Fiction Old and New

The facilitator for this meeting will be LeDon: ledonb@outlook.com.

This book can be found on Bookshare at this link:

https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/2911709?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPUElMkJSZWRiaXJkJTJCQ2hyaXN0bWFz

My review:

My first introduction to Fannie Flagg was through her novel, Fried Green Tomatoes, so I  knew what a gift she has for making small towns and the ordinary people like you and me in them come alive with warmth, humor, and kindness. That is why I selected her Christmas book , A...

On 10.3.2025 at 8 PM Eastern we will be discussing the book, The widower’s wife: a thriller by Cate Holahan DB128362. The facilitator for this meeting will be LeDon: ledonb@outlook.com.

My review:

The widower’s wife: a thriller DB128362 is an intriguing thriller that grabbed hold of me from the start and wouldn’t let me go. Ana Bacon is a wife and mother. Her husband, Tom Bacon, is struggling under the weight of financial troubles. Then he takes out a five-million-dollar life insurance policy on Ana, with a double indemnity clause.01 Then, shortly later...

On 10.3.2025 at 8 PM Eastern we will be discussing the book, The widower’s wife: a thriller by Cate Holahan DB128362. The facilitator for this meeting will be LeDon: ledonb@outlook.com.

My review:

The widower’s wife: a thriller DB128362 is an intriguing thriller that grabbed hold of me from the start and wouldn’t let me go. Ana Bacon is a wife and mother. Her husband, Tom Bacon, is struggling under the weight of financial troubles. Then he takes out a five-million-dollar life insurance policy on Ana, with a double indemnity clause.01 Then, shortly later...

on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time.  Please join us to welcome Tracey back and don’t forget to bring your questions and comments. The BARD annotation is below. Unfortunately, this book is not available on Bookshare.

Our facilitator for this meeting will be Michelle Bernstein, hamletsweetlady@gmail.com.

What happened to the McCrays? DB128432

Author: Lange, Tracey

Reading Time: 10 hours, 29 minutes

Read by: Németh-Parker, Stephanie, DeMeritt, William

Subjects: Family, Romance

“When Kyle McCray gets word his father h...

We will not meet in July due to the July 4th holiday. We will continue this group without a facilitator until we have one and we hope you can join us to informally discuss this book.

Three days in June DB127313

Author: Tyler, Anne

Reading Time: 4 hours, 25 minutes

Read by: Smith-Cameron, J.

Subjects: Human Relations, Family, Women, Romance

“Gail Baines is long divorced from her husband, Max, and not especially close to her grown daughter, Debbie. Today is the day before Debbie’s weddi...

No hiding in Boise DB118022

Author: Hooper, Kim

Reading Time: 9 hours, 41 minutes

Read by: Adam Barr, Pete Cross, Madeleine Maby, Stephanie Einstein, Michael Brusasco, Patrick Lawlor, Stephanie Willing, Nick Mondelli, Neil Hellegers, Devon Sorvari, Hillary Huber

Subjects: Suspense Fiction, Mystery and Detective Stories, Women

“Angie is awakened by a midnight call from an officer with the Boise Police Department and thinks there must be a misunderstanding. The officer tells her that her husband was involved in a shooting at a local bar, but how can that be whe...

(BARD annotation below). We will continue this group without a facilitator until we have one and we hope you can join us to informally discuss this book.

Here is the NLS annotation:

The Heaven & Earth Grocery store: a novel DB115655

Author: McBride, James

Reading Time: 12 hours, 24 minutes

Read by: Dominic Hoffman

Subjects: Bestsellers, African American Topics, Disability, Historical Fiction

“In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find...

Here is the NLS annotation:

The berry pickers: a novel DB117941 Author: Peters, Amanda Reading Time: 8 hours, 47 minutes Read by: Jordan Waunch, Aaliya Warbus Subjects: General Fiction, Family, Historical Fiction

“A four-year-old Mi’kmaq girl goes missing from the blueberry fields of Maine, sparking a tragic mystery that haunts the survivors, unravels a family, and remains unsolved for nearly fifty years. July 1962. Following in the tradition of Indigenous workers from Nova Scotia, a Mi’kmaq family arrives in Maine to pick blueberries for the summer. Weeks later, four-year-old Ruthie, the family’s youngest child, vanishes. She is l...

Here is the NLS annotation:

The accident: a novel DB74117

Author: Barclay, Linwood

Reading Time: 12 hours, 17 minutes

Read by: Peter Berkrot

Subject: Suspense Fiction

After his wife Sheila is killed in a drunk-driving accident she caused, struggling contractor Glen Garber is angry and confused–Sheila never drank that much. When the mother of his eight-year-old daughter’s best friend also dies mysteriously, Glen’s suspicions deepen. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2011.

This book can be found...

The Fiction Old and New book group again welcomes guest host Sally Rosenthal on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern to discuss The color purple DB58842 by Alice Walker.

