Fall Reads 2012

When Fall weather arrives, with its crisp winds and chilly days, one thing I can't get enough of is curling up on the couch with a good book and some hot cider. One of the (many) benefits of working in a library is getting to see which books have or are yet to come out that I want to read. Though my list is much much longer than this, here are just a few that are on my radar...and if I don't get to them this Fall, there's always Winter!

The Lighthouse Road by Peter Geye
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"Against the wilds of sea and wood, a young immigrant woman settles into life outside Duluth in the 1890s, still shocked at finding herself alone in a new country, abandoned and adrift; in the early 1920s, her orphan son, now grown, falls in love with the one woman he shouldn’t and uses his best skills to build them their own small ark to escape. But their pasts travel with them, threatening to capsize even their fragile hope. In this triumphant new novel, Peter Geye has crafted another deeply moving tale of a misbegotten family shaped by the rough landscape in which they live--often at the mercy of wildlife and weather--and by the rough edges of their own breaking hearts." (Description from IndieBound)








Sutton by J.R. Moehringer


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A fictionalized account of Willie Sutton, one of the most notorious criminals in American history, traces his life, his doomed romance with his first love, and his surprise pardon on Christmas Eve in 1969.

Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon
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In this novel the author takes us to Telegraph Avenue. It is a story that explores the profoundly intertwined lives of two Oakland, California families, one black and one white. Here he creates a world grounded in pop culture: Kung Fu, 1970s Blaxploitation films, vinyl LPs, jazz and soul music, and an epic of friendship, race, and secret histories.

A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany by Beth Elon

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Just when we thought we knew everything there was to know about Tuscany, along comes Beth Elon-cookbook writer and 30 year resident of a small village at the foot of the Appenines-who takes us along the back roads and through the ancient hill towns to remote restaurants that are for the most part overlooked by tourists and known only to the locals. At each restaurant the cooks share their highly personal recipes for regional dishes made with local ingredients. With this guide in hand, you'll not only know where to dine, but what to order when you get there. Each regional section begins with illuminating and absorbing explanations of what makes Tuscan cooking so unique: location, location, location. You'll read about a bean so beloved by a village that it's been elevated to cult status-but that is totally unheard of a few kilometers down the road; the specialty of the Zeri Valley, a milk-fed aboriginal baby lamb, that is almost unknown elsewhere in Italy; the endless array of vegetable tarts found only in Lunigiana and Garfagnana. (from Random House)

October is National Reading Group Month

October is National Reading Group Month, a time for people to salute the reading groups they belong to, or to join one! National Reading Group Month, or NRGM, was launched in October 2007 by sisters Martha Burns and Alice Dillon, members of the Women's National Book Association (WNBA). Their mission:

"The mission of National Reading Group Month is to:

• Increase public awareness of the joy and value of shared reading

• Provide a time for reading groups to celebrate their accomplishments and plan for the future

• Provide opportunities for individuals to join an existing reading group or start a new one

• Encourage libraries, bookstores, and organizations to host special reading group events"

Here is a link to a list of NRGM's 2012 Great Group Reads. These would make great titles to read on your own or as a group...and if you are not yet part of a book group, here at the library we have four different ones for you to choose from!

Round Table Readers Book Group: Join us for some lively discussions on a wide range of both fiction and nonfiction titles. If you haven't read the book, feel free to drop in and discover if you'd like to. This group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm. If interested, contact group host Laurie Watson at lwatson@brownsburg.lib.in.us

Tuesday Evening Book Group: A book discussion group for people who like to read and discuss classic books and important ideas. All are welcome! This group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. If interested contact group host Larry Whitmore at lwhitmore@brownsburg.lib.in.us

Tuesday Afternoon Book Group: Do you like reading, great conversation, and making new friends? Then join this genial group to discuss a variety of fiction and nonfiction titles. This group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1 pm. If interested, contact group host Patti Kovach at pkovach@brownsburg.lib.in.us

