Recent and Recommended Books August 2011

We are pleased to send our recording studio enewsletter to share information about the Perkins Library recording program and nearly 100 new recently completed digital audio titles.

The book order number for locally produced titles begins with the letters DBM for Digital Book-Massachusetts. When you order titles from the studio, please use the DBM number to expedite receiving the books you wish to read. Contact the Library to order books or to make adjustments in your reader profile at 617-972-7240 or 1-800-852-3133; or by email at library@perkins.org.

Robert Pierson, Studio Director
Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library

Welcome to Daniel Guenther

We are pleased that Daniel Guenther has joined our team as an audio technician and editor through the rest of 2011. He was a student intern while studying Audio Engineering and Music Production at the Berklee School of Music. Hailing from Seattle, he won second prize in the C-SPAN StudentCam National Documentary Competition among other awards.

The Whitey Bulger Connection

John Gamel led the FBI’s hunt for James “Whitey” Bulger in the 1990s. Today, he narrates books for the Clive W. Lacy Recording Studio at the Perkins Library.

A Navy veteran and one-time TV newsman, Gamel says he records talking books because “I have the skills, and someone else can benefit from what I do. I’m pretty good at it, and try to make the information clear and easy to understand.”

His current project is recording a professional guide to dietary supplements for a local dietician who is blind. Retired from the FBI for 10 years, Gamel has been recording books since 2003.

New Non Fiction Titles

A Master Class: Sensational Recipes From the Chefs of the New England Culinary Institute and Ellen Michaud by Ellen Michaud.
DBM 1113
From maple syrup and lamb dishes in the spring to piping hot apres-ski casseroles in the winter, more than 200 luscious recipes from an acclaimed cooking school have been converted for home use and are presented here with suggestions for finishing touches, wine or beverage pairings, and chef's notes. Approximate reading time: 9 hrs. Narrated by Mimi Svenning.

America's Song: The Story of 'Yankee Doodle' by Stuart Murray.
DBM 783
Brought to the New World in the 1600s by Dutch colonists, this folk air was used to mock New England Puritans. “Janke" (the origin of "Yankee") was the Dutch term for a New Englander; "Doodle" meant "fool." In the mid-1700s, a New Yorker wrote humorous verses for the tune in fun of New England militia. However, at the 1775 Lexington and Concord battles, victorious Massachusetts rebels hurled the song back at retreating redcoats, and it became the new nation's anthem during its struggle for liberty. This is the song's story. Approximate reading time: 6 hrs. Narrated by Bart Smith.

The American Revolution: War for Independence by Alden R. Carter.
DBM 671
The glory and horror of the American Revolution becomes vivid in this recounting of the key battles -- with descriptions of the military strategies and equipment used -- all placed in historical context. For Grades 4-7 and older readers. Approximate reading time: 1 hr. Narrated by George Potter.

The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson.
DBM 856
First published in the United States in 1912, this classic fictional autobiography presents a frank description of being black in turn-of-the-century New York. The author was the first black executive secretary of the NAACP. He anticipates the social realism of the Harlem Renaissance, and analyzes a black man's self-denial. Some violence. Approximate reading time: 5 hrs, 45 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Black Mass: The Irish Mob, the FBI, and a Devil's Deal by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill.
DBM 667
Award-winning journalists for the "Boston Globe" expose one of the worst scandals in FBI history. Their chilling true story of John Connolly and James "Whitey" Bulger - two friends who grew up in South Boston and later descended into a world of drug dealing, racketeering, and murder - is based on ten years of research. Strong language and violence. Approximate reading time: 14 hrs. 25 min. Narrated by Joshua Seeger.

Booby Trap Boys: a Unique Journal of the Vietnam War by David Beakey.
DBM 1185
A teenager when he volunteered for the Marines, David Beakey arrived in southeast Asia just as 1968's infamous TET offensive began. Told in a series of brief and powerful dispatches, this is his memoir of thirteen months at war, and the decades of its aftermath. Approximate reading time: 2 hrs. 40 min. Narrated by David Curtis.

Boston Firsts: 40 Feats of Innovation and Invention That Happened First in Boston and Helped Make America Great by Lynda Morgenroth.
DBM 1158
A breezy tour through Beantown's famous innovations in a variety of fields from the telephone and the kidney transplant, to same sex marriage and Boston Cream Pie -- this engaging volume celebrates the city's many signal achievements. Approximate reading time: 8 hrs. 45 min. Narrated by Tricia Rosenthal.

Boston's First Neighborhood: the North End by Paula Todisco.
DBM 510
A brief history of Boston's North End, where the many waves of immigrants since the Revolution have been absorbed and sheltered. The author looks back to the North End's beginning, and ahead to its future. Approximate reading time: 3 hrs. 30 mins. Narrated by Al Skane.