(BARD annotation below). We hope that you can join us this Black History Month to discuss this compelling story.

Here is the NLS annotation:

The color purple DB58842 Author: Walker, Alice Reading Time: 8 hours, 51 minutes Read by: Tracy MIckens Hundley Subjects: African American Topics, Human Relations, Historical Fiction, Family, LGBTQ+

Follows two black sisters–Nettie, a missionary, and Celie, raped by...

The Fiction Old and New book group is thrilled to welcome guest host Sally Rosenthal on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. to discuss “Crow Lake” by Mary Lawson,

DB 59867 (BARD annotation below). We hope that you can join us to discuss this compelling story.

Here is the NLS annotation:

Crow Lake DB 59867

Lawson, Mary. Reading time 7 hours, 39 minutes.

Read by Martha Harmon Pardee. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Family; Psychological Fiction

...

(BARD annotation below). We hope that you can join us to discuss this compelling story.

Here is the NLS annotation:

Help wanted: a novel DB 121085

Waldman, Adelle. Reading time 9 hours, 27 minutes.

Read by Katie Boothe. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Humor; Human Relations; General

Description: “Every day at 3:55 a.m., members of Team Movement clock in for their shift at big-box store Town Square in a small upstate New York town...

Here is the NLS annotation

I have some questions for you DB 112960

Makkai, Rebecca. Reading time 14 hours, 8 minutes.

Read by Julia Whelan. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Suspense Fiction; Mystery and Detective Stories; Bestsellers; Psychological Fiction

Description: “A successful film professor and podcaster, Bodie Kane is content to forget her past—the family tragedy that marred her adolescence, her four largely miserable years at a New Hampshire boarding school, and the 1995 murder of a classm...

Here is the NLS annotation

Dogwood Blossom: growing up Native American DBC 11736 Noriega, DeAnna Quietwater. Reading time 1 hour, 15 minutes. Read by Laurie Coiley Massing. A production of Perkins Library, Perkins School for the Blind.

Subjects: Biography of Persons with Disabilities; Family

Description: In Dogwood Blossom, the author invokes a simpler time and how it was growing up in a world that didn’t always accept her. Poverty and oppression are no match for the strong bonds among the members of this hardworking and loving family. The life lessons here will resonate with readers yo...

We hope that you can join us to discuss this human relations and romance audiobook by best-selling Black author Kennedy Ryan.

Here is the NLS annotation:

Before I let go: a Skyland novel DB 111356 Ryan, Kennedy. Reading time 13 hours, 48 minutes. Read by Jakobi Diem Wesleigh Siobhan. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Psychological Fiction; Romance Description: “Their love was supposed to last forever. But when life delivered blow after devastating blow, Yasmen and Josiah Wade found that love alone couldn’t solve or save...

Here is the NLS annotation: Late bloomers: a novel DBC 29005 Varadarajan, Deepa. Reading time 12 hours, 16 minutes. • Read by Shahjehan Khan Mehr Dudeja Deepa Samuel. A production of Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Talking Book Program.

Subjects: Humor; Family

Description: “After thirty-six years of marriage, recently divorced Suresh and Lata Raman find themselves starting new paths in life. Suresh is trying to navigate the world of online dating on a website that caters to Indians and is striking out at every turn until he meets a mysterious, devastatingly attractive younger woman named Malika, who seems to b...

The frozen river: a novel DB 117781

Lawhon, Ariel. Reading time 15 hours, 8 minutes. Read by Ariel Lawhon Jane Oppenheimer. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Suspense Fiction; Historical Fiction; Mystery and Detective Stories

Description: “Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every bir...

We hope that you can join us to discuss this historical fiction audiobook.

Here is the NLS annotation: Loot DB 115153 James, Tania. Reading time 8 hours, 45 minutes. Read by Shawn K. Jain. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Historical Fiction Description: “Abbas is just seventeen years old when his gifts as a woodcarver come to the attention of Tipu Sultan, and he is drawn into service at the palace in order to build a giant tiger automaton for Tipu’s sons, a gift to commemorate their retu...

The Fiction Old and New book group is thrilled to welcome author Tracey Lange to our Friday, April 5, 2024 meeting at 8 p.m. She will be discussing her two family novels, “We are the Brennans”, DB 104795 and “The Connellys of County Down”, DB 116746. We hope you can join us for this amazing event.

Here are the NLS annotations: 1. The Connellys of County Down DB 116746 Lange, Tracey. Reading time 9 hours, 23 minutes. Read by Barrie Kreinik. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Family; Women

Description: “When Tara Conne...

Here is the NLS annotation: Land of milk and honey DB 116953 Zhang, C Pam. Reading time 8 hours, 7 minutes. Read by Eunice Wong. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Science and Technology; General; Women

Description: “A smog has spread. Food crops are rapidly disappearing. A chef escapes her dying career in a dreary city to take a job at a decadent mountaintop colony seemingly free of the world’s troubles. There, the sky is clear again. Rare ingredients abound. Her enigmatic employer and his visionary daughter have...

