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Passed the 500 book mark! The 500th book was "Elephant Run," by Roland Smith. It's a WW2 novel for junior high kids, and has plenty of adventure and elephants in it. Of course, I'm not stopping there; keep track with me as I shoot for 1,000!
This list was started sometime during the calendar year of 1993. A majority of the books that are in this list were read on summer vacations and other vacations, up till 2003 and then regularly after that throughout the year. These books were read in Braille, on cassette tape and in digital talking book form. Some were read by computers or other synthetic speech methods, such as on a portable book reader like the Victor Reader Stream from HumanWare or Booksense from GW Micro. Books that appear in a series may not necessarily be in order, such as the “in Death” series from J.D. Robb, but other series books are in order, such as Tom Clancy’s. A very few books may not have ratings, either because I haven’t read them yet or have forgotten about them, which does happen from time to time. When I started this list, I never thought that it would be out there for all the world to see. Nor did I imagine that the list would cover such a long range of time or that I would take it with me from computer to computer, and have it in various forms over the years. I just decided one day in high school to start keeping a record of books I read and rate them. And now, here we are almost 20 years later. Wow. AS I read more books, they will be added to this list and the book total at the bottom will be updated.
Some explanation should be given regarding some of the ratings. The following paragraph describes the ratings I’ve given, but let me say a few words about how I rate and so forth. First off, I really get into books, so my ratings come largely from the types of characters, plot development, and ending. I read for pleasure and don’t really think about what I’m reading until after I’ve finished a book. And almost always don’t really rate a book until after I’ve read it and had a chance to think about these factors. Sprinkled throughout the list are children’s books and other types of books. I’ll read anything as long as it’s written well. Ratings for children’s books should be considered as different from other ratings. In that, an 8 for a kid’s book has a different meaning for me than an 8 for an adult book or novel. Granted, I don’t have any notes in the following pages that distinguish the kid from the adult books, but you can usually tell by the titles. You will notice that most of the books on this list get 8’s or 9’s, but very few get 10’s. I’m very critical and consider the rating carefully when I rate, not just books mind you. Whenever I’ve taken surveys and had to rate my answer, rarely do I ever give the lowest or highest rating listed, figuring that I have to have a good reason to do so. I say all this in part to explain where I’m coming from, but also to point out that the rating for Jurassic Park is low for a reason. When I read books, I tend to think about different parts of them long after the book is done. Certain scenes stick on my mind for various reason, and I can often draw them up as if I were watching them as TV shows or movies. When I read that book, the scenes with the dinosaurs were definitely ones that stuck with me and even that gave me nightmares for several years afterward. I’ve made a habit of not changing the rating for a book after I give one, so I haven’t bothered to go back to revise that book’s rating. If I were to do so, it would probably get a 9, but due to the effects it had on me, it got a low rating, and what ended up being the lowest rating I’ve ever given for a book yet. Though you will find a few books that are 7’s. So, in case anyone cares, that’s why that book’s rating is so low. It has nothing to do with any of the usual factors I consider when rating the book. Of course it probably didn’t help matters much that I read the book for Jurasic Park around the time that the movie came out in theaters, which brought everything back to mind in a whole new way for me. Not to belabor the point here, but I still have bad dreams about dinosaurs, which I can certainly directly point back to that period of reading in that first JP book.
For the person reading this book list, the numbers following the book titles are ratings of those books from one to ten. Some books have a plus sign beside them. This means that they are good, but not good enough to be given a higher number. example- 8+: good for an 8, but not good enough for a 9.
Llinks are provided for the websites of author’s that I know about. If you know of a website for an author that I’ve missed, do send me feedback using the Feedback Form and let me know. If the site is somewhat accessible and usable by the blind, then I’ll add it on this page. When filling out the Feedback Form, choose the Books item in the combo box. This will tell me that your comment/suggestion is directed at this page. While it would be too much of a task to provide summaries about each title, I have included some comments about certain titles after the book/series and before the next author heading. Enjoy, and hopefully I can give you some good reading ideas.
Important note: there are some books in this list that do have sexual content in them and other material that may not be appropriate for younger readers or those who are sensitive to certain material to read. Rather than flagging those titles individually, since it would be hard to go back and single out any book that had any hints of sexual overtones, consider yourself warned. Besides, anything that’s really sexy and trashy can stay on the shelf as far as I’m concerned. The same warning goes for adult language.
Books are listed in alphabetical order by last name, and headings are provided for easier navigation. For those that are part of a series or mini-series, then sub headings are used, with a new larger heading for the next author's name. Though the books are not placed in categories, the different areas that are covered on this list include: suspense, medical fiction, legal fiction, biographies, sports, books on the media industry and music, classics, Christian related titles, animals, and much more. If you can't find something interesting on this list, then we need to talk, :)
Here's a few sources for reading books. Though there's not one source for every book on this list, many of them were or could be read using one or more of the following sources.