Dogtown: Death and Enchantment in a New England Ghost Town by Elyssa East.
DBM 1143
A colonial ruin surrounded by 3,000 acres of woodland in seaside Gloucester, Massachusetts, Dogtown attracted artists, writers, and eccentrics for centuries, but in 1984 a murderer came to the woods. The story of a grisly crime and a history of haunting landscape, this first-person narrative is a brilliant evocation of a place that inspires both good and evil, poetry and murder. Contains extreme violence. Approximate reading time: 9 hrs. 50 min. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Dreams of a Landlocked Boatman: Adventures on the Connecticut River by Oliver Allyn.
DBM 970
Growing up in Illinois, the author's dream was to build and sail his own boat -- which he later did many times. His most rewarding sailing adventure was a three-year journey of fifty-two miles down the Connecticut River. He remembers that voyage here. Approximate reading time: 5 hrs. 15 mins. Narrated by Al Skane.

Echoes in Retrospect: An Oral History of Remembered Days at Perkins School for the Blind by Students and Staff Who Were There from 1950-1970 by Marjorie Lagemann Snodgrass, Editor.
DBM 1247
Marjorie Snodgrass taught at Perkins from 1950- 1954. She interviewed former Perkins students and staff and compiled this reflection of their experiences at Perkins. Approximate reading time: 8 hrs. Narrated by Linda Cohn.

Fisk of Fenway Park: New England's Favorite Catcher by Robert B. Jackson.
DBM 580
The Boston Red Sox almost won the World Series in 1975. A major reason they came so close was the skill of catcher Carlton "Pudge" Fisk. Born and bred a New Englander, outspoken and plagued with injuries, his career included being honored as Rookie of the Year in 1972 and All-Star catcher in 1973. Approximate reading time: 1 hr. 15 min. Narrated by George Potter.

For Decades I Was Silent: A Holocaust Survivor's Journey Back to Faith by Baruch G. Goldstein.
DBM 1136
In this heartfelt memoir of pain and faith, a rabbi recalls his growing up years in a small Polish-German town, his imprisonment at Auschwitz as a young adult, and his determination in adulthood to live a full and meaningful life. Approximate reading time: 9 hrs. 15 min. Narrated by Dan Wallace.

Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad by Betty DeRamus.
DBM 863
A collection of stories drawn from interviews of slaves' descendants, literature, unpublished memoirs, and other sources. Each tale describes courageous actions people took to save their loved ones during the age of United States slavery. By using disguises, outsmarting bloodhounds, evading bounty hunters, and employing other brave and clever ploys, many of these people triumphed. Approximate reading time: 7 hrs, 30 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Fun Trivia Facts of Massachusetts by John F. Crowder.
DBM 575
Little-known facts about Massachusetts presented in a game format. A question is posed, with multiple answers, followed by the correct choice. An entertaining way to learn about the history of the state. Approximate reading time: 1 hr. 20 mins. Narrated by Al Skane.

Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison by Joshua M. Greene.
DBM 1116
An international celebrity who was nonetheless a lifelong seeker of spiritual simplicity, "the quiet Beatle" is the subject of an intimate portrait that pays special attention to the nature of his inner life. Approximate reading time: 10 hrs. 30 min. Narrated by Donna Golemme.

Honor Our Flag: How To Care For, Fly, and Otherwise Respect the Stars and Stripes by David Singleton.
DBM 681
The flag of the United States of America is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. The author answers frequently asked questions about how to clean, store, and otherwise care for the flag, and about when and how to display it. Includes an explanation of the colors, a history of the flag's evolution, and information about the national anthem and pledge of allegiance. Approximate reading time: 45 min. Narrated by George Potter.

I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can!: Zen and the Art of Staying Sane in Hollywood by Tom Bergeron.
DBM 1063
The hard-working host of Dancing with the Stars, America's Funniest Home Videos, and other television favorites shares his secrets of balancing a frantic career with a happy personal life. Approximate reading time: 7 hrs. 30 min. Narrated by John Deming.

Just Like Life, Only More So and Other Stories of Illness by Dana Snyder-Grant
DBM 1132
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly before her twenty-sixth birthday, the author, who also a psychotherapist, wrote these essays over a ten year span in an effort to plumb the meaning of her illness. They probe the many medical, cultural, emotional, and social aspects of her condition and also contemplate the surprising gifts that come from vulnerability. Approximate reading time: 3 hrs. 40 min. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

The Last Banner: The Story of the 1985-86 Celtics, The NBA's Greatest Team of All Time by Peter May.
DBM 1061
Sports columnist Peter May, who has covered the Boston Celtics for many years and knows the players well, gives his inside account of the basketball team's stellar 1985-86 season, when Larry Bird, Bill Walton, Robert Parrish, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge, Dennis Johnson, and K.C. Jones built an outstanding team and became MBA champions. Their remarkable intelligent play and teamwork won the hearts of local and national fans alike. May includes the biographical background of each star. Approximate reading time: 10 hrs. 40 min. Narrated by Bart Morse.

Late Fire, Late Snow: New and Uncollected Poems by Robert Francis.
DBM 578
Most of the poems in this collection were written near the end of the poet's life at age eighty-five. Sometimes with humor, often with profoundness, they explore old age. After studying at Harvard, Robert Francis settled in Amherst where he lived very simply and wrote, winning a variety of international honors. Approximate reading time: 45 min. Narrated by George Potter.