We hope that you can join us to discuss this psychological novel from acclaimed author Emma Cline.

Here is the NLS annotation: The guest: a novel DB 114407 Cline, Emma. Reading time 8 hours, 39 minutes. Read by Carlotta Brentan. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Psychological Fiction

Description: “Summer is coming to a close on the East End of Long Island, and Alex is no longer welcome. A misstep at a dinner party, and the older man she’s been staying with dismisses her with a ri...

Here is the NLS annotation: We are the Brennans DB 104795 Lange, Tracey. Reading time 9 hours, 41 minutes. Read by Barrie Kreinik. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: General; Psychological Fiction

Description: When twenty-nine-year-old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital after a drunk driving accident she caused, she swallows her pride and goes home to her family in New York. She deserted them all–and her high school sweetheart–five years before with little explanation, and they’ve got questions. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021. Your facili...

The Fiction Old and New book group is meeting on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. to discuss “Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center, D B C 1 1 9 3 9. We hope that you can join us to discuss this latest novel from one of our favorite authors.

Here is the NLS annotation: Happiness for beginners DBC 11939 Center, Katherine. Reading time 9 hours, 49 minutes. Read by Leslie Rogers. A production of Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Talking Book Program.

Subjects: General

Description: A year after getting divorced, Helen Carpenter, thirty-two, lets her annoying, ten years younger brother ta...

The Fiction Old and New book group is honored to have guest host LeDon lead the discussion of Dennis Lehane’s latest book, “Small Mercies”, DB 1 1 4 4 5 6 on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. We hope that you can join us to discuss this compelling suspense audiobook.

Here is the NLS annotation: Small mercies: a novel DB 114456 Lehane, Dennis. Reading time 10 hours, 27 minutes. Read by Robin Miles. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Suspense Fiction; Historical Fiction; Mystery and Detective Stories

Description: “In the summer o...

We hope that you can join us to discuss this entertaining audiobook.

Here is the NLS annotation: Warrior girl unearthed DB 114761 Boulley, Angeline. Reading time 11 hours, 34 minutes. Read by Isabella Star LaBlanc. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Mystery and Detective Stories; Young Adult

Description: “With the rising number of missing Indigenous women, her family’s involvement in a murder investigation, and grave robbers profiting off her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry takes matters into her own hands to solve the mystery and reclaim her peop...

Here is the NLS annotation: How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water: a novel DB 110919 Cruz, Angie. Reading time 6 hours, 19 minutes. Read by Kimberly M. Wetherell Rossmery Almonte. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Family Description: “Cara Romero thought she would work at the factory of little lamps for the rest of her life. But when, in her mid-50s, she loses her job in the Great Recession, she is forced back into the job market for the first time in decades. Set up with a...

Here is the NLS annotation: The Lehman trilogy: a novel DB 101774 Massini, Stefano Dixon, Richard. Reading time 13 hours, 43 minutes. Read by Edoardo Ballerini. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Historical Fiction; Family

Description: Henry Lehman leaves Bavaria for the United States to make a better life. He builds a textile dynasty in Alabama. Brothers Emanuel and Mayer expand the family’s holdings. The generations of the Lehman family span one hundred fifty years. Translated from the original 2016 Italian edition. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020. Our facilitator for th...

Here is the NLS annotation: We all want impossible things: a novel DB 111246 Newman, Catherine. Reading time 6 hours, 58 minutes. Read by Jane Oppenheimer. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Friendship Fiction

Description: “Edith and Ashley have been best friends for over forty-two years. They’ve shared the mundane and the momentous together: trick or treating and binge drinking; Gilligan’s Island reruns and REM concerts; hickeys and heartbreak; surprise Scottish wakes; marriages, infertility, and children. As Ash says, “Edi’s memory is like the back-up hard drive...

Here is the NLS annotation: The displacements DB 109018 Holsinger, Bruce W. Reading time 13 hours, 38 minutes. Read by Austenne Grey. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Suspense Fiction

Description: “To all appearances, the Larsen-Hall family has everything: healthy children, a stable marriage, a lucrative career for Brantley, and the means for Daphne to pursue her art full-time. Their deluxe new Miami life has just clicked into place when Luna–the world’s first category 6 hurricane–upends everything they have taken for granted. When the storm makes landfall...

Here is the NLS annotation: The whalebone theatre DB 110521 Quinn, Joanna. Reading time 18 hours, 25 minutes. Read by Olivia Vinall. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Historical Fiction

Description: “One blustery night in 1928, a whale washes up on the shores of the English Channel. By law, it belongs to the King, but twelve-year-old orphan Cristabel Seagrave has other plans. She and the rest of the household—her sister, Flossie; her brother, Digby, long-awaited heir to Chilcombe Manor; Maudie Kitcat, kitchen maid; Taras, visiting artist—build a theatr...