Audible.com is a great resource for reading all kinds of books, old time radio programs, daily, weekly, monthly or other types of publications, and more. Though this is a fee based service, you can get a monthly or annual subscription where you receive a certain number of credits to use toward the purchase of a book. Members receive a 30 percent discount on any title, and Audible currently has over 75,000 titles. Audible books can be listened to on a computer, a portable device like a cell phone, a netbook, or any of the blindness specific portable devices such as the Victor Reader Stream, Booksense, BookPort Plus, and others. One big advantage of Audible over the NLS program is that often, the Audible recording of a book is released the same day that the book goes on sale. In other words, no more waiting 6-12 months to hear that best seller.
The new age of digital books is here! On 4/30/09, the National Library Service (NLS) officially launched their Braille and Audio Recorded Download (BARD) site. You must have an authorized player, such as a Victor Reader Stream, GW Micro Booksense, Icon/Braille Plus Mobile Manager, or any other device that is authorized to play protected NLS DAISY books. This site has information on joining this great program from the library. Among the benefits are unlimited book downloads, constantly updated lists of popular fiction and nonfiction downloads, ability to get any of the former magazines on tape in digital form, and more. NLS has started offering these same digital books from their regional libraries through the mail, but why wait 6 weeks for a magazine subscription to start, when you can download it, or anything else, from this site. At last count, the site had around 20,000 books, and the numbers are growing all the time. Check the site out for more details.
BookShare.org: books without barriers. On February 21, 2002, Book Share opened their virtual doors to allow blind and print disabled people, or people that cannot easily read standard print, to join and download any of the books from their site. They started with around 7,000 books and at last count, they had over 55,000, and the numbers are growing all the time. The reason that Book Share can allow the download of copyrighted materials, and Napster couldn't, is that Book Share.org falls within the recent copyright laws. Go to their site and read more. Whether you are a member or not, you can perform title or author searches from their home page, or browse categories of books. The formats for downloading are the Daisy format and BRF formats. You can read the Daisy format in several Daisy readers, including Kurzweil 1000, and some specific software or hardware packages. The BRF format is compatible with any recent Freedom Scientific note taker, a Braille or Voice Note, with Kurzweil 1000 version 6.01 and above, or wiht any of the popular portable devices like the Victor Reader Stream, the Booksense, the BookPort Plus, and others. Members and nonmembers can also order embossed Braille copies of the books from the Braille Institute. Read more at the Book Share site.
This great book illustrates the many varieties of different things in our world, such as books, movies, and music to name a few, and talks about their distribution and how there's often many more items and people that like them online than there ever were in stores. In other words, it talks a lot about patterns, trends, and numbers in todays' world and how we got to this point--the long tail.
One of several great books to read if you want to get the inside scoop on Google, in how they started, their philosophies, and how some of their key products, such as search, Gmail, AdSense, and others came to be.
This NLS book and autobiography covers Bob's life and TV career as host of "Truth or Consequence" and "The Price Is Right." Though I enjoyed it, the flow could have been made better by following Bob's life from birth to adulthood. Instead, he jumps around to different parts or themes of his life. It was still a great read though and well recommended.
The Beast in the Garden is the title of a book that deals with man and nature. The true story explores the good and bad consequences when wildlife comes into our towns. It takes place in Boulder, Colorado, in the late eighties to early nineties. This site has lots of information, including: numerous audio interviews with the book's author that you can listen to, an excerpt of the book, reviews, and much more. Though this book is graphic at times, it's very thought provoking.
I'm not much of a basketball fan, but I really enjoyed this book. It tells the story of how these two superstars changed the NBA in the 80's and follows their professional careers and other life events to the present day. NBA fan or plain sports fan, anyone would enjoy this book.
The story of the Odessa Permian Panthers, a Texas high school football team that has become nearly legendary in their years of winning and championships. This book follows the team through the 1988-89 preseason, to regular season, to the post season and their run in the playoffs. It also tells the story of the town and how football is not only a sport but a way of life for their community.
This book tells the story behind the famous YouTue clip that has gained worldwide popularity, of 2 young Australians who raised a lion cub and later released him into the wild. It's a good book but a little short in my view.
I'm not really a fan of hers but The Witness was so good that I was into French Silk expecting the same before I realized that she was heavily into romance, which I'm not really into. So though she's written other books that I'm sure are great, I've not read any of them.