The Lexington-Concord Battle Road by Concord Chamber of Commerce.
DBM 796
The American Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775 when a war of words between the British and colonists culminated in fighting in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. The authors provide an hour-by-hour account of events preceding during that fateful day. Approximate reading time: 1 hr. 30 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

The Mobilization of Shame: a World View of Human Rights by Robert F. Drinan.
DBM 743
During the twentieth century, global recognition of human rights has grown dramatically. Priest, lawyer, and former U.S. congressman Father Drinan follows the human rights movement since the founding of the United Nations. He discusses international law, women's and children's rights, prisoners' rights, and protection against torture. He evaluates the movement's future. Approximate reading time: 11 hrs. Narrated by Al Skane.

My Twice-lived Life: A Memoir by Donald M. Murray.
DBM 834
Pulitzer Prize-winning "Boston Globe" columnist Murray remembers with honesty, courage, and a positive strength, his life -- his lonely childhood, struggles to put himself through college, vivid experiences as a World War II paratrooper, forays as a writer, and survival of immense personal tragedy. He addresses subjects long held taboo for men of his era. He finds that aging offers special opportunities. Approximate reading time: 6 hrs. 15 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

New England Men of Letters by Wilson Sullivan.
DBM 884
In a series of biographical essays, the author visits the lives and times of outstanding New England nineteenth century poets, philosophers, novelists, and historians. He discusses the relevance today of their thought and writing. Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Melville, Dana, Parkman, Longfellow, Lowell, Holmes, and Prescott are included. Approximate reading time: 35 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

Nomar Garciaparra: Non-stop Shortstop by Mark Stewart.
DBM 965
A biography of the hard-working shortstop for the Boston Red Sox who was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1997. For grades 4-7. Approximate reading time: 1 hrs. 15 min. Narrated by Al Skane.

The Paradise of All These Parts: A Natural History of Boston by John Hanson Mitchell.
DBM 1135
Equipped with wit, intellect, and an innate curiosity about people and places, a gifted writer strolls Boston's streets, chronicling its nonhuman inhabitants and surprisingly diverse plant life. Included as well are fascinating stories about the tribal leaders, naturalists, and activists who have left their stamp on the city's natural environment. Approximate reading time: 7 hrs. 40 min. Narrated by Jim Kirkaldy.

Pedro Martinez, Pitcher Perfect by Mark Stewart.
DBM 691
The Story of Pedro Martinez, exceptional baseball pitcher. He and his brother Ramon rose from the Dominican Republic to major league teams in the United States. Pedro came into his own with the Los Angeles Dodgers, then joined the Expos in Montreal, and finally starred with the Boston Red Sox. Includes chronology and statistics. For Grades 4-7. Approximate reading time: 35 min. Narrated by George Potter.

The Rascal King: the Life and Times of James Michael Curley (1874-1958) by Jack Beatty.
DBM 820
Twice-jailed scoundrel, people's champion, builder of schools, grafter, pioneer of the New Deal, winning orator, James Michael Curley was bigger than life. He rose from the Irish slums to become Boston mayor, congressman, and Massachusetts governor. His career spanned from the era of Teddy Roosevelt to the early days of JFK. This is a story of the man, his city, and his times. Approximate reading time: 25 hrs. 40 min. Narrated by Al Skane.

The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow by Richard Wormser.
DBM 920
Companion to the PBS television series, Wormser's history of the South explores the fierce years between the abolition of slavery and the start of the Civil Rights movement. He documents oppression of Southern African Americans under "Jim Crow" laws and customs, and the African American community's triumphant survival through this period. Approximate reading time: 8 hrs. 5 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

A Romance on Three Legs: Glenn Gould's Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Piano by Katie Hafner.
DBM 1153
Renowned for his eccentricity and his genius, the Canadian pianist Glenn Gould spent years searching for the ideal instrument. This complex portrait of one of the 20th century's greatest musicians is also the engrossing story of Gould's extraordinary relationships with his Steinway grand, which he played on all his major recordings, and with his tuner, a nearly blind, long-suffering master of the trade. Approximate reading time: 8 hrs. 10 mins. Narrated by Sandy Patrikilakis.

Roots to Power: A Manual for Grassroots Organizing by Lee Staples.
DBM 1202
A how-to on community organizing by a seasoned practitioner with more than thirty years in the trenches, this comprehensive guide presents the strategies and tactics, methods and techniques that ordinary citizens can use to take collective action for a better future. It presents organizing models and methods, offers clear guidelines for choosing issues, and deftly lays out the most important elements in a successful campaign. Approximate reading time: 18 hrs., 45 min. Narrated by Dan Wallace, Laura Koller and Bart Morse.