The Fiction Old and New book group will be discussing the contemporary novel, “Nora Goes Off Script” by Anna Monaghan, D B 1 0 8 6 5 7 on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. eastern time.

Here is the NLS annotation:

Nora goes off script DB 108657 Monaghan, Annabel. Reading time 6 hours, 59 minutes. Read by Hillary Huber. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Romance

Description: “Nora Hamilton knows the formula for love better than anyone. As a romance channel screenwriter, it’s her job. But when her too-good-to work hus...

The Fiction Old and New book group discussed the classic novel, “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison. Two versions of this novel are available on BARD and both are posted below.

Here are the two book annotations:

1. Invisible man DB 56346 Ellison, Ralph. Reading time 20 hours, 57 minutes. Read by Peter Jay Fernandez. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Classics

Description: Classic novel of a young black man’s search for identity. Follows the unnamed protagonist from his youth in a Southern town throug...

The Fiction Old and New book group is privileged to welcome guest host Shelly Kane who will lead the discussion of the suspense novel, “Behind Every Lie” by Christina McDonald, D B 9 9 6 9 4 on Friday, January 6, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. eastern time.

Here is the NLS annotation:

Behind every lie DB 99694 McDonald, Christina. Reading time 9 hours, 41 minutes. Read by Fiona Hardingham. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Suspense Fiction; Psychological Fiction

Description: Eva Hansen wakes in the hospital after being struck by lightning and...

Here is the NLS annotation: Musical chairs DB 100230 Poeppel, Amy. Reading time 12 hours, 41 minutes. Read by Jackie Sanders. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: General Description: Cellist Bridget Stratton and her best friend Will are part of a chamber music trio in need of a new violinist. Bridget's plans for a relaxing summer in the Connecticut countryside crumble when her boyfriend breaks up with her and her two grown children show up with their own problems. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020. Our facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

Here is the NLS annotation:

Musical chairs DB 100230 Poeppel, Amy. Reading time 12 hours, 41 minutes. Read by Jackie Sanders. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: General

Description: Cellist Bridget Stratton and her best friend Will are part of a chamber music trio in need of a new violinist. Bridget’s plans for a relaxing summer in the Connecticut countryside crumble when her boyfriend breaks up with her and her two grown children show up with their own problems. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

Our fa...

The Fiction Old and New book group will be discussing “A Town Called Solace” by acclaimed

Canadian author Mary Lawson, D B 1 0 8 0 1 0 on Friday, November 4, 2022 at 8:00 p.m.

Here is the NLS annotation:

A town called Solace DB 108010 Lawson, Mary. Reading time 7 hours, 34 minutes. Read by Ian Lake. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Family

Description: In 1970s Ontario, sixteen-year-old Rose is missing. Angry and rebellious, she stormed out of the house and simply disappeared. Left behind is seven-year-old Clar...

Here is the NLS annotation:

The younger wife DB 107296 Hepworth, Sally. Reading time 9 hours, 20 minutes. Read by Zoe Carides. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Suspense Fiction

Description: Heart surgeon Stephen Aston is looking to get married again, but he must first divorce his current wife–who can no longer speak for herself. His daughters, Tully and Rachel, believe his new fiancée, Heather, is nothing but a gold digger as she’s younger than both of them. But Heather has her own secre...

Here is the NLS annotation: Lessons in chemistry DB 107538 Garmus, Bonnie. Reading time 11 hours, 57 minutes. Read by Bonnie Garmus. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Historical Fiction

Description: In the early 1960s, chemist Elizabeth Zott has a lot of challenges as the only woman on her team at Hastings Research Institute. She falls for colleague Calvin Evans, but the double standards of the day eventually have her looking for a new chapter outside academia, hosting a television cooking show. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2022.

Your...

Here is the NLS annotation: Lessons in chemistry DB 107538 Garmus, Bonnie. Reading time 11 hours, 57 minutes. Read by Bonnie Garmus. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Historical Fiction Description: In the early 1960s, chemist Elizabeth Zott has a lot of challenges as the only woman on her team at Hastings Research Institute. She falls for colleague Calvin Evans, but the double standards of the day eventually have her looking for a new chapter outside academia, hosting a television cooking show. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2022. Your facilitator is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

How to walk away DB 91087 Center, Katherine. Reading time 10 hours, 38 minutes. Read by Therese Plummer. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Human Relations; Family

Description: Margaret Jacobsen is in a plane crash with her boyfriend which leaves her paralyzed. In the aftermath, she reevaluates her relationships, reconnecting with the sister she hasn’t seen in years and bonding with Ian, the tough physical therapist who won’t let her give in to self-pity. Strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2018.