This was a great audio book because nancy narrates it and gives not only her biography, but also the history and perspective of being the voice for Bart Simpson of the popular TV show. The audio version is worht listening to, since she slips into different character voices, does sound effects, and is just down right entertaining to listen to. I'm not a Simpsons fan, but really enjoyed this one. Read more about her and her work at NancyCartwright.com
This great NLS book tells the story of listening to music and other media from the 1920's to today. It covers the development and change that the cassette tape and CD brought to the market, and how each would affect copyright concerns. I found it very interesting.
This great book tells the story of Mr. Colson's conversion to Christianity amidst the events of Water Gate in the early 1970's, and his uplifting experience in prison.
This is a great Audible book that thoroughly covers this landmark show, from idea to debut to skits and characters over the last 40 years. When listening, I found myself being able to picture many of the skits and scenes from when I have watched the show over the years. The main reason why this book didn't get one of my rare 10 ratings was the fact that this is an abridged recording. I'd love to read the full book at some point. After the book is an interview with the actor who plays Big Bird on the show, and who also narrated the book. Anyone who thinks they're too old for Sesame Street is either kidding themselves or is in denial.
This book follows the journey of one undercover cop through a year of his life spent with the Hells Angels. Though this is a very good book, the life journey of the central character Jay "Bird" Dobyns were colorful and at times hard to read. It truly gives you an appreciation of what some undercover police officers go through for the law and their country.
Uncommon is a great book to read for young men, or as a guide for life for anyone.
This abridged Audible book is by the famous NFL Network host of the program "Total Access." In it, Rich tells the stories of the NFL as he takes readers/listeners through a typical NFL calendar year, from the Superbowl to events for new rookies, to training camps, and finally with the debut of several 2006 football games on the NFL Network. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to any football fan. My only complaint would be that this was the abridged version; I'm sure the full version has even more to offer.
This great Audible.com book tells the story of one reporters experiences practicing and playing with the Denver Broncos NFL team in 2006. Though he didn't get a chance to play in a real game, he does give plenty of insight into what the fan sees on TV or on the field, and what the players and coaches go through, both in the game and during the rest of the week. Any true football fan will enjoy this book, as I did.
A great Christian oriented book for women to read to get an insight on men and what makes them tick, or for men to learn more about themselves. Though this might be more for married couples, it gives interesting insight into each other's lives and personalities.
A great book on the history of radio, from the 40's to today. It even covers the emmergence of satellite radio and it's possible impact on comercial radio. Any fan of the radio industry or radio in general will enjoy this read.
This book is the basis of the Mitch Rapp series below and is a good book to read to get the foundation of the series. Though the Rapp series need not be read in order, it can come in handy to follow the progression of characters and situations. For the latest on Vince Flynn and the Rapp series, check out the official Vince Flynn website or The Third Option
Ken Follett is one of my favorite authors. He writes historical and suspense fiction. There are other things on this site to do as well, so check it out.
This is a great book for any guy to read about how to be a better man. Joe gathers friends that are experts in particular areas, while weaving in his own wisdom, in order to talk about common issues for men, such as work, money management, marrige and sex, and others. though it is written from a Christian perspective, it is not in the least complex. I highly recommend it. Read more about the book and regular updates on Joe's thoughts and experiences at the official Game Plan for Life website
John Grisham is an author that has produced best selling novels for around a decade. Now, you can visit the John Grisham website and read more about the book, the man, and many other things.
I would have liked to have more scenes in this book with the elephant, but the numerous circus scenes make up for that. This Audible book was narrated by two people, a younger man and an elderly man, voicing the views and observations of the main character. Interesting approach, but it works well. A great way to hear a book.
This is a football and career biography of Coach Bill Belichick, from his early beginnings through the 2004 Superbowl win of the great New England Patriots.
This NLS title takes readers inside the Secret Service giving exclusive access to its inner workings and, in recent years, contraversial decisions and management downfalls. Anyone wanting to know what goes on behind the scenes of protection of major governmental figures will enjoy this book. Those interested in a history of the Secret Service can check out this page. The historical timeline is in a table. There are other links of interest on this page as well.
This book talks about the effect that Facebook has had on our society, relationships, and the way we view the world in its short existance. The Audible.com version of this book features an interview between the author and Facebook's director of marketing after the reading of the book.
A great book that follows the life of President George H.W. Bush from his time in World War II, to working at the CIA, head of the Republican National Committee, and his time as Vice President and later President of the United States. Though Long, I highly recommend it for anyone that wants to learn more about this already well known figure.