The Run by John Hay
DBM 724
In Brewster on Cape Cod, Hay observes the annual run of the alewife in Stony Brook. Every spring, the herring journey from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to fresh water to spawn. The run is filled with danger and beauty. Approximate reading time: 4 hrs. 45 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

Sarah’s Long Walk: the Free Blacks of Boston and How Their Struggle for Equality Changed America by Stephen Kendrick and Paul Kendrick.
DBM 1066
School segregation was first contested in Massachusetts in 1847 when an irate father sued the city of Boston for requiring his five-year-old child to walk past five white schools to attend a black one. Roberts was part of a large, strong community of free blacks living in Boston who championed integration on many fronts over a century before the Civil Rights Movement. This is his story and theirs. Approximate reading time: 10 hrs. 20 mins. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

The Savvy Consumer Guide to Hearing Loss by Karen Rockow. Ph.D.
DBM 1218
Developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, this is an essential resource for people who have recently lost their hearing or become severely hard of hearing. It gathers a wealth of practical advice, support, contact information, and much more into one invaluable volume. Approximate reading time: 7 hrs. 45 mins. Narrated by Dan Wallace.

Sacco & Vanzetti by Eli G. Bortman.
DBM 850
Niccola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were Italian immigrants and anarchists. But did they commit murder in Massachusetts in 1920? When they were executed seven years later, many believed they were victims of prejudice. Approximate reading time: 3 hrs. 30 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

Stone By Stone: The Magnificent History in New England's Stone Walls by Robert M. Thorson.
DBM 955
New England's stone walls have many stories to tell. The author studies these walls, and explores their ancient geological origins, their integral role in early New England history, and their importance today. Approximate reading time: 7 hrs. 50 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

Stride Toward Freedom: the Montgomery Story by Martin Luther King, Jr.
DBM 787
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, inspired and sustained the struggle for equal rights and nonviolence in the United States during the second half of the 20th-century. He led the first large-scale nonviolent resistance in the country: the Montgomery bus boycott. This is the story of that bus strike which culminated in a Supreme Court decision, and of his nonviolent crusade. Approximate reading time: 6 hrs. 15 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois.
DBM 738
Essays about the black experience in United States history, including predictions for the twentieth century and beyond, written by sociologist, educator, journalist and civil rights activist Du Bois, who helped to establish the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Approximate reading time: 7 hrs. 20 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

The Story of My School Years at Perkins School for the Blind by Chris Jett.
DBM 1229
Chris Jett, former Perkins student, and charismatic advocate for the deaf-blind community, shares his candid and inspirational story of growing up and blossoming at school. Chris became a public speaker, played drums, started a business and went on to meet President Bill Clinton, before his untimely death in 2010. Approximate reading time: 45 min. Narrated by Ric Corn.

Swallow Safely: How Swallowing Problems Threaten the Elderly and Others- A Caregiver's Guide to Recognition, Treatment and Prevention by Roya Sayadi Ph.D, Joel Hershkowitz, M.D.
DBM 1213
Swallowing difficulties, often unrecognized, plague not only the elderly, but also persons with lung disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, head and neck cancer, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. This potentially life-saving book, written especially for caregivers by a speech-language pathologist and a neurologist, explores all aspects of swallowing problems, including how to recognize, treat, and prevent them. Approximate reading time: 4 hrs. 15 min. Narrated by Roya Sayadi and Joel Hershkowitz.

The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50 by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot.
DBM 721
Demographers have recently identified a new developmental phase, a "third chapter" of life, when traditional norms, rules, and rituals seems less restrictive, a phase when many have started embracing new challenges. In this engrossing and inspiring book, based on two years of interviews with men and women in their fifties, sixties, and seventies from all over America. An acclaimed Harvard sociologist challenges us to redefine our views on aging. Approximate reading time: 9 hrs. 45 mins. Narrated by Ann Eldridge.

We Who Dared to Say No to War: American Antiwar Writing from 1812 to Now by Murray Polner, Editor.
DBM 1107
This groundbreaking collection showcases a wide range of antiwar writings and speeches -- from the political left and the right, from secular as well as religious perspectives, and from people as famous as President Eisenhower or as unknown as one mother in Kentucky. Approximate reading time: 13 hrs. 15 mins. Narrated by Elizabeth Richter.

Wheelchairs -- Your Options and Rights by Paralyzed Veterans of America.
DBM 623
This guide for veterans answers a wide variety of questions about Department of Veterans wheelchairs, including eligibility, how to obtain a wheelchair, how many and what styles are available, repairs, and replacements. Approximate reading time: 40 min. Narrated by George Potter.

When God is Gone Everything is Holy: the Making of a Religious Naturalist by Chet Raymo.
DBM 1212
A distinguished and elegant science writer, a columnist for many years at the Boston Globe, the author tracks his path from the 1950s piety of his undergraduate years at Notre Dame to his present day scientific agnostism. Drawing upon a vast knowledge of science, philosophy, theology, and literature, Raymo presents a late-life credo that eschews zealotry and embraces wonder. Approximate reading time: 5 hrs. 20 min. Narrated by Derek Perkins.