How to walk away DB 91087 Center, Katherine. Reading time 10 hours, 38 minutes. Read by Therese Plummer. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. Subjects: Human Relations; Family Description: Margaret Jacobsen is in a plane crash with her boyfriend which leaves her paralyzed. In the aftermath, she reevaluates her relationships, reconnecting with the sister she hasn't seen in years and bonding with Ian, the tough physical therapist who won't let her give in to self-pity. Strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2018.

Love & saffron: a novel of friendship, food, and love DB 106798 Fay, Kim. Reading time 3 hours, 48 minutes. Read by Kim Fay. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Friendship Fiction; Historical Fiction

Description: In 1962, Joan Bergstrom, a twenty-seven-year-old just starting out as a food writer in Los Angeles, sends a fan letter and a gift of saffron to fifty-nine-year-old Imogen Fortier, a columnist from the Pacific Northwest. Their correspondence turns into a life-changing friendship. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2022.

Love & saffron: a novel of friendship, food, and love DB 106798 Fay, Kim. Reading time 3 hours, 48 minutes. Read by Kim Fay. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Friendship Fiction; Historical Fiction Description: In 1962, Joan Bergstrom, a twenty-seven-year-old just starting out as a food writer in Los Angeles, sends a fan letter and a gift of saffron to fifty-nine-year-old Imogen Fortier, a columnist from the Pacific Northwest. Their correspondence turns into a life-changing friendship. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2022.

The nature of fragile things DB 102273 Meissner, Susan. Reading time 10 hours, 41 minutes. Read by Jason Culp. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Friendship Fiction; Historical Fiction; Human Relations

Description: In 1905, a year before the earthquake that would devastate San Francisco, Irish immigrant Sophie Whalen is so desperate to get out of a New York tenement that she answers a mail-order bride ad and agrees to marry a man she knows nothing about. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

our facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein ...

The nature of fragile things DB 102273 Meissner, Susan. Reading time 10 hours, 41 minutes. Read by Jason Culp. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Friendship Fiction; Historical Fiction; Human Relations Description: In 1905, a year before the earthquake that would devastate San Francisco, Irish immigrant Sophie Whalen is so desperate to get out of a New York tenement that she answers a mail-order bride ad and agrees to marry a man she knows nothing about. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021. our facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Fiction Old and New Book group is privileged to welcome guest host DeAnna Noriega who will be discussing the novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter, by Angeline Boulley DB 102762. This exceptional audio book has been optioned by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, for a forthcoming Netflix series. Please join DeAnna for a delightful discussion about this interesting book.

In addition, I have included the annotation for our Friday June 3, 2022 book discussion. On that date, we will be discussing the

historical novel, The Nature of Fragile Thin...

On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Fiction Old and New Book group is privileged to welcome guest host DeAnna Noriega who will be discussing the novel, Firekeeper's Daughter, by Angeline Boulley DB 102762. This exceptional audio book has been optioned by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground, for a forthcoming Netflix series. Please join DeAnna for a delightful discussion about this interesting book. In addition, I have included the annotation for our Friday June 3, 2022 book discussion. On that date, we will be discussing the historical novel, The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner, DB 102273. I will...

What you wish for DB 99569 Center, Katherine. Reading time 10 hours, 20 minutes. Read by Thérèse Plummer. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Romance

Description: Samantha Casey loves being an elementary school librarian in Galveston, Texas until her school gets a new principal: Duncan Carpenter, Samantha’s former crush. Unfortunately, Duncan is not the fun-loving goof she once knew and is soon turning the school into a veritable prison with his safety concerns. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bern...

What you wish for DB 99569 Center, Katherine. Reading time 10 hours, 20 minutes. Read by Thérèse Plummer. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Romance Description: Samantha Casey loves being an elementary school librarian in Galveston, Texas until her school gets a new principal: Duncan Carpenter, Samantha's former crush. Unfortunately, Duncan is not the fun-loving goof she once knew and is soon turning the school into a veritable prison with his safety concerns. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

Here is the NLS annotation:

The downstairs girl DB 96993 Lee, Stacey. Reading time 10 hours, 24 minutes. Read by Emily Woo Zeller. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Historical Fiction; Young Adult

Description: 1890. By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady’s maid for the cruel Caroline Payne, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019.

Your facilitator fo...

Here is the NLS annotation: The downstairs girl DB 96993 Lee, Stacey. Reading time 10 hours, 24 minutes. Read by Emily Woo Zeller. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Historical Fiction; Young Adult Description: 1890. By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel Caroline Payne, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

Here is the NLS annotation: The downstairs girl DB 96993 Lee, Stacey. Reading time 10 hours, 24 minutes. Read by Emily Woo Zeller. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Historical Fiction; Young Adult Description: 1890. By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel Caroline Payne, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

Please join us to discuss this classic novel by a significant 20th century American writer. Here is the NLS annotation: The optimist’s daughter / DB 31668 Welty, Eudora. Reading time 4 hours, 26 minutes. Read by Laura Giannarelli. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Family

Description: Laurel Hand, a middle-aged widow since World War II, returns home to a small Mississippi town after the death of her beloved father, a judge. There she confronts her past to gain a better understanding of herself and her parents. Pulitzer Prize, 1973.