Visit the website for Dean Koontz
Left Behind is one of the most successful Christian fiction novel series ever. In case you haven't heard of it, the Left Behind series is based on the primace that those that have accepted Christ as their savior, have been raptured or taken to Heaven. The series follows the lives of a group of people, who were not believers before the rapture, but become afterward, as they live their lives during the Tribulation. On this website you can: read more about the series, send an electronic greeting card to someone who may not be a believer, and much more. There's even information about a dramatic audio series. You can also read about The kids, Left Behind series.
This great book follows Coach Lumbardy from Monday to sunday as he prepares himself and his team for the weeks' next opponent. Any true football fan will enjoy reading of the Great Vince Lumbardy and how his planning and game play work.
Highly recommended for anyone that enjoys the triumph of the human spirit when faced with diversity and low odds. In this case, it's a Navy SEAL deep in enemy teritory, and how he not only survived but was extracted and brought back to the United States.
When Elephants Weep is a great book and provides excellent insight into the minds and emotions of animals. This author has written another book, called The Pig Who sang to the Moon, which unfortunately falls far short. If you can get past the constant redundant notion that farm animals should be set free to wander, and that man short changes animals by taking their offspring and resources, such as milk from a cow, then I suppose this could be an okay book. I couldn't, and didn't finish the book. Lest I seem unsympathetic to the author's views, I read something similar in the one Audible review which the person who wrote the review also regretted buying the book. I foolishly thought that I might find something that the reviewer missed and some deeper insight in this secodn book; I was wrong.
Visit his website at CaesarMillanInc.com
This book tells the story of one couple's exploits in raising what came to be a 750 pound hog. While perhaps not the book that may interest some, how often can you read of someone having a pet such as this? A good book for any animal lover.
Read more award winners at The Darwin Awards website
Perri O'Shaughnessy is a new author that I've started to read. She writes legal thrillers. Visit her site and read about her books, order them online, read the FAQ section, and more.
A great book about the intelegence of birds, and one woman's journey to see just how much her parrot could learn.
This book is an autobiography of Nancy Reagan's life, with Ronald Reagan, in politics, and their life in the White house in the 80's, as well as how they got to the White House. I very much enjoyed reading of it and remembering things I had seen in the news at the time.
This Audible book was very good. though it was initially written in 1900, and it would have been neat to hear how the Ringling's circus has evolved in the 20th century, it was still entertaining and fun to read.
J.D. Robb, a pin name for Nora Roberts, is an author that I've really gotten into. Robb writes futureistic crime novels. Visit the official J.D. Robb website or check out the J.D. Robb book list. This page lists the catelog of paperback, hard cover, and audio recordings of Robb's books along with ordering options.
Note that Big Jack is a rewriting of the book Remember When, but without the first half of the book. Robb has turned the second half of the book into it's own novel, but expertly and well worht a secodn read.
This great book covers the rise and influence of radio between 1920-1940. It touches on radio's impact on family, sports, politics, journalism, and more, and describes how radio helped to bring the country together.
This book talks about the healing power of dogs, from medical to therapy dogs, to seizure alert/response dogs, and more. It even has a section on military dogs.
Unlike other science fiction writers, Robert Sawyer brings thought provoking questions to his stories, while writing material that anyone can understand without too much effort. I have often found myself wondering about situations, characters, or thought provoking points from several of his books, both during and long after I have read them. Visit the website for Robert Sawyer and read more about books he's written, his ideas, and other interesting topics.
Lisa Scottoline is one of my favorite legal fiction authors. Some say that she is, "the female John Grisham," if that tells you anything. Lisa continues to write great fiction with great character development. On this site, you can: read clips of her books (including ones she is currently working on); see which sites Lisa likes and where she's gotten her information; watch Lisa on her "Lisacam"; and much more.
truly, Shel Silverstein is one of the greatest writers, since he masterfully weaves clever rhymes with silly phrases, themes and words. Any of his books are worth reading and having in your collection.
Since this book was a compolation of articles about Brett over the years, it was written by many people, which is why Sports Illustrated is listed as the author.
This book by the Captain of US Airways Flight 1549 tells not only of that historic flight and landing, but also of the author's autobiography. It was very enjoyable and inspiring to read.
This was a unique book since it was pretty much straight dialog from various interviews with the band and their managers. Learn more about U2 and their music at their website at U2.com
This book tells of one family's experiences in moving to the country and living for a year as the people from 100 years ago would have lived. It was interesting to read of their struggles, their triumphs, and their deepening bonds, both with each other and their community. I'm not sure I could have done it.
I highly recommend this book if you're an animal lover. It's similar to those by James Harriott and written in the same style.
note- Books for numbers 2 and 3 should be read while studying World War 2.
These aren't the only books on this list about animals, but these fall into the group of books that I don't have authors for, or forgot to write the author's names down. Same with the following section.
Total books read: 577