Where The Heart Listens: A Handbook for Parents and Their Allies by Eve Sullivan.
DBM 1196
Derived from the invaluable workshops created by Parents Forum, this compact guide helps parents reach inside themselves -- and reach out to others -- as they tackle the most demanding job of their lives: raising children. Instead of focusing on what goes wrong in families, the authors provide specific strategies and techniques on how to stay on a positive path, with a special emphasis on the practice of more attentive listening and less judgemental response. Approximate reading time: 4 hrs. 15 min. Narrated by Eve Sullivan and Dan Wallace.

You've Got Rights! by Catherine Taylor, comp.
DBM 698
CORD (Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled) has compiled information for people with disabilities about their civil rights. Covers what protections the laws provide; a review of the Americans with Disabilities Act; discussions of abuse, harassment, education, and driving laws; advocacy tips; and phone numbers of many organizations. Especially useful to Massachusetts residents. Approximate reading time: 45 min. Narrated by George Potter.

New Fiction Titles

A Corpse by Any Other Name by Neil McGaughey
DBM 1189
Tired of his alter ego, Kyle Malachi disposes of his pseudonym, Stokes Moran, with a fake obituary in the New York Times. But it turns out that an actual Stokes Moran has just been murdered, and Kyle becomes the prime suspect. Full of sly references to other mysteries and mystery writers, this is the fourth book of a witty series. Approximate reading time: 5 hrs. 20 mins. Narrated by Sandy Patrikalakis.

Air Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan.
DBM 1130
When savvy TV reporter Charlotte McNally goes undercover in the glamorous world of high fashion, she discovers that when the purses are fake, the danger is real, and no can be trusted. Written by an Emmy-award winning investigative reporter, this fast-paced thriller takes readers behind the scenes of prime time news. Approximate reading time: 9 hrs. Narrated by Tricia Rosenthal.

Apologies Forthcoming by Xujun Eberlein.
DBM 1134
In these elegantly crafted and acutely perceptive stories set in her native China, the author writes about characters struggling with love, friendship, guilt and loss during and after the Cultural Revolution. Approximate reading time: 5 hrs. 45 min. Narrated by Rocky Tomascoff.

Blue Death by Michael Collins.
DBM 498
Detective Dan Fortune takes on a case to help a beautiful dancer. Then he discovers the first death. His investigation takes him to the executive towers of a major corporation in Manhattan, to Hoboken saloons, and to a scientists' think tank in California. Some strong language. Approximate reading time: 6 hrs. 10 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Breakfast with Buddha: A Novel by Roland Merullo.
DBM 1146
Tricked into making a road trip with his sister's guru, Otto Ringling tries to westernize his crimson-robed monk and have some "American fun" for himself, but as the unlikely couple makes their way to North Dakota via a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania, a bowling alley in Indiana, and a Cub's game in Chicago, the confirmed skeptic discovers some more surprising truths about himself. Approximate reading time: 9 hrs. 35 mins. Narrated by Charlie Desserres.

Cairo Traffic by Lloyd Schwartz.
DBM 750
Poet and Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Lloyd Schwartz shares his poems and a diary of experiences and observations in Egypt. His writing is personal, direct, and thought-provoking. Explicit descriptions of sex. Approximate reading time: 1 hr. 40 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

The Chinatown Death Cloud Peril by Paul Malmont.
DBM 983
Great Depression pulp writers Walter Gibson and Lester Dent have adventures even more thrilling than those of their fiction characters, the Shadow or Doc Savage. From China to Rhode Island, they race to stop evil. Contains some violence and some strong language. Approximate reading time: 12 hrs. 30 min. Narrated by Dan Wallace.

Cracks in the Foundation by Erica Ferencik.
DBM 1106
A send-up of the wild wild world of real estate, small towns, white zinfandel, black magic, outhouses, and the American Dream, this hilarious romp follows realtor Ginger Kanadoo's increasingly desperate efforts to find a buyer for some not-so-scenic property on weed-chocked Squamskootnocket Lake. Approximate reading time: 8 hrs. 50 min. Narrated by Jean Kriedberg.

The Escher Twist: A Homer Kelly Mystery by Jane Langton.
DBM 772
Homer and Mary Kelly live in historic Cambridge, Massachusetts. At an exhibit of works by Dutch artist Maurits Escher, their friend Leonard Sheldrake falls in love with a mysterious woman named Frieda. When Frieda disappears, Homer and Mary offer to help Leonard find her -- and find themselves caught in a labyrinth of old murders, new secrets, and ghosts of Mount Auburn Cemetery. Approximate reading time: 6 hrs. 30 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

Face Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan.
DBM 1139
Veteran TV reporter Charlotte McNally has explosive evidence to free an innocent woman from prison. The trouble is that now Charlotte -- and someone she loves -- is the real killer's next target. Approximate reading time: 7 hrs. 30 min. Narrated by Julia Terry.

Haunted New England: Classic Tales of the Strange and Supernatural by Charles G. Waugh, Martin H. Greenberg and Frank D. McSherry, Jr.
DBM 812
A collection of tales of the supernatural, some based on ancient legends, set in New England. The outstanding ghost/horror fiction authors represented here include Sarah Orne Jewett, John W. Vandercook, H.P. Lovecraft, Conrad Aiken, and Edith Wharton. Approximate reading time: 14 hrs. 15 min. Narrated by Eleanor Crawford.