Your fa...

Please join us to discuss this classic novel by a significant 20th century American writer. Here is the NLS annotation: The optimist's daughter / DB 31668 Welty, Eudora. Reading time 4 hours, 26 minutes. Read by Laura Giannarelli. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. Subjects: Family Description: Laurel Hand, a middle-aged widow since World War II, returns home to a small Mississippi town after the death of her beloved father, a judge. There she confronts her past to gain a better understanding of herself and her parents. Pulitzer Prize, 1973. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady...

Please join us to discuss this suspenseful thriller set in italy. Here is the NLS annotation: Palace of the drowned DB 104759 Mangan, Christine, (Christine Rose). Reading time 10 hours, 14 minutes. Read by Emily Pennant-Rea. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Suspense Fiction

Description: 1966. Years after the success of her first novel, Frankie Croy retreats to a friend’s Venetian palazzo when she receives a scathing review of her latest work. When young fan Gilly appears and insinuates herself into Frankie’s life, Frankie worries about Gilly’s inte...

Please join us to discuss this suspenseful thriller set in italy. Here is the NLS annotation: Palace of the drowned DB 104759 Mangan, Christine, (Christine Rose). Reading time 10 hours, 14 minutes. Read by Emily Pennant-Rea. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Suspense Fiction Description: 1966. Years after the success of her first novel, Frankie Croy retreats to a friend's Venetian palazzo when she receives a scathing review of her latest work. When young fan Gilly appears and insinuates herself into Frankie's life, Frankie worries about Gilly's intentions, even as flood waters rise. Unrated...

Here is the NLS annotation: The vixen: a novel DB 104346 Prose, Francine. Reading time 12 hours, 21 minutes. Read by Tristan Morris. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Historical Fiction

Description: In 1953, recent Harvard graduate Simon Putnam is newly hired by a distinguished New York publishing firm. He gets a difficult first assignment editing a lurid bodice ripper improbably based on the recent trial and execution of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein

(hamletsweetlady...

Here is the NLS annotation: The vixen: a novel DB 104346 Prose, Francine. Reading time 12 hours, 21 minutes. Read by Tristan Morris. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Historical Fiction Description: In 1953, recent Harvard graduate Simon Putnam is newly hired by a distinguished New York publishing firm. He gets a difficult first assignment editing a lurid bodice ripper improbably based on the recent trial and execution of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

Here is the NLS annotation: Klara and the sun DB 102764 Ishiguro, Kazuo. Reading time 10 hours, 18 minutes. Read by Sura Siu. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Science Fiction; Bestsellers

Description: Klara, an Artificial Friend, possesses great observational skills, and loves to watch the humans around her. When she is purchased to act as a companion for an ill girl, she studies the emotions of her new family closely and tries to learn from them. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2021. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle...

Here is the NLS annotation: Klara and the sun DB 102764 Ishiguro, Kazuo. Reading time 10 hours, 18 minutes. Read by Sura Siu. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Science Fiction; Bestsellers Description: Klara, an Artificial Friend, possesses great observational skills, and loves to watch the humans around her. When she is purchased to act as a companion for an ill girl, she studies the emotions of her new family closely and tries to learn from them. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2021. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com)

When the stars go dark DB 102900 McLain, Paula. Reading time 11 hours, 31 minutes. Read by Marin Ireland. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Suspense Fiction; Mystery and Detective Stories

Description: When tragedy strikes seasoned missing persons detective Anna Hart’s personal life, she flees to the northern California village of Mendocino to grieve. But when she arrives, it’s to find out a local teenager is missing and the circumstances are reminiscent of a murder in Anna’s childhood. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

Your facilitator for th...

When the stars go dark DB 102900 McLain, Paula. Reading time 11 hours, 31 minutes. Read by Marin Ireland. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Suspense Fiction; Mystery and Detective Stories Description: When tragedy strikes seasoned missing persons detective Anna Hart's personal life, she flees to the northern California village of Mendocino to grieve. But when she arrives, it's to find out a local teenager is missing and the circumstances are reminiscent of a murder in Anna's childhood. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

Here is the NLS annotation:

Songs in Ursa Major DB 103913 Brodie, Emma. Reading time 10 hours, 47 minutes. Read by Kristen Sieh. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Historical Fiction; Historical Romance Fiction; Romance

Description: In 1969, Jesse Reid is poised to tip from fame to legend with this one headlining performance at the Bayleen Island Folk Fest. When he gets into a motorcycle accident on the way to the show, local Jane Quinn and her bandmates get the opportunity of a lifetime. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.<...

