Recent and Recommended Books Early 2011

Non-Fiction Books

A Time to Every Purpose: Letters to a Young Jew by Jonathan D. Sarna
DBM 1042
A leading American-Jewish historian writes gentle letters, each for a Jewish holiday. Using the holiday as a springboard, he discusses major themes of Jewish culture and religion. The letters are friendly and easily understood. For young adult and older readers. Narrated by Julia Terry.

American Freemasons: Three Centuries of Building Communities by Mark A.Tabbert
DBM 943
There are two million Freemasons in the United States. Leading Americans who have belonged to this fraternal organization over the past three centuries include Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, Harry Truman and Thurgood Marshall. The author recounts the history of Freemasonry, from its origin in 17th century Scotland to today. Narrated by Eric Dahl.

Between You and I: A Little Book of Bad English by James Cochrane
DBM 917
Cochrane, an editor and writer for many years, lists words and phrases often misused by people trying to impress, and explains how these bits of language should be used. Narrated by Eric Dahl.

The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Summer Home by George Howe Colt
DBM 882
When it became time to sell his family's century-old summer house on Cape Cod, the author returned for one last visit. He had spent 42 summers there, and memories flooded back. The eleven-room house was full of summer stories, and symbolized a vanishing way of life. Colt shares a treasure of Cape Cod history and fauna. A study of class, thoughts on past privileges and burdens, as well as a family memoir. Narrated by Eric Dahl.

Clearing Land: Legacies of the American Farm by Jane Brox
DBM 964
The family farm has been a mainstay of North American life for centuries. It is still a part of our national identity, although very few of us live close to the soil now. How did the family farm evolve from small plots at Plymouth Plantation? What impact has it had on United States history? Will it survive marginalization by industrial agriculture? A granddaughter of New England farmers explores these questions. Narrated by Yvonne Fuller.

Empowered by Hope by Ha T. Tran
DBM 1183
When Vietnam fell to the Communists in 1975, the author's life turned upside down. No longer the indulged daughter of privilege, she became the bride of a stranger, a boat person, and then a penniless immigrant to a country on the other side of the world. Her intimate story of struggle and transformation also includes guidance for readers coping with their own trials. Narrated by Julia Terry.

Haunted Island: True Ghost Stories from Martha's Vineyard by Holly Mascott Nadler
DBM 622
The author has compiled chilling accounts from Martha's Vineyard residents of their firsthand encounters with the supernatural. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

It's Only Rock and Roll: An Anthology of Rock and Roll Short Stories edited by Janice Eidus
DBM 685
A collection of humorous, dramatic, outrageous short stories about the rock music world and its significance. The authors write about rock from the doo-wop of the Fifties to Elvis, the Beatles, punk and heavy metal, and the wild women and alternative rock of the 1990s. Explicit descriptions of sex, strong language, and some violence. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Life Happens: And Other Unavoidable Truths by Connie Schultz
DBM 934
Schultz won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2005. Many of her insightful, often funny columns are collected here. She discusses life today - love, social issues, politics, and more. Narrated by Yvonne Fuller.

Mark It with a Stone by Joseph Horn
DBM 985
The 1939 German invasion of Radom, Poland forced twelve-year-old Joseph Horn to begin a terrible odyssey. First, he was sent to a slave-labor munitions factory, and later to three concentration camps (Blizyn, Auschwitz, and Bergen-Belsen). His family perished. Many years later, he bears witness to the horrific crimes he experienced. Contains extreme violence, and strong language. Narrated by Jay Rose.

The Nantucket Way: Untold Legend and Lore of America's Most Intriguing Island by Robert F. Mooney and Andre R. Sigourney
DBM 794
Lively anecdotes pepper this legal history of Nantucket Island and its people. Memorable characters emerge - from Benjamin Franklin's grandfather to the eloquent runaway slave, Frederick Douglass. Early Quaker settlelment, the Revolution, stormy years of whaling, and the island's modern battle for secession are all described in this lighthearted account of life on the most seaward island off the coast of Cape Cod. Some descriptions of violence. Narrated by Eric Dahl.

Nightwork: a History of Hacks and Pranks at MIT by T.F. Peterson
DBM 1016
"Hacking" in pre-computer MIT lingo meant "nondestructive mischief," unconventional solving of a technical problem, or jsut a diversion from studying. The tradition continues. Hacks often make statements, are philosophical, or just provide good-natured fun. The MIT Museum's Institute Historian shares his fascinating and often hilarious review of MIT hacks. Narrated by Jay Rose.

