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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
Darcy O has commented on (12) products
Maps and Shadows
by
Krysia Jopek
Darcy O
, August 06, 2010
"Maps and Shadows," a novel by Krysia Jopek, informs readers about an aspect of World War II that has rarely seen the light of day – the Soviet deportation of almost 1.5 million Polish civilians to forced labor camps in Siberia. Jopek's family was among those deported. Each chapter in Jopek's novel is narrated by one of four family members: Andrzej (father), Zofia (mother), Henryk (brother), and Helcia (sister). The story begins with the family living a good life farming land the Polish government gave to Andrzej as a reward for his service in the Polish army during World War I. Then, in September 1939, Germany attacks Poland, easily overpowering its military and slaughtering civilians. While Germany invades from the west, Russia invades from the east. At gunpoint, Russian soldiers force Jopek's family to be herded with other Poles onto trains to Siberia where Andrzej and Henryk are part of a work crew charged with felling trees to aid in Russia's war effort. The family is at the work camp for 18 months, enduring seasons of bitter cold and a paucity of food. They are freed only because Russia needs the Poles to help fight the Germans. The family is then torn apart. Andrzej leaves the camp to enlist in the Polish army while the rest of the family flees to Uzbekistan, where Henryk joins the Young Soldiers Battalions. Zofia, Helcia and Jozef, the family's youngest son, continue on to Persia. Henryk's battalion is then assigned duty in Palestine, where fate brings him together with Andrzej for a few precious minutes. Family members endure more displacement until the end of the war. Surviving against all odds, they reunite in England and finally make their home in Connecticut. I had not heard of the Polish deportation prior to reading "Maps and Shadows" and find it amazing that this family and other families endured such a long journey of displacement and cruel and inhumane conditions. It all makes my current troubles seem so very insignificant. I appreciate the story being told from four different viewpoints, each shedding light on the family's inner turmoil and struggles. Author Kysia Jopek is also a poet and she intersperses poetry throughout the novel. The cover art is beautiful, adding more historical snippets to the story. I recommend this book to everyone, but especially to those of Polish descent and to readers of historical fiction. My review is based on an advance copy from the publisher, Aquila Polonica Publishing. The publication date is November 2010.
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The Fallen
by
Mark Terry
Darcy O
, June 14, 2010
Be warned! Once you start reading Mark Terry's "The Fallen," you won't want to stop until the end. That's because this book is packed with action and I mean A-C-T-I-O-N. Terry sets the novel at the Cheyenne Resort in Colorado Springs, at the G8 Summit where twenty world leaders will be meeting. Before the summit begins, a terrorist group, "The Fallen Angels," is already picking off security forces and inserting themselves in their places. The group is led by Richard Coffee, a disenchanted former Army Special Forces operative who aims to secure the release of his comrades detained by the United States at Guantanamo Bay. Breaching the resort's inner security proves easy for The Fallen Angels since Coffee has recruited many of the G8 members' own security people to join his cause. And once inside, The Fallen Angels hold hostage the G8 leaders, threatening to kill one leader an hour until their demands are met. Meanwhile, Dr. Derek Stillwater, working undercover at the resort as a maintenance man, is the government's only hope for a good outcome. Stillwater specialized in biological and chemical warfare and counterterrorism in the Army Special Services and worked with Richard Coffee before Coffee's fall from grace. Long thought dead, Stillwater is very much alive, but does he have the smarts, strength, endurance and downright luck to pick off Coffee's men and end the siege? Author Terry's chapters are short, but the action is long in this gripping novel. He surprises readers with page-turning twists and turns. I found Derek Stillwater to be a world-class hero and I can only hope that Terry continues to tell his story. I highly recommend action junkies read this one. They won't be disappointed.
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Sounds of Murder
by
Patricia Rockwell
Darcy O
, June 12, 2010
In "Sounds of Murder," Grace University psychology professor Dr. Pamela Barnes turns amateur sleuth when her graduate assistant, Kent Drummond, summons her to the department's state-of-the-art computer lab where Pamela finds prima donna professor Dr. Charlotte Clark strangled to death. Though Charlotte was a real go-getter and brought in mega dollars in research money, she was not well liked by department staff, and for good reason. However, since Pamela discovered Charlotte's body, she feels compelled to find her killer. Although the local police department's Detective Shoop is investigating the case, Pamela feels her expertise in acoustics may be just what is needed to uncover the killer, much to the chagrin of her husband Rocky, a former Army cook who now teaches English classes at Grace University. There are plenty of suspects in the murder, including Charlotte's protege, the department dean and other department staff. Pamela discovers a digital recording of the murder and holds onto it to analyze it for clues. When she tells Rocky about it, he demands she give it to Shoop. She does give Shoop the recording but, of course, she keeps a copy for herself. Will Pamela's sleuthing uncover the killer or will the killer decide Pamela knows too much and attempt to stop her? Patricia Rockwell has created a fun leading lady in Dr. Pamela Barnes. I enjoyed the camaraderie she has with her female colleagues and her husband. And I can relate to her relationship with her teen daughter Angela. Also, Rockwell includes Rocky's recipes at the end of the book, which is a nice touch. Overall, "Sounds of Murder" was an enjoyable read, if a bit slow paced for me. I would recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.