Life and Times Book Group: A book club without the time commitment! We'll meet once every three months to discuss biographies, memoirs and other true accounts of the lives of intriguing people. Real people, real lives, real good reading. This group meets on the 3rd Sunday of every 3rd month at 3:30 pm. If interested, contact group host Jesse Lewis at jlewis@brownsburg.lib.in.us

Teen Book Club: Discuss a fun teen book, do activities, and have a snack. Each month we will focus on a new genre, such as dystopian, fantasy, or realistic fiction. There will be booktalks and lists with suggestions for each genre, but you will choose the book you want to read for the month. Open to teens in grades 6-12. Registration is optional but appreciated. This group meets on the 4th Thursday of each month September through May at 6 pm. If interested, contact group host Faythe Metzger at fmetzger@brownsburg.lib.in.us

If you want to instead start your own book group, perhaps one that meets in your home or at a neighbor's house, there are plenty of helpful websites out there that not only recommend titles, but guide you in leading your discussions. Reading Group Guides has tips on starting and running a group, and tons of reading group guides that you can search or browse for by author or title, or even most requested (if you just want to see what is popular amongst other groups). These guides include a summary of the book, reviews, author bios, and most importantly, discussion questions. Reading Group Choices is similar in that it provides guides for books with questions, author bio, summary and reviews. It's also a great places to go for titles that you might not see elsewhere - they have a nice combination of bestsellers and some lesser known books. Another great feature of this website is that it includes ideas for pairing music and wine with your book discussions! Lastly, I would recommend LitLovers. It features hundreds of guides with questions, bios and reviews, as well as book club tips and ideas. My favorite section of the site is their recipe collection - food and book groups make a great match.

If you have questions about this information, or about any of our book groups, please give us a call at (317) 852-3167 option 2. Do you currently belong to a book group? If so, what are some good books that your group has read? Comment below!

Baking and Cake Decorating

Growing up, I used to watch my mom bake and decorate wedding and birthday cakes on a weekly basis. She ran her own cake baking business out of the home, so in addition to constantly coming home to the sweet scent of cake (mmmm!!), I remember our kitchen being full of flours, food colorings, icing tips, and a fantastic selection of books filled with recipes and cake decorating tips. She has tried to pass along some of her wisdom to me...but whatever doesn't stick, I can hopefully pick up in our library's selection of cake decorating and cookbooks.

Check out what we have below, and call or e-mail us if you have any questions : (317) 852-3167, askus@brownsburg.lib.in.us

The busy girl's guide to cake decorating

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Vintage cakes

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Wedding cupcakes

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Fondant modeling for cake decorators

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Cake decorating skills

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Baking with the Cake Boss

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Pies for Fall

As soon as the temperatures drop and I start seeing apples at the local farmers' markets, I can't help but think of baking pies (and drinking cider...and eating caramel apples)! I am still working on that perfect crust, but these cookbooks all about making pies and other fruit desserts will surely help me master the art. If you would like to request these or any other titles, please contact us at (317) 852-3167 option 2, or askus@brownsburg.lib.in.us.

What are your favorite fall sweets? Comment below!

This petite book has recipes and instructions for simple crumb and no-fuss free-form crusts, which is a win in my book! Following that are recipes for both single and double-crust pies, along with recipes for tarts and turnovers. And the book features beautiful color photos-yum!

If you've ever wanted a recipe for something other than just your basic pie crust, then look no further! This cookbook features recipes for Cornmeal Pie Dough, Sour Cream Pie Dough, Vanilla Wafer Crust, Gingersnap Crust, and more! And have you ever wondered what sorts of pies are made in the Northeast, South, Midwest, and Western portions of the US? If you have, you'll love how recipes are broken down geographically.

If pies aren't your thing, then you might want to try this book, which includes an array of tasty fruit desserts. From Cobblers to Crumbles, Puddings to Cakes, Bars to Trifles, and lots lots more! Recipes are even separated by season, so you can find your perfect sweet anytime of year.

