Gregory Gorton
2 cassettes
A columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer reminisces about the untrainable Labrador retriever
that he and his wife acquired as Florida newlyweds. Recalls Marley's hilarious escapades and his
capacity for love as the Grogans become the parents of three kids. Bestseller. 2005.


The Pet Lover's Guide to First Aid and Emergencies RC 61875
by Thomas K. Day
read by Barbara Caruso
1 cassette
Veterinarian explains how to recognize and treat dogs' and cats' common medical emergencies
including heatstroke, broken bones, lacerations, poisoning, allergic reactions, and skin, ear, and
eye conditions. Provides instructions for performing CPR and preparing a first aid kit. Guide is
organized by symptom and severity level, not clinical diagnosis. 2006.


Tiger Bone and Rhino Horn: The Destruction of Wildlife for Traditional Chinese Medicine RC
62552
by Richard Ellis
read by Ken Kliban
3 cassettes
Author of The Empty Ocean (RC 58798) examines international trade in exotic animal parts used
in medicinal remedies and aphrodisiacs. Discusses Western and Chinese healing traditions and
suggests reducing the threat to endangered species such as tigers, rhinos, bears, and sharks
through education and wider distribution of modern pharmaceuticals. 2005.


White House Pets RC 61550
by Margaret Truman
read by Kerry Cundiff
1 cassette (Reissue)
President Truman's daughter provides anecdotes about the domestic and wild animals kept by
first families. Discusses dogs, cats, horses, and sheep as well as pigmy hippos and lion cubs
received as gifts from foreign officials. Covers Washington's horses and hounds, Teddy
Roosevelt's zoo, FDR's dog Fala, and Kennedy's menagerie. 1969.


Biography

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer RC 61087
by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
read by Steven Carpenter
5 cassettes
Biography of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (1904 1967) "the father of the atomic bomb."
Chronicles his New York City upbringing, marriage to Kitty Puening, work on the Manhattan
Project, and life after the 1954 Atomic Energy Commission hearings which denied Oppenheimer
his security clearance for questioning the ethics of nuclear weapons. 2005.


Anthony Blunt: His Lives RC 60877
by Miranda Carter
read by George Holmes
4 cassettes
A biography of British art historian Anthony Blunt (1907 1983) who joined the Cambridge spy
ring in the 1930s and worked for both British Intelligence and the Soviet Union during World
War II. Carter relates Blunt's evolution from student to traitor, homosexual affairs, and eventual
public exposure by Margaret Thatcher in 1979. 2001.


Bring Me a Unicorn: Diaries and Letters of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 1922 1928 RC 60406
by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
read by Kate Kiley
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Collected writings by the daughter of a prominent New Jersey family and wife of pilot Charles
Lindbergh. Records her education at Smith College, family trips, struggles to become an author,
and courtship with Charles, whom she met in Mexico City in 1927 following his landmark
transatlantic flight. Includes introduction. 1971.


De Kooning: An American Master RC 60110
by Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan
read by Annie Wauters
6 cassettes
Biography of Dutch-born artist Willem de Kooning (1904 1997), who became a major figure in
the mid-twentieth-century New York abstract expressionism scene. Explores de Kooning's
bohemian habits, friendship with Gorky, financial backing from Hirshhorn and Fourcade, only
marriage, and passion for painting. Pulitzer Prize. 2004.


Dragon Hunter: Roy Chapman Andrews and the Central Asiatic Expeditions RC 60876
by Charles Gallenkamp
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Biography of the adventurous American who pioneered explorations of the Mongolian Gobi
Desert between 1922 and 1930. Discusses the expeditions' hardships as they traveled by
automobile and camel across barren areas, "hampered by war, politics, and bandits." Describes
the amazing fossils discovered by Andrews's team and the celebrity he subsequently enjoyed.
2001.


Dreamer of Dune: The Biography of Frank Herbert RC 61596
by Brian Herbert
read by Ted Stoddard
4 cassettes
Son's memoir of the author of the popular Dune science fiction series. Intertwines accounts of
the son's life with that of his father's to shed light on the people, places, and experiences that
played integral roles in the Dune novels. 2003.


Edmund Wilson: A Life in Literature RC 61773
by Lewis M. Dabney
read by Bill Wallace
5 cassettes
Biography of twentieth-century literary and cultural critic and well-known diarist Edmund
Wilson (1895 1972), who worked at the New Republic and the New Yorker. Uses Wilson's
correspondence and interviews with his friends and colleagues to chronicle his professional and
personal life that included four marriages the third to writer Mary McCarthy. 2005.


Empire and Odyssey: The Brynners in Far East Russia and Beyond RC 62546
by Rock Brynner
read by Ken Kliban
3 cassettes
Actor Yul Brynner's son chronicles four generations of his family, beginning with his Swiss-born
great-grandfather who cofounded the Russian port city of Vladivostok. Highlights events of each
ancestor's life, including Brynner's Academy Award-winning father's path to the movie industry
and his own stints as a clown, bodyguard, and writer. 2006.


Fat Girl: A True Story RC 61433
by Judith Moore
read by Kate Kiley
1 cassette
Award-winning author's candid memoir of growing up overweight. Relates her struggles at
school and home throughout an unhappy childhood and adolescence that were shaped by an
absent, food-obsessed father, an abusive mother, a spiteful grandmother, and a kind, homosexual
uncle. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2005.


The Glass Castle: A Memoir RC 61540
by Jeannette Walls
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Reporter for MSNBC.com looks back on her unsettled life. Describes growing up in a
dysfunctional family that  was always on the move. She recalls her father's dream of building a
"glass castle," and relates how she and her siblings escaped to make lives of their own. Strong
language. 2005.


Hawthorne: A Life RC 61589
by Brenda Wineapple
read by Annie Wauters
4 cassettes
Biography of Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 1864), author of The Scarlet Letter (RC 48457),
explores his upbringing in a puritanical and lonely household in Salem, Massachusetts. Discusses
how his failings in government work led to and influenced his writing, as did his views on
slavery and New England society. 2003.


Jesus Land: A Memoir RC 62245
by Julia Scheeres
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Blonde-haired Julia fondly recalls David, her adoptive black brother, and recounts their
experiences surviving family violence and a stay at a Christian reform school in the Dominican
Republic. Explicit descriptions of sex, strong language, and some violence. Alex Award. 2005.


A Life of Privilege, Mostly RC 59690
by Gardner Botsford
read by Gary Roan
2 cassettes
Former editor of the New Yorker recounts a privileged youth graced with house servants and
glittering society that included Harpo Marx, Alexander Woollcott, and Averell Harriman. Recalls
his fearful World War II service, the glory days of New York publishing and its luminaries, and a
tragic domestic life. 2003.


The Life of Graham Greene, Volume 3: 1955 1991 RC 59889
by Norman Sherry
read by Dan Bloom
7 cassettes in 2 containers
This sequel to The Life of Graham Greene, Volume 2: 1939 1955 (RC 41053) covers the
distinguished author's productive career and the final years of his tumultuous life. Sherry
discusses Greene's private relationships and explores the people, places, and events that inspired
his writing. 2004.


Maude (1883 1993): She Grew Up with the Country RC 61761
by Mardo Williams
read by Lindsay Ellison
3 cassettes
A son's recollection of his mother Maude (1883 1993) chronicles the times and events of her
110-year lifetime. Maude went from using oil lamps to microwave ovens, from riding in
horse-drawn buggies to driving an automobile. She also lived through two World Wars. 1996.


My Life in France RC 61606
by Julia Child
read by Kimberley Farr
2 cassettes
The chef who changed America's culinary habits writes about the years after World War II that
she spent in France. Julia Child recalls the difficulty of being an American in a French cooking
school and the hard-won publication of her book on French cooking for Americans. 2006.


Oh the Glory of It All RC 60643
by Sean Wilsey
read by Erik Sandvold
5 cassettes
Editor of McSweeney's quarterly relates growing up in San Francisco with dysfunctional, wealthy
parents who divorced and "destroyed" his childhood. Describes his cruel stepmother, the Italian
reform school he attended, and the drugs he took while his mother sought world peace. Strong
language and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2005.


Open the Unusual Door: True Life Stories of Challenge, Adventure, and Success by Black
Americans RC 62473
edited by Barbara Summers
read by Bill Quinn
1 cassette
Sixteen excerpts from autobiographies of African Americans from all walks of life. Discusses the
sacrifices and decisions they made to excel in their fields. Includes baseball player Derek Jeter,
entertainer Queen Latifah, General Colin Powell, and poet bell hooks, among others. For senior
high readers. 2005.


A Piece of Cake: A Memoir RC 62657
by Cupcake Brown
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
4 cassettes
African American attorney chronicles her abusive childhood and years of prostitution and drug
use. Describes how she turned her life around through faith in God and the support of her friends
and family. Discusses the process of recovery. Strong language, some descriptions of sex, and
some violence. 2006.


Poet of the Appetites: The Lives and Loves of M.F.K. Fisher RC 61668
by Joan Reardon
read by Faith Potts
4 cassettes
This biography of the popular food writer and bon vivant M.F.K. Fisher (1908 1992) reveals that
she often embellished the truth for stylistic effect. While probing the contradictions between
Fisher's public and private lives, Reardon discusses the prolific author's marriages, lovers,
child-rearing practices, and pleasure in writing about meals. 2004.


Pope Benedict XVI: A Biography of Joseph Ratzinger RC 60689
by John L. Allen Jr.
read by Lou Harpenau
3 cassettes
Biography of the German pope, born Joseph Ratzinger in 1927. Journalist for the National
Catholic Reporter traces Ratzinger's rise to prominence as a cardinal during the Second Vatican
Council. Uses documents to outline the pope's conservative theological views on controversial
subjects. First published as Cardinal Ratzinger. 2000.


Right Turns: Unconventional Lessons from a Controversial Life RC 61414
by Michael Medved
read by Gordon Gould
4 cassettes
Radio talk-show host, film critic, author, and Orthodox Jew comments on his transition from
liberal activist to conservative media commentator. Medved traces his ancestors' struggles for
success in America and explains the contradictions in his life through the diverse experiences he
shares with other baby boomers. 2004.


Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers RC 63105
by Elizabeth Edwards
read by Bernadette Dunne
3 cassettes
The lawyer wife of former Democratic vice-presidential candidate John Edwards describes the
ordeal of discovering she had breast cancer just days before the 2004 election. She recounts
receiving an outpouring of support that reaffirmed her long-standing belief in the power of
community, which she gained during earlier crises. 2006.


A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History's Greatest Traveler RC 62703
by Jason Roberts
read by David Cutler
3 cassettes
Biography of Englishman James Holman (1786 1857), who was blinded at twenty-five after
serving in the Napoleonic wars and who then achieved fame as a world traveler. Quoting from
Holman's memoirs, describes how he fought slavery in Africa, survived captivity in Siberia,
charted the Australian outback, and published three books. 2006.


She Got Up off the Couch: And Other Heroic Acts from Mooreland, Indiana RC 62225
by Haven Kimmel
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Following A Girl Named Zippy (RC 54946), Kimmel continues her saga of growing up in
Indiana
in the 1970s. Recounts her mother's decision to go to college and become a teacher to help the
family's finances, and how that decision caused marital problems for her parents. 2006.


Sinatra: The Life RC 61890
by Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan
read by Peter Ganim
5 cassettes
Author of Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe (RC 22984) provides a birth-to-death
biography of singer/actor Frank Sinatra (1915 1998). Summers documents Sinatra's childhood,
career, marriages, struggles with alcohol, complex relationships with women, and Mafia
connections. Strong language. 2005.


Solo: My Adventures in the Air RC 62533
by Clyde Edgerton
read by Peter Ganim
2 cassettes
Author of Floatplane Notebooks (RC 31559) recalls his lifelong love of flying. Reminisces about
his ROTC service at the University of North Carolina and 1960s air force training. Recounts
seeing combat in the Vietnam conflict, for which he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross, and
declares his dislike of war. 2005.


Somerset Maugham: A Life RC 61215
by Jeffrey Meyers
read by Gordon Gould
3 cassettes
Prolific biographer documents the life of a bestselling twentieth-century British writer, author of
Of Human Bondage (RC 24363). Recounts Maugham's lonely childhood with a debilitating
stammer, lifelong exile, and literary successes and friendships. Also chronicles his medical
education, work as a secret agent, only marriage, and bisexuality. 2004.


Spies: The Secret Agents Who Changed the Course of History RC 62416
by Ernest Volkman
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Biographies of nearly fifty people involved in espionage in the twentieth century, including
moles, spymasters, defectors, and others. Covers Kim Philby, Dusko Popov the real James
Bond Markus Wolf, Mata Hari, and K'ang Sheng as well as writers with undercover
experience: Ian Fleming, Graham Greene, Ernest Hemingway, and W. Somerset Maugham.
1994.


A Tale of Love and Darkness RC 61238
by Amos Oz
read by Ken Kliban
5 cassettes
Israeli author's literary memoir of growing up in war-torn Jerusalem in the 1940s and 1950s.
Describes his multilingual, book-loving, Jewish family of European background while examining
events including the Holocaust. Contemplates his mother's suicide when he was twelve as a
pivotal event ending his childhood. 2003.


Teacher Man: A Memoir RC 61267
by Frank McCourt
read by Alexander Strain
2 cassettes
Author of Angela's Ashes (RC 42805) recalls thirty years working in New York City high
schools. Relates his experiences as an Irishman teaching English to Americans and beguiling
students with stories from his past. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language.
Bestseller. 2005.


Them: A Memoir of Parents RC 61816
by Francine du Plessix Gray
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
4 cassettes
Memoir about the author's mother and stepfather, Russian  migr s who fled occupied Paris for
New York City in 1941. Portrays Tatiana du Plessix Liberman's rise as a famous hat designer
and Alexander Liberman's ascent at Cond  Nast Publications. Describes the publishing and
fashion scenes and her parents' glamorous lives. 2005.


They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan RC 62551
by Alephonsion Deng and Benson Deng
read by John Horton
2 cassettes
Personal accounts of three young men who were five- to seven-year-old orphans when their will
to survive led them on a thousand-mile journey away from the civil war raging in their Sudanese
villages. They recall hunger, disease, and the predatory animals that followed them to the refugee
camps. 2005.


The Third Woman: The Secret Passion That Inspired The End of the Affair RC 62216
by William Cash
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Describes the love affair of British author Graham Greene and his longtime mistress Catherine
Walston the American wife of a wealthy nobleman. Uses their correspondence to compare their
lives to the characters in Greene's novel The End of the Affair (RC 52415). 2000.


Two Lives RC 61809
by Vikram Seth
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
Author of A Suitable Boy (RC 35921) writes about his great-uncle, an Indian dentist, and the
uncle's German Jewish wife. Portrays the couple's meeting in Berlin before World War II, their
wartime losses and migrations, postwar marriage, and his own years living with them in England
in the 1970s. 2005.


Universal Father: A Life of Pope John Paul II RC 61288
by Garry O'Connor
read by Alexander Strain
3 cassettes
British biographer chronicles the life of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II (1920 2005),
examining the inner man. Assesses Wojtyla's early life in Poland between wars, his interest in
the theater, his acting during the Nazi occupation, and his ascent in the Catholic hierarchy. 2005.


What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love RC 61248
by Carole Radziwill
read by Constance Crawford
2 cassettes
ABC reporter recounts meeting and marrying coworker Anthony Radziwill, the nephew of
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Carole describes the relationship and friendship she and her
husband had with Anthony's cousin John Kennedy. Relates the heartbreak of Anthony's
recurring cancer and the 1999 accidental death of John. Strong language. Bestseller. 2005.


When I Was a Soldier RC 61463
by Val rie Zenatti
read by Anne Hancock
1 cassette
French-born Israeli immigrant Val rie Zenatti recounts her compulsory military service from
ages eighteen to twenty. Describes her conflicting emotions about national identity, being a
soldier, homesickness, breaking up with her boyfriend, and training to shoot to kill. Some strong
language. For senior high readers. 2002.


Where There's a Will RC 61675
by John Mortimer
read by David Cutler
1 cassette
Thoughts on the good life by the English lawyer, writer, and creator of the Rumpole mystery
series. Drawing from literature and his own experiences, Mortimer ponders the pleasures of drink
and eating out, the tyranny of political correctness, the pang of missed opportunities, the pursuit
of happiness, and more. Some strong language. 2003.


A Widow's Walk RC 61783
by Marian Fontana
read by Kerry Cundiff
3 cassettes
Playwright and comedienne chronicles her first year of coping with losing her firefighter
husband, Dave, in the World Trade Center attacks. Now president of the 9/11 Widows and
Victims' Families Association, she describes the aftermath of the tragedy and life as a single
mother. Strong language. 2005.


Wish You Were Here: The Official Biography of Douglas Adams RC 62233
by Nick Webb
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Writer and personal friend of Adams pens an account of the man who created the Hitchhiker
novels. Webb discusses Adams's childhood, schooling, time with the BBC, marriage to Jane,
birth of daughter Polly, fascination with gadgets, atheism, and creation of The Hitchhiker's Guide
to the Galaxy (RC 18339). 2003.


The Year of Magical Thinking RC 61740
by Joan Didion
read by Anne Hancock
1 cassette
Writer reflects on her emotional response to the unexpected death of her husband, John Gregory
Dunne, after a visit to their comatose daughter. Discusses the shock of suddenly facing a crisis,
the memory of their time together as a family, and the meaning of marriage. National Book
Award. Bestseller. 2005.


Blindness and Physical Handicaps

Alex: The Life of a Child RC 61780
by Frank Deford
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Journalist's portrait of his daughter, Alexandra, who was just eight years old when she died in
1980 from cystic fibrosis. He recounts Alexandra's life and passing, finds solace in the joy she
brought to their family, and reveals the courage of a young girl facing death. Includes 1997
postscript. 1983.


Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow-Walkers RC 61293
by Candy Harrington
read by Margaret Strom
2 cassettes
This edition of Barrier-Free Travel (RC 56626), revised after September 11, 2001, contains
updates on access-related rules and regulations and airport security procedures that apply to
wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Covers travel with wheeler kids, tips and tools for planning a
trip, and expanded sections on cruises and resources. 2005.


A Brush with Darkness: Learning to Paint after Losing My Sight RC 60724
by Lisa Fittipaldi
read by Jill Ferris
2 cassettes
Author discusses her life after being diagnosed with vasculitis in her forties. Describes her
feelings of despair during her first two years of blindness. Relates that a gift from her husband 
a child's watercolor set became the catalyst for her new career as a renowned painter, and for
her new outlook. 2004.


Cassette Books, 2004 RC 61614
by National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
read by Lou Harpenau
4 cassettes
A catalog of talking books produced on cassette during 2004 for adult and young adult readers.
The nonfiction and fiction sections list books by subject categories. Separate listings identify teen
selections, Spanish-language books, and bestsellers. 2005.


The Disabled Woman's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth RC 62294
by Judith Rogers
read by Catherine Byers
5 cassettes
Comprehensive guide to disability-related physical and emotional pregnancy issues. Cites
experiences of women with varying types and degrees of conditions including cerebral palsy,
multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, spina bifida, and spinal cord injuries. Covers first,
second, and third trimesters, labor and delivery, possible complications, and postpartum
concerns. Includes resources. 2006.


Education and Rehabilitation for Empowerment RC 61268
by C. Edwin Vaughan and James H. Omvig
read by Bob Moore
2 cassettes
The authors argue that the history of educational and rehabilitative services for blind people has
condoned dependency. Provides an overview of the U.S. rehabilitation system during the
twentieth century. Advocates for a positive philosophy toward blindness that includes
empowerment, mobility, com- munication, and "blending in." 2005.


A Guide to High School Success for Students with Disabilities RC 61627
edited by Cynthia Ann Bowman and Paul T. Jaeger
read by Jill Fox
2 cassettes
Essays and personal narratives provide guidance and encouragement to students with special
needs on achieving a positive high school experience. Highlights self-advocacy, main-streaming,
dating, extracurricular activities, and life after graduation. Includes resources about adaptive
technology. Foreword by Chris Crutcher. For junior and senior high and older readers. 2004.


I'd Rather Be Working: A Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Self-Support for People with Chronic
Illness RC 61969
by Gayle Backstrom
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Author with fibromyalgia offers a guide to finding a job that can accommodate a chronic illness
or disability. Discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act, government programs, education
and training, assistive technology, and self-employment opportunities. Provides real-life
examples and resources and includes exercises to assess abilities and limitations. 2002.


The Little Monster: Growing Up with ADHD RC 60918
by Robert Jergen
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
Professor who didn't learn he had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) until he was
twenty-four describes growing up with an undiagnosed disability. Anecdotally relates his social
and academic struggles. Celebrates having ADHD and outlines coping strategies that have made
him successful. Some strong language. 2004.


No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer RC 61948
by Rachael Scdoris and Rick Steber
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
Twenty-one-year-old author discusses her Oregon childhood, her experience with low vision, and
her determination to become a professional sled dog racer. Describes being introduced to the
sport by her father, becoming the youngest athlete to win a five-hundred-mile race, and the
obstacles she overcame to qualify for the Iditarod. 2006.


No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling
and in Life RC 61528
by Kyle Maynard
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Autobiography of a wrestler born without the lower portions of his arms and legs. Recalls his
childhood, his illustrious high school athletic career culminating with the Georgia state
tournament, and the support of his family and coach that helped him succeed. Includes his diet
and exercise regimen. 2005.


Persistence Is Power! A Real-World Guide for the Newly Disabled Employee RC 61175
by Jeanne Lazo and Carol J. Amato
read by Bob Moore
2 cassettes
Provides disabled employees with information about disability insurance, Social Security, and
Workers' Compensation. Explains the Americans with Disabilities Act. Offers advice for filing
claims and managing paperwork, and provides forms and resources. Addresses emotional,
medical, legal, privacy, and monetary issues. 2004.


Rebuilt: How Becoming Part Computer Made Me More Human RC 60850
by Michael Chorost
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
Science writer recounts his decision to get a cochlear implant, or computer surgically imbedded
in the skull, to artificially restore hearing after he became totally deaf in 2001. Describes his
physical and mental changes and reflects on the implications of technological advances on the
deaf community and on humanity. 2005.


Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries
for the Blind and Physically Handicapped RC 61430
by Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies
read by Don Hagen
1 cassette
Describes service standards that apply to Library of Congress network libraries for blind and
physically handicapped individuals. Offers guidelines for direct patron contact, lending, outreach,
and production of web sites and reading materials. Also addresses consultants, volunteers,
administration, budgeting, policies and procedures, reports, and research and development. 2005.


A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History's Greatest Traveler RC 62703
by Jason Roberts
read by David Cutler
3 cassettes
Biography of Englishman James Holman (1786 1857), who was blinded at twenty-five after
serving in the Napoleonic wars and who then achieved fame as a world traveler. Quoting from
Holman's memoirs, describes how he fought slavery in Africa, survived captivity in Siberia,
charted the Australian outback, and published three books. 2006.


There Is Room at the Inn: Inns and B and Bs for Wheelers and Slow Walkers RC 62606
by Candy B. 
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Guide to one hundred U.S. lodgings that the author deems accessible and welcoming to people
with impaired mobility. Reviews inns, bed-and- breakfasts, a safari park, a dude ranch, and other
small facilities, detailing accessibility features including sleeping and bathroom
accommodations. Lists properties by state and provides sightseeing suggestions. 2006.


Two Hundred Fifty Tips for Making Life with Arthritis Easier RC 61090
by Shelley Peterman Schwarz
read by Ted Stoddard
1 cassette
Practical advice, tips, and techniques on simplifying home lifestyle by organizing, streamlining,
and consolidating everyday tasks. Discusses alternating periods of activity and rest, planning
ahead, and taking advantage of readily available labor-saving devices. An official publication of
the Arthritis Foundation. 1997.


Business and Economics

Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream RC 61157
by Barbara Ehrenreich
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
The author who explored blue-collar work in Nickel and Dimed (RC 52291) investigates the
plight of unemployed and underemployed white-collar workers. Ehrenreich poses as an educated
and experienced person and still suffers job rejection in the corporate world although she says
she "did everything right." Bestseller. 2005.


The Billion Dollar BET: Robert Johnson and the Inside Story of Black Entertainment Television
RC 60023
by Brett Pulley
read by Chuck Young
2 cassettes
Forbes magazine senior editor traces the rise of the world's first African American billionaire
Robert Johnson, founder and chief executive of the Black Entertainment Television (BET) cable
network. Describes Johnson's humble background and success in turning a $15,000 bank loan
into a billion-dollar media empire. Some strong language. 2004.


The Disposable American: Layoffs and Their Consequences RC 62464
by Louis Uchitelle
read by Ralph Lowenstein
3 cassettes
Award-winning New York Times reporter examines the psychological and economic impact of
corporate firings. Uses United Airlines and other examples to show how layoffs undermine
former and remaining employees' mental health as well as overall business productivity.
Recommends government regulation and a stronger labor movement to foster job security. 2006.


The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time RC 61244
by Jeffrey D. 
read by Dan Bloom
4 cassettes
Special adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General offers an integrated plan for ending
extreme poverty by the year 2025 through improved health care, education, and infrastructure in
developing nations. Analyzes global economics and wealth distribution. Details his work in
Bolivia, Poland, Russia, China, India, and Kenya. Foreword by Bono. 2005.


First in Thirst: How Gatorade Turned the Science of Sweat into a Cultural Phenomenon RC
62211
by Darren Rovell
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Sports business reporter chronicles the development of the athletic drink Gatorade, as a product
and a company, from the 1960s when the beverage was invented for the University of Florida
Gators. Examines marketing strategies and sponsorship deals behind Gatorade's success and
relates its iconic status in popular culture. 2006.


How We Compete: What Companies around the World Are Doing to Make It in Today's Global
Economy RC 62272
by Suzanne Berger
read by Margaret Strom
3 cassettes
Analysis of international business strategies based on a Massachusetts Institute of Technology
study of five hundred companies in North America, Asia, and Europe. Surveys organizational,
operational, and manufacturing processes of businesses from various industries textiles,
automobiles, technology, and others. Concludes that cheap labor and outsourcing may not assure
success. 2005.


Professional Ethics and Etiquette RC 61701
 J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company
read by Peter Johnson
1 cassette
Advice for developing business character and building professional relationships. Urges readers
to assess their own personality, values, strengths, and weaknesses to identify areas needing
improvement. Offers tips on becoming more responsible, improving time-management and
memory skills, balancing life and work, and more. For senior high and older readers. 2004.


Revolutionary Wealth: Shaping Tomorrow's Way of Life RC 61608
by Alvin Toffler and Heidi Toffler
read by Melissa Edris
3 cassettes
Authors of Creating a New Civilization (RC 41142) predict major shifts in business and society
by 2025. Discusses skills managers will need as technology, wealth, and culture converge.
Considers the crumbling of traditional institutions and the rise of nongovernmental
organizations, flexible work schedules, and international dependence. 2006.


Three Billion New Capitalists: The Great Shift of Wealth and Power to the East RC 61625
by Clyde Prestowitz
read by Butch Hoover
3 cassettes
Author of Rogue Nation (RC 57090) warns of danger to the American economy as eastern
countries like China and India compete in the world market. Criticizes U.S. trade and budget
deficits, insufficient savings, failing schools, and low investments in research. Cautions that such
factors could lead to another depression. 2005.


Careers and Job Training

Don't Sabotage Your Success! Make Office Politics Work RC 61513
by Karen Ginsburg Wood
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
1 cassette
Provides tips to enhance workplace relationships and gain professional happiness and success
when job performance alone may not guarantee advancement. Author shares her personal career
experiences and offers strategies for understanding workplace dynamics, altering negative
behavior, and perfecting the art of schmoozing. 2001.


I'd Rather Be Working: A Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Self-Support for People with Chronic
Illness RC 61969
by Gayle Backstrom
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Author with fibromyalgia offers a guide to finding a job that can accommodate a chronic illness
or disability. Discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act, government programs, education
and training, assistive technology, and self-employment opportunities. Provides real-life
examples and resources and includes exercises to assess abilities and limitations. 2002.


What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers RC
61233
by Richard Nelson Bolles
read by Ken Kliban
3 cassettes
Revised and updated edition of the popular guide for determining job objectives and career goals.
This 2005 version assesses the impact of global outsourcing on job growth as compared to actual
job vacancies, which are the product of constant employment turnover. Offers advice for finding
a niche. Includes resources. 2005.