Here is the NLS annotation: Songs in Ursa Major DB 103913 Brodie, Emma. Reading time 10 hours, 47 minutes. Read by Kristen Sieh. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Historical Fiction; Historical Romance Fiction; Romance Description: In 1969, Jesse Reid is poised to tip from fame to legend with this one headlining performance at the Bayleen Island Folk Fest. When he gets into a motorcycle accident on the way to the show, local Jane Quinn and her bandmates get the opportunity of a lifetime. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle...

Here is the NLS annotation:

A good neighborhood DB 98910 Fowler, Therese. Reading time 10 hours, 37 minutes. Read by Ella Turenne. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Description: In the tight-knit neighborhood of Oak Knoll, North Carolina, African American professor Valerie Alston-Holt lives with her bi-racial son, Xavier. When a local TV celebrity and his family build a huge house next door, the neighbors clash over damage to a tree on Valerie’s property. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein

(hamletsweetlady@gm...

Here is the NLS annotation: A good neighborhood DB 98910 Fowler, Therese. Reading time 10 hours, 37 minutes. Read by Ella Turenne. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Description: In the tight-knit neighborhood of Oak Knoll, North Carolina, African American professor Valerie Alston-Holt lives with her bi-racial son, Xavier. When a local TV celebrity and his family build a huge house next door, the neighbors clash over damage to a tree on Valerie's property. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

Here is the NLS annotation:

My dark Vanessa DB 99442 Russell, Kate Elizabeth. Reading time 15 hours, 38 minutes. Read by Grace Gummer. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: General

Description: When Vanessa Wye was fifteen she had an affair with Jacob Strane, her forty-two-year-old English teacher. Seventeen years later, Jacob is accused of sexual abuse by another one of his former students, and Vanessa is forced to re-examine her past. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein

...

Here is the NLS annotation: My dark Vanessa DB 99442 Russell, Kate Elizabeth. Reading time 15 hours, 38 minutes. Read by Grace Gummer. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: General Description: When Vanessa Wye was fifteen she had an affair with Jacob Strane, her forty-two-year-old English teacher. Seventeen years later, Jacob is accused of sexual abuse by another one of his former students, and Vanessa is forced to re-examine her past. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020. Your facilitator for this group is Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com).

Fiction Old and New will be discussing the historical novel, “Better Luck Next Time”, DB 102215, by Julia Claiborne Johnson.

Here is the NLS annotation:

Better luck next time DB 102215 Johnson, Julia Claiborne Baker, David Aaron. Reading time 8 hours, 28 minutes. Read by David Aaron Baker. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Historical Fiction; Humor

Description: In 1938, women seeking a quick, no-questions-asked split from their husbands head to the divorce capital of the world: Reno, Nevada. While they wait the required six weeks, many...

Fiction Old and New will be discussing the historical novel, "Better Luck Next Time", DB 102215, by Julia Claiborne Johnson. Here is the NLS annotation: Better luck next time DB 102215 Johnson, Julia Claiborne Baker, David Aaron. Reading time 8 hours, 28 minutes. Read by David Aaron Baker. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Historical Fiction; Humor Description: In 1938, women seeking a quick, no-questions-asked split from their husbands head to the divorce capital of the world: Reno, Nevada. While they wait the required six weeks, many of these wealthy, soon-to-be divorcées flock to t...

We will now be discussing “Joy in the Morning” by Betty Smith.

“Joy in the Morning” is the story of Annie and Carl in their first year of marriage in a 1928 Midwestern town. It is a delightful story of the ups and downs of newly married life.

Here is the NLS annotation:

Joy in the morning DB 38778 Smith, Betty. Reading time 10 hours, 49 minutes. Read by Barbara Rappaport. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Romance

Description: In 1927 eighteen-year-old Annie McGairy arrives in a midweste...

We will now be discussing "Joy in the Morning" by Betty Smith. "Joy in the Morning" is the story of Annie and Carl in their first year of marriage in a 1928 Midwestern town. It is a delightful story of the ups and downs of newly married life. Here is the NLS annotation: Joy in the morning DB 38778 Smith, Betty. Reading time 10 hours, 49 minutes. Read by Barbara Rappaport. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. Subjects: Romance Description: In 1927 eighteen-year-old Annie McGairy arrives in a midwestern university town to marry her boyfriend, Carl Brown, who is...

Fiction Old and New will be discussing the book, “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson, DB 95243, on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. eastern time. This is a compelling historic fiction account of the pack mule librarians of the 1930’s. This memorable story weaves in themes of family, love, discrimination and friendship.

Here is the NLS annotation:

The book woman of Troublesome Creek DB 95243

Richardson, Kim Michele. Reading time 9 hours, 28 minutes. Read by Katie Schorr. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physical...

Fiction Old and New will be discussing the book, "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" by Kim Michele Richardson, DB 95243, on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. eastern time. This is a compelling historic fiction account of the pack mule librarians of the 1930's. This memorable story weaves in themes of family, love, discrimination and friendship.   Here is the NLS annotation:   The book woman of Troublesome Creek DB 95243 Richardson, Kim Michele. Reading time 9 hours, 28 minutes. Read by Katie Schorr. A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. Subjects: Historical Fiction Description: Kentucky, 1936. Nineteen-year-old Cu...