House Arrest: A Novel by Ellen Meeropol.
DBM 1209
Emily Klein, a home-care nurse, and her new charge, Pippa, a pregnant cult member under house arrest after the horrifying death of her toddler, form an unusual relationship in this tightly composed first novel. The child of a '60s radical who died in prison, Emily empathizes with aspects of Pippa's plight, yet she also worries about her own ethical obligations, and the future of the unborn child. Read by the author. Approximate reading time: 9 hours 50 min. Narrated by Ellen Meeropol.

How To Train a Rock: Short Insights and Fictions Flights by Paul Steven Stone.
DBM 1141
Roaming freely from a report on canine misbehavior, to musings on love, to advice for rocks, this gathering of quirky short pieces, many of them originally written for a newspaper column, offers off-balance perspectives and witty insights on the human condition. Approximate reading time: 4 hrs. Narrated by Paul Steven Stone.

In The Eyes of the Cat: Japanese Poetry for All Seasons by Tze-si Huang, translator.
DBM 579
This selection of nature poems is arranged according to the cycle of the seasons. All sorts of animals, from the familiar to the unusual, can be found in this engaging collection of Japanese poetry. Approximate reading time: 30 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Infected by the Air by Janice Law.
DBM 1159
Country life turns out to be anything but peaceful for Alice Bertram, whose ex-husband's body has been found with two other dead in a remote cabin. Police call it a murder-sucide, with Max the shooter, but Alice knows that can't be true. Her ex was gregarious and gun shy, an academic, not an outdoorsman. And, the manuscript of his book about a powerful political family has disappeared. Approximate reading time: 6 hrs. 15 mins. Narrated by Mimi Svenning.

The Old African by Julius Lester.
DBM 918
Based in part on a legend and in part on an actual event. The Old African, a slave with great mystical powers, works to relieve the suffering of his people. He befriends a young slave boy who has been whipped, and leads an escapee through the sea back to Africa. Contains violence and some descriptions of sex. Approximate reading time: 1 hr. 10 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

The Little Sleep by Paul Tremblay.
DBM 1079
South Boston PI Mark Genevich suffers from narcolepsy. His hallucinations wreak havoc as he tries to distinguish between what's real and imagined. In this surreal tale, Genevich is given photographs that may reveal secrets from the past. Approximate reading time: 8 hrs. 30 mins. Narrated by David Curtis.

Mrs. Somebody Somebody: Stories by Tracy Winn.
DBM 1109
In these exquisitely written interconnected short stories set in gritty Lowell, Massachusetts, the lives of the characters -- mill owners and union organizers, hair dressers and immigrants -- overlap and intermingle, resulting in a historically sweeping portrait of their deeply textured world. Approximate reading time: 5 hrs. 20 min. Narrated by Julia Terry.

Molly Eiderdown's Journal: Memoirs at the Serenity Nursing Home by Elaine B. Berrier.
DBM 1250
A heart attack puts feisty Molly into the nursing home at age 79, and she has plenty to say about the experience, both the bad and the good. This heartwarming work of fiction was inspired by the author's long experience as a nurse in a variety of settings. Approximate reading time: 3 hrs. Narrated by Linda Cohn.

Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan.
DBM 989
Seasoned Boston television journalist Charlotte McNally puts her job, heart, and life on the line to investigate a very intriguing email lead. Soon she runs into Josh Gelston, so handsome, so helpful. Can she trust him? The author is an award-winning investigative reporter at Boston's NBC affiliate. Some descriptions of sex. Approximate reading time: 9 hrs. Narrated by Sarah Bingham.

Primary Storm: a Lewis Cole Mystery by Brendan DuBois.
DBM 1152
When someone takes a shot at a presidential hopeful during the New Hampshire primary, Lewis Cole is initially fingered as the prime suspect. The charges are dropped, but the former Department of Defense analyst, who was hoping for a quiet January, soon discovers that he is now in the crosshairs of some very dangerous political firepower. Contains some violence and sexual content. Approximate reading time: 9 hrs. Narrated by Mike Feldstein.

Tale of the Bamboo Cutter: A Story from Old Japan translated by George Potter.
DBM 589
A tale containing several smaller stories: supernatural stories of love, and stories of adventure used as vehicles for political commentary. The entire composition originated as an oral tradition in the 9th Century, and subsequently was written down, first in Chinese and later in Japanese. Approximate reading time: 1 hr. 25 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Teaser by Jan Brogan.
DBM 1114
When Rhode Island reporter Hallie Ahern discovers an internet porn operation that is exploiting local teenagers, it's just another story to pitch to her editors. But the situation shifts from dark to lethal when the girls start dying -- and Hallie's investigation leads her deep into a far-reaching conspiracy. Contains some descriptions of sex and violence. Approximate reading time: 7 hrs. 25 min. Narrated by Lois Fontana.