What Color Is Your Parachute? For Teens: Discovering Yourself, Defining Your Future RC
62321
by Richard Nelson Bolles and Carol Christen
read by Ken Kliban
2 cassettes
Career guide helps adolescents assess personal abilities, interests, and long- term goals and land
their dream job. Offers tips on employment searches and interviews. Examines the option of
continuing education after high school or not. Includes resources and profiles of successful young
adults. For senior high and older readers. 2006.


Your Name in Print: A Teen's Guide to Publishing for Fun, Profit, and Academic Success RC
62234
by Elizabeth Harper and Timothy Harper
read by Kerry Cundiff
1 cassette
Journalist father and his college-age daughter offer teenagers, their parents, and their teachers
advice on the different types of writing for publication. The two also guide would-be writers
through the steps that are needed to get their work into print. For senior high and older readers.
2005.


Computers

Downloading Copyrighted Stuff from the Internet: Stealing or Fair Use? RC 62735
by Sherri Mabry Gordon
read by Peter Johnson
1 cassette
Explains how peer-to-peer file sharing works and presents arguments for and against it, including
definitions of actions that are legal under current copyright law. Discusses the rise and fall of
Napster, which made downloading music easy, and speculates on future developments. For
junior and senior high readers. 2005.


PCs: The Missing Manual RC 62256
by Andy Rathbone
read by Lou Harpenau
5 cassettes
Author of Windows XP for Dummies (RC 57340) offers a guide to basic functions of an
IBM-compatible personal computer operating on Microsoft Windows. Covers installing printers
and scanners, using digital cameras and music players, burning CDs, upgrading hard drives,
getting online, preventing theft, troubleshooting, and more. 2006.


Surviving PC Disasters, Mishaps, and Blunders RC 60809
by Jesse M. Torres and Peter Sideris
read by Bruce Huntey
3 cassettes
An information technology consultant and a systems engineer offer a wide- ranging guide to
solving various personal computer problems using real-world scenarios. Provides instructions for
handling hardware, software, and network glitches, safeguarding personal information, protecting
against identity theft, avoiding Internet hazards, preventing hard drive crashes, recovering lost
data, and more. 2005.


Consumerism

The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner: A Powerful Plan to Finish Rich in Real Estate RC
62371
by David Bach
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
Financial advisor advocates buying real estate to achieve financial freedom. Proposes developing
a long-term commitment. Explains mortgages, down payments, financing, and tax strategies.
2005.


Home Buying for Dummies RC 61874
by Eric Tyson and Ray Brown
read by Ralph Lowenstein
4 cassettes
Real estate and personal finance experts' updated guide to purchasing a condominium or
single-family home. Provides in-depth but straightforward information on determining a price
range, understanding credit scores, assessing home values, inspecting a property, selecting a
mortgage, working with agents, brokers, lenders, and lawyers, and negotiating a deal. 2006.


Jim Cramer's Real Money: Sane Investing in an Insane World RC 62042
by James J. Cramer
read by Ray Childs
3 cassettes
Market pundit and radio talk show host shares trading and investment secrets that he claims
"brokers don't want you to know." Explains how to analyze the market and create a diversified
portfolio that allows for some high-risk speculation. Encourages selling and urges investors to
research stocks and companies. Bestseller. 2005.


Make Money, Not Excuses: Wake Up, Take Charge, and Overcome Your Financial Fears
Forever RC 63112
by Jean Chatzky
read by Susan Denaker
2 cassettes
Advice for women about short- and long-term investing. Offers four basic tips to improve one's
immediate monetary picture and to guide future spending. Explains financial terminology, stock
selection, retirement plans, and hiring a financial planner. Includes practical guidelines based on
experience. 2006.


The Number: A Completely Different Way to Think about the Rest of Your Life RC 62226
by Lee Eisenberg
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Former Esquire magazine editor examines financial plans and strategies for ensuring security and
comfort in retirement. Eisenberg avoids specific mathematical formulas. Instead, he recommends
evaluating "the life you want, the life you don't, and the costs of each." Strong language. 2006.


Shelf Life: Romance, Mystery, Drama, and Other Page-Turning Adventures from a Year in a
Bookstore RC 60048
by Suzanne Strempek Shea
read by Nicola Daval
2 cassettes
Novelist Suzanne Shea recounts the experience of volunteering to work in a friend's
Massachusetts bookstore during cancer recovery. Shea reminisces about the patrons she
encountered and her own book tours. 2004.


You Can Do the Math: Overcome Your Math Phobia and Make Better Financial Decisions RC
60800
by Ron Lipsman
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Professor offers an introduction to the mathematics of personal finance. Covers buying or leasing
a car, owning or renting a home, insurance, credit cards, college and retirement funds, taxes and
inflation, stock market investments, compound interest, and more. Companion web site link
gives calculations. 2004.


Cooking and Food

The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell RC 61328
by Mark Kurlansky
read by John H. Mayer
2 cassettes
Author of Cod (RC 45502) produces a social history of New York City from 1609 to 2005 by
examining the rise and fall of oyster harvesting and consumption in the Hudson River area.
Describes the desecration of a natural resource. Includes historic recipes. Descriptions of sex,
violence, and some strong language. 2006.


Blend It! One Hundred Fifty Sensational Recipes to Make in Your Blender RC 62106
by Good Housekeeping
read by Barbara Caruso
1 cassette
Simple, time-saving recipes requiring little cleanup. Includes directions for making frappes,
smoothies, soups, pancakes, waffles, popovers, frozen cocktails, sauces, dips, salad dressings,
and more. Discusses blender basics like purchase, operation, and safety as well as ways to obtain
consistent texture. 2003.


Chocolate: A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light RC 60895
by Mort Rosenblum
read by Kimberly Schraf
3 cassettes
Food writer exploring the world of chocolate production travels the globe to interview growers,
manufacturers, and consumers. Discusses the history, legends, and professional expertise
required to process this "elixir of the gods." Covers the origins of cacao beans and the modern
$60-billion industry. 2005.


Diabetes and Heart Healthy Cookbook RC 62692
by American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
Dozens of recipes following the dietary guidelines of both the American Heart Association and
the American Diabetes Association to combat diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Includes a
meal planning guide and suggestions for appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, poultry, meats,
vegetarian entrees, breads, and desserts. Provides nutritional analysis for each selection. 2004.


Fix-It and Forget-It Diabetic Cookbook: Slow Cooker Favorites to Include Everyone! RC
60692
by Phyllis Pellman Good
read by Gary Tipton
5 cassettes
Joined by the American Diabetes Association, Good presents healthy, easy-to-prepare meals not
only for diabetics, but for all those watching their intake of carbs, sugars, calories, sodium, and
fat. Recipes include main dishes, soups, desserts, appetizers, breakfast, and more. Provides
exchange and nutritional values and menus for a week. 2005.


Giada's Family Dinners RC 62449
by Giada De Laurentiis
read by Barbara Caruso
1 cassette
Host of television's Everyday Italian presents a collection of down-home dinner recipes that can
be prepared for many or just a few. She includes soups and sandwiches; salads and sides; meals
to grill; and family-style entr es, pasta, and desserts. Offers suggested menus for various family
events. 2006.


I'm Just Here for the Food: Food + Heat = Cooking RC 60619
by Alton Brown
read by Dan Willems
2 cassettes
Host of Food Network's Good Eats offers a manual on "how to control the process known as
cooking." The book is arranged according to techniques searing, frying, braising, boiling, and
microwaving with each lesson featuring a master recipe to demonstrate the method. James
Beard Foundation Award. 2002.


The Imus Ranch: Cooking for Kids and Cowboys RC 61309
by Deirdre Imus
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
Author shares organic, vegetarian, and vegan recipes from her family's environmentally friendly,
4,000-acre New Mexico cattle ranch that hosts children experiencing illness or loss. Offers ideas
for soups, sandwiches, sauces and dips, salads, main dishes, desserts, and more. Provides
information on egg, dairy, and meat substitutes and healthy living. 2004.


Mexican Everyday RC 62529
by Rick Bayless
read by Lewis Grenville
2 cassettes
Host of PBS's Mexico One Plate at a Time assembles recipes for some fifty main dishes along
with side dishes for complete meals. Bayless discusses the guiding principles he follows when
creating recipes: select the right one, pare back to its skeleton, streamline steps, and maximize
use of kitchen equipment. 2005.


My Life in France RC 61606
by Julia Child
read by Kimberley Farr
2 cassettes
The chef who changed America's culinary habits writes about the years after World War II that
she spent in France. Julia Child recalls the difficulty of being an American in a French cooking
school and the hard-won publication of her book on French cooking for Americans. 2006.


The New American Plate Cookbook: Recipes for a Healthy Weight and a Healthy Life RC 60801
by American Institute for Cancer Research
read by Dan Willems
3 cassettes
Team of experts from the American Institute for Cancer Research provides guidelines for healthy
meal planning, recommending that each meal contain approximately two-thirds vegetables,
fruits, whole grains, and beans and one-third animal protein. Includes hundreds of recipes for
appetizers, soups, salads, stews, entr es, vegetables, breads, and desserts. 2005.


On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen RC 60425
by Harold McGee
read by Kerry Cundiff
10 cassettes in 2 containers
The 1984 kitchen classic expanded and updated to broaden the range of ingredients and
preparations. Explains the nature, composition, and origins of foods and what happens to them
when cooked by various methods. Discusses what gives foods their flavor, and offers tips for
selecting the best ingredients. 2004.


One Bite at a Time: Nourishing Recipes for People with Cancer, Survivors, and Their Caregivers
RC 60170
by Rebecca Katz
read by Carol Dines
2 cassettes
Chef and founder of a culinary business that focuses on healthy food presents more than
eighty-five appetite-pleasing and immune-boosting recipes. Includes broths and soups,
vegetables, protein-building foods, side dishes such as potatoes and pasta, desserts, and portable
foods suitable for anytime meals. 2004.


Perfection Salad: Women and Cooking at the Turn of the Century RC 62572
by Laura Shapiro
read by Margaret Strom
2 cassettes
A history of the American domestic science movement at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Describes the efforts of women to gain control of the kitchen using scientific methods that
resulted in bland, processed food. Considers the influence of industrialization and economics on
the way meals are prepared. 1986.


The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook: Two Hundred Delicious Recipes Ready in
Thirty Minutes or Less RC 61176
by Arthur Agatston
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
Fast cookery for dieters recommended by the Florida cardiologist and author of The South Beach
Diet (RC 56409). Includes healthy appetizers, main courses, and desserts that use a minimum
number of ingredients and are easy to prepare. 2005.


Tapas: A Taste of Spain in America RC 62462
by Jos  Andr s
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Award-winning Spanish chef shares dozens of recipes for a traditional cuisine characterized by
small portions that can serve either as appetizers or entrees. Dishes are organized by ingredients,
such as olives, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, rice, cheese, eggs, seafood, chicken, and pork.
Includes wine tips, serving suggestions, and modern variations. 2005.


Crime

Almost Paradise: The East Hampton Murder of Ted Ammon RC 60537
by Kieran Crowley
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
New York Post reporter details the October 2001 murder of multimillionaire Ted Ammon
allegedly by his wife Generosa's blue collar lover Danny Pelosi. Traces Generosa's troubled
childhood, Ted's financial success, and Danny's psychiatric problems all factors in this
author's analysis of the crime. Strong language. 2005.


American Gunfight: The Plot to Kill Harry Truman and the Shoot-Out That Stopped It RC
61362
by Stephen Hunter and John Bainbridge Jr.
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Reconstructs the 1950 assassination attempt on President Harry Truman's life by two Puerto
Rican nationalists. Describes how Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola opened fire on Truman
on a Washington, D.C., street, shooting two guards before being stopped. Analyzes Puerto Rico's
home rule movement and its relevance to this crime. 2005.


Between Good and Evil: A Master Profiler's Hunt for Society's Most Violent Predators RC
60390
by Roger L. Depue
read by Michael Russotto
2 cassettes
Autobiography of the former head of FBI behavioral sciences unit, which profiles serial killers.
Describing his career, Dupue covers law enforcement, infamous cases, and post-retirement
consulting work. Relates entering a Catholic seminary upon his wife's death and eventually
counseling prisoners. Violence and strong language. 2005.


Cracking Cases: The Science of Solving Crimes RC 61377
by Henry C. Lee
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Renowned forensic criminologist reviews five homicide cases that involve a man killing a wife
or ex-spouse. Focuses on the science used to find information to solve the crimes. Includes the
O.J. Simpson case for which Dr. Lee worked for the defense and the "woodchipper" murder
case. 2002.


Death on the Fourth of July: The Story of a Killing, a Trial, and Hate Crime in America RC
59653
by David A. Neiwert
read by Derald Breneman
3 cassettes
Award-winning journalist explores the history of hate crimes in America through a fatal July
2000 Washington state incident. Details an Asian American's criminal trial. Argues that the
proliferation of intolerance and harassment results from police underinvestigation and lack of
education, and that prosecution is a justifiable deterrent. Some violence. 2004.


Dying to Cross: The Worst Immigrant Tragedy in American History RC 61284
by Jorge Ramos
read by Mark Ashby
1 cassette
Emmy Award-winning journalist recounts the 2003 smuggling of illegal aliens across the
Mexico-Texas border that resulted in the deaths of nineteen people locked inside a truck. Using
survivor interviews and courtroom data Ramos reconstructs the experiences of those who paid
human traffickers to enter the United States. 2005.


Every Woman's Nightmare: The True Story of the Fairy-Tale Marriage and Brutal Murder of
Lori Hacking RC 62849
by Steven Long
read by Jim Zeiger
2 cassettes
Describes how Mormon Mark Hacking of Salt Lake City, Utah, killed his pregnant wife Lori in
2004, after she learned that he was a pathological liar. Chronicles her discovery of Mark's double
life, explains why this knowledge led to her murder, and covers the investigation and trial.
Violence. 2006.


For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Justice RC 61637
by Sharon Rocha
read by Margaret Strom
3 cassettes
Murder victim's mother describes the ordeal of having her twenty-seven-year-old,
seven-months-pregnant daughter, Laci Peterson, vanish on Christmas Eve 2002. Relates her
conversations with Laci's husband Scott, detectives, and other parties. Discusses anecdotes about
Laci's childhood. Strong language. Bestseller. 2006.


Honor Killing: How the Infamous "Massie Affair" Transformed Hawai'i RC 60430
by David E. Hannard
read by John Polk
4 cassettes
Professor chronicles two well-publicized criminal trials in Hawaii in 1931 and 1932: the first of
naval officer's wife Thalia Massie, who falsely accused five nonwhite islanders of rape; the
second of Thalia's mother and husband, who arranged the abduction and murder of one of the
suspects. Some strong language. 2005.


The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town RC 63332
by John Grisham
read by Craig Wasson
3 cassettes
In 1982, a twenty-one-year-old cocktail waitress was raped and murdered in Ada, Oklahoma.
Five years later, a former Oakland A's pitcher and his friend were arrested for the crime,
convicted, and sentenced. Grisham examines the impact police misconduct, DNA analysis, and
the death penalty had on the case. Bestseller. 2006.


Inside the Mind of Scott Peterson RC 61593
by Keith Ablow
read by Bob Moore
1 cassette
In an attempt to find a scientific explanation, a forensic psychiatrist examines the reasons Scott
Peterson would kill his pregnant wife. Posits that Peterson's family history caused his
sociopathic personality and that a new lover and impending fatherhood created "the perfect
psychological storm" behind the 2002 crime. 2005.


Murder on the Rails: The True Story of the Detective Who Unlocked the Shocking Secrets of the
Boxcar Serial Killer RC 61798
by William G. Palmini and Tanya Chalupa
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Former detective Palmini details the murder investigation that led to the March 1996
apprehension of serial killer Robert Silveria Jr. Silveria, a member of the little-known Freight
Train Riders of America gang, is suspected of murdering an untold number of victims across the
country. Violence and strong language. 2004.


The Rescue Artist: A True Story of Art, Thieves, and the Hunt for a Missing Masterpiece RC
61523
by Edward Dolnick
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Chronicles the 1994 theft and recovery of Edvard Munch's The Scream, a painting valued at
seventy-two million dollars. Describes the heist from Norway's National Gallery in Oslo and the
subsequent three-month investigation by half-English, half-American undercover detective
Charley Hill of Scotland Yard's elite Art and Antiques Unit. Strong language. 2005.


Strong at the Heart: How It Feels to Heal from Sexual Abuse RC 61782
by Carolyn Lehman
read by Gabriella Cavallero
1 cassette
Personal accounts of nine survivors of rape, molestation, or incest at young ages. They discuss
their experiences and the people who helped them reclaim their lives. Lists resources including
assistance hotlines, books, movies, organizations, and web sites. Explicit descriptions of sex and
violence. For junior and senior high readers. 2005.


Thunderstruck RC 63094
by Erik Larson
read by Bob Balaban
3 cassettes
Edwardian England. Chronicles the 1910 manhunt for Dr. H.H. Crippen, who murdered his wife
and fled in disguise by ocean liner to Canada with his lover. Describes how Guglielmo Marconi's
1895 invention of wireless communication enabled Scotland Yard to pursue the killer and
enthrall the world. Bestseller. 2006.


Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero RC 61380
by Ashley Smith
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
Author recounts her seven-hour ordeal in 2005 with armed fugitive Brian Nichols, who held her
captive in her apartment following his escape from an Atlanta courthouse. She describes
convincing Nichols to surrender by telling him about her husband's murder, her trouble with
drugs, her five-year-old daughter, and finding God. 2005.


Worth More Dead: And Other True Cases; Ann Rule's Crime Files RC 61497
by Ann Rule
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Author analyzes five murders and the motives behind them. "Old Man's Darling" is an account
of a young woman who couldn't handle her older lover's rejection. "A Desperate Housewife"
recounts a woman's disappearance that ended in her husband's murder conviction. Sequel to Kiss
Me, Kill Me: And Other True Cases; Ann Rule's Crime Files, Volume 9 (RC 59525). Violence.
Bestseller. 2005.


Diet and Nutrition

The Biggest Loser: The Weight-Loss Program to Transform Your Body, Health, and
Life Adapted from NBC's Hit Show! RC 61738
by Maggie Greenwood-Robinson
read by Ray Childs
2 cassettes
Outlines the lifestyle modification program that was adopted for The Biggest Loser television
series. Trainers and show contestants offer tips for losing weight through diet and exercise
changes. Includes recipes, meal plans, exercise instructions, and motivational strategies,
including organizing your own Biggest Loser weight-loss competition. Bestseller. 2005.


Diabetes and Heart Healthy Cookbook RC 62692
by American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
Dozens of recipes following the dietary guidelines of both the American Heart Association and
the American Diabetes Association to combat diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Includes a
meal planning guide and suggestions for appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, poultry, meats,
vegetarian entrees, breads, and desserts. Provides nutritional analysis for each selection. 2004.


The New American Plate Cookbook: Recipes for a Healthy Weight and a Healthy Life RC 60801
by American Institute for Cancer Research
read by Dan Willems
3 cassettes
Team of experts from the American Institute for Cancer Research provides guidelines for healthy
meal planning, recommending that each meal contain approximately two-thirds vegetables,
fruits, whole grains, and beans and one-third animal protein. Includes hundreds of recipes for
appetizers, soups, salads, stews, entr es, vegetables, breads, and desserts. 2005.


The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook: Two Hundred Delicious Recipes Ready in
Thirty Minutes or Less RC 61176
by Arthur Agatston
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
Fast cookery for dieters recommended by the Florida cardiologist and author of The South Beach
Diet (RC 56409). Includes healthy appetizers, main courses, and desserts that use a minimum
number of ingredients and are easy to prepare. 2005.


Drama

The Burial at Thebes: A Version of Sophocles' Antigone RC 61676
by Seamus Heaney
read by Barbara Pinolini
1 cassette
Nobel Prize winner follows his translation of Beowulf (RC 49742) with a version of this Greek
tragedy. Creon, king of Thebes, declares his dead nephew Polyneices a traitor and denies him
burial. Polyneices' sister Antigone, defying Creon's edict, performs a symbolic rite for which she
is condemned to death. 2004.


Doubt: A Parable RC 61127
by John Patrick Shanley
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
1 cassette
Drama set in Bronx, New York, in 1964. Sister James suspects Father Flynn of misconduct with
their Catholic school's first African American student, a twelve-year-old altar boy. She confides
her suspicions to Sister Aloysius, who chooses to deal with the matter personally. Pulitzer Prize.
2005.


Education

Does God Belong in Public Schools? RC 61802
by Kent Greenawalt
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Columbia University law professor examines the relationship between religion and the U.S.
public school system. Analyses court decisions about constitutional limits. Considers
controversies such as sex education, evolution versus creationism, Christmas celebrations,
religious clubs, and alternate lifestyles, among others. Reviews the history and purposes of
American education programs. 2005.


A Guide to High School Success for Students with Disabilities RC 61627
edited by Cynthia Ann Bowman and Paul T. Jaeger
read by Jill Fox
2 cassettes
Essays and personal narratives provide guidance and encouragement to students with special
needs on achieving a positive high school experience. Highlights self-advocacy, mainstreaming,
dating, extracurricular activities, and life after graduation. Includes resources about adaptive
technology. Foreword by Chris Crutcher. For junior and senior high and older readers. 2004.


High School's Not Forever RC 61364
by Jane Bluestein and Eric Katz
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Bluestein, author of Creating Emotionally Safe Schools (RC 53731), and Katz offer advice to
adolescents on navigating through school. Includes anecdotes from thousands of interviews with
students about their senior high experience. Discusses race, religion, cliques, dating, violence,
body image, and ways to achieve success. For senior high readers. 2005.


The Mom Book Goes to School: Insider Tips to Ensure Your Child Thrives in Elementary and
Middle School RC 61439
by Stacy DeBroff
read by Anne Hancock
3 cassettes
Parental guide to enhancing a child's educational experience by taking a proactive role at home
and school. The author, a parenting expert, addresses common behavioral, academic, and social
issues and offers advice on bolstering student-teacher relationships, coping with learning
disabilities, helping a child who is struggling academically, and more. 2005.


Privilege: Harvard and the Education of the Ruling Class RC 60540
by Ross Gregory Douthat
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
A 2002 graduate of Harvard revisits his college years, revealing a life very different from what he
had expected. Author claims the school "was not a refuge of genius and a sanctuary of intellect,"
but a place rampant with grade inflation, sleepless nights, sex, and status-seeking. Some strong
language. 2005.


The Promise: How One Woman Made Good on Her Extraordinary Pact to Send a Classroom of
First Graders to College RC 62383
by Oral Lee Brown
read by Margaret Strom
2 cassettes
Author chronicles the mission she began in 1987 to finance higher education for twenty-three
disadvantaged East Oakland, California, students if they graduated from high school. Every one
did. Describes how she raised funds, established a foundation, helped college applicants get
accepted, and decided to adopt future classes. 2005.


The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America RC 60734
by Jonathan Kozol
read by Robertson Dean
2 cassettes
Investigates the decline of inner-city public schools and condemns political policies that erode
the Brown v. the Board of Education ruling. Uses anecdotes to portray the resegregation of poor
minority children and the establishment of standards of learning that fail to improve education.
2005.


Family

Discipline the Brazelton Way RC 57871
by T. Berry Brazelton and Joshua D. Sparrow
read by Gary Roan
1 cassette
Pediatrician Brazelton, author of The Irreducible Needs of Children (RC 52543), and child
psychiatrist Sparrow advise parents on setting firm, loving boundaries for children up to age six
using discipline as a teaching tool not punishment. Offers solutions for common behavior
problems like biting, cheating, lying, swearing, talking back, and more. 2003.


How to Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk RC 61881
by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
read by Catherine Byers
1 cassette
Authors of How to Talk So Kids Can Learn at Home and in School(RC 42459) and Siblings
without Rivalry (RC 26613) offer advice for parents with teenagers. Discusses how to
communicate effectively to ensure compliance and mutual respect. Uses anecdotes to illustrate
ways of dealing with drugs, sex, the Internet, and more. 2005.


Queen Bee Moms and Kingpin Dads: Dealing with the Parents, Teachers, Coaches, and
Counselors Who Can Make or Break Your Child's Future RC 61344
by Rosalind Wiseman
read by Lee Adams
3 cassettes
Author of Queen Bees and Wannabes (RC 55407) advises parents to model good behavior in
difficult situations to set an example for their children. Explains the unspoken rules of being a
perfect parent and describes ways to achieve a balance between overprotection and passivity.
2006.


You're Wearing That? Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation RC 61332
by Deborah Tannen
read by Cassandra Campbell
2 cassettes
Sociolinguist author of You Just Don't Understand (RC 32031) and I Only Say This Because I
Love You (RC 53484) analyzes conversations between mothers and grown daughters, explains
why their interactions are often tense, and suggests ways to improve both communications and
relationships. Anecdotes illustrate how misunderstandings arise. 2006.


Gardening

The Art of Setting Stones: And Other Writings from the Japanese Garden RC 57696
by Marc Peter Keane
read by Larry Shapiro
1 cassette
Eight philosophical essays by an American-born landscape artist reveal the beauty and meaning
of traditional gardens in Kyoto, Japan. Keane describes the elemental principles of art,
Buddhism, science, and nature that reflect the humanity and the greater purpose of these
harmonious creations. 2002.


Theresa Youssef's Vegetable Gardening for Beginners RC 62130
by Theresa Youssef and Wasfi Youssef
read by Yolande Bavan
2 cassettes
Basic gardening guide covers soil preparation, crop selection, organic and container methods,
and pest control. Provides instructions for growing eighteen vegetables and four herbs  onions,
lettuce, spinach, peas, cabbage, potatoes, broccoli, beets, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, squash,
corn, beans, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, parsley, mint, basil, and catnip  grouped
according to hardiness. 2000.


This Common Ground: Seasons on an Organic Farm RC 61755
by Scott Chaskey
read by Anne Hancock
2 cassettes
Poet and educator describes one year at a community-supported agriculture project on New
York's Long Island. Season by season, Chaskey describes the daily toils of planting, cultivating,
and harvesting while reflecting on land stewardship, challenges facing small farms, and the
connection between earth and the human family. 2005.


Government and Politics

America at the Crossroads: Democracy, Power, and the Neoconservative Legacy RC 62668
by Francis Fukuyama
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Author of The End of History and the Last Man (RC 34935) analyzes the history of
neoconservatism and its role in American foreign policy since September 11, 2001. Criticizes the
war in Iraq and proposes an alternative approach to international relations that would promote
democracy and multilateral development. 2006.


American Evita: Hillary Clinton's Path to Power RC 59657
by Christopher Andersen
read by Conrad Feininger
2 cassettes
Journalist Andersen, author of Bill and Hillary: The Marriage (RC 48856), argues that Bill
Clinton and his wife, New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, are engaged in a long-term
plan to win the presidency for Mrs. Clinton and a Supreme Court position for the former chief
executive. Strong language. 2004.


American Theocracy: The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in
the Twenty-first Century RC 61924
by Kevin Phillips
read by Michael Scherer
4 cassettes
Author of American Dynasty (RC 57760) contends that religious zealotry dominating a weak
Republican coalition threatens the very survival of the United States through energy-centered
foreign policy and reckless debt. Surveys the demise of world powers from ancient Rome to the
British Empire. Bestseller. 2006.


The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream RC 63126
by Barack Obama
read by Barack Obama
2 cassettes
Democratic senator from Illinois and author of Dreams from My Father (RC 43877) details his
ideas to improve the country. Discusses American values, the U.S. Constitution, religion,
globalization, race, and other subjects of interest to voters. 2006.


The Battle for Social Security: From FDR's Vision to Bush's Gamble RC 61961
by Nancy J. Altman
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
A pension rights advocate and former Harvard professor outlines the history of the Social
Security Administration since its establishment in 1935 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Details
George W. Bush's plan to implement private retirement accounts and offers suggestions to
strengthen the program as it exists during the Bush presidency. 2005.


Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life RC 62268
by Bill Richardson
read by Erik Synnestvedt
3 cassettes
Autobiography of a Democratic politician from New Mexico who has served as a congressional
representative, ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy, and governor of his state.
Describes his childhood in Mexico City, U.S. government service, negotiations with warring
nations, and vision for America. 2005.


Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire RC 61407
by Niall Ferguson
read by Peter Johnson
4 cassettes
Historian and author of The House of Rothschild (RC 51082) examines the origins and nature of
U.S. imperialism. Interprets the September 11, 2001, attacks and subsequent invasions of Iraq
and Afghanistan in a historical context. Endorses a contemporary liberal American empire for the
good of the world. 2004.


Condi vs. Hillary: The Next Great Presidential Race RC 61956
by Dick Morris and Eileen McGann
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
The authors posit that the only candidate who can successfully defeat New York senator Hillary
Clinton for the U.S. presidency in 2008 is Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. They compare
the two women's past accomplishments, experience, character, and reputations, and speculate on
the type of leader each could become. 2005.


Democracy in America RC 61828
by Alexis de Tocqueville
read by Ted Stoddard
7 cassettes in 2 containers (Reissue)
Classic treatise by a French aristocrat comprehensively examines the underpinnings of American
democratic institutions including the rights and powers provided by the Constitution, forms of
governments, and concepts of freedom and equality. Also analyzes the influence of democratic
values on intellectual movements, customs, and political society. 2000 translation by Harvey C.
Mansfield and Delba Winthrop. 1835.


An End to Evil: How to Win the War on Terror RC 61579
by David Frum and Richard Perle
read by Michael Scherer
2 cassettes
Frum, author of The Right Man (RC 55531) and former special assistant to President George W.
Bush, and Perle, former Defense Policy Board chairman, examine foreign, domestic, and
ideological threats to America. They support Bush administration initiatives like the Patriot Act
but identify U.S. military, intelligence, and diplomatic vulnerabilities. 2003.


Fantastic: The Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger RC 61227
by Laurence Leamer
read by Richard Davidson
4 cassettes
The author of The Kennedy Men (RC 54584) and The Kennedy Women (RC 40698) chronicles
Schwarzenegger's rise from immigrant athlete to action hero and governor of California.
Describes the bodybuilding culture and Hollywood scene. Comments on Schwarzenegger's
business acumen, relationships, and marriage to Kennedy family heiress Maria Shriver. 2005.


Flying Blind RC 61092
by Michael A. Smerconish
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
Journalist criticizes airline security procedures established by the U.S. Department of
Transportation and the Transportation Security Administration. Contends that random
screening which avoids racial or ethnic profiling, particularly of Arab men  may be politically
correct but actually jeopardizes the war on terror and passenger safety. Foreword by Senator
Arlen Specter. 2004.


Godless: The Church of Liberalism RC 62602
by Ann Coulter
read by Barbara Caruso
3 cassettes
Conservative commentator observes that liberalism has all the trademarks of a religion without a
divinity. Illustrates her analogy by examining the topics of abortion, crime, education, and bad
science. Coulter criticizes ex-CIA employee Valerie Plame, war protester Cindy Sheehan, and the
widows of the September 11, 2001, victims. Bestseller. 2006.


Herding Cats: A Life in Politics RC 61184
by Trent Lott
read by Gregory Gorton
2 cassettes
Republican senator from Mississippi recalls growing up the son of a sharecropper, attending "Ole
Miss" when it became integrated, and succeeding his mentor, Democrat William Colmer, in the
House of Representatives in 1972. Highlights his career in both the House and Senate. 2005.


House of War: The Pentagon and the Disastrous Rise of American Power RC 61728
by James Carroll
read by Robertson Dean
5 cassettes
Chronicle of the U.S. military establishment in the Pentagon, from the building's construction to
the institution's rise as a governmental unit. Argues that the bombing of Germany and Japan in
World War II, the violence of the Iraq war, and uncontrolled nuclear buildup all illustrate the
Pentagon's unrestrained command. 2006.


Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder: Savage Solutions RC 61104
by Michael Savage
read by Gregory Gorton
2 cassettes
Conservative radio talk-show host and author of The Enemy Within (RC 57750) and The Savage
Nation (RC 55527) suggests practical ways to reclaim what he calls American social, political,
and cultural integrity from the extreme left wing. Discusses the war in Iraq, illegal immigration,
Islam, and the ACLU. Bestseller. 2005.


The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs RC 62448
by Madeleine Albright
read by Patricia Kilgarriff
2 cassettes
Critique of U.S. foreign policy by the former secretary of state and United Nations ambassador.
Asserts that religion controls international relations, especially in the Middle East. Traces the
history of religious conflicts among nations and offers suggestions for improved international
cooperation. Introduction by former president Bill Clinton. Bestseller. 2006.


Rednecks and Bluenecks: The Politics of Country Music RC 62224
by Chris Willman
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Entertainment Weekly reporter interviews country western singers to ascertain the politics behind
their brand of show business. Studies the belief that there is Republican partisanship among the
genre's base and investigates the shift of the South away from the Democratic party. Some strong
language. 2005.


State of War: The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration RC 61826
by James Risen
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
New York Times reporter recounts anecdotes, often from anonymous sources, concerning CIA
efforts to thwart terrorists since September 11, 2001. Discusses the National Security Agency's
domestic wiretapping program, the search for weapons of mass destruction, and the return of
Afghanistan's opium trade. Posits that the CIA mission failed. Bestseller. 2006.


The Truth (with Jokes) RC 61420
by Al Franken
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Political satirist and author of Lies: and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them (RC 56939) continues to
condemn conservative politicians. Criticizes President George W. Bush and his administration on
matters such as the 2004 election, Social Security, and Iraq. Proposes solutions to America's
problems. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2005.


The Vast Left-Wing Conspiracy: The Untold Story of How Democratic Operatives, Eccentric
Billionaires, Liberal Activists, and Assorted Celebrities Tried to Bring Down a President and
Why They'll Try Even Harder Next Time RC 62831
by Byron York
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Journalist argues that Republican-dominated politics and George W. Bush's foreign policy
galvanized the liberal movement. Discusses organizations, financial tactics, and activists like
director Michael Moore, comedian Al Franken, and billionaire George Soros. York details the
Democrats' multimedia fundraising and voter outreach campaigns, predicting that they will
strengthen before 2008. 2005.


Hobbies and Crafts

Knit Wit: Thirty Easy and Hip Projects; a Hands-Free Step-by-Step Guide RC 60467
by Amy R. Singer
read by Jill Fox
1 cassette
Knitting web-site editor offers a variety of patterns for skirts, sweaters, funky hats and scarves,
an ice cream pint cozy, a laptop cover, a yoga mat bag, a water bottle sling, and more, arranged in
order of difficulty. Provides information for beginners on equipment, materials, and basic
techniques. 2004.


Turning Memories into Memoirs: A Handbook for Writing Lifestories RC 61546
by Denis Ledoux
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Writing coach presents a step-by-step guide for recording a personal or family history. Covers
jogging one's memory, conducting interviews and research, discerning fact from fiction,
choosing a theme, making it meaningful, and editing a finished product. Includes exercises,
sample life stories, and tips on grammar and storytelling techniques. 2003.


Home Management

The Flooring Handbook: The Complete Guide to Choosing and Installing Floors RC 60444
by Dennis Jeffries
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Industry insider with forty years' experience offers step-by-step instructions for laying ceramic,
clay, terra-cotta, concrete, marble, brick, slate, mosaic, vinyl, linoleum, wood, carpet, and more.
Helps readers select appropriate flooring materials based on usage, cost, and maintenance
considerations. Provides information on necessary tools and materials, preparation, and
subflooring. 2004.


How to Organize Just About Everything: More than Five Hundred Step-by-Step Instructions for
Everything from Organizing Your Closets to Planning a Wedding to Creating a Flawless Filing
System RC 60459
by Peter Walsh
read by Gary Tipton
6 cassettes
Anti-clutter expert and host of television's Clean Sweep offers advice on organizing your entire
life from education and career to social life and family affairs. Includes solutions for preparing
for the unexpected, simplifying your life, and achieving dreams. 2004.


No Place like Home: Staying In, Kicking Back, and Living It Up RC 60557
by Michelle Kehm
read by Constance Crawford
1 cassette
Journalist's cost-conscious, domestic-arts guide for women looking to make the most of their
personal space, be it apartment or house. Offers tips on cleaning and furnishing, growing an
indoor herb garden, scrapbooking, starting a book club, hosting parties, indulging in a
do-it-yourself spa, and more. 2005.


Popular Mechanics Complete Home How-To RC 59731
by Albert Jackson and David Day
read by Richard Hauenstein
9 cassettes in 2 containers
Comprehensive do-it-yourself home improvement guide. Detailed instructions explain simple
tasks like replacing an electrical switch as well as more involved projects like paving with
concrete. Covers plumbing, heating, insulation, home security, windows and doors, roof
maintenance, pest infestation, floor and wall coverings, appliance repair, wiring, decorating, and
more. 2004.


The R.A.T. (Real-World Aptitude Test): Preparing Yourself for Leaving Home RC 59861
by Homer E. Moyer Jr.
read by Ray Childs
3 cassettes
The Real-World Aptitude Test, for young people preparing to live independently, provides
questions, answers, and helpful hints on practical knowledge and survival skills. Topics include
sex, drugs, etiquette, budget, employment, nutrition, cooking, and emergencies, among others.
For senior high and older readers. 2003. 


Yankee Magazine Vinegar, Duct Tape, Milk Jugs, and More: 1,001 Ingenious Ways to Use
Common Household Items to Repair, Restore, Revive, or Replace Just About Everything in Your
Life RC 61173
by Earl Proulx
read by Erik Synnestvedt
3 cassettes
Handyman columnist's ideas for saving time, money, and waste. Tips include using vinegar to
clear clogged showerheads, hair spray to end static cling, olive oil to clean grease off hands, and
more. 1999.


Humor

African American Humor: The Best Black Comedy from Slavery to Today RC 62112
edited by Mel Watkins
read by Saidah Arrika Ekulona
3 cassettes
Anthology of African American humor from traditional trickster tales to twenty-first century
comedy. Contains proverbs, short stories, riddles, songs, jokes, and stand-up routines as well as
literary works by Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. Includes historical introductions for
each chapter. Foreword by Dick Gregory. Strong language. 2002.


Dave Barry's Money Secrets: Like, Why Is There a Giant Eyeball on the Dollar? RC 62030
by Dave Barry
read by Peter Johnson
2 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist and author of Boogers Are My Beat (RC 58286)
addresses economics and personal finance. Comments on real estate, corporate ethics, and health
care. Offers advice on prospering in the stock market (using time travel), minimizing taxes (by
cheating), and arguing with your spouse about money. 2006.


New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer RC 61077
by Bill Maher
read by Michael Russotto
1 cassette
Television humorist pokes fun at modern culture, politics, and fads as he did in When You Ride
Alone You Ride with bin Laden (RC 55341). Targets include advertising, cell phones, Starbucks,
homeland security, and the movies. Strong language. Bestseller. 2005.


Inspiration

Believing God RC 62187
by Beth Moore
read by Margaret Strom
2 cassettes
Bible teacher urges Christians to examine their belief systems and develop an active faith as a
lifestyle. Provides examples from scripture and her own life to show how faith in God can help
close the gap between theology and reality and allow one to fulfill a successful Christian life.
2004.


Can You Stand to Be Blessed? RC 61385
by T.D. Jakes
read by Bill Wallace
1 cassette
Bishop Jakes offers biblical insight into understanding God's plan. Expresses belief that through
prayer individuals can survive the peaks and valleys of life and gain the patience needed to be
prepared to serve God. 1994.


Chicken Soup for the African American Soul: Celebrating and Sharing Our Culture One Story at
a Time RC 61889
by Jack Canfield and Lisa Nichols
read by Saidah Arrika Ekulona
3 cassettes
Coauthor and radio host Tom Joyner sees this book as an extension of his "efforts to reach the
souls of black folks all around the country." Collection covers African American roots, families,
resilience, and religion. Includes works and quotations by Colin Powell, Rosa Parks, Reggie
Jackson, and Frederick Douglass. 2004.


A Gift of Love: Reflections for the Tender Heart RC 62394
by Charles Stanley
read by Bob Moore
1 cassette
Collection of brief devotional passages, prayers, and scripture verses by pastor and author of The
Source of My Strength (RC 39969). Encourages readers to embrace God's unconditional love and
accept Jesus as savior to find salvation in life and cope with everyday challenges. 2001.


Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling RC 62202
by Wayne W. Dyer
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Educational counselor and author of The Power of Intention (RC 58050) explains ways to lead an
inspired life by recognizing and cultivating one's inner spirit. Uses personal examples to show
how anyone can tap inherent inspirational powers, bring creativity and energy to daily activities,
and find purpose. Bestseller. 2006.


A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.
RC 62329
edited by Clayborne Carson and Peter Holloran
read by Martin Luther King, Jr.
2 cassettes
Eleven of King's sermons, including his earliest recorded homily "Rediscovering Lost Values"
and "Remaining Awake during a Great Revolution," delivered at the National Cathedral in
Washington, D.C., just days before his assassination. Each sermon is introduced by well-known
ministers such as the Reverend Billy Graham and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 1998.


Left to Tell: Discovering God amidst the Rwandan Holocaust RC 62290
by Immacul e Ilibagiza
read by Catherine Byers
2 cassettes
Survivor of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, where Hutus slaughtered almost a million Tutsis
within three months, relates her happy, Catholic childhood. Describes the newfound love of God
she discovered while hiding in terror from the machete-wielding men who murdered many of her
family members. Violence. Bestseller. 2006.


Look Great, Feel Great: Twelve Keys to Enjoying a Healthy Life Now RC 62579
by Joyce Meyer
read by Anne Hancock
2 cassettes
Radio and television host and full-time minister offers her guide to attaining spiritual and
physical health to boost self-esteem and better carry out God's work. Describes twelve aspects
she deems as crucial to well-being, including eating right, exercising, drinking plenty of water,
reducing stress, and trusting in God. Bestseller. 2006.


Matters of the Heart RC 61746
by Juanita Bynum
read by Melissa Maxwell
2 cassettes
Author relates her personal spiritual journey of reconciling her heart with God and finding true
enlightenment, harnessing her excessive ambitions, and controlling her frustrations. Uses
passages from the Bible to suggest ways of breaking old habits and establishing a daily prayer
practice. 2002.


My Descent into Death: A Second Chance at Life RC 61973
by Howard Storm
read by Bill Wallace
1 cassette
Former atheist discusses the near-death experience he had while awaiting surgery in a Paris
hospital. Storm decribes first experiencing darkness and pain, being embraced by a brilliant light,
seeing his wounds vanish, and conversing with Jesus and his angels. Foreword by Anne Rice.
2005.


A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose RC 60650
by Eckhart Tolle
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
The author of The Power of Now (RC 55646) implores people to reject a prevailing ego-based
state of consciousness and shift to a higher plane to create a more loving world. 2005.


Overcoming Life's Disappointments RC 62155
by Harold S. Kushner
read by Arthur Morey
2 cassettes
Rabbi Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People (BR 16801), cites the
biblical tale of Moses as inspiration for persevering in the face of adversity. Also examines other
role models real and fictional for their resilience, faith, and boldly daring to dream. 2006.


Soul Survivor: How Thirteen Unlikely Mentors Helped My Faith Survive the Church RC 62513
by Philip Yancey
read by Bob Moore
3 cassettes
Author of What's So Amazing about Grace? (RC 56055) profiles thirteen notable figures who
have directly or indirectly influenced his life and work. Includes Martin Luther King Jr., Leo
Tolstoy, Gandhi, John Donne, Annie Dillard, and others. Reveals his spiritual journey back to
faith after nearly abandoning Christianity. 2001.


A Table in the Presence RC 62822
by Carey H. Cash
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Lt. Carey Cash describes the nine-hour battle on April 10, 2003, to seize a presidential palace in
Baghdad. The chaplain explains why he and the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine
Regiment believe God saw them through as they suffered only one death. 2004.


Journalism and the Media

Crime Beat: A Decade of Covering Cops and Killers RC 62770
by Michael Connelly
read by Len Cariou
2 cassettes
Collection of articles drawn from the author's early experience as a crime reporter in the 1980s
and 1990s. The accounts, most of which were published in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and
the Los Angeles Times, portray both the police officers and the criminals who would later inspire
Connelly's novels. 2004.


Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival RC 62793
by Anderson Cooper
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
CNN correspondent and anchor discusses the events he covered in 2005 the Asian tsunami, the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, famine in Africa, and the war in Iraq. Reflects on
the connections these crises evoked between his professional and personal life. Bestseller. 2006.


The Gay Talese Reader: Portraits and Encounters RC 62444
by Gay Talese
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Collection of articles written between 1961 and 1997 reflecting the author's brand of New
Journalism. Profiles New York City and twentieth-century celebrities such as Frank Sinatra,
Peter O'Toole, Joe DiMaggio, Joe Louis, and Muhammad Ali. Contains autobiographical essays
like "Walking My Cigar." Some strong language. 2003.


Knightfall: Knight Ridder and How the Erosion of Newspaper Journalism Is Putting Democracy
at Risk RC 61483
by Davis Merritt
read by Ray Childs
2 cassettes
Retired reporter examines the trend of media outlets to dismiss public service obligations in
favor of entertaining the public and profit. Analyzes the 1974 merger of Knight Newspapers and
Ridder Publications, Inc., as an example of journalistic decline and discusses consequent broader
societal implications. 2005.


Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel Why Everything You Know Is
Wrong RC 62576
by John Stossel
read by Ray Childs
3 cassettes
Consumer advocate and author of Give Me a Break (RC 57751) continues to debunk what he
says are common media myths. Investigates business, education, government, and other areas,
pointing out deception and bad laws. Includes "fast food makes you fat" and "antidiscrimination
laws stop discrimination." Bestseller. 2006.


The New New Journalism: Conversations with America's Best Nonfiction Writers on Their Craft
RC 61180
by Robert S. Boynton
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
Professor interviews nineteen writers representing "the continued maturation of American
literary journalism" a "new new" style distinct from the traditions of predecessors from
Stephen Crane to Tom Wolfe. Eric Schlosser, Gay Talese, Calvin Trillin, and others reflect on
their careers and creative process: finding inspiration, researching, writing, rewriting, and
publishing. 2005.


Sleeping with Custer and the 7th Cavalry: An Embedded Reporter in Iraq RC 61949
by Walter C. Rodgers
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
CNN foreign correspondent, embedded for three weeks in 2003 with a U.S. army reconnaissance
unit in Iraq, describes the training provided to journalists, the drive to Baghdad, and the fighting
he witnessed. Also relates a 2004 visit during which he reported on the country's conditions.
Violence and strong language. 2005.


Talking Back to Presidents, Dictators, and Assorted Scoundrels RC 60675
by Andrea Mitchell
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
3 cassettes
Autobiography by veteran NBC political correspondent who was one of the first women in
broadcast news. Describes the three decades she spent covering U.S. presidents, foreign heads of
state, and wars. Also portrays her social life as the wife of Federal Reserve chairman Alan
Greenspan. 2005.


Language

The Adventure of English: The Biography of a Language RC 60358
by Melvyn Bragg
read by Lou Harpenau
3 cassettes
Award-winning author and host of a British television program traces the development of
English, from a guttural fifth-century Germanic dialect to the language spoken all over the
modern world. Describes how English borrowed from Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Arabic,
Chinese, and other languages. 2003.


Do You Speak American? RC 62014
by Robert MacNeil and William Cran
read by Dennis Rooney
2 cassettes
Authors of The Story of English (RC 25965) recount their travels across the United States to
study regional dialects and assess the state of contemporary American English. They report their
findings on speech homogenization, declining grammatical standards, African American and
Spanish vernaculars, and the influence of technology and media. 2005.


In Other Words: A Language Lover's Guide to the Most Intriguing Words around the World RC
61717
by Christopher J. Moore
read by Dennis Rooney
1 cassette
Linguist looks at "untranslatable" words from numerous languages around the globe. Moore
examines European, Nordic, Middle Eastern, African, Asian, ancient and classical, indigenous,
and creole and pidgin languages and explains what each selected word means and how it is used.
2004.


One Hundred Words Every Word Lover Should Know RC 61079
by American Heritage Dictionaries
read by Mark Ashby
1 cassette
A compilation of words from "aesthetic" to "zenith" that have interesting histories, origins, and
meanings. Gives examples of how the words were used by well-known English writers. Provides
etymological information on changes in usage over time. 2005.


Legal Issues

Becoming Justice Blackmun: Harry Blackmun's Supreme Court Journey RC 60427
by Linda Greenhouse
read by Butch Hoover
2 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter uses personal papers, correspondence, and case files to trace the
life and career of Supreme Court justice Harry A. Blackmun (1908 1999). Chronicles
Blackmun's early years in Minnesota, twenty-four-year tenure on the Supreme Court, childhood
friendship with Warren Burger, and prominent cases including Roe v. Wade. 2005.


Citizenship Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Guide to the U.S. Citizenship Process RC 62526
by Barbara Brooks Kimmel and Alan M. Lubiner
read by Ralph Lowenstein
1 cassette
Reference for foreign nationals describes requirements and procedures for becoming a U.S.
citizen. Explains the rights for military personnel and children, and provides a brief history of the
country and an overview of the government. Includes a sample test and text of the Constitution
and the Declaration of Independence. 2006.


Objection! How High-Priced Defense Attorneys, Celebrity Defendants, and a 24/7 Media Have
Hijacked Our Criminal Justice System RC 60520
by Nancy Grace
read by Gabra Zackman
2 cassettes
Legal commentator on Court TV, a former prosecutor, criticizes the criminal justice system
including defense attorneys, judges, and juries. Comments on controversial cases involving
Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, and Scott Peterson and suggests ways to reform the legal process
to help victims of crime rather than criminals. Bestseller. 2005.


Scalia Dissents: Writings of the Supreme Court's Wittiest, Most Outspoken Justice RC 61429
edited by Kevin A. Ring
read by Peter Johnson
2 cassettes
Compilation of rulings by conservative Supreme Court associate justice Antonin Scalia, who was
appointed to the bench in 1986. Includes his written opinions on religion, abortion, the ADA, gay
rights, capital punishment, free speech, and affirmative action, referencing the U.S. Constitution
and its historical interpretations. 2004.


Silent Witness: The Untold Story of Terri Schiavo's Death RC 60820
by Mark Fuhrman
read by Brian Conn
2 cassettes
Former LAPD detective investigates the life and death of Terri Schiavo (1963 2005), a Florida
woman who spent fifteen years in a coma and passed away when her husband withheld life
support. Explores the possibility that domestic abuse led to Terri's collapse and vegetative state.
2005.


Literature

Acquainted with the Night: Excursions through the World after Dark RC 60553 by
read by Lewis Grenville
3 cassettes
Prize-winning poet's compendium of the nocturnal realm blending science, art, and literature.
Twelve chapters, each corresponding to an hour of darkness from dusk to dawn, explore night's
central themes sunsets, children's bedtime stories, sleep and dreams, evening creatures,
festivals, stargazing, and more. 2004.


The Best American Essays 2004 RC 59431
edited by Louis Menand
read by Don Hagen
3 cassettes
Twenty-two essays recalling the past. In "America, Look at Your Shame!" James Agee recalls
his own experience with racism in 1943. Wayne Koestenbaum revisits his literary coming of age
in "My '80s." Kathryn Chetkovich recounts her lover's professional jealousy in "Envy." Some
strong language. 2004.


The Book of Imaginary Beings RC 62013
by Jorge Luis Borges
read by Robert Blumenfeld
1 cassette
A compendium of descriptions for 116 fantastical creatures that cites their origins from world
mythology and literature. Describes the familiar elves, gnomes, and unicorns and the lesser-
known Lamia, T'ao-T'ieh, and Ouroboros. A 2005 translation of Borges's Spanish version. 1967.


Dark Dreams: The Story of Stephen King RC 62634
by Nancy Whitelaw
read by Nick Sullivan
1 cassette
Biography of award-winning horror writer. Discusses King's difficult childhood in Maine, a
setting for many of his stories, as well as his adolescence, college years, marriage, and eventual
success. Describes King's struggles with censorship, fame, and the creative process. For senior
high readers. 2006.


The Life of Graham Greene, Volume 3: 1955 1991 RC 59889
by Norman Sherry
read by Dan Bloom
7 cassettes in 2 containers
This sequel to The Life of Graham Greene, Volume 2: 1939 1955 (RC 41053) covers the
distinguished author's productive career and the final years of his tumultuous life. Sherry
discusses Greene's private relationships and explores the people, places, and events that inspired
his writing. 2004.


A Modest Proposal and Other Satires RC 60552
by Jonathan Swift
read by Dan Bloom
2 cassettes
Letters, tales, and essays by English satirist Jonathan Swift (1667 1745) assailing such vices and
abuses as political corruption, religious intolerance, and England's oppression of Ireland.
Includes "A Tale of a Tub" and the title work, which suggests eating children to combat poverty.
Introduction by George R. Levine. 1995.


The Peabody Sisters: Three Women Who Ignited American Romanticism RC 60723
by Megan Marshall
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
5 cassettes
Draws on personal letters to depict the first four decades of three New England sisters' lives in
the nineteenth-century. Describes how the Peabodys' intellectual pursuits inspired the
Transcendentalist movement. Relates the marriages of artist Sophia to writer Nathaniel
Hawthorne and teacher Mary to educator Horace Mann men Elizabeth also loved. 2005.


Possible Side Effects RC 62601
by Augusten Burroughs
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
A collection of humorous anecdotes from the author of Running with Scissors (RC 54817).
Describes his addiction to nicotine gum, his nosebleed on a red-eye trans-Atlantic flight, and his
impulse to buy a puppy with his partner Dennis as a companion for their beloved French bulldog.
Strong language. Bestseller. 2006.


Reclaiming D.H. Lawrence: Contemporary Writers Speak Out RC 59658
by Gary Adelman
read by Mary Beth Wise
2 cassettes
English professor explores the opinion gap surrounding author D.H. Lawrence, seen by scholarly
critics as "a crude historical curiosity" and by writers as "a great figure." Presents speculations on
Lawrence's reputation by nearly one hundred novelists and poets, including John Updike, A.S.
Byatt, Gwendolyn Brooks, Richard Ford, and John Hollander. 2002.


Somerset Maugham: A Life RC 61215
by Jeffrey Meyers
read by Gordon Gould
3 cassettes
Prolific biographer documents the life of a bestselling twentieth-century British writer, author of
Of Human Bondage (RC 24363). Recounts Maugham's lonely childhood with a debilitating
stammer, lifelong exile, and literary successes and friendships. Also chronicles his medical
education, work as a secret agent, only marriage, and bisexuality. 2004.


Voltaire in Exile: The Last Years, 1753 78 RC 61093
by Ian Davidson
read by Steven Carpenter
2 cassettes
Portrait of eighteenth-century French playwright, poet, historian, and philosopher who in 1753
was banished to Geneva by Louis XV. References Voltaire's personal correspondence to detail
the twenty-five-year isolation during which he developed ideas of equality and human rights,
campaigned against injustice, and penned his satirical masterpiece Candide (RC 31736). 2004.


Wild Ducks Flying Backward: The Short Writings of Tom Robbins RC 61310
by Tom Robbins
read by Michael Scherer
2 cassettes
A compilation of the novelist Tom Robbins's nonfiction writing stories, poems, musings,
critiques, travel articles, celebrity profiles, and responses to self-posed questions. In "Kissing"
Robbins ranks the tradition of osculation as western man's greatest invention. In "Till Lunch Do
Us Part" he praises the appeal of a ripe tomato sandwich. 2005.


Marriage and Sex

Lies at the Altar: The Truth about Great Marriages RC 62637
by Robin L. Smith
read by Jill Ferris
2 cassettes
Psychologist uses examples from her practice to illustrate that truthfulness is the primary
ingredient in a successful marriage. Proposes that couples uncover what each person wants and
determine not to settle for something else. Includes topics to discuss before saying "I do" and
ideas for wedding vows. Bestseller. 2006.


Love Smart: Find the One You Want Fix the One You Got RC 61563
by Phil McGraw
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
Nationally syndicated television host offers advice to women on building a committed
relationship with a new person or a current partner. Offers "secrets and strategies" for finding the
right man including insights into the male perspective, tips for self-improvement, rules of dating
etiquette, and ways to overcome stereotypes. Bestseller. 2005.