Fiction Old and New discussed the book, Hello Summer

by Mary Kay Andrews, DB 99179 on Friday, February 5, 2021 eastern time. This is a fast paced and entertaining mystery

with a strong family element and a touch of romance.

Here is the NLS annotation:

Hello, summer DB 99719 Andrews, Mary Kay. Reading time

16 hours, 11 minutes. Read by Kathleen McInerney. A production of National Library Service

for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

Subjects: Human Relations; Romance

Description: Conley Hawkins left he...

Fiction Old and New discussed the book, Hello Summer by Mary Kay Andrews, DB 99179 on Friday, February 5, 2021 eastern time. This is a fast paced and entertaining mystery with a strong family element and a touch of romance.   Here is the NLS annotation:   Hello, summer DB 99719 Andrews, Mary Kay. Reading time 16 hours, 11 minutes. Read by Kathleen McInerney. A production of National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Subjects: Human Relations; Romance Description: Conley Hawkins left her family's small town newspaper in the rearview mirror years ago. Now a star reporter for a big-city paper, Conley is ab...

Here is the NLS annotation:

The first actress: a novel of Sarah Bernhardt DB99894 Gortner, C. W. Reading time: 16 hours, 20 minutes. Read by Gabrielle de Cuir. Historical Fiction Young Sarah Bernhardt has rarely known love from those who should care for her. Her mother wants her to join the family business as a courtesan. Sarah refuses and joins the Comédie-Française. But her tenure is short and tempestuous. She slowly grows into her undeniable talent. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

Your facilitators for this group are Michelle Bernstein (hamletsweetlady@gmail.com) and Sherry Wells (sherrywells1157@gmail.co...

Note – This book has 2 entries on BARD by different narrators. The annotation for each is the same so we are only listing one here. Here is the NLS annotation:

Fiction Old and New will be discussing the book The Impersonator by Mary Miley, DB77528, on Friday October 2 at 8PM Eastern. Here is the NLS annotation:

Fiction Old and New welcomes our fellow moderator and author, Ann Parsons on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. eastern time. We will be discussing Ann’s novel,

We will be discussing The Competition by Marcia Clark , DB79718, on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 8PM Eastern time. Here is the NLS annotation:

We will be discussing The Midwife’s Revolt by Jodi Daynard, DBC04046, on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 8PM Eastern time. Here is the NLS annotation:

We will be discussing Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha, DB97652, on Friday, April 3, 2020 at 8PM Eastern time. Here is the NLS annotation:

We will be discussing The Mermaid & Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Gowar, DB93081, on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 8PM Eastern time. Note – this historical fiction novel contains strong sexual content, especially towards the beginning of the book.

We will be discussing Pay Day by ReShonda Billingsley, DB96640, on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 8PM Eastern time. Here is the NLS annotation:

Topic: Fiction Old and New discussion group Time: Meets the first Friday of each month at 8pm Eastern.   We will be discussing City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, DB95563, on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 8PM Eastern time.  

We are pleased to welcome author Abbie Taylor who will be discussing her new novel, “The Red Dress”, on Friday, November 1, 2019. The Red Dress is only available on Bookshare and Kindle.

We will meet at 8pm Eastern on 10/4/19 to discuss Looking for Me, DBC03661, by Beth Hoffman. Here is an interview with the author for anyone interested:

Just this time we are rescheduling Fiction Old & New to be one week early, on Friday 8/30 instead of Friday 9/6.

Fiction Old & New 8pm discussing The Chilbury Ladies Choir DB87423 by Jennifer Ryan.

Fiction Old and New will meet at 8pm Eastern on 6/7/19 to discuss Remember Me Like This DB78840 by Bret Johnston. The NLS annotation follows:

Fiction Old & New will be discussing the book Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf DB81799, on Friday May 3 at 8PM Eastern.

Fiction Old & New will be discussing the book Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney DB86852, on Friday April 5 at 8PM Eastern.

Fiction Old & New will be discussing the book The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory. DB90130, on Friday March 1 at 8PM Eastern.

Fiction Old & New will be discussing the book Love & Ruin by Paula McLain.

Please join us on Friday, January 4, 2019 to discuss James Baldwin’s powerful and emotionally resonant story of young love in a turbulent environment in his 1974 novel, “If Beale Street Could Talk”, DB 58492.

Fiction Old & New will be discussing the book An American Tune by Barbara Shoup. DBC12181. Here is the BARD annotation: An American tune: a novel DBC12181 Shoup, Barbara. Reading time: 14 hours, 7 minutes.

Fiction Old & New will be discussing the book A Place for Us by Fatima Faheen Mirza. DB91422. Here is the BARD annotation: A place for us: a novel DB91422