Next Good Reads...on Goodreads!

There are so many books that come out every month, I quickly get distracted with my current list of books to read...scratch some off, add more, forget about others. Believe it or not, I have actually gotten better about keeping things organized. My Goodreads account has really helped me do that. If you are not familiar with it, Goodreads is a social cataloging website that you can use to keep track of what you have read, what you are currently reading, and what you would like to read in the future. You can use it to group your books by genre, rate and review them, and to connect with others who have read similar books. It is sort of like Facebook for book lovers!!

Below are just a few of the books that are on my to-read list. What are you looking forward to reading next?? Comment below!

The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball (Request this item)

In this book, Kimball chronicles a year of her life on her (and her husband's) sustainable farm. I live in the city, but an urban farm is something I long to have (chickens and all!), and I'm betting this book will inspire me to create it.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin

The first in a trilogy, this book follows the adventures of a young wizard named Ged. Wizards, dragons, magicians...count me in! 

Dearie: The remarkable life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz (Request the book cd)

Julia Child is a huge inspiration to me. In fact, I just hung up a pegboard to display our pots, pans, and kitchen utensils, ala Julia Child (if you have never seen pictures of her kitchen, take a look!). I am very much looking forward to this audiobook-will make for a great car ride!.

Late Summer Gardening

Did you know that you can still plant certain vegetables in late summer and even into September? While I am no gardening expert myself, I have come to learn, with the help of a very knowledgeable mother, that swiss chard, green onions, peas, radishes, and more can survive the frost and some lower temperatures. The key is knowing both how long crops take to mature, as well as the average first killing frost in your area. Check out a few of our gardening books below, or contact us to find out what else we have, at (317)852-3167 option 2 or askus@brownsburg.lib.in.us.

Nothing beats the taste of vegetables from a home garden, and with Vegetable Gardening it's never been easier. With over 80 varieties of vegetables to choose from, eating delicious, just-picked produce is a snap. Learn every step of creating and maintaining a cornucopia of garden-fresh vegetables: from choosing and planning your plot, preparing the soil, selecting seeds or cultivating seedlings, proper watering, harvesting, and storing. From composting and mulching to caring for and harvesting vegetables, it's clear that most gardeners want to use organic methods and avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides. But what happens when things go wrong and organic solutions don't seem to be working? The two authors of this book have different answers to this question. Jane Courtier takes the view that organic methods are the "first, best choice," but she occasionally uses chemical fertilizer and will resort to chemical pesticides if a serious problem arises. Fern Marshall Bradley writes from the viewpoint of a longtime organic gardener who's chosen to never use any chemicals in her garden. Together they've created a book that looks at vegetable gardening from both points of view. There are substantive issues on both sides-and in the end, it's an individual choice. Let them help you make up your own mind! Request this item 

More and more home gardeners are discovering the rewards of growing their own vegetables. But along with the pleasures of homegrown produce come a host of problems: bugs, diseases, and mysterious ailments that don't have an obvious cause. What's a gardener to do? Don't panic — help is at hand. What's Wrong With My Vegetable Garden? teaches you how to keep your vegetables healthy so they're less susceptible to attack, and when problems do occur, it shows you how to recognize the problem and find the right organic solution. Among the book's highlights are: Clear information about how to team with nature to create the best growing conditions for your vegetables. Detailed portraits of the most commonly grown vegetables, including growth habit; information on the plant's season; temperature, soil, light, and water requirements; and best garden uses and planting techniques. Illustrated problem-solving guides that enable you to identify at a glance what's ailing your plant. Discussions of the most effective organic solutions, ranging from how to modify the growing conditions in your garden to how to cope with and eliminate specific pests and diseases. If you care about raising the freshest, healthiest, most problem-free vegetables possible, then What's Wrong With My Vegetable Garden? will quickly become one of your most essential tools. Request this item

 