No Finish Line: My Life As I See It by Marla Runyon
DBM 665
The first legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympic Games tells her story. Diagnosed with Stargardt's disease when she was nine, Marla Runyan proved to be a gifted athlete. In 2000, she ran in the Olympics, placing eighth in the 1500 meters race. Soon afterward, she shattered the American indoor record for the 5000 meters race. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Presidential Trivia Quiz Book by William C. MacKay
DBM 703
A series of questions and answers about United States presidents. Questions range from "Who was the first president to throw out a ceremonial 'first pitch' at a major league baseball opener?" to "What White House fixture had to be replaced during William Howard Taft's term?" and "Which president once lost an entire set of White House china in a poker game?" Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Publishing: A Leap from Mind to Mind by Harold T. Miller
DBM 767
The author rose from textbook salesman to president and chairman of Houghton Mifflin, the Boston publishing house founded by Vermonter Henry Oscar Houghton in 1864. Miller describes the company's years between World War II and 1990, when it was a leader in textbook and children's literature publishing. He also addresses the company's struggles to remain independent. Narrated by Eric Dahl.

Revere Beach Elegy: A Memoir of Home and Beyond by Roland Merullo
DBM 840
The author's autobiography, full of vivid stories. Merullo remembers his growing up in Revere under the guidance of his first-generation Italian-American father, his move to elite Exeter Academy and later to an Ivy League college, his travels to the USSR, his Peace Corp assignment in Micronesia, and finally his return to Boston and his struggles to become the well-known novelist he is today. reading Narrated by Erik Dahl.

Ten Thousand Joys and Ten Thousand Sorrows: A Couple's Journey Through Alzheimer's by Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle
DBM 1053
Formerly entitled 'The Majesty of Your Loving'. How do we find peace in the face of tremendous challenges? Olivia and Hob Hoblitzelle sought answers to this question when Hob was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Drawing on their backgrounds in Buddhism, psychology, and literature, they found ways to continue to grow, find meaning, and strengthen their love. Olivia shares their journey and their discoveries, and provides self-help suggestions for others encountering similar challenges. Narrated by Jean Kriedberg.

The Worcester Account by Samuel Nathaniel Behrman
DBM 855
Notable playwright and scriptwriter, Samuel Nathaniel Behrman, was born and came of age in Worcester, Massachusetts. He fondly remembers those years in immigrant America, and shares stories about Ida the matchmaker, famous rabbi Ramaz, and many other colorful personalities. Many of these stories were first published in "The New Yorker" magazine. Narrated by Jay Rose.

Your Soul's Compass: What is Spiritual Guidance? by Joan Borysenko
DBM 1000
Why are we here? How can we have fulfilling lives? The authors consulted 27 Sages from Christian, Jewish, Sufi, Hindu, Buddhist, Quaker, shamanic, and secular traditions in search of answers. Here, they share the insights gleaned from that quest. Narrated by Jeff Ferrannini.

Fiction Books

A Cinderella Affidavit by Michael Fredrickson
DBM 885
A drug bust in Boston's Chinatown goes bad, and a police officer is killed during a no-knock search. The court orders the police to find the confidential snitch who set up the bust. Lawyers, politicians, mobsters and Boston's elite are dragged into the search for this informant, known as Cinderella. Some strong language, some violence, some descriptions of sex. Narrated by Mark Angney.

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand
DBM 838
Adrienne Dealey finds a summer job at Nantucket's hottest restaurant. She and the establishment's co-owner, Thatcher Smith, share an instant attraction. But the Blue Bistro's chef, Fiona, has a mysterious hold on Thatcher. And why is this successful restaurant in its final season? Adrienne must decide whether or not to open her heart for the first time. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

