Check out these book reviews from Deena, a member of the Library’s Patron Service Team. Let us know if you would like any titles added to your booklist or head over to BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) to download the titles now. Need more information about BARD? See our BARD Page.
Debbie–My Life by Debbie Reynolds DB29097, LT8419
This biography is about the life of Mary Frances Reynolds whose name was later changed to Debbie Reynolds. Mary Frances got her start in show business when she entered the Miss Burbank contest. She did not want to win or expect to win but entered so she could get a free blouse and scarf. She won and was asked to do a screen test for Warner Brothers studio. Reynolds was an excellent mimic and became a big star. Her biography tells of her three marriages including her tumultuous marriage to Eddie Fisher. She had a good relationship with her two children Carrie Fisher and Todd Fisher. Her second husband, Harry Karl was a big gambler and gambled away nearly everything Debbie had. After her divorce, she sometimes lived out of her car. She finally found happiness with her third husband. If you enjoyed Debbie in one many movies Singin’ in the Rain, Tammy, or Unsinkable Molly Brown you’ll enjoy this book.
The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the trial of the century by Sarah Miller DB84888
If you know nothing about the Borden murders that Lizzie Borden was accused of committing, this is a well-researched book. She covers Lizzie through the arrest, grand jury and the inquest trying to show both sides of the story.
Survival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi DB76690
This is a different type of memoir divided into chapters such as The Work, A Good Day, This Side of Good and Evil. Levi is Italian and Jewish, who spent less than a year in Auschwitz, before the camp was liberated on Jan. 18, 1945. Primo Levi was injured and spent time in the “sick bay” while in the concentration camp. He saw one of his bunkmates sent to the crematorium. This book is recommended reading for a number of different courses throughout the world.
Who was Princess Diana? By Ellen Labrecque DBC15023
This is one of a series of biographies written for children about famous people. The book introduces you to Diana Spencer and her family following her through her growing-up years. It explains the Spencer’s connection to the royal family. It talks about Diana’s wedding and the births of children. Lastly, her death and how she was loved by the people. If you are interested in this series some of the other biographies that have been recorded are; Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, J.K. Rowling, and Steve Jobs.