Marriage, a History: From Obedience to Intimacy; or, How Love Conquered Marriage RC 61178
by Stephanie Coontz
read by Michele Schaeffer
3 cassettes
Traces the evolution of marriage from being an economic institution with rigid rules to the
modern Western concept of a union based on love and flexibility. Discusses various social crises
through the ages that were precipitated by changes in marriage customs and expectations. 2005.


VoiceMale: What Husbands Really Think about Their Marriages, Their Wives, Sex, Housework,
and Commitment RC 61954
by Neil Chethik
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
An examination of men's attitudes, behavior, and marriage expectations based on firsthand
interviews and a national survey of nearly four hundred husbands. Discusses the male perspective
on intimacy, sex, money, career, children, in-laws, and fidelity. Offers advice for better
relationships. Some strong language. 2006.


Medicine and Health

American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes RC 61586
by American Diabetes Association
read by Gregory Gorton
4 cassettes
Revised edition of comprehensive guide to managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Contains
updated information on monitoring blood glucose levels, using diabetic tools, navigating health
care systems, planning meals, and handling emergencies. Covers advances in medications and
self-care techniques. Also discusses family and work issues. Includes resources. 2005.


Beating Back the Devil: On the Front Lines with the Disease Detectives of the Epidemic
Intelligence Service RC 61804
by Maryn McKenna
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Reporter traces the history of the Atlanta-based Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) of the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 1951 to 2003. Follows EIS medical
professionals as they investigate disease outbreaks caused by polio, West Nile virus, smallpox,
AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, SARS, and biological weapons. 2004.


Breast Cancer Basics and Beyond: Treatments, Resources, Self-Help, Good News, Updates RC
61574
by Delthia Ricks
read by Barbara Pinolini
3 cassettes
A medical reporter at Newsday describes breast cancer therapies including radiation,
chemotherapy, and hormone treatment. Discusses diagnosis, risks, recurrence, research, and
clinical trials. Includes first-person accounts from patients, caregivers, and others and provides
pointers and resources for gathering more information. 2005.


Controlling Your Drinking: Tools to Make Moderation Work for You RC 60169
by William R. Miller and Ricardo F. Mu oz
read by John Polk
3 cassettes
Psychologists' techniques for alcohol abusers to change harmful patterns and learn to imbibe in
moderation. They explain the use of self-monitoring by keeping track, taking charge, and slowing
down, and offer practical advice on handling social situations and substituting other behaviors for
drinking. 2005.


Coping with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury RC 62483
by Diane Roberts Stoler and Barbara Albers Hill
read by Lewis Grenville
3 cassettes
Comprehensive guide to the long-term consequences of brain injury known as postconcussive
syndrome. Covers diagnosis and treatments, highlighting the wide-ranging mental, physical, and
emotional symptoms including depression, cognitive disabilities, chronic fatigue, migraines,
vision problems, and seizures. Offers advice on financial, insurance, and family issues. Includes
case studies and resources. 1998.


Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America and What We Must Do to
Stop It RC 60037
by Francine Ratner Kaufman
read by Ray Childs
3 cassettes
Pediatric endocrinologist and past president of the American Diabetes Association addresses the
rise of diabetes, especially in children, and its impact on individuals, families, and society.
Kaufman discusses obesity as a trigger, diabetes' effects on the body, and ways to reduce the risk
of developing the disease. 2005.


The Disabled Woman's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth RC 62294
by Judith Rogers
read by Catherine Byers
5 cassettes
Comprehensive guide to disability-related physical and emotional pregnancy issues. Cites
experiences of women with varying types and degrees of conditions including cerebral palsy,
multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, spina bifida, and spinal cord injuries. Covers first,
second, and third trimesters, labor and delivery, possible complications, and postpartum
concerns. Includes resources. 2006.


Dr. Gavin's Health Guide for African Americans RC 61423
by James R. Gavin III
read by Bill Quinn
2 cassettes
President of the Morehouse College School of Medicine offers guidelines for controlling health
problems common among African Americans such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, heart
disease, and kidney disorders. Advocates making incremental lifestyle changes to eat healthier,
exercise more, and reduce stress. An American Diabetes Association publication. 2004.


The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History RC 61644
by John M. Barry
read by Gregory Gorton
4 cassettes
Traces the medical and social history of the 1918 influenza epidemic that erupted during World
War I. Discusses the conditions both biological (swiftly mutating flu virus passing between
animals and humans) and political (troop movements between continents) under which the
disease thrived and its effect on world populations. Keck Award. 2004.


The Great Mortality: An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All
Time RC 61279
by John Kelly
read by Michael Russotto
3 cassettes
The author uses fourteenth-century records to document the epidemic that swept through
Eurasia killing a third of the population in Europe as well as livestock. Describes daily life,
steps taken to avoid contagion, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the social and economic effects of
the catastrophic loss of life. 2005.


The Joslin Guide to Diabetes: A Program for Managing Your Treatment RC 61317
by Richard S. Beaser and Amy P. Campbell
read by Madelyn Buzzard
3 cassettes
Revised and updated edition of physician's and nutritionist's comprehensive guide to diabetes
self-care. Discusses understanding the disease; monitoring blood glucose and administering
insulin; treating diabetes with nutrition, exercise, and medications; adjusting treatment programs
for possible complications; meal planning; and living well. Includes appendix of food choice
lists. 2005.


Lab 257: The Disturbing Story of the Government's Secret Plum Island Germ Laboratory RC
61588
by Michael Christopher Carroll
read by Mary Kane
3 cassettes
Charts from 1954 the history of New York's Plum Island, home of the federal Animal Disease
Center and what the author claims are Earth's "deadliest germs." Details the center's
experimental breakthroughs and blunders, links to Lyme disease and West Nile virus, and
post-September 11, 2001, research into biological warfare. 2004.


Living through Breast Cancer: What a Harvard Doctor and Survivor Wants You to Know about
Getting the Best Care while Preserving Your Self-Image RC 60811
by Carolyn M. Kaelin
read by Erin Jones
3 cassettes
Addresses medical and emotional aspects of coping with breast cancer. Covers understanding
your diagnosis, treatment options with surgery and/or drugs, maintaining your physical
appearance, and managing menopause. Provides guidance on after-treatment issues, fertility, diet
and exercise, and resources. 2005.


Living with Lymphoma: A Patient's Guide RC 62293
by Elizabeth M. Adler
read by Peter Johnson
4 cassettes
Neurobiologist with the disease offers a comprehensive guide to Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin
lymphoma forms of cancer affecting the immune system. Addresses diagnosis, symptoms, and
treatment options including chemotherapy and radiation as well as alternative therapies. Provides
background information to enable readers to evaluate medical literature and make informed
decisions. 2005.


Message in a Bottle: The Making of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome RC 61611
by Janet Golden
read by Jill Fox
2 cassettes
Social history of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the diagnosis of physical and mental birth defects
linked to prenatal alcohol exposure. Examines the changing definitions and meanings of FAS
from the 1970s to the 1990s as shaped by the medical establishment, the media, politics, and
legal and social concerns. 2005.


The New Sjogren's Syndrome Handbook RC 62255
edited by Daniel J. Wallace
read by Lou Harpenau
2 cassettes
Updated guide for people with this chronic autoimmune disease who may have other health
problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Provides information on
Sjogren's wide-ranging symptoms including dry eyes, and its causes, diagnosis, treatment
options, and possible complications. Physicians contribute sections on their particular specialty.
Lists resources. 2005.


Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era RC 60439
by Boston Women's Health Book Collective
read by Madelyn Buzzard
8 cassettes in 2 containers
Updated version of Our Bodies, Ourselves for the New Century (RC 47117). Discusses all
aspects of women's health and well-being including nutrition and exercise, sex and relationships,
reproduction, and aging. Covers the rearranged food pyramid and provides information on
negotiating the complicated healthcare system. Explicit descriptions of sex. 2005.


Polio and Its Aftermath: The Paralysis of Culture RC 62101
by Marc Shell
read by Peter Johnson
2 cassettes
Nuanced account of polio's cultural impact by a Harvard professor and polio survivor. Examines
the disease's historical significance, effects on victims, and artistic depictions. Contends the
mid-twentieth-century development of the Salk vaccine cut short a medical investigation and
consequently left the world unprepared for future outbreaks. 2005.


Safe Sex 101: An Overview for Teens RC 62536
by Margaret O. Hyde and Elizabeth H. Forsyth
read by Judith Ann Gantly
1 cassette
A science writer and a child psychiatrist discuss the physical and emotional aspects of human
sexuality including anatomy, contraception, abstinence, social pressures, and diseases such as
AIDS. Presents scenarios that teens may encounter and practical responses to them. For senior
high and older readers. 2006.


The Science and Fiction of Autism RC 61673
by Laura Schreibman
read by Annie Wauters
2 cassettes
California psychologist and researcher offers a comprehensive guide to autism in the context of
historical and contemporary controversies surrounding the disorder. Evaluates conflicting
information regarding causes, characteristics, diagnosis, and treatments while maintaining that
autism is biological in origin and not a result of parental behavior. 2005.


Skin Health Information for Teens: Health Tips about Dermatological Concerns and Skin Cancer
Risks; including Facts about Acne, Warts, Hives, and Other Conditions and Lifestyle Choices,
Such as Tanning, Tattooing, and Piercing, That Affect the Skin, Nails, Scalp, and Hair RC 60625
edited by Robert Aquinas McNally
read by Michele Schaeffer
3 cassettes
Skin care advice for teens includes information about acne, cancer, and other disorders. For
senior high readers. 2003.


Smoking 101: An Overview for Teens RC 62470
by Margaret O. Hyde and John F. Setaro
read by Judith Ann Gantly
1 cassette
A science writer and a doctor explain the nature of the tobacco industry and its impact on society.
Authors discuss the physiology and the health consequences of smoking, the addictive qualities
of nicotine, and ways to quit. For junior and senior high and older readers. 2006.


The South Beach Heart Program: The Four-Step Plan That Can Save Your Life RC 63116
by Arthur Agatston
read by Stephen Hoye
2 cassettes
Cardiologist and author of The South Beach Diet Cookbook (RC 58161) proposes a prevention
revolution for heart care. Examines standard medical procedures then outlines his program.
Recommends noninvasive imaging, advanced blood testing, and a regimen of diet, exercise, and
medication with regular physician evaluations. 2006.


Staying Safe: A Teen's Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases RC 61530
by Miranda Hunter and William Hunter
read by Bill Wallace
1 cassette
Describes the characteristics of the major sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) gonorrhea,
syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, and HIV/AIDS with brief information on a few others. Includes
accounts of teenagers who engaged in unsafe sexual practices. Features advice on the prevention
of STDs and corrects misconceptions. For junior and senior high readers. 2005.


You: The Owner's Manual; an Insider's Guide to the Body That Will Make You Healthier and
Younger RC 60685
by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz
read by Carol Dines
3 cassettes
Layperson's guide to the human body describes the major systems and common diseases.
Authors state that "knowing your body gives you the power to change it, maintain it, decorate it,
and strengthen it." Includes nutrition advice and recipes. Bestseller. 2005.


You: The Smart Patient; an Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment RC 62514
by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz
read by Alexander Strain
2 cassettes
In this companion to You: The Owner's Manual (RC 60685), doctors highlight ways to obtain the
best medical care by researching hospitals, physicians, and insurance companies, and knowing
one's family medical history. Suggests becoming familiar with prescriptions, specialists,
treatment options, alternative medicine, and pain management. 2006.


Music

Artie Shaw: A Musical Biography and Discography RC 60847
by Vladimir Simosko
read by Bob Moore
5 cassettes
Music librarian pens a biographical essay about Swing Era clarinetist and bandleader Artie Shaw.
Chronicles each phase of Shaw's career from 1924 to 1954, places the musician in the context of
the times, and concludes with an extensive discography. Foreword by Artie Shaw. 2000.


The Beatles: The Biography RC 61584
by Bob Spitz
read by Steven Carpenter
7 cassettes in 2 containers
Music journalist pens a history of the British rock 'n' roll band that launched a cultural
revolution. Uses primary sources to trace each band member's family history, recording sessions,
concerts, and business deals. Also discusses fast-lane lives of drugs, sex, and excess. Strong
language. 2005.


Billy Joel: The Life and Times of an Angry Young Man RC 61511
by Hank Bordowitz
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Music journalist traces the life and career of Grammy Award-winning songwriter/pianist Billy
Joel (born 1949). Highlights Joel's coming-of-age in Long Island after his father abandoned the
family, and Joel's three marriages, alcohol problems, and adversarial relationship with the press.
Analyzes the artist's long-lasting career and versatility. Strong language. 2005.


Born in the U.S.A.: Bruce Springsteen and the American Tradition RC 62547
by Jim Cullen
read by L.J. Ganser
2 cassettes
A professor "explores a series of myths, symbols, and words in American culture, and the ways
in which Springsteen's music clarifies, revises, and reinterprets them." Examines the influence of
the "American dream" and Catholicism on the musician. Update of 1997 edition includes
analysis of Springsteen lyrics written since 2001. 2005.


Chronicles, Volume 1 RC 59429
by Bob Dylan
read by John Lescault
2 cassettes
First of a three-volume memoir by music legend Bob Dylan. Describes his intellectual
development, folk songs and blues he listened to in the 1960s, and the growth of his artistic
conscience. Recalls early days in Greenwich Village, transient loves, lasting friendships, and
experiences in New Orleans and Woodstock. Bestseller. 2004.


Classical Music in America: A History of Its Rise and Fall RC 60428
by Joseph Horowitz
read by Butch Hoover
5 cassettes
American music historian and artistic adviser to several orchestras presents a social history of
classical music in the United States. Chronicles the rise of the Boston, New York, and
Philadelphia orchestras. Horowitz contends that the post-WWI performance-centered approach
of American conductors and performers has been disadvantageous to native-born composers.
2005.


Dixie Lullaby: A Story of Music, Race, and New Beginnings in a New South RC 61088
by Mark Kemp
read by Bob Moore
3 cassettes
Former journalist for Rolling Stone outlines the history of white southern rock music and the
influence on his generation of the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Charlie Daniels.
Interviews musicians and fans to illustrate the changes brought by integration and the emergence
of a distinctive musical style. Strong language. 2004.


From Pieces to Weight: Once upon a Time in Southside Queens RC 61202
by 50 Cent
read by Bill Quinn
2 cassettes
Rap star describes the ghetto environment he was brought up in and his experience of dealing
drugs when he was eleven. Details his life on the streets of 1980s Queens before hard work and
determination helped him achieve fame and money. Violence and strong language. Bestseller.
2005.


Hey Ya! The Unauthorized Biography of OutKast RC 59691
by Chris Nickson
read by Dave Corey
1 cassette
Journalist details the performing career of the award-winning Atlanta rap group OutKast,
describing the team created in 1994 by Antwan "Big Boi" Patton and Andre "Dre" Benjamin.
Delves into the singers' personal lives, their business interests, and the evolution of their music.
For senior high and older readers. 2004.


I Feel Good: A Memoir of a Life of Soul RC 60883
by James Brown
read by Chuck Young
2 cassettes
Autobiography of the outspoken "Godfather of Soul." Brown describes his childhood in the
segregated south, personal life, legal troubles, and career in the music business. Assesses his
impact on American culture during the 1960s civil rights movement. Introduction by Marc Eliot.
Some strong language. 2005.


John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth RC 62133
by Elizabeth Partridge
read by Bill Quinn
2 cassettes
Portrait of legendary singer-songwriter John Lennon from his birth in 1940 in  Great Britain to
his murder forty years later in New York City. Explores his career, alcohol and drug addiction,
two marriages, and relationship with fellow Beatles band members. Strong language. For senior
high readers. 2005.


Life Is Not a Fairy Tale RC 62297
by Fantasia
read by Melissa Maxwell
2 cassettes
Autobiography of the winner of the 2004 American Idol television singing competition. Fantasia
describes her hardscrabble life as an African American single mother in North Carolina.
Highlights the contest that led to her career and attributes her success to God and her musical
family. 2005.


O RC 61695
by Omari Grandberry
read by Bill Quinn
1 cassette
Twenty-year-old Omari Grandberry describes his happy childhood in Los Angeles, his conscious
decision to avoid street life, and his rise to hip-hop fame as a member of B2K from 2000 to 2004.
Analyzes the music business and the band's breakup. Some strong language. For senior high and
older readers. 2005.


On Michael Jackson RC 61902
by Margo Jefferson
read by Bill Quinn
1 cassette
Pulitzer Prize-winning critic for the New York Times pens an essay analyzing the complexity of
pop musician Michael Jackson. Traces Jackson's curious transformations over time from child
prodigy to accused criminal and studies the people and events that influenced him. Strong
language. 2006.


Rednecks and Bluenecks: The Politics of Country Music RC 62224
by Chris Willman
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Entertainment Weekly reporter interviews country western singers to ascertain the politics behind
their brand of show business. Studies the belief that there is Republican partisanship among the
genre's base and investigates the shift of the South away from the Democratic party. Some strong
language. 2005.


Searching for the Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead RC 60265
by Phil Lesh
read by John Lescault
3 cassettes
Bassist for the Grateful Dead who joined the band in 1965 details the evolution of the group led
by Jerry Garcia. Describes the concert tours, fanatic Dead Head fans, and the financial and drug
problems that plagued the musicians. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2005.


September in the Rain: The Life of Nelson Riddle RC 62135
by Peter J. Levinson
read by John Horton
3 cassettes
Biography of composer/arranger who began his career with the dance bands of the 1940s,
including a stint with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra. Describes Riddle's personal and professional
life, his success in rekindling fellow New Jerseyite Frank Sinatra's career, and his work with Nat
King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. 2005.


Sinatra: The Life RC 61890
by Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan
read by Peter Ganim
5 cassettes
Author of Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe (RC 22984) provides a birth-to-death
biography of singer/actor Frank Sinatra (1915 1998). Summers documents Sinatra's childhood,
career, marriages, struggles with alcohol, complex relationships with women, and Mafia
connections. Strong language. 2005.


SPIN: Twenty Years of Alternative Music; Original Writing on Rock, Hip-Hop, Techno, and
Beyond RC 61272
edited by Will Hermes
read by Mark Ashby
4 cassettes
Articles from SPIN magazine that highlight artists and musical movements since 1985. Includes
essays and interviews on Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Courtney Love, Phish, Eminem, Tupac,
and OutKast as well as grunge, goth, rap-rock, Britpop, Napster, and other trends. Strong
language. For senior high and older readers. 2005.


Stradivari's Genius: Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection RC
60554
by Toby Faber
read by Dennis Rooney
2 cassettes
Provides a brief biography of Italian stringed-instrument maker Antonio Stradivari (1644 1737).
Recounts the history of five surviving violins and one cello from their creation among more than
one thousand to modern ownership by such well-known musicians as Paganini, Yehudi Menuhin,
Itzhak Perlman, and Yo-Yo Ma. 2004.


Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life and Times of Benny Goodman RC 60340
by Ross Firestone
read by Roy Avers
4 cassettes
Biography of jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman (1909 1986) recounts his career as a child prodigy
in Chicago, early gigs during the depression era, and success with the "big band" sound. Relates
Goodman's role in breaking down racial barriers and describes his relationships with other
musicians. 1993.


Tommy Dorsey, Livin' in a Great Big Way: A Biography RC 62555
by Peter J. Levinson
read by Peter Ganim
3 cassettes
The author of Trumpet Blues (RC 51218) uses anecdotes to describe the volatile personality of
jazz trombonist Tommy Dorsey (1905 1956). Portrays Tommy's roots in Pennsylvania coal
mining country, his formation of the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, and his promotion of Glenn
Miller and Frank Sinatra. Some strong language. 2005.


Nature and the Environment

All Flesh Is Grass: The Pleasures and Promises of Pasture Farming RC 60423
by Gene Logsdon
read by Jack Fox
2 cassettes
Author of Low-Maintenance House (RC 28227) argues against the grain feeding of livestock and
contends grass farming is the solution to economic, environmental, sustainability, and food safety
concerns posed by commercial factory agriculture. Offers practical advice on pasturing various
animals, selecting and rotating crops, fencing, watering, and more. 2004.


A Crack in the Edge of the World: America and the Great California Earthquake of 1906 RC
62162
by Simon Winchester
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
Geologist and author of Krakatoa (RC 55879) recounts the April 1906 earthquake and
subsequent fires that devastated the San Francisco area. Chronicles the natural disaster in
historical, political, and social context, detailing Earth's geologic background and the science of
tectonic plate theory. 2005.


The Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness, and Greed RC 61482
by John Vaillant
read by Anne Hancock
2 cassettes
Wilderness writer's account of logger-turned-activist Grant Hadwin, who in 1997 cut down a
three-hundred-year-old Sitka spruce sacred to the Haida Indians as a protest against timber
company practices. Discusses lumberjacks' perilous work, Native American traditions, Hadwin's
obsession to stop irreparable damage to forests, and the consequences of his actions. 2005.


The Great Hurricane: 1938 RC 60947
by Cherie Burns
read by Laura Giannarelli
2 cassettes
Account of the hurricane that ravaged coastal regions of Long Island, Connecticut, Rhode Island,
and Massachusetts in September 1938, killing hundreds and causing millions of dollars in
damage. Draws on archival sources and survivor testimony to trace the storm's path and
reconstruct the harrowing experiences of its victims. 2005.


The Grizzly Maze: Timothy Treadwell's Fatal Obsession with Alaskan Bears RC 62439
by Nick Jans
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Wilderness writer examines the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, an avid defender of grizzly
bears. Describes the fatal mauling of Treadwell and his girlfriend Amie Huguenard by grizzlies
in Alaska's Katmai National Park in 2003. Discusses Treadwell's background and his attraction
to the dangers of bear-watching. 2005.


Holding Back the Sea: The Struggle on the Gulf Coast to Save America RC 62427
by Christopher Hallowell
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Professor examines the plight of coastal Louisiana wetlands. Attributes their decline to sea-level
rise, erosion, dredging, and the levee system and discusses how special-interest groups have
hampered preservation efforts. The account, first published in 2001, predicts the inevitability and
consequences of hurricanes and includes a post-Hurricane Katrina introduction. 2005.


The Last Imaginary Place: A Human History of the Arctic World RC 62643
by Robert McGhee
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Award-winning archaeologist offers a multilayered portrait of the northern polar regions of
Canada, Alaska, Russia, Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. Combining anthropology, history, and
personal memoir, McGhee describes centuries of exploration, exploitation, and settlement of the
land by seafarers, hunters, natives, and scientists. 2005.


Listening to the Land: Conversations about Nature, Culture, and Eros RC 62486
by Derrick Jensen
read by Ralph Lowenstein
3 cassettes
Conservationist and author of Strangely like War: The Global Assault on Forests (RC 59441)
presents a collection of interviews with environmentalists, theologians, psychologists, indigenous
philosophers, and feminists exploring environmental degradation and humanity's relationship
with the natural world. Wide-ranging topics include biodiversity, religion, technology, and
eroticism. 2004.


Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds RC 62048
by Scott Weidensaul
read by Dan Bloom
4 cassettes
Describes the drama of bird migration in the western hemisphere the problems and the future
outlook. Also discusses researchers, amateur birders, land managers, and others who study the
birds' travel patterns and work to protect their sanctuaries. Covers southward journeys from
Alaska, wintering grounds, nesting season, and north- ward flights. 1999.


Oak: The Frame of Civilization RC 61943
by William Bryant Logan
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Certified arborist evaluates the role of the oak tree in human life and progress. Logan describes
the oak's value in providing acorns for food, galls to make ink, and wood for building houses,
ships, coffins, and wine barrels. Explains how the tree contributed to the prosperity of
humankind. 2005.


Out of Eden: An Odyssey of Ecological Invasion RC 61253
by Alan Burdick
read by Dan Bloom
3 cassettes
Journalist investigates how human travel has accelerated the natural process of species migration
by inadvertently introducing exotic plants, animals, insects, and diseases into foreign ecosystems.
Burdick records his travels by land and sea to hot spots of ecological invasion to assess the
impact on native organisms and bio-diversity. National Book Award. 2005.


The Raging Sea: The Powerful Account of the Worst Tsunami in U.S. History RC 60836
by Dennis M. Powers
read by Michael Russotto
3 cassettes
Professor describes the tragedy of Good Friday, March 27, 1964, when four waves spawned by
an Alaskan earthquake hit Crescent City, California, and devastated the town. Interviews
survivors and reveals tales of heroism and grief as eleven people lost their lives and the area was
ravaged. 2005.


A River and Its City: The Nature of Landscape in New Orleans RC 62235
by Ari Kelman
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Professor explains the environmental history of New Orleans covering fires, floods, hurricanes,
and epidemics. Describes the city's value as a port, its social tragedies, and the power of
geography. Discusses the struggle to control the Mississippi River through levees and
channeling. Includes a post-Hurricane Katrina preface that advocates rebuilding. 2006.


Snowstruck: In the Grip of Avalanches RC 62478
by Jill Fredston
read by Catherine Byers
2 cassettes
Alaskan avalanche expert discusses the causes of avalanches, their victims, and their
predictability. Describes her personal encounters with snow disasters, including some that were
man-made for movies. Offers advice on assessing snow conditions and planning sensible routes
before venturing out on hikes, skis, or snow transport. 2005.


The Whale and the Supercomputer: On the Northern Front of Climate Change RC 62605
by Charles Wohlforth
read by Peter Johnson
3 cassettes
Journalist offers a nuanced account of global warming from the perspectives of scientists and
native Alaskan I upiaq people. Examines the impact of climate change on the I upiaq, whose
traditional livelihood is threatened by milder winters and thinning sea ice. Provides the
contrasting viewpoints of scientists studying Arctic environmental changes. 2004.


When the Mississippi Ran Backwards: Empire, Intrigue, Murder, and the New Madrid
Earthquakes RC 60365
by Jay Feldman
read by Jill Fox
2 cassettes
Chronicles a series of catastrophic earthquakes in the Mississippi River Valley from 1811 to
1812 that devastated the New Madrid frontier settlement and temporarily reversed the
Mississippi's flow. Links the seismologic activity to the Indian Wars, a slave murder committed
by Thomas Jefferson's nephews, and the War of 1812. 2005.


Occult and Astrology

Phenomenon: Everything You Need to Know about the Paranormal RC 61243
by Sylvia Browne
read by Gabra Zackman
2 cassettes
Psychic and bestselling author offers an A-to-Z compendium of words commonly used in the
world of the paranormal. Provides examples and explanations for everything from affirmations,
alchemy, amulets, angels, and astral travel to Zarathushtra and zombies. Bestseller. 2005.


We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us RC 62854
by Allison DuBois
read by Jill Ferris
2 cassettes
Professional psychic medium who purports to communicate with the deceased maintains that
spirits remain with the living to facilitate healing and growth. Recounts readings with grieving
clients during which she revealed messages from their departed loved ones. DuBois's work with
missing- persons and murder cases inspired the television series Medium. 2006.


Philosophy

The Evolution-Creation Struggle RC 62060
by Michael Ruse
read by Dan Bloom
3 cassettes
Professor of philosophy posits that though evolutionism and creationism are rival responses to a
crisis of faith, they share commonalities. Provides a historical analysis of religious and scientific
thought about evolution since the eighteenth century. Explores the Enlightenment's effects on
Christianity and the subsequent introduction of Darwinian theory. 2005.


Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Restless Genius RC 62214
by Leo Damrosch
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
Professor portrays the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 1778) as an autodidact whose
political theory and concepts of education are still influential in the modern age. Discusses
Rousseau's personality and its relation to his achievements. Explores the originality of
Rousseau's writings and the far-reaching effects of his ideas. National Book Award. 2005.


On Desire: Why We Want What We Want RC 62845
by William B. Irvine
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Professor examines the origins and scientific nature of impulses and drives. Considers Buddhist,
Taoist, Hindu, Amish, Shaker, and Catholic teachings; theories of Greek, Roman, and modern
philosophers; and psychological explanations. Asserts that lasting happiness can be achieved by
controlling passions and convincing oneself to want what one already has. 2006.


The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology RC 61318
by Ray Kurzweil
read by Lou Harpenau
5 cassettes
Inventor and author of The Age of Spiritual Machines (RC 48260) posits that humankind will
merge its biology with nanotechnology and robotics to create a new species. He predicts the
result will eliminate aging, pollution, and world hunger. 2005.