The Hazards of Good Breeding by Jessica Shattuck
DBM 916
When Caroline Dunlap returns after her college graduation, she finds that her Boston Brahmin home is less protected than she remembers. Her parents are divorced and her mother is dating. When the reason for her father's firing of housekeeper Rosita becomes clear, the Dunlap world is shaken further. Contains strong language and descriptions of sex. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Into Love and Out Again: Stories by Elinor Lipman
DBM 684
In these stories, the author explores extraordinary moments in ordinary life with wisdom and humor. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Shadows at the Fair: An Antique Print Mystery by Lea Wait
DBM 940
Maggie Summer sets up her booth at the Spring Antiques Fair, as she hears rumors of recent antiques dealers being murdered. After a victim is found at the Fair, Maggie spends her time looking for the killer and protecting a young friend. The answer to the mystery may be in one of her antiques, but which one? Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Target Underwear and a Vera Wang Gown: Notes from a Single Girl's Closet by Adena Halpern
DBM 938
As with many women, clothes have played an important part in Halpern's life -- and what funny, oh-so-real stories they have to tell. She recalls being the teenager who absolutely had to dress like the other girls, at college falling for the cool guy in a leather jacket, and as a career woman arriving late for a major meeting because she couldn't find anything right to wear. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Time Served by Sandra Lee
DBM 1068
Building on her own experiences as an employee in various Massachusetts law firms, the author has written a novel about that environment. After moving from job to job, finding each to be very uncomfortable and stressful, Jen becomes ill and stops working. The author's stated purpose is to inspire workers to find healthy careers. Narrated by Julia Terry.

Children’s Books

The Boy Who was Generous with Salt by Corinne Demas
DBM 854
Ned goes to sea from Cape Cod as a cook on a nineteenth-century fishing schooner. He thinks that, if he uses up all of the salt on board, he can return home by his ninth birthday. For kindergarten-grade 3. Narrated by Eric Dahl.

Journey Around Cape Cod and the Islands from A to Z by Martha Day Zschock
DBM 763
A curious seagull visits each town on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Every part of the tour is peppered with interesting tidbits of information about the area's history, geography, economy, and general way of life. Bon voyage! For grades 3-6 and older readers. Narrated by Eric Dahl.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
DBM 998
When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him. For preschool - grade 2. Narrated by Yvonne Fuller.

The Long Way to a New Land by Joan Sandin
DBM 546
"We will go to America!" It is 1868, and Carl Erik's family faces starvation in Sweden. They make a journey over land and sea to find a better life in a new country thousands of miles away. For grades 2-4. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

My Senator and Me: A Dog's Eye View of Washington, D.C. by Senator Edward M. Kennedy
DBM 926
Former Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts got a dog a few years ago. Now Splash is famous on Capitol Hill in Washington. The author follows Senator Kennedy and Splash through one busy day in D.C. After a press conference, they meet with a school group, and then vote on the Senate floor. And they find time to play fetch, too. For Kindergarten- grade 3. Narrated by Erik Dahl.

Noises at Night by Beth Raisner Glass
DBM 963
A little boy imagines that the noises he hears at night, from a dripping faucet to the whistle of the wind, are really the sounds of adventures in which he plays a sea captain, a policeman, and other wonderful characters. For Preschool - Grade 2. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Noisy Book by Margaret Wise Brown
DBM 663
One day, a little dog named Muffin gets a cinder in his eye. The doctor bandages Muffin's eyes...and then Muffin hears all sorts of noises. For Preschool - Grade 2. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Pablo’s Tree by Pat Mora
DBM 543
Drawing on her childhood in a Mexican-American community, Mora captures the special relationship that can exist between grandparent and child. When Lito first met his grandson, Pablo, he planted a tree. Each year, on Pablo's birthday, Lito decorates the tree with something new. Today is Pablo's birthday. What will be on his tree? For kindergarten-grade 3. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Stopping to Home by Lea Wait
DBM 909
1806, Wiscasset seaport in Maine. Eleven-year-old Abigail Chambers and her brother, Seth, are alone. Their father has been lost at sea, and their mother has died of smallpox. Seth finds temporary employment working for the young Widow Chase. Then Abbie has an idea that may provide a solution for them all. For grades 5-8. Narrated by Yvonne Fuller.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto
DBM 545
Christmas Eve began happily for Maria. Her cousins were coming over, and she got to help her mother make tamales for dinner. Then she tried on her mother's beautiful diamond ring -- and lost it in the food! After a desperate and funny attempt by Maria and her cousins to find the ring by eating all the tamales, her warm family makes it a happy Christmas after all. For grades 1-3. Narrated by Ana Maria Quintana.

Zachary's Ball by Matt Tavares
DBM 942
Dad takes Zachary to his first Boston Red Sox game, where they catch a ball and something amazing happens. For grades 3-6. Narrated by Mark Angney.