Visit State Services for the Blind at Minnesota State Fair
State Services for the Blind will have a booth at the Minnesota State Fair, in the Education Building on Cosgrove Street, from Aug. 27 through September 7. It is an excellent way to connect with the public about issues around blindness, to show that there are ways that people can adapt to reduced or lost vision, and to explain what services we offer. Meet staff and volunteers (and maybe even your favorite reader).
Books Available Through FaribaultBooks broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault, MN. Their phone is 1-800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their catalog is also online, and you can access it by going to the main website,
www.education.state.mn.us , and then clicking on the link. If you live outside of Minnesota, you may obtain copies of books by contact the National Library Service.
Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived programs from the last week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the staff at the Radio for your password to the site. Access Press is one of the publications read at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.
Chautauqua: Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.
Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Nonfiction by Paul Theroux, 2008.
Decades ago, Theroux recounted his grand tour through Asia. In the three decades since, that world has undergone tremendous change. Here, Theroux visits the same places capturing the texture, sights, smells, and sounds of the changing landscape. L – Read by Charles Torrey. 27 broadcasts. Begins August 18.
Past is Prologue: Monday – Friday 9 a.m.
For the Thrill of It, Nonfiction by Simon Baatz, 2008.
In 1924, a Chicago murder shocked the nation as two college students killed for the thrill of the experience. Their lawyer was Clarence Darrow, America*s most famous lawyer. S – Read by Ray Christensen. 16 broadcasts. Began July 20.
Bookworm: Monday – Friday 11 a.m.
The Wilderness, Fiction by Samantha Harvey, 2009.
Jake has Alzheimer’s. As the disease takes hold of him, he struggles to hold on to his personal story. What went so wrong in his life? Is there anything he can salvage from the wreckage? Read by Leandra Peak.11 broadcasts. Begins August 26.
Potpourri: Monday – Friday 2 p.m.
Two Ends of a Leash Unshackled, Nonfiction by Grace D. Napier, 2008.
Grace began school before there were special education programs for blind children. But when she got into a program in another city, she blossomed. Read by Kristi Sullivan. 12 broadcasts. Begins August 17.
Choice Reading: Monday – Friday 4 p.m.
A Mad Desire to Dance, Fiction by Elie Wiesel, 2009.
Doriel’s knowledge of World War II and the Holocaust is limited to outside sources because his parents are now gone. But he is unable to find joy in life. He turns to psychoanalyst Dr. Thérèse Goldschmidt and together they journey to the darkest regions of the soul. V – Read by Dan Sadoff. 11 broadcasts. Began August 3.
PM Report: Monday – Friday 8 p.m.
What Obama Means, Nonfiction by Jabari Asim, 2009.
Barack Obama’s election is evidence of the progress that has been made in healing wounds and broadening America’s concept of leadership and inspiration. It could not have happened without groundwork in many areas. Read by Jack Rossman. Seven broadcasts. Began August 6.
Night Journey: Monday – Friday 9 p.m.
Moscow Rules, Fiction by Daniel Silva, 2008.
Gabriel Allon is pitted against Ivan Kharkov, an arms dealer in the new Russia, who is about to deliver Russia’s most sophisticated weapons to al-Qaeda. V – Read by Ray Christensen. 13 broadcasts. Begins August 10.
Off the Shelf: Monday – Friday 10 p.m.
Indignation, Fiction by Philip Roth, 2008.
As a reaction to the fears in 1951 America, Marcus Messner is sent to a conservative college, far from his home. The anger Marcus feels drives him even farther from his parents as he explores life. L,S – Read by Ray Christensen. Five broadcasts. Begins August 25.
Evening Odyssey: Monday – Friday 11 p.m.
Serena, Fiction by Ron Rash, 2008.
George and Serena move to the mountains to create a timber empire. Serena proves herself equal to the men and they kill or vanquish all who fall out of favor. L – Read by Bert Gardner. 12 broadcasts. Begins August 24.
Good Night Owl: Monday – Friday midnight
The Renegades, Fiction by T. Jefferson Parker, 2009.
Charlie Hood patrols the American West in his cruiser. Hood is assigned a new partner who everyone calls Mr. Wonderful. But the partner is killed while riding with Hood, and Hood knows he wasn’t always Mr. Wonderful. L -Read by Ray Christensen. 10 broadcasts. Begins August 18.
After Midnight: Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.
The Host, Fiction by Stephenie Meyer, 2008.
The world has been invaded by an unseen enemy who takes over the bodies and minds of humans. Wanderer has been given Melanie as a host, but Melanie refuses to relinquish possession of her mind. – Read by Jodi Furness. 25 Broadcasts. Begins August 24
Abbreviations: V – violence; L – offensive language; S – sexual situations