Poetry

Ariel: The Restored Edition RC 62239
by Sylvia Plath
read by Gabriella Cavallero
1 cassette
Sylvia Plath's last manuscript before committing suicide in 1963 is restored to her preferred
selections and arrangement of poems by her daughter Frieda Hughes. Hughes's foreword
discusses the confessional voice in this poetry and her parents' complex marriage. 2004.


I'm Too Young to Be Seventy: And Other Delusions RC 62480
by Judith Viorst
read by Barbara Caruso
1 cassette
Judith Viorst writes poems about the joys and dilemmas of being seventy years old but forever
young at heart. Sequel to Suddenly Sixty and Other Shocks of Later Life (RC 62118). 2005.


Ogden Nash: The Life and Work of America's Laureate of Light Verse RC 60527
by Douglas M. Parker
read by Dan Bloom
3 cassettes
An authorized biography of the urbane and witty American poet Ogden Nash (1902 1971) based
on his published and unpublished writings and interviews with his two daughters. Discusses
Nash's work at the New Yorker, his unique humorous perspective on family life, and his
attempts at careers beyond poetry. 2005.


One Hundred Great Poems of the Twentieth Century RC 61179
edited by Mark Strand
read by Kimberly Schraf
2 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize winner and former poet laureate of the United States Mark Strand presents poems
that he has "continued to feel strongly about over the years." Most were written by poets born
before 1927 and represent Europe and North and South America. 2005.


The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets RC 61714
by Ted Kooser
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
U.S. poet laureate and author of Braided Creek (RC 59814) draws on more than forty years
experience in this guide to writing and revising poetry. Shares his creative philosophy and offers
insights and examples on rhyming and prose, metaphors and similes, rules and when to break
them and the writer-reader relationship. 2005.


Red Hot Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Being Young and Latino in the United States RC 61296
edited by Lori Marie Carlson
read by Peter Gil
1 cassette
Poems in English, Spanish, or a blend of both speak to themes of identity, neighborhoods, love,
family, memories, and victory. Contains an introduction by Oscar Hijuelos, a glossary of selected
Spanish terms, and biographical notes on the poets. In English and Spanish. For junior and senior
high readers. 2005.


Songs of Life and Hope/Cantos de Vida y Esperanza RC 60594
by Rub n Daro
read by Peter Gil
2 cassettes
The major works of the Nicaraguan poet considered to be a founder of the Spanish modernist
movement. Includes an in-depth introduction to the life and work of Daro in English and his
poems in the original Spanish with English translations. (Edicin bilinge de la poesa ms
importante del famoso poeta nicaragense, fundador del modernismo espa ol. Incluye una
introduccin en ingl s sobre la vida y obra de Daro tanto como los poemas en espa ol con
traduccin en ingl s.) 2004.


Suddenly Sixty and Other Shocks of Later Life RC 62118
by Judith Viorst
read by Catherine Byers
1 cassette
A "decade" book of witty and wise poems about being sixty in the vein of Forever Fifty and
Other Negotiations (RC 31346). Judith Viorst rhymes her reactions to second marriages,
grandchildren, and mortality. 2000.


Wounded in the House of a Friend RC 61529
by Sonia Sanchez
read by Gabriella Cavallero
1 cassette
African American woman's poetry explores betrayal, addiction, war, and sexual violence. Some
poems highlight feminist, political, and cultural issues, while others commemorate artists and
activists. Also includes haiku. Strong language, some explicit descriptions of sex and some
violence. 1995.


Psychology and Self-Help

Against Depression RC 61205
by Peter D. Kramer
read by Peter Johnson
3 cassettes
Author of Listening to Prozac (RC 37014) argues "that depression is a disease, one that we
would do well to oppose wholeheartedly." Describes Western culture's long history of
romanticizing and trivializing the dis-order. Discusses the need to accept depression as a
pathology and to find an effective treatment. 2005.


Bad Childhood Good Life: How to Blossom and Thrive in Spite of an Unhappy Childhood RC
61636
by Laura Schlessinger
read by Mary Kane
2 cassettes
Radio talk-show host addresses the concerns of adults still suffering with childhood pain and
offers advice on becoming more secure. Uses examples from her callers to admonish readers to
not remain "victims" but to take charge and change their behavior and attitudes. Bestseller. 2006.


Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate RC 60680
by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Practical advice on controlling your own and others' emotions to achieve better results during
negotiations conducted in the home and office. Authors discuss five core concerns to consider
during interactions, and they analyze specific situations to illustrate the constructive rather than
confrontational use of feelings. 2005.


Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul's The Real Deal: School Cliques, Classes, Clubs, and
More RC 61880
by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
read by Catherine Byers
2 cassettes
Anecdotes by teens about the highs and lows of high school life and about peer pressure,
bullying, stress, gossip, moving, and cliques. Provides encouragement and advice on making
positive changes and good choices. For senior high readers. 2005.


Conquering Your Quarterlife Crisis: Advice from Twentysomethings Who Have Been There and
Survived RC 62305
by Alexandra Robbins
read by Catherine Byers
2 cassettes
Author addresses the problems of young adults in their twenties and thirties who are struggling
with issues of identity, relationships, careers, family, and dreams. Offers anecdotes from others'
experiences and suggests finding a mentor and support group. 2004.


Exuberance: The Passion for Life RC 60260
by Kay Redfield Jamison
read by Susan McInerney
2 cassettes
Psychiatry professor explores exuberance and its fueling of creative and scientific achievement,
citing John Muir's passion for the environment, Wilson Bentley's obsession with snowflakes,
and Watson and Crick's discovery of DNA. Discusses hereditary factors, this emotion's
influence on human survival, and the dangers of seeking exuberance through drugs. 2004.


Forgiveness Is a Choice: A Step-by-Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope RC
62682
by Robert D. Enright
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Psychologist presents a four-phase plan for letting go of anger to find peace in one's life. Draws
on anecdotal evidence and scientific studies to show how forgiveness can improve physical and
mental well-being and lead to better relationships. Emphasizes that forgiveness does not
necessarily entail reconciliation with the offender. 2001.


The Grieving Teen: A Guide for Teenagers and Their Friends RC 61852
by Helen Fitzgerald
read by Michele Schaeffer
1 cassette
Grief counselor and author of The Mourning Handbook (RC 49619) offers practical suggestions
for teens coping with loss. Discusses scenarios including illness, death, funerals, and mourning.
Describes ways to resume life and deal with the future. For senior high and older readers. 2000.


How to Say It When You Don't Know What to Say: The Right Words for Difficult Times RC
62123
by Robbie Miller Kaplan
read by Peter Johnson
2 cassettes
Verbal, nonverbal, and written communication strategies to help comfort others. Provides a
variety of sample scenarios surrounding divorce, mental illness, legal problems, violent crimes,
natural disasters, terrorist attacks, disabilities, illness, and death. Offers tips on what to wear and
do and what emotions to anticipate. Includes resources. 2004.


The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain RC 62467
by Gene D. Cohen
read by Ralph Lowenstein
2 cassettes
Gerontologist and author of The Creative Age (RC 51737) examines psychological growth in
mature adults, refuting the notion that aging brings an inevitable decline. Introduces
developmental intelligence as the "synergy of cognition, emotional intelligence, judgment, social
skills, life experience, and consciousness." Explores ways to cultivate creativity. Includes
resources. 2005.


Stumbling on Happiness RC 61735
by Daniel Gilbert
read by Daniel Gilbert
2 cassettes
Harvard psychologist uses anecdotes and scientific research to argue that people cannot predict
what will make them happy. Claims that individuals cannot accurately envision their future and
are often surprised at how it really turns out. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language.
2006.


Surviving the Roller Coaster: A Teen's Guide to Coping with Moods RC 62375
by Jean Ford
read by Barbara Pinolini
1 cassette
Addresses the physical and emotional aspects of mood swings in adolescence. Analyzes common
feelings such as fear, jealousy, anger, and sadness and gives advice on controlling them and
seeking help. For senior high readers. 2005.


Twilight Children: Three Voices No One Heard until a Therapist Listened RC 62471
by Torey Hayden
read by Barbara Caruso
2 cassettes
Educational psychologist and author of Ghost Girl (RC 37247) recounts three challenging cases
from a hospital-based psychiatric crisis unit. Chronicles therapy sessions with four-year-old
elective mute Drake, elderly stroke victim Gerda, and abused nine-year-old Cassandra, who was
kidnapped by her father. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2005.


When Will I Stop Hurting? Teens, Loss, and Grief RC 61216
by Edward Myers
read by Judith Gantly
1 cassette
An overview of coping with the death of a loved one and handling the bereavement process.
Combines personal accounts from teens with practical advice. Describes warning signs of
psychological complications and suggests other sources of information. For junior and senior
high readers. 2004.


Yes, Your Parents Are Crazy! A Teen Survival Handbook RC 61269
by Michael J. Bradley
read by Erik Synnestvedt
3 cassettes
Psychologist and author of Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy! (RC 55891) offers teens advice on dealing
with family, school, and peer relationships. Author discusses physical, emotional, and
psychological concerns of young adults and includes anecdotes from his practice. Foreword by
Clay Aiken. For senior high and older readers. 2004.


Religion

American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation RC 62640
by Jon Meacham
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Newsweek managing editor examines U.S. national traditions and the intention of the founding
fathers when they created freedom of religion more than two centuries ago. Contends that faith
and freedom are inextricably linked a nation will thrive only by cherishing freedom and
protecting faith. Bestseller. 2006.


American Judaism: A History RC 60567
by Jonathan D. Sarna
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
Brandeis University professor details 350 years of Judaism in the United States. Sarna portrays
American Jews as a people struggling to be both Jewish and American. Addresses their concerns
about assimilation, issues of religious adaptation and continuity, and influences from and
contributions to a diverse and pluralistic society. 2004.


The Beliefnet Guide to Evangelical Christianity RC 61718
by Wendy Murray Zoba
read by Peter Ganim
1 cassette
Guide to the beliefs and practices of evangelicals. Author describes adherents as those who have
had a "born-again" experience, have a "personal" relationship with Jesus, believe the Bible is
historically reliable, and feel obliged to share their faith with others. Includes introduction by
evangelical Philip Yancey. 2005.


The Beliefnet Guide to Islam RC 62223
by Hesham A. Hassaballa and Kabir Helminski
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Two Muslims present an introduction to the Islamic religion. Covers its main beliefs represented
by the Five Pillars, its founder Muhammad, and its holy text, the Qur'an. Also explains the
meaning of jihad and discusses gender issues. 2006.


The Best American Spiritual Writing 2005 RC 62010
edited by Philip Zaleski
read by Gordon Gould
2 cassettes
Thirty-four essays, short stories, and poems previously published in magazines. "Passed On" by
Thomas Lynch explores a young man's reason for becoming a funeral director. In "Kaddish"
Richard Chess prays for peace, safety, humility, and life for all. Kenneth Woodward discusses
Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ. 2005.


The Buddha in Your Mirror: Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self RC 61168
by Woody Hochswender and Ted Morino
read by Don Hagen
1 cassette
Introduction to this eastern Asian religion by followers of Nichiren Buddhism. Contends that
everyone can become a Buddha, or enlightened one, by understanding life's profound truths.
Explains basic Buddhist principles and describes ways, including chanting, to access one's
"Buddha nature" and apply it to overcome obstacles and attain happiness. 2001.


Charles W. Colson: A Life Redeemed RC 61757
by Jonathan Aitken
read by Don Feldheim
4 cassettes
Former British member of Parliament uses archives and personal papers to chronicle the life of
American politician-turned-evangelist Charles Colson. Traces Colson's childhood, involvement
as President Nixon's counsel during the Watergate scandal, imprisonment, born-again
conversion, and decades-long prison ministry. Highlights Colson's work helping others to help
themselves. Some strong language. 2005.


Child Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church RC 62032
edited by Louise I. Gerdes
read by Peter Johnson
1 cassette
Sixteen essays by journalists, professors, psychiatrists, a victim, and a priest explore sexual abuse
of minors by Catholic priests. Discusses issues of celibacy, homosexuality, Church hierarchy,
and policy towards victims. Includes a message from Pope John Paul II and offers possible
solutions to the problem. For senior high readers. 2003.


The Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis: Reform and Renewal in the Catholic Community RC 62210
by Paul R. Dokecki
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
A psychologist's multilevel analysis of the Catholic priest pedophilia scandal. Discusses cases in
Boston and Nashville, examining the actions of specific clergy and Church officials. Proposes a
community-based reform plan calling for greater transparency, more-inclusive governance, and
an expanded role for lay Church members. 2004.


An End to Suffering: The Buddha in the World RC 61617
by Pankaj Mishra
read by Jack Fox
3 cassettes
Indian author of the novel The Romantics (RC 52514) presents his autobiographical journey on
the subcontinent exploring Buddhist philosophy. Describes his search to understand Buddha's
relevance in the modern world by discussing the personal and social issues that Buddha
addressed and their impact on twentieth-century politicians. 2004.


Family Man: The Biography of Dr. James Dobson RC 62675
by Dale Buss
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Authorized biography of Christian evangelical leader, who is a child psychologist and the
founder of the Focus on the Family ministry. Traces the counseling work that compelled Dobson
to write Dare to Discipline (RC 23722) in 1970, create a radio talk show, and lead the Christian
right wing. 2005.


The First Rasta: Leonard Howell and the Rise of Rastafarianism RC 62178
by H l ne Lee
read by Michele Schaeffer
2 cassettes
Journalist's account of Jamaican and Rastafarian history, based on an updated translation of a
1999 French work and on oral history interviews with Jamaican elders. Interweaves chronicles of
Rasta founder Leonard Howell, Bob Marley, Reggae music, and centrality of ganja (marijuana).
1999.


The Gnostic Gospels of Jesus: The Definitive Collection of Mystical Gospels and Secret Books
about Jesus of Nazareth RC 60442
by Marvin Meyer
read by Lou Harpenau
4 cassettes
Scholar on gnosticism provides translations of all known Gnostic gospels and related texts that
were discovered in 1945 in Egypt. Also contains concise introductions and suggested readings
for further study. Includes the gospels of Thomas, Mary, and Philip; "The Secret Book of John";
and "The Dialogue of the Savior." 2005.


Godtalk: Travels in Spiritual America RC 61623
by Brad Gooch
read by Lou Harpenau
3 cassettes
An English professor explores different forms of worship and spirituality in America. His
experiences include meeting with Trappists in Kentucky, devoted readers of the Urantia Book in
Chicago, Christian gays in Dallas, Muslims in New York City, and Hindu Deepak Chopra in
California. Describes the appeal of spirituality in a "post-denominational" age. 2002.


The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions RC 61336
by Karen Armstrong
read by Karen Armstrong
4 cassettes
Chronicles the ninth century BCE, during which time four distinct world civilizations developed
lasting belief systems: Confucianism and Daoism in China, Hinduism and Buddhismin India,
monotheism in Israel, and philosophical rationalism in Greece. Examines spiritual sages like
Buddha, Socrates, Confucius, and Ezekiel and their commonality concerning the primacy of
compassion. 2006.


How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature Why Modern Readers Need to Know the
Difference, and What It Means for Faith Today RC 62672
by Steven L. McKenzie
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Biblical scholar contends that recognizing the Bible's various literary genres is vital to accurate
interpretation. Relies on textual clues to analyze the meaning of passages such as that of Jonah,
which McKenzie posits is not a literal account of a man swallowed by a whale but a humorous
satire. 2005.


If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get out of the Boat RC 61094
by John Ortberg
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
Pastor uses the New Testament story from Matthew 14 to help individuals reach their potential
outside their comfort zone. Outlines the necessary steps: answering the call, conquering fear,
accepting God's reassurance, and making the decision to try all of which will lead to a changed
life. 2001.


Is Islam a Religion of War or Peace? RC 62484
edited by Jann Einfeld
read by Ken Kliban
1 cassette
Eleven essays by authors with opposing viewpoints on the nature of the Islamic religion. Includes
Osama bin Laden's justification for attacking America, President George W. Bush's claim that
Islam is a peaceful religion, Pat Robertson's counterargument, and analyses of women's rights.
For junior and senior high readers. 2005.


The Jesus Papers: Exposing the Greatest Cover-up in History RC 62292
by Michael Baigent
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Religious historian Baigent, author of Holy Blood, Holy Grail (RC 17717), presents the results of
his research on the life of Jesus. Details the political and religious climate of that time. Posits that
the information culled from his twenty-two-year study proves the Bible's account of Jesus is
inaccurate. 2006.


The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief RC 63174
by Francis S. Collins
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Head of the Human Genome Project explores the compatibility of science and religious faith.
Discusses scientific and theological objections to atheism, creationism, and belief in intelligent
design. Supports the theory of "theistic evolution," which proposes that God created both the
universe and the natural laws that govern it. Bestseller. 2006.


Life after Death: The Burden of Proof RC 63100
by Deepak Chopra
read by Shishir Kurup
2 cassettes
Doctor and author of How to Know God (RC 52605) explores scientific discoveries and ancient
religious traditions to address the subject of the afterlife. Posits that life and death are not
separated by an impassable wall and that a person can shape what happens after death. 2006.


Misquoting Jesus: The Story behind Who Changed the Bible and Why RC 61941
by Bart D. Ehrman
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Biblical historian posits that scribes' alterations to New Testament manuscripts reflect both
human error and the influence of theology, culture, and politics. Explores the development of
written scripture from the Greco-Roman era, the effect of inconsistencies on doctrine and later
versions, and attempts to reconstruct original text. Bestseller. 2005.


Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve, and a Network of Miracles RC
61957
by Raymond Arroyo
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Biography of Mother Angelica (born in 1923), a cloistered nun, television host, and creator of the
world's largest religious broadcasting organization, Eternal Word Television Network. Describes
her impoverished Ohio upbringing, experiences guiding her faith, and the fiery entrepreneurial
spirit that helped her overcome corporate and ecclesiastic challenges to success. 2005.


No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam RC 61297
by Reza Aslan
read by Mark Ashby
3 cassettes
Professor of Islamic and Middle Eastern studies reconstructs the origins of Islam from the
prophet Muhammad's message of moral accountability and social egalitarianism, and its
evolution into ideologies of rigid legalism and uncompromising orthodoxy. Discusses Muslims'
current struggle to define the future of their faith and argues for reform. 2005.


A People Adrift: The Crisis of the Roman Catholic Church in America RC 60533
by Peter Steinfels
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
New York Times columnist analyzes the major institutional challenges facing American
Catholicism in the twenty-first century. Focuses on Church leadership, priest sex-abuse scandals,
contrasting visions, and gender issues. Maintains the Church is at a crossroads, poised "on the
verge of . . . irreversible decline . . . or a transformation" and offers recommendations for action.
2003.


The Pontiff in Winter: Triumph and Conflict in the Reign of John Paul II RC 61224
by John Cornwell
read by George Holmes
3 cassettes
Cambridge scholar and author of Hitler's Pope (RC 49241) analyzes the long reign of Pope John
Paul II, the former Karol Wojtyla. Discusses the pope's accomplishments and his views on
controversial issues including birth control and abuses by the clergy. Criticizes the centralization
of papal power. 2004.


Pope Benedict XVI: A Biography of Joseph Ratzinger RC 60689
by John L. Allen Jr.
read by Lou Harpenau
3 cassettes
Biography of the German pope, born Joseph Ratzinger in 1927. Journalist for the National
Catholic Reporter traces Ratzinger's rise to prominence as a cardinal during the Second Vatican
Council. Uses documents to outline the pope's conservative theological views on controversial
subjects. First published as Cardinal Ratzinger. 2000.


The Prison Angel: Mother Antonia's Journey from Beverly Hills to a Life of Service in a
Mexican Jail RC 61811
by Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporters chronicle the life of Mary Clarke,
twice-divorced mother of seven who, at age fifty, abandoned an affluent lifestyle, donned a habit,
and moved to Tijuana's notorious La Mesa prison. Describes twenty-seven years of her
humanitarian work and efforts to improve the Mexican justice system. 2005.


Rabbi Jesus: An Intimate Biography RC 60559
by Bruce Chilton
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Religion professor and priest examines Jesus within the social and cultural context of his time.
Using literary and archaeological evidence accumulated since World War II, Chilton presents
Jesus as "a witty philosopher" and "Mediterranean peasant-savant" of Greco-Roman heritage
who did everything "as a Jew, for Jews, and about Jews." 2000.


Rebel with a Cause RC 60715
by Franklin Graham
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Franklin Graham (born 1952) recalls growing up in North Carolina as the first son of the
Reverend Billy Graham and his wife Ruth. Franklin relates his early "sinful" life, acceptance of
Christ, missionary experiences, crusade ministry, and leadership of Samaritan's Purse an
evangelical relief organization. Afterword by his parents. 1995.


The Religious History of America RC 61181
by Edwin S. Gaustad and Leigh E. Schmidt
read by Michael Scherer
4 cassettes
Two professors of religion discuss the cultural, political, and economic influences that helped
shape religion in America throughout its history. Topics include the Puritans in New England,
separation of church and state, slavery, the growth of the church in the twentieth century, and
war's effects on religion. 2002.


Rumspringa: To Be or Not to Be Amish RC 62609
by Tom Shachtman
read by Nick Sullivan
3 cassettes
Documentarian examines the period when Amish teenagers are allowed freedom to experiment
in order to decide whether to be baptized or enter the wider world. Highlights the tenets of the
church and the experiences of the young people. Compares the practice of rumspringa to
mainstream parenting. 2006.


Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife RC 62108
by Mary Roach
read by Catherine Byers
2 cassettes
Author of Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers (RC 58302) examines historical and
contemporary attempts to determine the existence of life after death. Roach avoids the
philosophical debate, instead exploring primarily scientific endeavors to monitor out-of-body
experiences, weigh souls, and communicate with the dead. 2005.


T.D. Jakes: America's New Preacher RC 61903
by Shayne Lee
read by Peter Jay Fernandez
2 cassettes
Sociologist examines the rise of African American preacher Thomas Dexter Jakes CEO,
television host, and author of God's Leading Lady (RC 54897) from his humble beginnings in
West Virginia. Attributes Jakes's success to his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative marketing
techniques that resonate with postmodernists and an expanding mass-media Christian faith
industry. 2005.


Universal Father: A Life of Pope John Paul II RC 61288
by Garry O'Connor
read by Alexander Strain
3 cassettes
British biographer chronicles the life of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II (1920 2005),
examining the inner man. Assesses Wojtyla's early life in Poland between wars, his interest in
the theater, his acting during the Nazi occupation, and his ascent in the Catholic hierarchy. 2005.


What Jesus Meant RC 62385
by Garry Wills
read by Bob Moore
1 cassette
Wills, author of Papal Sin (RC 50273), examines the gospels with the motto "What Would Jesus
Do?" in mind. Asserts that simply asking what Jesus did or said is not enough one must
understand what Jesus meant by his deeds and words. 2006.


Where God Was Born: A Journey by Land to the Roots of Religion RC 61658
by Bruce Feiler
read by Michael Scherer
3 cassettes
The author of Walking the Bible (RC 52171) journeys to Israel, Iraq, and Iran with Israeli
archaeologist Avner Goren. Feiler reinterprets accounts of Joshua's conquest of the Promised
Land, David and Goliath, the capture of Jericho, and the prophets while contemplating religious
intolerance. 2005.


Science and Technology

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer RC 61087
by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
read by Steven Carpenter
5 cassettes
Biography of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (1904 1967) "the father of the atomic bomb."
Chronicles his New York City upbringing, marriage to Kitty Puening, work on the Manhattan
Project, and life after the 1954 Atomic Energy Commission hearings that denied Oppenheimer
his security clearance for questioning the ethics of nuclear weapons. 2005.


Before the Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima RC 61800
by Diana Preston
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
British historian and author of Lusitania (RC 55923) chronicles five decades of scientific
discovery culminating in the 1945 atomic bomb detonation over Japan. Describes the work of
Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Ernest Rutherford, Manhattan Project leader J. Robert
Oppenheimer, and others who unlocked the secrets of nuclear physics. 2005.


The Best American Science Writing, 2005 RC 62017
edited by Alan Lightman
read by Dennis Rooney
3 cassettes
Physicist and author of Einstein's Dreams (RC 36166) presents twenty-six articles that he
believes demonstrate ideal science writing with "clear, captivating, intelligent, provocative,
imaginative . . . and funny" prose. Jim Holt examines end-of-the-world scenarios while Philip
Alcabes critiques the bioterrorism scare. Other topics include genetic engineering and stem-cell
research. 2005.


Centauri Dreams: Imagining and Planning Interstellar Exploration RC 61926
by Paul Gilster
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
Digital Literacy (RC 45205) author evaluates the feasibility of using space travel technology to
reach Alpha Centauri, the sun's closest neighbor. Discusses theories and various ongoing
projects that experiment with antimatter, solar sails, ion drives, and nuclear fission and fusion
drives, as well as major communication and propulsion challenges. 2004.


Edison's Eve: A Magical History of the Quest for Mechanical Life RC 63259
by Gaby Wood
read by Dan Bloom
2 cassettes
British journalist traces the development of automatons from eighteenth-century clockwork dolls
to the sophisticated robots of the 1990s programmed with artificial intelligence and emotions.
Examining the philosophical basis of man's obsession with automation, Wood contends that
each invention which involves artificially simulated life challenges "our perception of what
makes us human." 2002.


Enough: Staying Human in an Engineered Age RC 62090
by Bill McKibben
read by Steven Carpenter
2 cassettes
Author of The End of Nature (RC 30866) examines the possibility that advancements in genetic
engineering, robotics, and nanotechnology could redefine what it means to be human. McKibben
discusses the social implications of altering the human body and debates the benefits and
consequences of a "posthuman world." 2003.


The Great Arc: The Dramatic Tale of How India Was Mapped and Everest Was Named RC
61208
by John Keay
read by Jeremy Gage
2 cassettes
History of the arduous and technically difficult nineteenth-century scientific expedition to survey
the 1,600-mile length of India and establish its longitude, latitude, and height above sea level.
Discusses the roles and personalities of William Lambton, who conceived the idea, and of
George Everest, who completed it. 2000.


A Life of Discovery: Michael Faraday, Giant of the Scientific Revolution RC 61302
by James Hamilton
read by David Cutler
4 cassettes
Art historian chronicles the life and accomplishments of British chemist and physicist Michael
Faraday (1791 1867), known for his discoveries relating to electricity. Portrays Faraday in a
cultural rather than scientific context, highlighting his interests including religion, drawing and
painting, and a desire to teach others about natural scientific laws. 2002.


The Lost Dinosaurs of Egypt RC 62417
by William Nothdurft
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Relates the 2000 Egyptian expedition by American scientists on the trail of long-forgotten,
early-twentieth-century German explorer Ernst Freiherr Stromer von Reichenbach. Uses
Stromer's monographs to reconstruct his findings and tragic outcome. Describes the team's
furthering of Stromer's research with the discovery of a monumental dinosaur specimen. 2002.


The Man Who Found Time: James Hutton and the Discovery of the Earth's Antiquity RC 58844
by Jack Repcheck
read by Gillian Green
2 cassettes
Historian examines the life and scientific contributions of Scottish natural philosopher James
Hutton (1726 1797), whose theory of geologic evolution proved Earth to be incalculably old, a
conclusion that conflicted with church teachings. Looks at Hutton's role in the Scottish
Enlightenment and his influence on nineteenth-century scientists Lyell and Darwin. 2003.


Moondust: In Search of the Men Who Fell to Earth
by Andrew Smith
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Journalist tracks down the nine surviving Apollo astronauts who walked on the moon between
1969 and 1972. Interviews each spaceman from the first to land on the lunar surface, Neil
Armstrong, to the last, Gene Cernan to learn what they felt about their missions and how they
reconciled with Earthbound life. Some strong language. 2005.


Nanofuture: What's Next for Nanotechnology RC 61457
by J. Storrs Hall
read by Dan Bloom
3 cassettes
Scientist examines trends and possible future developments in nanotechnol- ogy, the emerging
science of designing and manufacturing machines at the molecular and atomic levels. Explains
quantum engineering principles and uses for engines, computers, space exploration, artificial
intelligence, medicine, and transportation. Explores potential dangers and possible effects on
humanity and society. 2005.