More and more, people are demanding fresh foods free from toxic chemicals--so this book on growing organic vegetables at home couldn't be timelier. Whether the gardener has a spacious suburban yard or a small city windowsill, all the necessary information and inspiration is here--from choosing the hardiest, most nutritious varieties to harvesting the crop. There's also vital instruction on getting ready for spring by starting plants indoors, and using safe, natural methods for dealing with pests and diseases. Request this item

Camping

I have such fond memories of going camping with my family growing up...campfires, hiking, and smores of course! It is still an activity that I try to sneak in on a weekend here and there, and one that can likely be done into the Fall season, with as warm as it's been. So far I've only been to Turkey Run, Mounds State Park, Brown County, and Clifty Falls...so I have a lot yet to explore!

If you're looking for a good location to take your family or friends camping, check out the Indiana State Parks site, where you can search depending on what type of camping you're interested in. Tent? RV? Cabin? And you can limit it to locations near Brownsburg or whichever city you are wanting to camp near. You can also find camping and state park info at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources site, such as park entrance fees, and even camping etiquette!

But before you pack up that tent, you'll want to check out some books from our collection! Find out what gear and tools you'll need to handle various situations, as well as ideas for games, outdoor activities, and campfire recipes! Call us at (317) 852-3167 option 2 if you have any questions, or e-mail us at askus@brownsburg.lib.in.us. What are your favorite Indiana camping spots?

Plan your family camping adventure! Whether you're a first-time camper or a veteran backpacker befuddled by the challenges of carting a brood--and all the requisite gear--into the great outdoors, here you'll find all the tips and tools you need to plan the perfect nature adventure with your family. Humorous and irreverent, yet always authoritative, this guide to camping with kids, from babies through pre-teens, is filled with checklists, smart tips, recipes, games, activities, and art projects. Helen Olsson, a seasoned camper and mother of three, shares lessons learned over the years of nature outings with her own family. Learn the basics of family camping, from choosing a destination and packing gear to setting up a campsite and keeping little ones safe. Create the perfect camp menu with simple and tasty recipe ideas. Discover foolproof tips and tactics for keeping kids happy and entertained while hiking. Explore nature through clever and creative camp arts and craft projects. This guide is your game plan to unplugging from the digital world and connecting your kids to nature. Whether it's roasting marshmallows around a crackling campfire or stretching out on a camp mat to gaze at the stars, the memories you'll be making will last a lifetime. Request this item

The Happy Camper is a comprehensive, heavily illustrated, highly entertaining compendium of basic wilderness instruction and well-tested campsite advice. One of North America's top canoeing and outdoors experts, Kevin Callan explains how to get the most from your camping experience -- no matter where you pitch your tent, what you forgot to pack or what the weather. Step-by-step, the book shows: How to plan a trip for a day or even a few weeks, How to pack only what is needed, How to beat the bugs, stake a tent, build a fire, ward off unwanted wildlife, paddle a canoe and much more. Other crucial topics include: Choosing the perfect campsite, Using maps and compasses, Camp cooking, Camping with dogs and kids, Bruises, blisters and Band-Aids, Canoe and kayak camping, Wilderness photography, and Cold-weather camping. Request this item

From "Commissioner's French Toast" to "Chicken Dutchiladas," The Scout's Dutch Oven Cookbook highlights hand-picked outdoor recipes, plus cooking methods and tips for a Scout-friendly cooking experience. This is the must-have resource for Dutch oven cooking in the outdoors, whether you're a Scout, hiker, camper, canoer, kayaker--or anyone who eats in the wilderness. Request this item

From "Glacier's Edge Burritos" to "Dirty Socks Peach Cobbler," The Scout's Backpacking Cookbook highlights hand-picked outdoor recipes, plus cooking methods and tips for a Scout-friendly cooking experience. This is the must-have resource for cooking in the outdoors, whether you're a Scout, hiker, backpacker, camper--or anyone who eats in the wilderness. Request this item

There is a movement upon us and it's full of parents who refuse to let their children become a statistic of childhood obesity, and who understand the fate of the environment rests with connecting their kids with the outdoors. Outdoors Parents, Outdoor Kids shines a much needed headlamp on helping parents accomplish this and more. With an informative and entertaining look at biking, camping, swimming, paddling, snowsports, hiking, fishing, climbing and more, award-winning author Eugene Buchanan extends parents a helping hand in getting their kids outside and instilling in them a respect for their health and the environment. It's a set of training wheels for first-time parents and an essential guide for hair-pulling veterans. Request this item

Are you ready for Batman?