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In Their Blood
by
Sharon Potts
Darcy O
, May 22, 2010
Does a spoiled, privileged college dropout have the wherewithal to be responsible enough to care for his sister and uncover a murderer? Jeremy Stroeb, a college dropout trying to find himself in Europe, refuses to come home despite pleas from his parents and sister. But his plans change when his mother and father are murdered in their Miami Beach home soon after the family returns from visiting Jeremy in Europe. Jeremy's parents, Rachel, a CPA, and Daniel, a professor, had recently changed their wills naming Jeremy as guardian to his younger sister, Elise. So instead of escaping to Europe, Jeremy decides to stay in Miami Beach and try to find out who killed his parents and why. He manages to get a job at his mom's firm and enrolls in the university where his father worked. But he is dogged by his uncle, who will become Elise's guardian should Jeremy fail in his duties. Author Sharon Potts offers several suspects for the crime, including colleagues of both Rachel and Daniel. As Jeremy delves into his parents' lives, he discovers secrets that shake him to the core. He may just find a new love interest, too. I found myself disliking Jeremy for his self-centeredness at the beginning of the novel. But his character did grow and I have to remember he's pretty young. The risks Jeremy takes reflect his youth, impulsiveness and naivete. Sharon Potts has written a gripping tale of family and intrigue which will appeal to all mystery readers. I look forward to her next release.
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Simply Scandinavian Travelling Through Time with Finnish Cuisine & Nature
by
Tero Kallio
Darcy O
, April 12, 2010
"Simply Scandinavian - Travelling in Time with Finnish Cuisine and Nature" by Tero Kallio and Kimmo Saira is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The authors claim to take readers on a journey of two dimensions: tastes and time. Boy, do they succeed. The gorgeous photography sets off the more than 40 recipes included in the book. Kallio and Saira divide the recipes by season, and further by appetizers, main courses and desserts, with accompanying photos of the recipes and Finnish scenery. The authors point out that "Simply Scandinavian" is a picture book and that the recipes, some of which combine the old and new, are mostly Finnish dishes with a smidgeon of Italian, Russian and other cuisines thrown in. Readers will learn how to prepare dishes of reindeer, rabbit, salmon, crayfish, beef, lamp, cep mushrooms and more. I did have to look up some of the ingredients in the recipes because I was unfamiliar with them. With each recipe, the authors recommend a beverage ranging from pinot noir to champagne to cold milk to specialty drinks, etc. One of the recipes that sounds interesting is reindeer with cloudberries. I would like to try that someday if I were to visit Finland. Some of the dessert and drink recipes like the rhubarb smoothie and blueberry cheese-cake I may attempt to create at home. In sum, "Simply Scandinavian" is a breathtaking picture book that readers will enjoy for both the recipes and photography. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
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Becoming Alice: A Memoir
by
Alice Rene
Darcy O
, March 21, 2010
"Becoming Alice: A Memoir" is a first-person account by Alice Rene of her family's escape from the Nazis to America. The family lived in Vienna, Austria, where her father was a doctor. Alice was known as Ilse and her older brother was named Fredi. When the Nazis began to take over Vienna, the family was forced to stay out of sight. Alice's father couldn't work because he was Jewish. The family's bank account was frozen, as were all Jewish bank accounts. Because circumstances became too dangerous in Vienna, the family fled to Memel, Germany, then to Riga, Latvia. Visas were hard to come by, so when one was finally available to the family, Fredi was sent to New York. The rest of the family remained in Riga until they received visas for travel on the Trans Siberian Railway, ending in Kobe, Japan. Then they endured a typhoon on their boat ride to Seattle, Washington. Upon arriving in America and reuniting with Fredi, the family faced more challenges. Alice's parents had difficulty finding suitable employment. Her mother kept the family afloat with her sewing until her parents were offered a job running a neighborhood grocery store. Meanwhile, Alice enrolled in school and struggled to fit in. She went from "Ilse" on formal documents to "Elsie" at school, "Illy" at home, "Suzinka" by her parents, to "Sally" by local firemen. When she became a U.S. citizen, she chose "Alice" as her new name. I was enthralled by Alice's story. In Vienna, the family lived a comfortable life; her father was well-respected as a doctor. They had to give it all up to start over in America, but they were among the lucky ones who lived. I had heard about many Jews who came to New York, but didn't realize they also came across Siberia to Japan and then to Seattle. Alice's poignant, well-written memoir will draw readers in to discover the fate of Jewish immigrants fleeing Nazi persecution. The book has won several awards in the young adult and memoir/autobiography categories. I highly recommend reading this one!