The Pencil: A History of Design and Circumstance RC 61788
by Henry Petroski
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
A professor and civil engineer's history of the pencil. Presents it as a product of immense
complexity and sophistication and as a "paradigm for the engineering process generally."
Petroski examines the creation, craftsmanship, engineering, manufacture, and business of
producing pencils on both sides of the Atlantic. 1989.


A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire RC 61303
by Amy Butler Greenfield
read by Anne Flosnik
3 cassettes
Cultural history of red dye going back centuries. Traces the color's significance in various
societies, the difficulty in finding a natural source in Europe, and Spain's economic triumph in
locating and monopolizing the cochineal supply from Mexico for several hundred years.
Describes other nations' attempts to penetrate cochineal's mysteries. 2005.


The Science of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials RC 61514
by Mary Gribbin and John Gribbin
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette
Relates the mystery and magic in Pullman's trilogy, beginning with The Golden Compass (RC
44343), to real-world scientific concepts. Covers topics from cosmology to string theory to
explain such objects as Will's subtle knife and Mary Malone's amber spyglass. For junior and
senior high readers. 2003.


Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife RC 62108
by Mary Roach
read by Catherine Byers
2 cassettes
Author of Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers (RC 58302) examines historical and
contemporary attempts to determine the existence of life after death. Roach avoids the
philosophical debate, instead exploring primarily scientific endeavors to monitor out-of-body
experiences, weigh souls, and communicate with the dead. 2005.


Stargazer: The Life and Times of the Telescope RC 61967
by Fred Watson
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Presents the four-hundred-year history of the telescope and the scientists responsible for its
development from a simple spyglass to sophisticated modern engineering marvels. Covers
Galileo, Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton, William Herschel, George Ellery Hale, and Edwin
Hubble. 2004.


They Made America: From the Steam Engine to the Search Engine; Two Centuries of Innovators
RC 60342
by Harold Evans
read by Barry Bernson
7 cassettes in 2 containers
The author of The American Century (RC 47580) profiles seventy American innovators who
turned their ideas into commercial realities that benefited the public. Includes such well-known
figures as Eli Whitney and Thomas Edison as well as individuals like Ida Rosenthal, who
invented the Maidenform bra. 2004.


A Thread across the Ocean: The Heroic Story of the Transatlantic Cable RC 61274
by John Steele Gordon
read by Steven Carpenter
2 cassettes
Chronicles efforts over twelve years to lay more than 2,000 miles of underwater telegraph cable
connecting Europe and America, a project seen through to completion in 1866 by U.S.
businessman and entrepreneur Cyrus Field. Examines the influences of the Industrial Revolution
and England's role in providing technical and financial support. 2002.


Social Sciences

Black like Me RC 61703
by John Howard Griffin
read by Peter Jay Fernandez
2 cassettes (Reissue)
White novelist's account of his six-week experiment in 1959 to learn firsthand what it was like to
be a black man in the Deep South. After deliberately darkening his skin with chemicals, Griffin
records his revealing and sometimes terrifying experiences with racism, inequality, and
segregation. Strong language. 1960.


Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster RC 62065
by Michael Eric Dyson
read by Anne Hancock
2 cassettes
Humanities professor analyzes the effects of hurricane Katrina, which hit the Gulf Coast in
August 2005. Contends that delays of aid to impoverished African Americans exposes a race-
and class-based culture. Alleges FEMA ineptitude. Questions the federal government's role in
relief failures and in perpetuating social inequities. Strong language. 2006.


The Covenant with Black America RC 62404
compiled by Tavis Smiley
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Essays on issues facing African Americans, including criminal and environmental justice,
education, employment, health care, and housing. Provides a plan of action for helping
communities progress socially, politically, and economically. Introduction by talk show host
Tavis Smiley, author of How to Make Black America Better (RC 53011). Bestseller. 2006.


Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats RC 61277
by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry
read by Mary Kane
1 cassette
Social history of the custom of wearing hats to church in accordance with the apostle Paul's edict
to cover one's head. Through interviews with African American women of all ages the authors
explore the faith and fashion of black American churches. Foreword by Maya Angelou. 2000.


Culture Warrior RC 63097
by Bill O'Reilly
read by Bill O'Reilly
2 cassettes
Emmy Award-winning television commentator continues his analysis of the American culture
wars begun in The O'Reilly Factor (RC 51053). Divides the population into traditionalists and
secular-progressives. Examines their opposing positions on the war on terror, pornography, and
the place of religion in the United States. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2006.


Cuttin' Up: Wit and Wisdom from Black Barber Shops RC 61709
by Craig Marberry
read by Bill Quinn
1 cassette
Journalist crisscrossed the country to collect these anecdotes and quotes from barbershops, the
"nation's earliest black businesses." Barbers (including Oprah Winfrey's dad) and customers
reminisce about barbershop camaraderie, African American history, women, and current events.
2005.


Do-Gooders: How Liberals Hurt Those They Claim to Help and the Rest of Us RC 61085
by Mona Charen
read by Michele Schaeffer
2 cassettes
Columnist and author of Useful Idiots (RC 56776) contends that liberals from the 1960s
countercultural movements have led the country astray. Discusses ways the four decades of
left-wing political programs aimed at helping the underclass have instead created crime, racial
hatred, and homelessness, and have eroded patriotism. Strong language. 2004.


Hip: The History RC 61445
by John Leland
read by Constance Crawford
3 cassettes
Former Spin columnist traces the origins of "hipness" to the era of American slavery. Discusses
"hip" movements in music, literature, and fashion in the twentieth century. Examines the roles of
cultural and racial identity in the perception of what is cool. Strong language. For senior high and
older readers. 2004.


A History of the World in Six Glasses RC 61242
by Tom Standage
read by John Lescault
2 cassettes
Author of The Victorian Internet (RC 47958) explores the historical impact of six beverages.
Documents the role of beer in Mesopotamia and Egypt, wine in Greece and Rome, spirits in
colonial times, coffee in the Age of Reason, tea in Britain, and Coca-Cola in America. 2005.


It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good RC 61613
by Rick Santorum
read by Jack Fox
3 cassettes
U.S. senator from Pennsylvania describes his own conservative political views in terms of the
founders' vision for the country. Discusses social capital, prosperity, morals, pop culture, and
education. Offers proposals for initiatives to enable every family to succeed economically and
morally. 2005.


Marriage, a History: From Obedience to Intimacy; or, How Love Conquered Marriage RC 61178
by Stephanie Coontz
read by Michele Schaeffer
3 cassettes
Traces the evolution of marriage from being an economic institution with rigid rules to the
modern Western concept of a union based on love and flexibility. Discusses various social crises
through the ages that were precipitated by changes in marriage customs and expectations. 2005.


Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior: Freshly Updated RC 60597
by Judith Martin
read by Margaret Strom
7 cassettes in 2 containers
Miss Manners provides her "gentle readers" a guide to gracious living in the twenty-first century.
In addition to etiquette for traditional matters such as introductions, dining, weddings, divorce,
death, and dress, she also covers decorum for modern issues including breastfeeding, e-mails,
cell phones, answering machines, and the Internet. 2005.


The New Basic Black: Home Training for Modern Times RC 62084
by Karen Grigsby Bates and Karen Elyse Hudson
read by Mary Kane
4 cassettes
Etiquette book written for African Americans offers advice on proper and polite behavior in
family, school, work, and community settings. Provides guidelines on how to plan social events,
take pride in one's heritage, and cope with racial incidents. 2006.


One Hundred People Who Are Screwing Up America (and Al Franken Is Number Thirty-seven)
RC 61078
by Bernard Goldberg
read by Gregory Gorton
2 cassettes
Emmy Award-winning correspondent and author of Bias (RC 53649) identifies celebrities,
journalists, radicals, and intellectuals whom he criticizes for denigrating the United States.
Examines the erosion of American culture that occurs when selfishness, cynicism, and vulgarity
replace old-fashioned civility, respect, and decency. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2005.


Self-Made Man: One Woman's Journey into Manhood and Back Again RC 61952
by Norah Vincent
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Gay former L.A. Times columnist chronicles her eighteen-month stint disguised as a man.
Describes joining a male bowling league, attending a men's retreat, and visiting strip clubs.
Explores gender identity, the pressures of masculinity, and the guilt caused by her deception.
Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2006.


Sex and the City RC 61552
by Candace Bushnell
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Collection of pieces from Bushnell's "Sex and the City" column originally published in the New
York Observer. Essays discuss the relationships of Bushnell and women friends, who have what
she describes as "a never-ending series of freakish and horrifying experiences with men."
Descriptions of sex and strong language. 2001.


Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism RC 62479
by James W. Loewen
read by Bill Quinn
5 cassettes
Author of Lies My Teacher Told Me (RC 41440) exposes the historical existence of both
northern
and southern "sundown towns" communities with signs posted at their limits denying African
Americans access after dark. Details the once-widespread phenomenon and residual practices in
the twenty-first century. Violence and strong language. 2005.


Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives RC 62238
by Tanya Biank
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Journalist follows the experiences of four army wives with husbands of various ranks at Fort
Bragg, North Carolina, from 2000 to 2002. Describes successes and hardships one woman
loses a son, another a husband, and a third is murdered as they struggle to balance family and
military demands. Strong language. 2006.


An Unnatural Metropolis: Wresting New Orleans from Nature RC 61120
by Craig E. Colten
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Louisiana geography professor describes engineering modifications made to New Orleans from
the 1800s to 2002 to transform the swampland at the gateway of the Mississippi River into an
inhabitable city. Also studies the social consequences of the environmental manipulation, which
he asserts led to adverse consequences for minorities. 2005.


Who's Afraid of a Large Black Man? RC 61213
by Charles Barkley
read by Bill Quinn
2 cassettes
Former NBA star and author of I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It (RC 55571) interviews thirteen
prominent Americans about the subject of race. Includes insights and reform suggestions from
Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Tiger Woods, Barack Obama, and others. Introduction by Michael
Wilbon. Strong language. 2005.


Winning the Race: Beyond the Crisis in Black America RC 62388
by John McWhorter
read by Bob Moore
4 cassettes
In this follow-up to his 2000 book Losing the Race (RC 52632), an African American professor
encourages blacks to reject separatism, join mainstream America, and accept personal
responsibility for their problems. Offers suggestions for the future while denouncing alienation
for its own sake. 2005.


Women Who Make the World Worse: And How Their Radical Feminist Assault Is Ruining Our
Families, Military, Schools, and Sports RC 62827
by Kate O'Beirne
read by Jill Ferris
2 cassettes
An editor for National Review posits that the feminist movement has weakened American
society. Contends the policies championed by Gloria Steinem, Germaine Greer, Ruth Bader
Ginsburg, Betty Friedan, Hillary Clinton, and others have negative consequences. 2006.


Sports and Recreation

America's Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation RC 61512
by Michael MacCambridge
read by Bill Wallace
5 cassettes
A history of American football concentrating on the development of the National Football
League during the last half of the twentieth century. Focuses on the sport's use of television,
marketing, racial integration, and innovative leadership to overtake baseball as the dominant
spectator sport. Some strong language. 2004.


ATV Projects: Get the Most out of Your All-Terrain Vehicle RC 61091
edited by ATV Magazine andATV Sport
read by Ted Stoddard
1 cassette
Articles from ATV Magazine and ATV Sport describe the proper use and maintenance of
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) stressing safety factors. Includes choosing motors, changing tires,
plowing soil and snow, loading and towing, adding accessories, and going ice fishing, among
other topics. 2004.


The Best American Sports Writing 2004 RC 60391
edited by Richard Ben Cramer
read by Erik Synnestvedt
3 cassettes
Twenty-six sports and general-interest magazine articles. In "Swimming to Antarctica" Lynne
Cox describes her swimming career. "The Race of Truth" chronicles a Scottish cyclist's manic
depression and competitive edge, and "Growing up Mantle" describes Mickey Mantle's sons'
upbringing in the shadow of their famous father. Strong language. 2004.


Chasing the Rodeo: On Wild Rides and Big Dreams, Broken Hearts and Broken Bones, and One
Man's Search for the West RC 61369
by W.K. Stratton
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Journalist follows the 2003 season of professional rodeo and bull riding tours. Reminisces over
boyhood experiences with this quintessential western pastime as he explores rodeo's disputed
history, the culture of cowboys and cowgirls, animals and audiences, and the event's growing
popularity. Strong language. 2005.


Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero RC 62447
by David Maraniss
read by Jonathan Davis
3 cassettes
Biography of the Pittsburgh Pirates' right fielder Roberto Clemente (1934 1972), one of the
major league's first Latino players. Details Clemente's upbringing in Puerto Rico, his arrival to
the majors, and the prejudice he endured. Discusses his charitable works and his death on a
disaster relief flight. Strong language. Bestseller. 2006.


Driven from Within RC 61922
by Michael Jordan
read by Mark Delgado
1 cassette
Michael Jordan explains through snapshots, vignettes, stories, and shoe designs the motivations
that helped him become a famous basketball player and entrepreneur. Discusses his childhood,
athletic career, and business philosophy. 2005.


The Education of a Coach RC 61496
by David Halberstam
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning author scrutinizes New England Patriots' football coach Bill Belichick.
Credits Bill's Super Bowl success to advice from his father Steve, who was a U.S. Naval
Academy coach and scout for thirty-three years. Traces the Belichick family's immigrant journey
from steel mill to gridiron. Strong language. Bestseller. 2005.


Extreme Sports: In Search of the Ultimate Thrill RC 61624
by Joe Tomlinson
read by John Polk
1 cassette
Discusses a wide range of extreme sports and leading figures in those fields. Covers air, land, and
water sports including bungee jumping, hang gliding, skydiving, mountain biking, snowboarding,
scuba diving, and surfing. For junior and senior high readers. 2004.


Full Throttle: The Life and Fast Times of NASCAR Legend Curtis Turner RC 61129
by Robert Edelstein
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Sportswriter recounts Curtis Turner's stock car racing career in the 1950s and 1960s. Traces the
Virginian's life from his teen moonshining days to later success as a timber baron and builder of
the Charlotte Motor Speedway before his early death in 1970. Some strong language. 2005.


Lance Armstrong's War: One Man's Battle against Fate, Fame, Love, Death, Scandal, and a Few
Other Rivals on the Road to the Tour de France RC 61196
by Daniel Coyle
read by Jonathan Davis
3 cassettes
Journalist chronicles living in cyclist Lance Armstrong's training camp in Spain for months
before Armstrong's sixth Tour de France win in 2004. Describes the intense physical schedule
and managerial skills employed to orchestrate a victory in biking's major sporting event. Strong
language. Bestseller. 2005.


Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig RC 61772
by Jonathan Eig
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Reporter uses archives, interviews, and letters to depict the man he considers the New York
Yankee's "greatest" first baseman, Lou Gehrig (1903 1941). Covers Gehrig's upbringing as the
only child of German immigrants, his fallout with teammate Babe Ruth, and his optimism while
facing death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 2005.


My Life In and Out of the Rough: The Truth behind All That Bull**** You Think You Know
about Me RC 62638
by John Daly
read by Jim Zeiger
2 cassettes
Candid memoir by professional golfer from Arkansas who is a two-time majors winner and PGA
champion. Recounts his addictive lifestyle that included drinking, gambling, overeating, and sex.
Details his career from the 1987 Sunshine Tour in South Africa to the 2005 tour season. Strong
language. Bestseller. 2006.


NASCAR for Dummies RC 61972
by Mark Martin
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
A champion race car driver describes the sport of stock car racing including the rules, strategies,
series, tracks, and famous drivers. Explains NASCAR sponsorship and promotion, vehicle design
and technology, team composition, and safety measures. Gives tips on how to enjoy the
spectacle. 2005.


No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer RC 61948
by Rachael Scdoris and Rick Steber
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
Twenty-one-year-old author discusses her Oregon childhood, her experience with low vision, and
her determination to become a professional sled dog racer. Describes being introduced to the
sport by her father, becoming the youngest athlete to win a five-hundred-mile race, and the
obstacles she overcame to qualify for the Iditarod. 2006.


The Old Ball Game: How John McGraw, Christy Mathewson, and the New York Giants Created
Modern Baseball RC 60949
by Frank Deford
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
NPR commentator and Sports Illustrated writer portrays two legendary personalities from
baseball's infancy and details their role in making the sport America's favorite pastime.
Chronicles pitcher Mathewson's and manager McGraw's success in taking the New York Giants
from last place to 1905 World Series victors in just three years. 2005.


Poker Night: Winning at Home, at the Casino, and Beyond RC 61797
by John Vorhaus
read by Betty Williams
2 cassettes
A renowned poker strategist and commentator offers a guide to all aspects of home poker:
hosting a party, understanding variations of the game, recruiting players, establishing house rules,
and setting betting limits. Explains what beats what; basic games such as stud, Omaha, and
Texas hold'em; and playing in casinos. 2004.


The Smart Girl's Guide to Sports: A Hip Handbook for Women Who Don't Know a Slam Dunk
from a Grand Slam RC 62410
by Liz Hartman Musiker
read by Kristin Allison
2 cassettes
An orientation to the sports of basketball, football, baseball, hockey, golf, boxing, and auto
racing. Summarizes the rules, leading athletes, and vocabulary so women can discuss sports with
men and understand spectator events. For senior high and older readers. 2005.


The Stettner Way: The Life and Climbs of Joe and Paul Stettner RC 62425
by John D. Gorby
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Portrays Joe and Paul Stettner as America's first sports climbers, who conquered many of the
United States' western mountains. Describes the brothers' escape from 1920s Germany, war
service in the Tenth Mountain Division, founding of the Chicago Mountaineering Club, and
pioneering climbs. 2003.


Still Life with Brook Trout RC 61832
by John Gierach
read by Steven Carpenter
1 cassette
Columnist for Fly Rod and Reel travels from Wyoming to Labrador indulging in his favorite
sport of fly-fishing. He tells of his adventures and reminisces about drought, environmentalists,
water politics, and dam building. 2005.


Sunday Money: Speed! Lust! Madness! Death! A Hot Lap around America with NASCAR RC
60477
by Jeff MacGregor
read by Jack Fox
3 cassettes
Journalist and his wife follow the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup circuit in a motor home,
covering hundreds of races in thirty-five states to document the fastest-growing sport in America.
Highlights the drivers, fans, and history of stock car racing. Investigates the cultural and
economic forces behind the phenomenon. Strong language. 2005.


Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way to Swim Better, Faster, and Easier RC 59654
by Terry Laughlin
read by Derald Breneman
2 cassettes
Coach and editor of Fitness Swimmer describes techniques for becoming a more efficient
swimmer. Covers training, racing, balance, and moves to learn for fishlike motion through the
water. Includes drills, tips, and dry land exercises for strength, suppleness, and slimming.
Revised edition. 2004.


Unguarded: My Forty Years Surviving in the NBA RC 61666
by Lenny Wilkens
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
Autobiography of Basketball Hall of Fame member inducted as player and coach. Recounts his
Brooklyn childhood with an African American father and an Irish Catholic mother. Describes
attending college on a basketball scholarship, participating in the 1960 NBA draft, and coaching
the Seattle Supersonics to the 1979 NBA championship. 2000.


The Wildest Ride: A History of NASCAR (or, How a Bunch of Good Ol' Boys Built a
Billion-Dollar Industry out of Wrecking Cars) RC 61842
by Joe Menzer
read by Robert Sams
2 cassettes
Sports writer surveys the history of stock car racing, which began with redneck bootleggers and
became a big business. Shares anecdotes from famous drivers. Describes family dynasties and
track tragedies. 2001.


Wrestling Strength: Dare to Excel RC 60803
by Matt Brzycki
read by Alec Volz
1 cassette
Professional athletic trainer explains basic training for wrestlers including the order of exercise,
free weights, weight machines, the number of sets, and recovery time. Discusses nutrition, diets,
and fads. Includes resources. For senior high and older readers. 2004.


Yao: A Life in Two Worlds RC 61982
by Yao Ming
read by Bill Quinn
2 cassettes
Autobiography of the Houston Rockets' seven-foot, six-inch basketball player from Shanghai,
China. Yao Ming describes his early career at home, his 2002 adaptation to the NBA's style of
play, and cultural differences between East and West. Introduction by coauthor Ric Bucher.
2004.


Stage and Screen

Alec Guinness: The Authorised Biography RC 61642
by Piers Paul Read
read by Steven Carpenter
4 cassettes
Author traces the life of his friend, British actor Sir Alec Guinness (1914 2000), based on
Guinness's diaries. Chronicles his unhappy childhood, long marriage, and conversion to
Catholicism. Also discusses Sir Alec's stage and screen career, which began in 1933 with an
acting scholarship. Strong language. 2003.


Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams: The Story of Black Hollywood RC 59992
by Donald Bogle
read by Ray Hagen
3 cassettes
Author of Dorothy Dandridge (RC 46289) chronicles social roles of African American actors in
the first half of the twentieth century. Outlines the migration of blacks to California and the lives
of such movie stars as Lena Horne, Sammy Davis Jr., Hattie McDaniel, and Stepin Fetchit. Some
strong language. 2005.


Burnt Toast and Other Philosophies of Life RC 62639
by Teri Hatcher
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Golden Globe-winning actress and star of television's Desperate Housewives shares her
experience of coping at forty with being a single mother and television star. Describes her
personal and professional ups and downs and overcoming low self-esteem to succeed. Strong
language. Bestseller. 2006.


Buster Keaton: Tempest in a Flat Hat RC 61581
by Edward McPherson
read by Robert Sams
2 cassettes
Biography of multitalented actor Buster Keaton (1895 1966). Traces Keaton's career from his
start in vaudeville to his success in silent film, work in talking pictures, and rise as a television
pioneer. Covers the period in the 1930s when Keaton's dismissal from MGM intensified his
struggles with alcohol and depression. 2004.


Cary Grant: A Biography RC 60049
by Marc Eliot
read by Ray Hagen
3 cassettes
Highlights the thirty-four-year film career of one of Hollywood's mid-twentieth-century leading
male actors. Traces Grant's (1904 1986) family life and sexual ambivalence, evaluates his career
including a monumental break with the studio system, and describes lengthy psychotherapy that
included LSD treatments. Some strong language. 2004.


De Niro: A Biography RC 60610
by John Baxter
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
Movie critic analyzes the various film roles of actor Robert De Niro, born in 1943. Describes his
Greenwich Village childhood with a gay father and an artistic mother. Traces the artist's career
from his 1976 breakout role in Taxi Driver to later business ventures. Some strong language.
2002.


The Good, the Bad, and Me: In My Anecdotage RC 61356
by Eli Wallach
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Acclaimed Tony Award-winning actor of stage and screen recounts his childhood in Brooklyn,
college days in Texas, long marriage, and varied career. Discusses his experiences with Method
acting, the Actors Studio, directors, and fellow performers. Some strong language. 2005.


The Happiest Corpse I've Ever Seen: The Last Twenty-five Years of the Broadway Musical RC
60863
by Ethan Mordden
read by Mitzi Friedlander
3 cassettes
Author continues his chronicle of the Broadway musical that began with Make Believe: The
Broadway Musical in the 1920s (RC 50756) with this self-described "rant" on the condition of
musical theatre, which he asserts has been "hijacked" by pop culture. Unsparing critique looks at
productions from 1978 to 2003, including The Producers (2001). 2004.


Killer Tomatoes: Fifteen Tough Film Dames RC 59428
by Ray Hagen and Laura Wagner
read by Ray Hagen
3 cassettes
Hollywood leading ladies of the 1930s 1950s identified by the authors as "hot tamales [who]
weren't dependent on men to get where they wanted to go." Profiles Lucille Ball, Joan Blondell,
Ida Lupino, Jane Russell, Ann Sheridan, Barbara Stanwyck, and others. Foreword by Jane
Russell. 2004.


The Leading Men of MGM RC 60817
by Jane Ellen Wayne
read by Mitzi Friedlander
4 cassettes
In this companion to The Golden Girls of MGM (RC 56320) the author writes about legendary
actors who were under contract to Louis B. Mayer's Hollywood studio. Reveals personal
information regarding the affairs and vices of Clark Gable, Peter Lawford, Robert Taylor, and
others. Includes filmographies. Strong language. 2004.


Lion of Hollywood: The Life and Legend of Louis B. Mayer RC 61573
by Scott Eyman
read by Robert Sams
5 cassettes
Author of Mary Pickford (RC 31374) provides a biography of film producer and MGM studios
founder. Details Mayer's life (1885 1957) from his birth into a devout Russian Jewish family to
his powerful, four-decade career as a star-maker. Describes MGM's organization, values, and
roster of stars. 2005.


The Other Side of Me RC 61653
by Sidney Sheldon
read by Bob Moore
2 cassettes
An award-winning screenwriter, playwright, and novelist reminisces about his rags-to-riches life,
from an impoverished childhood in Depression-era Chicago to success in Hollywood and on
Broadway. Describes the celebrities he has worked with, his personal tragedies, and his lifelong
struggle with manic depression. 2005.


Paul Scofield: An Actor for All Seasons RC 60888
by Garry O'Connor
read by John Lescault
3 cassettes
Examination of the life of noted British actor born in 1922, who prefers the stage to film and TV.
In O'Connor's portrayal Scofield is intensely private and dedicated. The depth and range of roles
in the actor's career include Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons and Shakespeare's King
Lear. 2002.


Seven Hundred Sundays RC 61437
by Billy Crystal
read by Derald Breneman
1 cassette
Comedian's autobiography the basis of a Broadway play describes his happy Long Island
childhood. Reminisces about his hardworking father Jack, who could spend only Sundays with
his family. Celebrates his mother's courage after Jack's early death from a heart attack. Strong
language. Bestseller. 2005.


Shattered Love: A Memoir RC 60046
by Richard Chamberlain
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Stage and screen actor's autobiography centers on "the spiritual themes of God, love, and
forgiveness." Addresses his childhood with an alcoholic parent, his sexual orientation, and his
drift into acting during college. Discusses his 1960s breakout role as Dr. Kildare and professional
relationships with other actors. Some strong language. 2003.


Speedbumps: Flooring It through Hollywood RC 61909
by Teri Garr
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
2 cassettes
Comic actress Teri Garr describes her youth in Hollywood and her ambition to become a movie
star. Discusses a long career that began with dancing, her dedication to acting, and the 1983
diagnosis of multiple sclerosis that forced Teri to refocus her life and priorities. Some strong
language. 2005.


Spike Lee: That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It RC 61901
by Spike Lee
read by Bill Quinn
3 cassettes
Oral history of African American filmmaker Spike Lee's rise to fame from his 1986 movie She's
Gotta Have It to the 2004 She Hate Me, produced by Lee's own company. Interviews Lee's
colleagues, friends, and family and discusses controversial social issues, including stereotyping,
racism, and sexuality. Strong language. 2005.


Stepin Fetchit: The Life and Times of Lincoln Perry RC 61843
by Mel Watkins
read by Bob Moore
3 cassettes
Biography of Lincoln Perry (1902 1985), Hollywood's first successful black movie star. Traces
his career from minstrel shows to comic roles in talking pictures that made him a millionaire.
Describes post-World War II disapproval of Perry's characterizations of African Americans that
ended his popularity. Strong language. 2005.


Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption RC 61158
by Christopher Kennedy Lawford
read by Michael Russotto
3 cassettes
Lawford recounts his life as the son of Patricia Kennedy and movie actor Peter Lawford.
Describes experiences with drugs, alcohol, and debauchery followed by twenty years of sobriety.
Details his own acting career and relates competitiveness with his Kennedy cousins. Strong
language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2005.


The Whole Equation: A History of Hollywood RC 61648
by David Thomson
read by Robert Sams
4 cassettes
Film critic profiles Hollywood from its creation in the 1900s to the early twenty-first century.
Depicts studio heads like Louis B. Mayer and David O. Selznick, their stars, and their films. Also
describes the growth of the Los Angeles area and the work of developers like William
Mulholland. 2004.


Travel

Apple's America: The Discriminating Traveler's Guide to Forty Great Cities in the United States
and Canada RC 60635
by R.W. Apple Jr.
read by Michael Scherer
3 cassettes
Well-traveled journalist offers background information on forty North American cities.
Highlights architecture, museums, ballparks, performing arts centers, and other cultural points of
interest. Briefly mentions hotels and restaurants. 2005.