The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters this Friday, July 20th...are you going to see it? I know I can't wait! If you are just as excited as I am, or are a Batman-iac, then you may be interested in some of the Batman-related materials we have here at the library. If you have any questions or requests, contact us at (317)852-3167 option 2 or askus@brownsburg.lib.in.us.

The Golden Age of Batman: the greatest covers of Detective comics from the 30s to the 50s
741.5 GOL - Request this item

The Dark Knight
by Dennis O'Neil
FIC O'NE - Request this item

Batman: the ultimate evil
by Andrew Vachss
FIC VAC - Request this item

Edible Flowers-Come Learn More at the Library!

This Wednesday night (June 13th) at 7 pm, Master Gardener Colletta Kosiba will have a presentation all about edible flowers. If you have ever wondered which flowers are okay to eat in your salad, you will not want to miss this program! Call (317) 852-3167 to register. In the meantime we have a couple of books here at the library that you can check out.

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Great Outdoors, Dairy, and Dairy Alternatives!

Did you know that June is Great Outdoors Month? If you haven't already, find out what your community has to offer in the way of local bike and walking trails, and other outdoor activities. The B&O Trail runs through Hendricks County! Here at the library we have a set of small maps, called Ride Hendricks County, that you can ask for at the front Reference Desk. They are sorted by town, so you can figure out where you want to bike!

June is also Dairy Alternatives Month and Dairy Month-there is a celebration for everything! This month encourages you to either explore alternative foods to dairy (such as beans, nuts, almond or rice milk), or to continue on that cheese and yogurt kick! Our library features a selection of dairy, vegan and dairy-free cookbooks. Check them out! Give us a call at (317) 852-3167 option 2 if you have any questions, or e-mail us at askus@brownsburg.lib.in.us.

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It's National Hamburger Month!

When the temperatures outside start rising, I can't wait to get out the grill and start cooking up some tasty meals! May is National Hamburger Month, so what better time than now to promote our selection of grilling-themed cookbooks. Below are a few of the titles we offer, but call to inquire about what else we have, or to recommend any new grilling cookbooks you've heard about! Get a hold of us at (317)852-3167 option 2, or askus@brownsburg.lib.in.us.

 

 In "The Deen Bros. Get Fired Up," Paula Deen's sons share a new batch of more than 125 mouthwatering recipes and entertaining ideas to make outdoor dining a breeze. This irresistible cookbook also offers up delicious nibbles, tasty salads, and refreshing Seaside Sippers.  Request this item.

This newest addition to Surrey's 1,001 line of cookbooks is the definitive book on grilling everything from appetizers and side dishes, to lamb, beef, hamburgers, sausages, fish & shellfish, wild game, chicken, game birds, turkey, pork, and desserts. Also included are dozens of recipes for sauces, marinades, and rubs to use when cooking on a barbecue grill. Request this item.

Mixon will show you how you can apply his "keep it simple" mantra in your own backyard. He'll take you to the front lines of barbecue and teach you how to turn out 'cue like a seasoned pro. You'll learn to cook like Mixon does when he's on the road competing and when he's at home, with great tips on   • the basics, from choosing the right wood to getting the best smoker or grill • the formulas for the marinades, rubs, injections, and sauces you'll need • the perfect ways to cook up hog, ribs, brisket, and chicken, including Mixon's famous Cupcake Chicken   Mixon shares more than 75 of his award-winning recipes-including one for the most sinful burger you'll ever eat-and advice that will end any anxietyover cooking times and temps and change your backyard barbecues forever. He also fills you in on how he rose to the top of the competitive barbecue universe and his secrets for succulent success. Complete with mouth-watering photos, Smokin' with Myron Mixon will fire you up for a tasty time. Request this item.