Trophy House by Anne Bernays.
DBM 1150
The construction of a hugely expensive summer house on Cape Cod -- a trophy house -- unexpectedly breaks the tranquility of Dannie Faber's seemingly ideal life and unravels her long-time marriage to Tom. Funny, poignant, and ultimately wrenching, this is both a romantic thriller and a deeply satisfying story about the disintegration of a marriage and the consequences for all concerned. Some violence and sexual content. Approximate reading time: 6 hrs. 40 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Which Brings Me to You: A Novel in Confessions by Steve Almond and Julianna Baggott.
DBM 1126
John and Jane meet at a boring wedding and soon find themselves in a lusty romp in a deserted coatroom. But they get to know each other later, over a series of letters with soul-bearing stories of messy histories, bruised hearts, and aching desires. A burning question underlies their correspondence, in this witty and revealing novel: what will happen if they see each other again? Contains descriptions of sex and some strong language. Approximate reading time: 8 hrs. 30 min. Narrated by Yvonne Fuller & Jay Rose.

“The Wellfleet Whale” and Companion Poems by Stanley Kunitz.
DBM 612
Poems by the award-winning Massachusetts poet and U.S. Poet Laureate about life observed on Cape Cod, in particular about events surrounding the stranding of a whale in Wellfleet. Some violence, some descriptions of sex. Approximate reading time: 20 min. Narrated by George Potter.

New Young Adult and Childrens Titles

A Smile from Andy by Nan Holcomb.
DBM 807
Andy, who has cerebral palsy, is very shy. His sister is quite friendly, and people talk to her. Andy would like some of the attention, but it doesn't happen. Then he meets a little girl who helps him discover something he can do to reach out to others in his own special way. For Kindergarten - grade 3. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Arthur Lost and Found: an Arthur Adventure by Marc Brown.
DBM 701
Arthur and Buster take the bus downtown together for the first time, to go to Arthur's swimming lesson. During the ride, they fall asleep and miss their stop, winding up on the other side of town. Then they spend all of their money on a snack. Will Arthur and Buster be able to put their heads together and find their way home? For grades 2-4. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Arthur and the Recess Rookie by Marc Brown.
DBM 708
Francine always picks George last for her team -- she thinks that being athletic is the only way to be good at sports. When Arthur and George's team loses the kickball game, it seems that Francine is right. How can George prove he is a valuable player, too? For grades 2-4. Approximate reading time: 30 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies.
DBM 923
A bunch of fuzzy bats visit the seaside at night, and have a grand old time. For preschool-grade 2. Approximate reading time: 5 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan.
DBM 788
Coretta Scott King Award. Blackbird is voted the most beautiful bird in the forest. The other birds are envious, and ask Blackbird to paint their feathers with a little black. When Blackbird warns them that beauty comes from within, they persist. So, Blackbird does paint them. This tale comes from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia. For preschool-grade 2. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Boston by Deborah Kent.
DBM 718
The author vividly describes the history, culture, daily life, food, people, sports, and points of interest in the capital of Massachusetts, one of the oldest and most historic cities in the United States. For grades 4-7. Approximate reading time: 1 hr. 10 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

The Boston Tea Party by Steven Kroll.
DBM 674
To ease debts from the French and Indian War, the English Parliament decided to tax tea, paper, and other products in the American colonies. This made American colonists very angry. On December 16, 1773, in an act of rebellion, some colonists crept onto ships in Boston Harbor and tossed the tea cargo into the sea. For Grades 3-6. Approximate reading time: 20 mins. Narrated by Al Skane.

The Cat Who Loved to Sing by Nonny Hogrogian.
DBM 553
Inspired by an Armenian folktale and her own cat, the author tells of a cat who accepts life's gifts and surprises with a song. For preschool-grade 2. Approximate reading time: 10 mins. Narrated by Al Skane.

The Contest: An Armenian Folktale by Nonny Hogrogian.
DBM 554
Two robbers, Hmayag and Hrahad, meet by accident under a pomegranate tree. Soon they discover that they are engaged to the same girl, Ehleezah. Since neither one is willing to give her up, they agree that the one who proves he is most clever at his trade will win her. The outcome of this test of thieves is a surprise to them and to us. For kindergarten-Grade 3. Approximate reading time: 15 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Cookie by Linda Kneeland.
DBM 758
Molly knew what she wanted, but she could not express it to others. It was a happy day for the entire family when Molly could ask for a cookie! For Kindergarten-grade 3. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Coota and the Magic Quilt by Haywood Fennell Sr.
DBM 814
Eleven-year-old Coota's mother sends him from Roxbury, Massachusetts to stay in North Carolina. There, he discovers a slave's diary, and learns from his civil-rights activist grandmother about the Underground Railroad codes sewn into colorful quilts decorating her home. By the time Coota returns to the "Bury," he is rapping about Harriet Tubman. For grades 5-8. Approximate reading time: 2 hrs, 10 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London.
DBM 100
Includes Sound Effects. Rambunctious Froggy hops out into the snow to have fun, but is called back inside by his mother to put on some more clothes. For Preschool-Grade 1. Approximate reading time: 5 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Grandad's Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood.
DBM 789
During walks with his grandson, Grandad explained that all things in the natural world pray, making a gift to the beauty of life. Trees pray, as do rocks, birds, and people. "Are our prayers answered, Grandad?" the boy asked. One day years later, after his Grandad is gone, the boy finds the answer to his question. For grades 2-4 and older readers. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Henry Builds a Cabin by D.B. Johnson.
DBM 845
What can a home be? Must it be big? When Henry decides to build a cabin for himself in the woods, his friends help and advise. But Henry has his own ideas. As he adds everything he thinks the cabin needs, his home becomes much larger than it looks. Inspired by the life of Henry David Thoreau, who built a cabin in the woods of Concord, Massachusetts. For preschool-grade 2. Approximate reading time: 5 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Henry Works by D.B. Johnson.
DBM 837
Henry waters wildflowers, places crossing stones in rivers, and generally cultivates the natural world around him. This is the author's fourth book based on the life of Henry David Thoreau. For preschool-grade 3. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