Assassination Vacation RC 61591
by Sarah Vowell
read by Colleen Delany
2 cassettes
Journalist visits sites associated with the first three assassinated American presidents: Abraham
Lincoln, James Garfield, and William McKinley. Relates pieces of historical trivia, including the
fact that Robert Todd Lincoln was present at all three shootings. 2005.


Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow-Walkers RC 61293
by Candy Harrington
read by Margaret Strom
2 cassettes
This edition of Barrier-Free Travel (RC 56626), revised after September 11, 2001, contains
updates on access- related rules and regulations and airport security procedures that apply to
wheelchair users and slow walkers. Covers travel with wheeler kids, tips and tools for planning a
trip, and expanded sections on cruises and resources. 2005.


Carnivorous Nights: On the Trail of the Tasmanian Tiger RC 60543
by Margaret Mittelbach and Michael Crewdson
read by Dan Bloom
3 cassettes
New York-based naturalists recount their quest to find a living Tasmanian tiger, a
presumed-extinct carnivorous marsupial with a dog-like body and zebra-like stripes, once native
to Tasmania, an island off Australia's coast. They describe their wilderness misadventures down
under and their run-ins with unusual creatures and humans. Some strong language. 2005.


Dove RC 61462
by Robin Lee Graham
read by Ray Childs
2 cassettes (Reissue)
Author's true account of adventure when, at age sixteen, he set sail from California for a solo,
around-the-world voyage aboard his 24-foot sloop, Dove. Chronicles the five-year, 36,000-mile
trip during which he met and fell in love with American Patti Ratterree his future wife. For
senior high and older readers. 1972.


Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything across Italy, India, and Indonesia RC
61789
by Elizabeth Gilbert
read by Gabriella Cavallero
3 cassettes
Successful young author, recently divorced, seeks distraction and solace during a year of travel.
She describes finding culinary pleasure in civilized Italy, ascetic meditation on an ashram in
India, and a love affair in Bali. 2005.


The 8:55 to Baghdad RC 61748
by Andrew Eames
read by Dan Bloom
3 cassettes
British journalist recounts his travels by train in 2002 from London to Baghdad, which replicated
Agatha Christie's journey in 1928. Eames interweaves the account of his own adventures in the
tumultuous Middle East with Christie's life story, providing background on the culture and
history of the places en route. 2004.


Ghost Ship: The Mysterious True Story of the Mary Celeste and Her Missing Crew RC 60699
by Brian Hicks
read by Mitzi Friedlander
2 cassettes
Coauthor of Raising the Hunley (RC 54755) explores the fate of a merchant ship found drifting
in
1872 without trace of the captain, his wife and daughter, or seven crewmembers and with no
damage or indication of struggle. Chronicles the boat's history and offers possible explanations.
2004.


The Global Soul: Jet Lag, Shopping Malls, and the Search for Home RC 61234
by Pico Iyer
read by Peter Ganim
3 cassettes
The author uses his own international background as a starting point for exploring the
multicultural phenomena of an increasingly mobile world. As he travels to far-flung cities
(including Atlanta for the Olympics), he reflects on others who commute between cultures and
places, probing their psychological makeup and sense of rootlessness. 2000.


Istanbul: Memories and the City RC 61985
by Orhan Pamuk
read by Robert Blumenfeld
2 cassettes
Author of Snow (RC 58863) describes growing up in Istanbul, Turkey, among the remains of
past
civilizations in an apartment house his extended family owns and occupies. Born in 1952 to a
secular family, Pamuk describes their dysfunctional relationships and the sense of melancholy
that pervades the city. 2003.


The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir RC 63131
by Bill Bryson
read by Bill Bryson
2 cassettes
Travel humorist reminisces about growing up in 1950s middle America. Recalls the simple
pleasures of family life and teen culture under the shadow of the Cold War. 2006.


Queenan Country: A Reluctant Anglophile's Pilgrimage to the Mother Country RC 61724
by Joe Queenan
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
New York Times columnist and author of Balsamic Dreams (RC 53282) recounts his 2002 solo
journey to his wife's native England. Queenan contends his account is "not a travel book" but
rather "an affectionate jeremiad" of the land and its people, who he admits have "always baffled"
him. 2004.


Rounding the Horn: Being the Story of Williwaws and Windjammers, Drake, Darwin, Murdered
Missionaries, and Naked Natives A Deck's-Eye View of Cape Horn RC 61283
by Dallas Murphy
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
Journalist and author of Apparent Wind (RC 35271) recounts his voyage in 2000 to Cape Horn,
South America's southernmost point and the gateway of the Drake Passage. Murphy describes
his adventures along with those of mariners and explorers from the past. 2004.


Seasons in Basilicata: A Year in a Southern Italian Hill Village RC 60617
by David Yeadon
read by David Cutler
3 cassettes
Describes the seasonal delights and ancient traditions an English-speaking couple enjoys while
living in rural Italy. Inspired by Carlo Levi's Christ Stopped at Eboli (RC 39274), they settle in
the region, discover the pagan streak Levi wrote about, and experience culinary and scenic
pleasures. 2004.


There Is Room at the Inn: Inns and B and Bs for Wheelers and Slow Walkers RC 62606
by Candy B. Harrington
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Guide to one hundred U.S. lodgings that the author deems accessible and welcoming to people
with impaired mobility. Reviews inns, bed-and-breakfasts, a safari park, a dude ranch, and other
small facilities, detailing accessibility features including sleeping and bathroom
accommodations. Lists properties by state and provides sight-seeing suggestions. 2006.


Vietnam Today: A Guide to a Nation at a Crossroads RC 61081
by Mark A. Ashwill
read by Ted Stoddard
2 cassettes
Overview of the southeast Asian country for businessmen and travelers. Explores defining issues
in the nation's economy, culture, politics, and history. Highlights the Vietnamese view of
Westerners, long history of foreign occupation, and emphasis on maintaining harmony. Offers
practical tips for conducting business and developing long-term relationships. 2005.


Weird U.S.: Your Travel Guide to America's Local Legends and Best-Kept Secrets RC 61177
by Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
A collection of seemingly fantastic tales corroborated by actual events and historical data
whenever possible. Grouped not by geography but by broad topics including ancient mysteries,
unexplained phenomena, bizarre beasts, local heroes and villains, ghosts, and cemeteries. Covers
Emily's Bridge in Vermont and the Winchester Mystery House in California. 2004.


A Year in the World: Journeys of a Passionate Traveler RC 61339
by Frances Mayes
read by Cassandra Campbell
3 cassettes
Author of Under the Tuscan Sun (RC 44847) and her husband explore Spain, Portugal, southern
Italy, Sicily, Morocco, Greece, Crete, Scotland, Turkey, and places in between. Discusses each
country's cultural, historical, and literary highlights and savors the local cuisine. 2006.


U.S. History

The Age of Anxiety: McCarthyism to Terrorism RC 61844
by Haynes Johnson
read by Mark Ashby
3 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The Best of Times: America in the Clinton Years
(RC 53438) chronicles the rise and fall of Senator Joseph McCarthy, whose 1950s
anticommunist
crusades fueled public paranoia and led to government restrictions. Compares McCarthyism to
George W. Bush's war on terrorism. 2005.


American Heroines: The Spirited Women Who Shaped Our Country RC 61187
by Kay Bailey Hutchison
read by Faith Potts
3 cassettes
First female to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate presents pioneering women in American
history. Profiles Clara Barton, Mary Cassatt, Amelia Earhart, Margaret Chase Smith, and others.
Also includes interviews with contemporary women, such as astronaut Sally Ride, National
Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, and journalist Barbara Walters. 2004.


The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin RC 60821
by Gordon S. Wood
read by Roy Avers
2 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution (RC 36630) traces
Benjamin Franklin's conversion from fervent British loyalist to American patriot. Highlights
Franklin's decades of living abroad, role as a diplomat, shift in allegiance, and efforts to shed his
humble beginnings. 2004.


The Apache Indians: In Search of the Missing Tribe RC 61467
by Helge Ingstad
read by Dan Bloom
2 cassettes
Account by Norwegian explorer Ingstad (1899 2001) of his 1930s search for a band of Apache
Indians believed to have fled U.S. reservations for Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains. Describes
his sojourn among White Mountain Apaches in Arizona and his quest to find their "lost"
brethren. Translated by Janine K. Stenehjem. 1945.


At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965 68 RC 61997
by Taylor Branch
read by Ralph Lowenstein
8 cassettes in 2 containers
Pulitzer Prize-winning author continues his chronicle of the civil rights movement in America.
Covers events beginning with the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, through
Martin Luther King's assassination in 1968. Follows Pillar of Fire (RC 45816) and Parting the
Waters (RC 29759). Violence and strong language. Bestseller. 2006.


The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell RC 61328
by Mark Kurlansky
read by John H. Mayer
2 cassettes
Author of Cod (RC 45502) produces a social history of New York City from 1609 to 2005 by
examining the rise and fall of oyster harvesting and consumption in the Hudson River area.
Describes the desecration of a natural resource. Includes historic recipes. Descriptions of sex,
violence, and some strong language. 2006.


Black Kettle: The Cheyenne Chief Who Sought Peace but Found War RC 61754
by Thom Hatch
read by Dan Bloom
3 cassettes
Biography of the nineteenth-century chief who worked to secure survival of the Cheyenne nation.
Portrays Black Kettle in the social, political, and historical context of America's western
expansion. Describes the battles and betrayals leading to his death in 1868 when Lieutenant
Colonel Custer attacked Black Kettle's village. Spur Award. 2004.


Blood Done Sign My Name: A True Story RC 61527
by Timothy B. Tyson
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Author returns to Oxford, North Carolina, where he lived in 1970. Chronicles the social unrest
that followed after African American Henry Marrow was murdered there by three white men who
were later acquitted. Examines the consequences for the people involved, including Tyson's
minister father. Violence and strong language. 2004.


Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America RC 61597
by James Webb
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
The former Secretary of the Navy examines the Scottish-Irish heritage in the United States. Posits
that the Celtic fighting spirit and attitudes of egalitarianism, individualism, and personal honor
form the bedrock of America's working-class culture. Traces the immigration of his forebears
from the eighteenth century. 2004.


Breaking the Color Barrier: The U.S. Naval Academy's First Black Midshipmen and the Struggle
for Racial Equality RC 62231
by Robert J. Schneller Jr.
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
Naval historian examines racial discrimination at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis from the
post-Civil War Reconstruction era to the graduation of the first African American in 1949.
Discusses the political and social climate during this period and the treatment of black
midshipmen at the academy. 2005.


California: A History RC 61161
by Kevin Starr
read by Ted Stoddard
3 cassettes
Portrait of California from its sixteenth-century colonization by Spain through 2005. University
of Southern California historian Starr describes the megastate's growth and eventual distinction
as "the fifth-ranked economy on the planet." Relates the role of California's entertainment
industry and natural beauty in defining the state's image as a utopia. Bestseller. 2005.


Captain John Smith: Jamestown and the Birth of the American Dream RC 62662
by Dorothy Hoobler and Thomas Hoobler
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
A chronicle of explorer John Smith (1580 1631), who founded and led the Jamestown colony
from 1607 to 1609. Uses Smith's writings, colonists' diaries, and archives to trace his
adventures, including his arrival in the New World facing possible execution and to
demythologize his relationship with Pocahontas and portray wilderness life. 2006.


The Death of a President: November 20 November 25, 1963 RC 61781
by William Manchester
read by Bill Wallace
7 cassettes in 2 containers (Reissue)
Biographer's account of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, who was killed on
November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. Reconstructs events surrounding the shooting, investigates
material and circumstantial evidence, and compares witness statements. Differs from the Warren
Commission's criminal inquiry by focusing on the presidency. 1967.


Decision at Sea: Five Naval Battles That Shaped American History RC 61299
by Craig L. Symonds
read by Robert Sams
3 cassettes
Historian illustrates how five pivotal naval battles shaped U.S. history, stimulated the
development of new technology, and changed the nature of sea warfare. Analyzes the battles of
Lake Erie (1813), Hampton Roads (1862), Manila Bay (1898), Midway (1942), and Operation
Praying Mantis (1988). 2005.


The Dominion of War: Empire and Liberty in North America, 1500 2000 RC 61545
by Fred Anderson and Andrew Cayton
read by Bill Wallace
5 cassettes
Professors reinterpret the history of North America, emphasizing the centrality of wars and
expansionism to U.S. development. Traces patterns of imperialism over five centuries by
focusing on eight individuals from Samuel de Champlain to Colin Powell. Some violence. 2005.


Encyclopedia of the Library of Congress: For Congress, the Nation, and the World RC 60351
edited by John Y. Cole and Jane Aikin 
read by Kerry Cundiff
8 cassettes in 2 containers
Essays and articles documenting the growth of the Library of Congress from its beginning in
1800 until 2004. Includes information on the Library's various collections and services, and
reviews American librarianship in general. 2004.


Finding Ma ana: A Memoir of a Cuban Exodus RC 61443
by Mirta Ojito
read by Constance Crawford
2 cassettes
Award-winning reporter describes her family's flight from Cuba during the 1980 Mariel boatlift
when she was sixteen years old. Reminisces about life under a Communist regime and her
subsequent integration into American culture. Relates accounts of other refugees and of those
who helped them leave the island. 2005.


Flag: An American Biography RC 61466
by Marc Leepson
read by Dan Bloom
3 cassettes
A look at what's behind the special feeling Americans have for their flag. Traces its history from
the Revolutionary War to its twenty-first-century role in the war against terrorism. Leepson
describes the events and personalities that created the flag and made it a symbol of pride for the
nation. 2005.


The Girl He Left Behind: The Life and Times of Libbie Custer RC 61974
by Suzanne Middendorf Arruda
read by Kerry Cundiff
1 cassette
Traces the life of Elizabeth "Libbie" Custer, who married General George Armstrong Custer
during the Civil War. Depicts the nomadic lifestyle of a nineteenth-century military wife,
describes George's death at the Little Big Horn, and recounts Libbie's efforts to preserve her
husband's reputation. For senior high and older readers. 2004.


A G-Man's Life: The FBI, Being "Deep Throat," and the Struggle for Honor in Washington RC
62429
by Mark Felt and John O'Connor
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
The author, the FBI's second in command after the death of J. Edgar Hoover, draws from his
memoirs, correspondence, and memos to reconstruct his long career with the agency. With the
help of his lawyer John O'Connor, Felt describes his work, role in the Watergate affair, and
personal tragedies. 2006.


Growing Up in Slavery: Stories of Young Slaves as Told by Themselves RC 62230
edited by Yuval Taylor
read by Erik Sandvold
2 cassettes
Personal accounts of ten former slaves, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs,
recalling their childhood and teen years. Descriptions of cruelty, misery, and fear mingle with
their memories of learning to read, playing games, and falling in love. Violence and some strong
language. For senior high and older readers. 2005.


How the North Won: A Military History of the Civil War RC 60825
by Herman Hattaway and Archer Jones
read by Robert Sams
7 cassettes in 2 containers
Provides a military account of the Civil War "from the viewpoint of the higher commanders on
both sides." Emphasizes the war's management and planning rather than specific battles and
posits that guerrilla raids and defense won the conflict. The authors offer revisionist theories of
Lincoln, Lee, and Grant. 1983.


John Brown, Abolitionist: The Man Who Killed Slavery, Sparked the Civil War, and Seeded
Civil Rights RC 61280
by David S. Reynolds
read by Ted Stoddard
5 cassettes
Author of Walt Whitman's America (RC 41371) presents a cultural biography of abolitionist
John
Brown (1800 1859). Argues that Brown's most violent activities, like the Harper's Ferry raid,
were inspired by nineteenth-century America's social and political conditions. Traces Brown's
family origins and his posthumous influence. Some violence. 2005.


John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot RC 62213
by Harlow Giles Unger
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Biography of the wealthy Boston merchant who, as president of the Continental Congress,
became the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. Uses first-hand accounts to reconstruct
the life of Hancock and the fervor of revolutionary New England. Relates his philanthropy and
postwar career as Massachusetts's governor. 2000.


John Jay: Founding Father RC 60042
by Walter Stahr
read by Dan Bloom
4 cassettes
Biography of American diplomat and coauthor of The Federalist Papers (RC 26691). Chronicles
Jay's personal and political life that included stints as president of the Continental Congress,
chief justice of the Supreme Court, secretary for foreign affairs, governor of New York, and
president of the American Bible Society. 2005.


Letter from America, 1946 2004 RC 60633
by Alistair Cooke
read by Peter Gil
4 cassettes
Selected commentaries from among the nearly three thousand written and broadcast by the
British-born journalist during his six-decade career in New York City. Cooke's observations
about American political and social customs include his encounters with many presidents,
friendships with renowned artists, and accounts of landmark events. 2004.


The Life of Herbert Hoover: Master of Emergencies, 1917 1918 RC 62191
by George H. Nash
read by Robert Sams
6 cassettes
Following The Life of Herbert Hoover: The Humanitarian (RC 29631), the third volume in an
ongoing biography of the thirty-first president concentrates on Hoover's role as U.S. food
administrator during World War I, when government regulation prevented widespread starvation
at home and abroad. 1996.


The Lost German Slave Girl: The Extraordinary True Story of Sally Miller and Her Fight for
Freedom in Old New Orleans RC 61720
by John Bailey
read by Frank Coffee
2 cassettes
Australian historian describes the nineteenth-century trial between German immigrants and a
slave owner. Using court transcriptions and newspaper articles Bailey details the Schuber
family's argument that slave Sally Miller was really Salom  Mller, their relative, and that her
childhood employer had enslaved and sold the indentured servant. Strong language. 2003.


Love and Hate in Jamestown: John Smith, Pocahontas, and the Heart of a New Nation RC 62286
by David A. Price
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
An account of the first American settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. Using letters, chronicles,
and papers of the Virginia Company, presents John Smith's and Pocahontas's pivotal roles in
America's birth and describes the colonists' struggle to survive amid starvation, infighting, harsh
climate, and hostile Indians. 2003.


Martha Washington: An American Life RC 61531
by Patricia Brady
read by Kerry Cundiff
2 cassettes
Biography of widow Martha "Patsy" Dandridge Custis (1731 1802) who married Virginia
planter George Washington in 1759 when both were in their late twenties. The author uses
primary sources to explore Martha's influence on her husband, her involvement during the
Revolutionary War, and her role in developing the presidency. 2005.


Martin Van Buren RC 62699
by Ted Widmer
read by Annie Wauters
2 cassettes
Traces the career of the eighth U.S. President Martin Van Buren (1782 1862), a New Yorker
raised in a Dutch-speaking household. Recounts his stints as Andrew Jackson's secretary of state
and vice president. Describes the economic crisis and slavery debates that limited the Democrat
to one term in office. 2005.


Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War RC 62504
by Nathaniel Philbrick
read by Ted Stoddard
4 cassettes
National Book Award-winner studies two generations of Pilgrims, from the original 102
passengers who arrived in 1620 to the handful of survivors of the 1675 King Philip's War.
Describes the initial storm-tossed voyage, starvation and disease in the wilderness, and the
help and duplicity of the natives. Some violence. Bestseller. 2006.


Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald RC 62656
by Michael Schumacher
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Examines the mysterious sinking of the largest freighter on the Great Lakes during a storm in
November 1975, when the twenty-nine-member crew died without sending a distress signal.
Chronicles the history of the Fitz from its launch in 1958 to the designation of the shipwreck as a
grave site. 2005.


Mr. Jefferson's Lost Cause: Land, Farmers, Slavery, and the Louisiana Purchase RC 60062
by Roger G. Kennedy
read by Don Hagen
4 cassettes
Smithsonian Institution historian argues that, because of the terms he accepted in making the
1803 Louisiana Purchase, Thomas Jefferson supported slaveholding interests in westward
expansion and set the stage for civil war. Describes economic forces and ruinous farming
methods that made plantation owners depend on forced labor for prosperity. 2003.


New World Coming: The 1920s and the Making of Modern America RC 62083
by Nathan Miller
read by Kimberly Schraf
4 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-nominee describes the 1920s as an era of contradiction, politically conservative yet
culturally in flux, and a precursor of "modern excesses" at the twenty-first century's start. Miller
examines corruption, graft, labor strikes, and racial tension as products of unbridled greed. Also
discusses social and economic changes, moral attitudes, and the arts. 2003.


The Next Attack: The Failure of the War on Terror and a Strategy for Getting It Right RC 61650
by Daniel Benjamin and Steven Simon
read by Mark Ashby
2 cassettes
The authors of The Age of Sacred Terror (RC 55953) contend that U.S. military interventions are
jeopardizing the war against radical Islamists. Describes terrorists' use of the Internet to spread
their ideology, the role of Christian evangelism in foreign policy, and the influence of Muslims in
America. 2005.


The Oregon Trail: An American Saga RC 60598
by David Dary
read by Michael Russotto
4 cassettes
Author of The Santa Fe Trail (RC 53106) chronicles the history of the 2,000-mile route linking
Missouri to Oregon used primarily from the 1840s to 1869 when the transcontinental railroad
was completed. Recreates experiences of explorers, Indians, fur traders, immigrants,
missionaries, mountain men, and pioneers who traversed the trail. 2004.


The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf RC 60698
by William C. Davis
read by Butch Hoover
4 cassettes
Account of Pierre and brother Jean Laffite, who fled revolutionary France for the New World.
Traces their business and privateer enterprises along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, their
exploits assisting American forces during the War of 1812, and their changing allegiance when
they later spied for Spain. 2005.


Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children RC 61135
by Dorie McCullough Lawson
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Presents parental messages of advice, wisdom, humor, and affection from authors, explorers,
presidents, inventors, and soldiers. Includes Carl Sandburg, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas
Edison, George Patton, Woody Guthrie, Abigail Adams, and Eleanor Roosevelt among others.
Grouped by general theme, the selections span four centuries and are introduced with contextual
commentary. 2004.


The Real Revolution: The Global Story of American Independence RC 62424
by Marc Aronson
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Examines global events that led to the American Revolution, including the Seven Years' War
and the rise and demise of the East India Company. Cites slavery, tea, taxes, and liberty as
contributing factors in the mindset transition of British colonists to independent Americans. For
junior and senior high readers. 2005.


Rebel-in-Chief: Inside the Bold and Controversial Presidency of George W. Bush RC 61743
by Fred Barnes
read by Dan Bloom
2 cassettes
Fox television news analyst interviewed President George W. Bush and his top officials to report
on the ways the Bush administration is using radical conservatism to effect change in the United
States. Covers foreign policy and faith-based initiatives. 2006.


Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln RC 61162
by Doris Kearns Goodwin
read by Robert Sams
7 cassettes in 2 containers
Pulitzer Prize-winner illustrates the political acumen of Abraham Lincoln. Highlights the careers
of Lincoln's three prime competitors in the Republican party William Seward, Salmon Chase,
and Edward Bates, men more qualified and educated whom he beat for the 1860 nomination for
chief executive. Discusses their subsequent appointments to the cabinet. Bestseller. 2005.


The Terrorist Next Door: The Militia Movement and the Radical Right RC 60865
by Daniel Levitas
read by Ted Stoddard
4 cassettes
Expert on white supremacist and neo-Nazi activities chronicles racist and anti-Semitic right-wing
militia groups. Traces evolution of the paramilitary group Posse Comitatus, founded by William
Gale in 1971, from its 1950s precursors to the 1990s. Claims constitutional fundamentalism
enabled Gale's ideologies to infiltrate mainstream America. Some strong language. 2002.


Thomas Jefferson: Author of America RC 61778
by Christopher Hitchens
read by Bill Wallace
1 cassette
Journalist's concise biography of Thomas Jefferson (1743 1826), third U.S. president. Posits that
Jefferson "designed America" by incorporating the concept of human rights into the Declaration
of Independence. Describes the public and private life of this man of contradictions, who was
both a freedom advocate and a slaveholder. 2005.


To the Flag: The Unlikely History of the Pledge of Allegiance
by Richard J. Ellis
read by Jill Fox
3 cassettes
Professor of politics looks at the history of the Pledge of Allegiance from its inception in 1892
through the 2004 Supreme Court decision regarding the words "under God." Ellis argues that
five anxieties affected the creation, propagation, and amending of the Pledge: immigration,
materialism, freedom, radicalism, and Communism. 2005.


Tom Paine and Revolutionary America RC 61835
by Eric Foner
read by Erik Synnestvedt
2 cassettes
Biography of eighteenth-century writer describes the political, intellectual, and social world he
inhabited. Traces Paine's career during the American and French revolutions and his
imprisonment by the Jacobins. Highlights major works including Common Sense, The Rights of
Man, and The Age of Reason. Includes Foner's 2005 preface. 1976.


Vicksburg Is the Key: The Struggle for the Mississippi River RC 61834
by William L. Shea and Terrence J. Winschel
read by Ted Stoddard
2 cassettes
Details the Civil War struggle for the control of the Mississippi River that culminated in the
Union siege of the city of Vicksburg in 1863. Describes Ulysses S. Grant's long campaign by
land and sea. 2003.


Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge RC 61803
by Thomas Fleming
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Historian, using primary documents, describes how General George Washington kept the ragged
Continental Army intact in Pennsylvania during the winter of 1777 1778. Argues that after the
British captured Philadelphia, Washington's rivals conspired to have him removed but he
"outmaneuvered his political enemies, and rescued the Revolution from extremism." 2005.


Wedding of the Waters: The Erie Canal and the Making of a Great Nation RC 61923
by Peter L. Bernstein
read by Annie Wauters
3 cassettes
Economist describes the personality clashes and technological feats that resulted in the 1825
completion of the Erie Canal linking the eastern seaboard to the Midwest. Highlights the work of
surveyors, engineers, and laborers using eyewitness accounts. Emphasizes the subsequent
economic, social, and political impact on young America. 2005.


When the Mississippi Ran Backwards: Empire, Intrigue, Murder, and the New Madrid
Earthquakes RC 60365
by Jay Feldman
read by Jill Fox
2 cassettes
Chronicles a series of catastrophic earthquakes in the Mississippi River Valley from 1811 to
1812 that devastated the New Madrid frontier settlement and temporarily reversed the
Mississippi's flow. Links the seismologic activity to the Indian Wars, a slave murder committed
by Thomas Jefferson's nephews, and the War of 1812. 2005.


White House Pets RC 61550
by Margaret Truman
read by Kerry Cundiff
1 cassette (Reissue)
President Truman's daughter provides anecdotes about the domestic and wild animals kept by
first families. Discusses dogs, cats, horses, and sheep as well as pigmy hippos and lion cubs
received as gifts from foreign officials. Covers Washington's horses and hounds, Teddy
Roosevelt's zoo, FDR's dog Fala, and Kennedy's menagerie. 1969.


War

. . . And a Hard Rain Fell: A GI's True Story of the War in Vietnam RC 62667
by John Ketwig
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Memoir of army veteran sent to Vietnam in 1967 at age nineteen. Chronicles his yearlong tour
during which he confronted death and disillusionment with himself, his country, and humanity.
Describes his stint in Thailand and the aftermath of his service. Violence, strong language, and
some explicit descriptons of sex. 2002.


The Assassins' Gate: America in Iraq RC 61640
by George Packer
read by Mark Ashby
4 cassettes
Writer for the New Yorker surveys the causes and course of the war in Iraq. Analyzes the liberal
and neoconserv- ative political arguments that led to the conflict and their consequences.
Interviews civilians, soldiers, and returning  migr s to portray the rebuilding of Iraq. Violence
and strong language. 2005.


Beyond Band of Brothers RC 61999
by Dick Winters
read by Jonathan Davis
3 cassettes
Memoirs of the leader and men of Easy Company, profiled in Stephen Ambrose's Band of
Brothers (RC 40283) book and HBO series. The major describes the WWII battles fought to
liberate Europe and the spirit of camaraderie and friendship within his infantry regiment.
Violence and strong language. Bestseller. 2006.


The Boys of Pointe du Hoc: Ronald Reagan, D-Day, and the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion
RC 61223
by Douglas Brinkley
read by Richard Davidson
2 cassettes
The author contends that when President Reagan honored the fortieth anniversary of D-Day the
Normandy invasion of Europe on June 6, 1984, he energized the nation and inspired a "New
Patriotism." Recalls the way army Rangers scaled the French cliffs to defeat the Nazis and
discusses Reagan's American legacy. 2005.