Introducing a book that streamlines the barbecue process. A collection of the 25 recipes that we cook 95 percent of the time, using accessible, not too pricey, quality ingredients. Here Adam will guide you through the entire process, from buying to serving, showing you how to deliver mind-blowing results for your friends and family. So relax, start up the BBQ--it's time to get hands-on and learn techniques that will bring out the maximum flavors, under Adam's expert, easy-to-follow guidance. Request this item.

What can we grill? EVERYTHING! From the best-selling authors of Mastering the Grill , comes the first grill book focused on ingredients. Fire It Up shows today's cooks how to buy, prepare, and grill more than 290 ingredients from beef and pork to chicken, fish, vegetables, fruit, and more. Handy charts explain different cuts, best grilling methods, and perfect doneness. Insider Know-How and Keep It Simple tips solve dozens of dinnertime dilemmas. Gorgeous color photos and useful illustrations bring it all to life. With more than 400 delicious recipes and 160 winning rubs, brines, marinades, and sauces, Fire It Up makes it easy for everyone to become a backyard grill master-no matter what's on the menu. Jam packed with recipes, tips, and illustrations, and at only $24.95, Fire It Up is THE grill book for this summer. Request this item.

Food Writers

Although I love to read through a good cookbook, I also enjoy reading what people have to say regarding how their lives have been affected by food - whether it's as a chef, food critic, traveler, or just a person who really loves to eat! If you like a book that makes you hungry for interesting dishes, and even some traveling, then check out one of these titles by a number of food writers. If you have any questions, give us a call at (317) 852-3167 option 2, or e-mail us at askus@brownsburg.lib.in.us.

Anthony Bourdain
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly - Request this item
A Cook's Tour: In Search of a Perfect Meal - Request this item
The Nasty Bits: Collected Varietal Cuts, Usable Trim, Scraps, and Bones - Request this item
No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach - Request this item
Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook - Request this item

Julia Child
Julia's Kitchen Wisdom: Lessons From a Lifetime of Cooking - Request this item
My Life in France - Request this item

Gabrielle Hamilton
Blood, Bones, & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef - Request this item

Jacques Pepin
The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen - Request this item

Michael Pollan 
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals - Request this item
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto - Request this item
Food Rules: An Eater's Manual - Request this item

Gordan Ramsay
Roasting in Hell's Kitchen: Temper Tantrums, F words, and the Pursuit of Perfection - Request this item

Ruth Reichl 
Comfort Me With Apples: More Adventures at the Table - Request this item
Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise - Request this item


 

Parkinson's and Autism Awareness

Each month offers us the opportunity to raise awareness for various issues. April is both Parkinson's and Autism Awareness Month. For more information on either of these causes, visit the links below, as well as a list of the books in our library's collection that feature these topics:

Parkinson's Disease
http://www.pdf.org/parkinson_awareness
http://www.parkinson.org/
http://www.parkinsonsaction.org/your-voice/parkinson-s-awareness-month

Autism
http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/national-autism-awareness-month/
http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/waad
http://www.lightitupblue.org/Markslist/home.do

Parkinson's Disease Books-Fiction

The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
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The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry
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Family Matteres by Rohinton Mistry
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Parkinson's Disease Books-Nonfiction

Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox
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Saving Milly by Morton Kondracke
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Parkinson's Disease and the Family by Nutan Sharma
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Autism Books-Fiction

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
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Autism Books-Nonfiction

1001 Great Ideas for Teaching & Raising Children with Autism or Asperger's by Ellen Notbohm
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I'm So Glad You Found Me in Here by Matthew Hobson
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Making Sense of Autistic Spectrum Disorders by James Coplan
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