Journey Around Boston from A to Z by Martha Day Zschock.
DBM 760
An energetic mallard duck guides explorers of all ages on a tour of Boston, pointing out fascinating facts along the way. Walk the Freedom Trail. Stroll along cobblestone streets. Stand under the State House dome. Splash in the Frog Pond. For grades 2-4 and older readers. Approximate reading time: 30 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Lost! by David McPhail.
DBM 712
A little boy is walking down a street in Boston when he hears someone crying. It is a bear! And the bear is lost. After many adventures in the city, the boy helps the bear back to the forest. Then the boy is lost! But his friend the bear helps him home. For preschool-grade 2. Approximate reading time: 5 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Muffy's Secret Admirer by Marc Brown.
DBM 702
Muffy appears to have won at the science fair by influencing the judges with her French pastries. Thinking that his well-researched project has lost to bribery, the Brain plots revenge. He and Francine pretend to be Muffy's secret admirer, and keep everyone guessing who the boy could be. But, in the end, the joke is on them. For grades 2-4. Approximate reading time: 35 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr.
DBM 803
Zoo animals from polar bear to walrus make their distinctive sounds for each other, while children imitate the sounds for the zookeeper. For preschool-grade 2. Approximate reading time: 5 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Rolling Along With Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Cindy Meyers.
DBM 777
In this updated version of the familiar folktale, Baby Bear gets around in a wheelchair and has a motorized bed which fascinates Goldilocks. She becomes friends with him after her surprise visit to the Three Bears' house. For preschool-grade 2. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Seaward Born by Lea Wait.
DBM 858
In 1805, thirteen-year-old Michael works as a slave on the docks and ships of Charleston Harbor. He longs to sail. When his protective mistress dies, his conditions change, and his friend Jim urges him to run away to the North. For grades 6-9. Approximate reading time: 3 hrs. 40 min. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

The Second Escape of Arthur Cooper by Cynthia M. Stowe.
DBM 740
Arthur Cooper fled slavery in Virginia when he was a boy. By the time slave catchers find him in 1822, he is living on Nantucket with his wife and young children. His wife keeps house for the Folgers, a Quaker family, and cares for their mother who has been injured. Now it is young Phebe Folger's turn to help the Coopers. For junior and senior high readers. Approximate reading time: 2 hrs. Narrated by Fred Griffeth.

T.J.'s Story: a Book About a Boy Who is Blind by Arlene Schulman.
DBM 592
T.J., who is blind, tells his story. He describes how he lives with his family, attends public school, and plays with his friends. Information about blindness, a glossary, and a list of resources follow his story. For grades 3-6. Approximate reading time: 40 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Too Much Talk by Angela Shelf Medearis.
DBM 524
A retelling of a traditional West African tale about a king who refuses to believe that yams, fish, and cloth can talk, until his throne convinces him otherwise. For grades K-2. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by George Potter.

When I Grow Up by Candri Hodges.
DBM 759
One day, Jimmy asks his mother if he will hear and speak when he grows up. That question leads to another question: "If I can't hear, what can I do when I grow up?" Jimmy and his mother attend a career day with many other children who are deaf. Jimmy talks with many people and learns something important about his possibilities as a grown-up deaf person. For grades 2-4. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by George Potter.

Williams House by Ginger Howard.
DBM 1205
A new world means a new house for William, who has just settled in New England with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two boys. This step-by-step historical tale is about the building of a new home in 1637, and the construction of a bright new future. For kindergarden-grade 3. Approximate reading time: 10 min. Narrated by Ken Durand.

Young Thomas Edison by Michael Dooling.
DBM 956
Thomas Alva Edison was a boy who liked science experiments. A hearing impairment caused him trouble in the nineteenth century public schools. But once his mother, a former teacher, began schooling him at home, his genius blossomed. Creative and determined, Edison went on to invent a phonograph, the electric light bulb, and much more. For grades 3-6. Approximate reading time: 20 min. Narrated by Bart Smith.

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