The Brave Women of the Gulf Wars: Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom RC
61960
by Karen Zeinert and Mary Miller
read by Kerry Cundiff
1 cassette
Traces the roots of the Persian Gulf War of 1991 and the subsequent U.S. military operations in
Iraq. Discusses the roles of women in modern warfare as soldiers, correspondents, medics, and
prisoners of war as well as their peace efforts on the home front. For junior and senior high
readers. 2006.


Chopper: Firsthand Accounts of Helicopter Warfare, World War II to Iraq RC 61833
by Robert F. Dorr
read by Gregory Gorton
3 cassettes
Aviation expert uses narratives by pilots and crews to depict the history of U.S. helicopters in
warfare from World War II to the war on terrorism. Discusses the machines' critical role in the
Vietnam conflict. Illustrates their technical evolution from Sikorskys in Burma to Super Cobras
in Iraq. 2005.


Cobra Two: The Inside Story of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq RC 61326
by Michael R. Gordon and Bernard E. Trainor
read by various narrators
5 cassettes
Following their analysis of the first Gulf War in The General's War (RC 41075), Gordon, a New
York Times Pentagon correspondent, and Trainor, a three-star general retired from the Marine
Corps, chronicle the decisions behind the U.S. military engagement in Iraq. Violence and strong
language. 2006.


Fighting for America: Black Soldiers The Unsung Heroes of World War II RC 61836
by Christopher Paul Moore
read by Bob Moore
3 cassettes
Author chronicles the contributions of African American WWII service members, interweaving
his own family history as the son of black veterans. Describes achievements of units such as the
761st Tank Battalion and the Tuskegee Airmen. Profiles soldiers who fought two battles one
abroad and one at home for racial equality. 2005.


First In: An Insider's Account of How the CIA Spearheaded the War on Terror in Afghanistan
RC 62212
by Gary C. Schroen
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
First-person account from experienced CIA operative who, after the 2001 terrorists attacks, led a
team to join Afghanistan's Northern Alliance against the Taliban. Provides background on both
U.S. and Soviet Union involvement there. Describes tribal councils, a classic cavalry charge, and
the aftermath of war. 2005.


The First World War RC 60542
by Hew Strachan
read by Jake Williams
3 cassettes
British historian analyzes the impact of World War I in Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific, and
eastern Europe in addition to the familiar western European arena. Discusses the political
backgrounds of the combatant nations, the social consequences of the conflagration, and the roots
of twenty-first-century wars. 2003.


Forever a Soldier: Unforgettable Stories of Wartime Service RC 61291
edited by Tom Wiener
read by Steven Carpenter
2 cassettes
Veterans recall experiences of battle from World War I to the war in Iraq. Soldiers' letters,
diaries, memoirs, and oral histories provide personal accounts of D-Day, the Tet offensive, heroic
actions, and sinking ships. Includes an interview with Senator John McCain about his captivity in
Vietnam. 2005.


Generation Kill: Devil Dogs, Iceman, Captain America, and the New Face of American War RC
61749
by Evan Wright
read by Ray Childs
3 cassettes
A journalist embedded with a marine reconnaissance platoon during the invasion of Iraq in 2003
explains how this generation of soldiers differs from their predecessors. Describes cases of
collateral damage and the deaths of comrades as American troops entered Baghdad. Violence and
strong language. 2004.


The Heart of a Soldier: A True Story of Love, War, and Sacrifice RC 61551
by Kate Blaise
read by Kerry Cundiff
3 cassettes
Account of Missouri high school sweethearts Kate and Mike Blaise. Describes their decision to
join the army together and their deployment to Iraq in March 2003. Discusses their family life,
training, seven-year marriage, and Mike's tragic death while piloting a helicopter. Some
violence. 2005.


Hitler's Jewish Soldiers: The Untold Story of Nazi Racial Laws and Men of Jewish Descent in
the German Military RC 61814
by Bryan Mark Rigg
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
History professor draws on hundreds of firsthand interviews with veterans to document
experiences of men of Jewish descent who served in the German armed forces during World War
II. Analyzes Nazi racial policies between 1933 and 1945 and describes the soldiers' assimilation
and military service. 2002.


Holy War on the Home Front: The Secret Islamic Terror Network in the United States RC 61117
by Harvey Kushner
read by Mark Ashby
1 cassette
Terrorism expert contends Americans are no safer today than in the first years following the
September 11, 2001, attacks because of government agencies' failure to stop domestic terror
suspects. Alleges Muslim extremist infiltration of universities, mosques, and the media by using
charities and drug trafficking to fund their operations. 2004.


The Interpreter RC 62054
by Alice Kaplan
read by John Horton
2 cassettes
Describes the experiences of Louis Guilloux, a French interpreter for World War II
courts-martial of American GIs accused of crimes against French civilians. Recounts the trials of
two soldiers, one black and one white, that led to a single execution. Some violence and some
strong language. 2005.


The Jewish War RC 59890
by Josephus
read by Don Feldheim
5 cassettes
Account of the failed first-century Jewish rebellion against Rome, written by rebel leader
Josephus (c. 37 100 A.D.), later a captive who changed loyalties. Details Judaean life under
Roman rule, the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple, and the resistance at Masada.
Portrays Herod, Emperor Vespasian, and others. Violence. 1970.


Liberators: Fighting on Two Fronts in World War II RC 62215
by Lou Potter
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Traces African Americans' role in the military, focusing on the black 761st Tank Battalion that
spearheaded Patton's Third Army into Europe in 1944. First-hand accounts describe intense
fighting in six nations and the liberation of two concentration camps. Violence and strong
language. 1992.


Love My Rifle More than You: Young and Female in the U.S. Army RC 61285
by Kayla Williams
read by Mary Kane
2 cassettes
An army intelligence expert's account of experiences she had while she was posted to various
infantry units in Iraq during 2003. Williams describes the terrible conditions the soldiers endured,
the boredom, the realities of war, and the sexual dynamics of being a female among males.
Violence and strong language. 2005.


The Men Who Stare at Goats RC 60917
by Jon Ronson
read by Chuck Young
2 cassettes
Filmmaker chronicles the evolution of a secret military intelligence unit, based in Fort Bragg,
whose soldiers were trained in mental, spiritual, and psychic components of conflict. Reveals
their paranormal initiatives and unorthodox techniques such as trying to kill goats by staring at
them from 1979 to postwar Iraq. Strong language. 2004.


Mimi and Toutou's Big Adventure: The Bizarre Battle of Lake Tanganyika RC 61690
by Giles Foden
read by George Holmes
2 cassettes
Africa, 1915. Relates the World War I mission of the oldest lieutenant commander in the British
Royal Navy, who with twenty-eight men and two gunboats Mimi and Toutou was dispatched
2,500 miles overland to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. Their mission: to sink the German
steamers that patrolled this vast lake. 2004.


Nelson's Trafalgar: The Battle That Changed the World RC 61276
by Roy Adkins
read by David Cutler
3 cassettes
First-person accounts portray the October 21, 1805, battle during which Lord Horatio Nelson
engaged France and her Spanish allies after Napoleon threatened to invade England. Describes
nineteenth-century naval warfare technology and tactics. Explains why the battle, which resulted
in Nelson's death, marked the beginning of British empire building. Violence. 2004.


Night Draws Near: Iraq's People in the Shadow of America's War RC 61450
by Anthony Shadid
read by Don Feldheim
4 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning Arab American journalist reports on the experiences of ordinary Iraqis in
Baghdad through interviews conducted between 1998 and 2004. Describes the effects on the
citizenry of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, the fall of Saddam Hussein, and American
occupation. Violence and strong language. 2005.


One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer RC 61643
by Nathaniel Fick
read by Steven Carpenter
3 cassettes
Former Marine Corps captain Nathaniel Fick describes how, as a Dartmouth graduate, he joined
the military, trained for reconnaissance, and saw action in Afghanistan and Iraq. Highlights
battles, civilian hostility after the invasion, the unintended consequences of combat, and his
disappointment with superiors. Violence and some strong language. 2005.


One Woman's Army: The Commanding General of Abu Ghraib Tells Her Story RC 61151
by Janis Karpinski
read by Bernadette Dunne
2 cassettes
General Janis Karpinski, commander of the U.S. military prison in Iraq, provides her personal
account of the corruption and failures in the chain of command that permitted prisoner abuse to
occur. Discusses her inexperience in running a prison, lack of disciplined guards, and use of
private firms. Violence and strong language. 2005.


The Path to Victory: The Mediterranean Theater in World War II RC 60601
by Douglas Porch
read by Gregory Gorton
6 cassettes
The author of The French Secret Services (RC 43366) outlines the battlesin Africa, Greece,
Syria,
Tunisia, and Italy during World War II. Asserts the importance of this theater of military
operations that kept Italy out of the war and Spain and Turkey neutral while diverting German
assets south. 2004.


Patton and Rommel: Men of War in the Twentieth Century RC 60341
by Dennis Showalter
read by Fred Major
4 cassettes
Military historian offers a dual biog- raphy of American general George Patton (1885 1945) and
German general Erwin Rommel (1891 1944), the "Desert Fox." Chronicles the lives, careers,
and military campaigns of the World War II leaders, depicting their complex personalities within
the contexts of their respective national and military cultures. 2005.


Rising '44: The Battle for Warsaw RC 60875
by Norman Davies
read by Bill Wallace
6 cassettes
Uses archives and interviews to chronicle the two-month rebellion by Polish Resistance against
German occupation. Describes the nearby Soviet army's refusal to help and diplomatic
disagreements among Poland's western Allies that led to the Poles' failure and Warsaw's
destruction. Violence. 2003.


The Setting of the Pearl: Vienna under Hitler RC 61815
by Thomas Weyr
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
The author, who was a child in Vienna during World War II, chronicles the destruction of the
city's culture after Austria joined Nazi Germany in 1938. Uses archives, interviews, and his own
memories to describe the removal of the Jewish population and the demise of the capital's
vibrancy. Violence. 2005.


Ship of Ghosts: The Story of the USS Houston, FDR's Legendary Lost Cruiser, and the Epic
Saga of Her Survivors RC 63121
by James D. Hornfischer
read by Marc Cashman
4 cassettes
Recounts the desperate naval battle of the warship the USS Houston against superior Japanese
forces in the Java Sea in 1942 after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Follows the American survivors
as they endure grim prisoner-of-war atrocities and labor camps on the Burma-Thailand railway.
Violence and some strong language. 2006.


A Table in the Presence RC 62822
by Carey H. Cash
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Lt. Carey Cash describes the nine-hour battle on April 10, 2003, to seize a presidential palace in
Baghdad. The chaplain explains why he and the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine
Regiment believe God saw them through as they suffered only one death. 2004.


Tiger Force: A True Story of Men and War RC 62820
by Michael Sallah and Mitch Weiss
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists detail the behavior of an elite army unit in Vietnam called
Tiger Force. Contends that the platoon's reconnaissance and commando missions increasingly
involved killing unarmed civilians. Chronicles the also-controversial criminal investigation led
by Gustav Apsey, and Pentagon responses. Violence and strong language. 2006.


War Stories II: Heroism in the Pacific RC 61098
by Oliver L. North
read by Michael Scherer
3 cassettes
Former marine Oliver North, author of War Stories: Operation Iraqi Freedom (RC 57762),
presents first-person accounts of heroism during World War II in the Pacific theater. Veterans
describe to North their ordeals at Pearl Harbor, on the Bataan Death March, in the Flying Tigers,
and during countless battles. Violence. 2004.


What Motivates Suicide Bombers? RC 62466
edited by Lauri S. Friedman
read by Ken Kliban
1 cassette
Twelve essays by people with diverse political views analyze the thinking of terrorists who
commit suicide to attack their enemies. Examines the role of the Islamic religion, politics,
nationalism, anti-Semitism, and other social causes. Discusses how children and women are
recruited for war. For junior and senior high readers. 2005.


Women's Concerns

Are Men Necessary? When Sexes Collide RC 61165
by Maureen Dowd
read by Barbara Pinolini
2 cassettes
Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter comments on the state of women's liberation four decades after
the sexual revolution. Contends that the sexes are still in combat, women are more focused than
ever on their looks, and feminist principles have backfired. Bestseller. 2005.


Live Your Best Life: A Treasury of Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration from O,
The Oprah Magazine RC 61289
by O, The Oprah Magazine read by Barbara Pinolini
4 cassettes
In articles culled from her magazine, Oprah offers more than a hundred articles on such topics as
diet and exercise, happiness, confidence, spirituality, dating, marriage, sex, and parenthood. Also
featured are everyday heroes. Contributors include Dr. Phil, Suze Orman, Harry Connick Jr., and
Julie Morgenstern. 2005.


Make Money, Not Excuses: Wake Up, Take Charge, and Overcome Your Financial Fears
Forever RC 63112
by Jean Chatzky
read by Susan Denaker
2 cassettes
Advice for women about short- and long-term investing. Offers four basic tips to improve one's
immediate monetary picture and to guide future spending. Explains financial terminology, stock
selection, retirement plans, and hiring a financial planner. Includes practical guidelines based on
experience. 2006.


Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era RC 60439
by Boston Women's Health Book Collective
read by Madelyn Buzzard
8 cassettes in 2 containers
Updated version of Our Bodies, Ourselves for the New Century (RC 47117). Discusses all
aspects of women's health and well-being including nutrition and exercise, sex and relationships,
reproduction, and aging. Covers the rearranged food pyramid and provides information on
negotiating the complicated healthcare system. Explicit descriptions of sex. 2005.


Perfection Salad: Women and Cooking at the Turn of the Century RC 62572
by Laura Shapiro
read by Margaret Strom
2 cassettes
A history of the American domestic science movement at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Describes the efforts of women to gain control of the kitchen using scientific methods that
resulted in bland, processed food. Considers the influence of industrialization and economics on
the way meals are prepared. 1986.


The Red Hat Society's Laugh Lines: Stories of Inspiration and Hattitude RC 62531
by Sue Ellen Cooper
read by Elisabeth Rodgers
2 cassettes
Women's social club founder follows up the bestselling Red Hat Society (RC 58333) with a
collection of anecdotes, poems, and quotes celebrating life, sisterhood, and the aging process.
Society members from across America share accounts of family, friendship, marriage,
parenthood and grandparenthood, and pets. 2005.


Sex and the Seasoned Woman: Pursuing the Passionate Life RC 61347
by Gail Sheehy
read by Kate Reading
3 cassettes
The author of Passages (RC 43929) and Understanding Men's Passages (RC 46534) examines
the way women of the baby boom generation are awakening to a "second adulthood" and are
reevaluating the role of sex, love, romance, and marriage in their lives. Explicit descriptions of
sex and strong language. 2006.


World History

Avengers of the New World: The Story of the Haitian Revolution RC 60295
by Laurent Dubois
read by Anne Flosnik
3 cassettes
Professor analyzes the 1791 1803 revolution in the French Caribbean country of Haiti. Traces
the history of Hispaniola and describes how slaves from Africa under Toussaint Louverture
defeated France, Britain, and Spain and achieved emancipation at great economic and human
cost. Violence. 2004.


Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves RC 60562
by Adam Hochschild
read by Constance Crawford
4 cassettes
The author of King Leopold's Ghost (RC 48452) chronicles the five-decade campaign that
formally ended slavery in the British empire in 1838 and provided a framework for American
abolitionists. Recounts the movement launched in 1787 and its personalities, economics, and
moral philosophy. Violence. 2005.


A Concise History of China RC 61113
by J.A.G. Roberts
read by Mary Kane
3 cassettes
British historian summarizes the history of China from ancient times through 1997. Describes
key issues by dynastic period including economic, religious, intellectual, and political
movements. Includes China's communist rule since 1949. 1999.


Europe's Last Summer: Who Started the Great War in 1914? RC 62485
by David Fromkin
read by Robert Blumenfeld
2 cassettes
Author of A Peace to End All Peace: Creating the Modern Middle East (RC 32198) analyzes the
causes of World War I. Asserts that a local conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia and
another between Germany and Russia offered an opportunity for Prussian military leaders to
instigate war. 2004.


For the Survival of Democracy: Franklin Roosevelt and the World Crisis of the 1930s RC 61774
by Alonzo L. Hamby
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
History professor recounts U.S. president Franklin Delano Roosevelt's handling of the economic
disaster of the Great Depression while totalitarian governments rose in Europe. Compares the
American response to the crisis with those of Great Britain and Germany and credits FDR with
the survival of democracy. 2004.


1491: New Revelations of the Americas before Columbus RC 61198
by Charles C. Mann
read by Robert Blumenfeld
3 cassettes
Offers conclusions from anthropological and archaeological research about the western
hemisphere before European exploration. Examines the evidence of a large indigenous
population and the ecological impact the people had on the environment through crop
modification, landscaping, and farming the rainforest. Discusses the rise and fall of Indian
empires. Bestseller. 2005.


Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World RC 62418
by Jack Weatherford
read by Bill Wallace
3 cassettes
Permitted to access restricted Mongol writings and Genghis Khan's homeland and burial site,
anthropologist Weatherford reassesses the thirteenth-century conqueror's impact on world
civilization. Analyzes his personality, rise to power, military campaigns, and descendants and
claims that the Mongol empire's legacy of law, innovations, and free trade sparked European
enlightenment. 2004.


Greece: The Modern Sequel, from 1821 to the Present RC 60464
by John S. Koliopoulos and Thanos M. Veremis
read by Butch Hoover
4 cassettes
Thematic, rather than chronological, exploration of the origins and development of modern
Greece. The authors, both professors at Greek universities, discuss the country's institutions,
politics, economy, society, ideology, foreign policy, and geography beginning with the 1820s
War of Independence from Ottoman rule. 2002.


The Greek Way RC 60259
by Edith Hamilton
read by Kimberly Schraf
2 cassettes
The author of Mythology (RC 20026) explores the accomplishments of Greek intellectual life in
the fifth century B.C. Discusses customs, philosophy, religion, and art, referencing the era's
noted writers the poet Pindar; dramatists Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles; and historians
Herodotus, Thucydides, and Xenophon with excerpts from classic works. 1930.


A Guide to Korean Cultural Heritage RC 61979
by Korean Overseas Information Service
read by Robert Blumenfeld
1 cassette
An overview of Korean cultural heritage includes descriptions of traditional customs, sports,
religion, music, gardening, dress, food, and arts and crafts. 2003.


The History of Central America RC 62725
by Thomas L. Pearcy
read by Lewis Grenville
2 cassettes
Studies the seven diverse republics of Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Examines their history, economy, government,
population, and physical characteristics. Highlights natural disasters, foreign aggression,
dictators, revolutions, relationships to the United States, and twenty-first-century trends. 2006.


Into a Paris Quartier: Reine Margot's Chapel and Other Haunts of St.-Germain RC 61522
by Diane Johnson
read by Gabriella Cavallero
1 cassette
Johnson, a part-time resident of Paris, describes the legendary area in which she lives,
St.-Germain-des-Pr s, aka the Left Bank. Discusses the neighborhood's four-hundred-year
history as the home of four queens, three Musketeers, several kings, and numerous artistic
Americans. Details the region's streets, statues, architecture, and offbeat surprises. 2005.


John Winthrop, Oliver Cromwell, and the Land of Promise RC 62222
by Marc Aronson
read by Jake Williams
1 cassette
Relates the clash of strongly held religious views during the seventeenth century that produced
civil war in England and slaughter of the Pequot people, banishment of Quakers, and hanging of
witches in the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony. Sequel to Sir Walter Ralegh and the Quest
for El Dorado (RC 51920). For junior and senior high readers. 2004.


Kremlin Rising: Vladimir Putin's Russia and the End of Revolution RC 61620
by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser
read by Lou Harpenau
4 cassettes
Washington Post reporters in Moscow trace the rise of Vladimir Putin and the changes in Russia
since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Posits that the former KGB officer plans to return
the country to its authoritarian past. Relates citizens' accounts of problems experienced under
Putin's leadership. 2005.


The Last Voyage of Columbus: Being the Epic Tale of the Great Captain's Fourth Expedition,
Including Accounts of Swordfight, Mutiny, Shipwreck, Gold, War, Hurricane, and Discovery RC
62229
by Martin Dugard
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Recounts how fifteenth-century explorer Christopher Columbus was stripped of the governorship
of Hispaniola, jailed, and returned to Spain, where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella authorized
another expedition. Describes the ensuing voyage through the Caribbean from 1502 to 1504.
2005.


The Levant: A Fractured Mosaic RC 61132
by William Harris
read by Bill Wallace
2 cassettes
Professor investigates the history of the region of the eastern Mediterranean littoral (coastal
region) comprising Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestinian Arabs, and northern Turkey.
Analyzes the geopolitics of the Levant from ancient times to the year 2002, with insight into its
possible future. 2003.


The Lost Boys of Sudan: An American Story of the Refugee Experience RC 62006
by Mark Bixler
read by John Horton
2 cassettes
Journalist documents four African youths' first two years in the United States (2001 2003) and
their adaptation to an entirely unfamiliar cultural environment. Describes their reaction to
American conveniences and daily life and their dealings with government services, interactions
with private citizens, and desire for education. 2005.


Machete Season: The Killers in Rwanda Speak RC 61987
by Jean Hatzfeld
read by Robert Blumenfeld
2 cassettes
French journalist presents his interviews with ten Hutu men who participated in the slaughter of
some eight hundred thousand of their Tutsi compatriots during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In
their own words the men recall their crimes and speak about ethnic tensions and prospects for
redemption and reconciliation. Violence. 2003.


Mao: The Unknown Story RC 61346
by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday
read by Robertson Dean
6 cassettes
Chang, author of Wild Swans (RC 34458), and university researcher Halliday detail the exploits
of Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung (1893 1976), who they claim is responsible for more than
seventy million deaths. Drawing on archives, published works, and interviews with Mao's former
associates, the biographers portray a ruthless dictator. Violence, strong language, and some
descriptions of sex. 2005.


Marianne in Chains: Everyday Life in the French Heartland under the German Occupation RC
62173
by Robert Gildea
read by Annie Wauters
4 cassettes
Oxford historian explores the realities of life in Nazi-occupied France during 1940 1944.
Drawing on previously unexamined archives and personalinterviews with survivors, Gildea
portrays this difficult period as one of compromise, improvisation, complex relationships, and
ambivalent attitudes toward the Resistance not the black-and-white picture of "good"
underground fighters versus "bad" collaborators suggested by some postliberation accounts.
2002.


My Year in Iraq: The Struggle to Build a Future of Hope RC 61775
by L. Paul Bremer III
read by Bill Wallace
4 cassettes
Former American diplomat Bremer recounts his work as administrator, from May 2003 until
June 2004, of the then newly formed Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. Bremer contends
that more troops were needed after the U.S. invasion, justifies dismantling the Iraqi army, and
describes the rivalries between diverse groups. 2006.


Napoleon: A Political Life RC 60869
by Steven Englund
read by Anne Flosnik
5 cassettes
French historian highlights the political rather than the military or personal leadership of French
emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 1821). Charts Napoleon's rise and fall from his Corsican
boyhood to his political achievements and final exile. Analyzes Napoleon's ideologies and
influences, including the French Revolution. 2004.


On Hitler's Mountain: Overcoming the Legacy of a Nazi Childhood RC 61273
by Irmgard A. Hunt
read by Annie Wauters
2 cassettes
Memoir of a German native who grew up during World War II in a Bavarian village near Adolf
Hitler's alpine compound. Recalls meeting the dictator, losing her soldier father, and joining the
Hitler Youth. Explores her continuing struggle to understand how she, her family, and others
tolerated Nazi control. 2005.


An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography RC 62684
by Paul Rusesabagina
read by Jake Williams
2 cassettes
Autobiography of the manager of the hotel Mille Collines in Kigali, Rwanda. Paul Rusesabagina,
a man of mixed Hutu and Tutsi heritage, describes how in April 1994 he saved twelve hundred
Rwandans from the genocide that slaughtered eight hundred thousand. Basis for the movie Hotel
Rwanda. Violence and strong language. 2006.


Perfect Soldiers: The Hijackers; Who They Were, Why They Did It RC 60438
by Terry McDermott
read by Jack Fox
3 cassettes
Prize-winning journalist examines the lives and beliefs of the perpetrators of the September 11,
2001, terrorist attacks. Profiles leader Mohamed Atta and the eighteen other airline hijackers.
Describes them as young men, mostly from Saudi Arabia, who were recruited to the cause of
radical Islam by their hometown clerics. 2005.


The Persian Puzzle: The Conflict between Iran and America RC 60252
by Kenneth M. Pollack
read by Bill Wallace
5 cassettes
Author of The Threatening Storm (RC 54856) chronicles the history of Persia (Iran) including its
uneasy relationship with the United States since World War II. Pollack, formerly with the CIA,
cautions that although Iran's fundamentalist Islamic government is pursuing nuclear options,
American intervention would be a mistake. 2004.


Raid on the Sun: Inside Israel's Secret Campaign That Denied Saddam the Bomb RC 61988
by Rodger W. Claire
read by Robert Blumenfeld
2 cassettes
Account of Israel's 1981 air raid on Iraq's Osirak nuclear complex near Baghdad. Reconstructs
the planning and execution of a precise bombing strike designed to eliminate a French-built
reactor before it could go "hot." Based on military records and interviews with Israeli officials
and the mission's eight pilots. 2004.


Rivers of Gold: The Rise of the Spanish Empire, from Columbus to Magellan RC 61405
by Hugh Thomas
read by Robert Blumenfeld
5 cassettes
The author of Slave Trade (RC 46140) chronicles the conquest of the Caribbean islands and
Mexico in the first two generations after Columbus. Portrays the culture of sixteenth-century
Spain and the lives of adventurers, conquistadors, kings, governors, missionaries, and others.
2003.


Rogue Regime: Kim Jong Il and the Looming Threat of North Korea RC 61711
by Jasper Becker
read by Ralph Lowenstein
3 cassettes
Author of Hungry Ghosts: Mao's Secret Famine (RC 46134) chronicles the Kim dynasty's rise.
Assesses the devastating effects on North Korea of dictator Kim Jong Il's leadership since 1974,
and global threats posed by the country's political instability and nuclear arsenal. Urges world
action against human rights violations. 2005.


Sharon and My Mother-in-Law: Ramallah Diaries RC 61986
by Suad Amiry
read by Yolande Bavan
2 cassettes
A westernized architect, the daughter of exiled Palestinians, relates her experiences from 1981 to
2004 in the West Bank town of Ramallah, where she married. Describes the hardships and
absurdities of life in the Occupied Territories especially having to endure a forty-two-day
curfew along with her mother-in-law. Some strong language. 2004.


Stalin: A Biography RC 60602
by Robert Service
read by Mark Ashby
5 cassettes
Russian scholar and author of Lenin (RC 52071) uses archival material to unveil the life and
regime of Soviet Union dictator Joseph Stalin (1879 1953). Exposes the contradictory
characteristics of the ruler's personality and his involvement in the Communist Party, the
October Revolution, World War II, and the Great Terror. 2004.


Tower of Babble: How the United Nations Has Fueled Global Chaos RC 61712
by Dore Gold
read by Lewis Grenville
2 cassettes
Author of Hatred's Kingdom (RC 55888) and former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations
asserts that the organization has failed to stop aggression and protect human rights. Outlines the
U.N.'s policies in Rwanda and Bosnia, inability to stop terrorism, and lack of moral clarity. 2004.


Vietnam Today: A Guide to a Nation at a Crossroads RC 61081
by Mark A. Ashwill
read by Ted Stoddard
2 cassettes
Overview of the southeast Asian country for businessmen and travelers. Explores defining issues
in the nation's economy, culture, politics, and history. Highlights the Vietnamese view of
Westerners, long history of foreign occupation, and emphasis on maintaining harmony. Offers
practical tips for conducting business and developing long-term relationships. 2005.


The Victorians RC 58822
by A.N. Wilson
read by Kimberly Schraf
6 cassettes
As he examines faith and doubt, progress and poverty, social upheavals, and wars of colonial
expansion, novelist and historian Wilson develops a comprehensive portrait of
nineteenth-century Britain. The author of Eminent Victorians (RC 32328) claims "the Victorians
are still with us, because the world they created is still here, though changed." 2003.