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Did I Expect Angels?
by
Kathryn Maughan
Darcy O
, February 13, 2010
In Kathryn Maughan's "DId I Expect Angels?" readers are shown how immensely grief can affect those left behind. Maughan intertwines the stories of Jennifer Huffaker, a young widow, and Henry, a greeter at a grocery store Jennifer frequents. Henry is an immigrant from Costa Rica who has lived in the U.S. for 40 years. Readers first meet Jennifer the day after Christmas as she is trying to buy enough aspirin to kill herself. Jennifer's husband, Jack, died in a car accident 18 months earlier. Her grief does not subside and affects not only herself, but also the lives of her young daughter and the rest of her family. Henry, seeing how much pain Jennifer is in, takes her from the store to a little restaurant to share his story of leaving Costa Rica and coming to the U.S. While Henry tells his story, Jennifer is reliving her past. Maughan's touching story will make readers laugh and cry. I'm tearing up now just remembering it! Henry reminded me of Ugly Betty's father. What an angel he turns out to be! Love, perseverance, hard work, faith and hope are all part of Henry's story. He passes his experience on to Jennifer at a time she really needs to hear it. I like to think he is passing it on to me, too. I highly recommend "Did I Expect Angels?" and hope to read more of Maughan's work.
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Admit One: My Life in Film
by
Emmett James
Darcy O
, January 31, 2010
In this entertaining memoir, British actor Emmett James recounts his cinematic memories from childhood to his stint on television's "Redemption High." James begins each chapter with a film linked to his past, starting with "The Jungle Book," his first cinematic adventure, to "Batman Forever," "It's a Wonderful Life," and others. His shortest chapter is "Green Card," where he says "Life imitates art. Enough said." From his earliest memories growing up in South London, James is drawn to movies and their ability to take the audience to another time and place. James earns his college degree in advertising and graphic design. He then learns acting at the Lee Strasberg Acting Institute in London and tries to break into the film industry. His hilarious attempts at securing the part of "superhero sidekick" result in James' arrival in Hollywood, where he pays his dues and then some. "Admit One" is a fun and revealing memoir by a Hollywood insider. James' humor draws readers in and keeps their interest through the end. From a porn film to "Titantic," his career spans a wide spectrum and his love of movies shines throughout. I recommend this book to anyone interested in life in Hollywood and how to survive it. The memoir is the winner of "Book of the Year" for USA Book News.
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Cherries in Winter My Familys Recipe for Hope in Hard Times
by
Suzan Colon
Darcy O
, January 29, 2010
A little gem to warm the heart.
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(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
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Dragon House
by
John Shors
Darcy O
, January 17, 2010
Author John Shors brings to life the street children of Vietnam in his poignant novel, "Dragon House." He introduces readers to Iris Rhodes, a young professional from Chicago and daughter of a Vietnam veteran. When Iris' father is dying from cancer, she tells him she will finish his dream of building a center for the street children in Saigon where the children will be safe and go to school. Iris is joined in her mission by Noah, an old schoolmate wounded in the Iraq War. Shors beautifully describes the Vietnam landscape and its people. His street children characters are filled with hope and cheer. Their plight is so sad, yet they can find joy in just playing on a teeter-totter. Readers learn that young girls living on the street sell fans to earn a meager living; older girls are left with no choice but to sell themselves. A center for girls will change everything for these young Vietnamese girls. I found "Dragon House" to be an engrossing and deeply satisfying novel. I rooted for the children in all their endeavors; I felt their pain and their joy. I highly recommend "Dragon House" to all readers.
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Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons
by
Lorna Landvik
Darcy O
, January 02, 2010
Absolutely love this book! Made me laugh, made me cry! I grew to love each character. Highly recommend it.
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Dead Air
by
Deborah Shlian and Linda Reid
Darcy O
, December 27, 2009
When Sammy Greene, Ellsford University communications major and host of the talk show "The Hot Line," finds the body of professor Barton Conrad at his home, her investigative skills kick in. Conrad's death is considered a suicide, but Sammy is not convinced. Sammy learns that students and faculty at Ellsford University are committing suicide at an alarming rate and she means to find out why. Sammy's mother also committed suicide so this cause is personal. Raised by her Jewish grandmother in New York, Sammy's language reflects her upbringing. Authors Deborah Shlian and Linda Reid create an intriguing cast of characters including university police chief Gus Pappajohn, radio program director Larry Dupree, and the Reverend Taft, among others. Fighting demons from her past and those who want her to sign off the air for good, brave and head-strong Sammy takes readers on an exciting ride. "Dead Air" is the perfect prescription for readers looking for a good medical mystery with a little Yiddish and Greek mixed in for good measure. I highly recommend it and hope more Sammy Greene thrillers will be out soon.
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(3 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
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