Cart
|
|
my account
|
wish list
|
help
|
800-878-7323
Hello, |
Login
MENU
Browse
New Arrivals
Bestsellers
Featured Preorders
Award Winners
Audio Books
See All Subjects
Used
Staff Picks
Staff Picks
Picks of the Month
Bookseller Displays
50 Books for 50 Years
25 Best 21st Century Sci-Fi & Fantasy
25 PNW Books to Read Before You Die
25 Books From the 21st Century
25 Memoirs to Read Before You Die
25 Global Books to Read Before You Die
25 Women to Read Before You Die
25 Books to Read Before You Die
Gifts
Gift Cards & eGift Cards
Powell's Souvenirs
Journals and Notebooks
socks
Games
Sell Books
Blog
Events
Find A Store
Don't Miss
Spring Sale
Big Mood Sale
Teen Dream Sale
Powell's Author Events
Oregon Battle of the Books
Audio Books
Get the Powell's newsletter
Visit Our Stores
Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
(0 comment)
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...
Read More
»
Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
(0 comment)
Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
(0 comment)
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
Customer Comments
seldombites has commented on (77) products
Wild Shore Three Californias 1
by
Kim Stanley Robinson
seldombites
, January 10, 2014
This book is set in a quarantined America devastated by nuclear weapons. While we are subjected to much speculation by various characters, we never do find out precisely who attacked America, why they were attacked or why they are under quarantine. Kim Stanley Robertson has a real talent for presenting believable characters and situations in his books, and this one is no exception. I felt sympathy for the people in this book, who were simply trying to rebuild their lives under very trying circumstances, not knowing who to trust, who to regard as the enemy or why they were being held back from recovery. I found this book to be so realistic, particularly in the light of the fact that it was written in the mid-eighties, during the height of the cold war, that it was, at times, quite frightening. This is not the best post-apocalyptic novel I have read, but it is definitely worth your time.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Unmentionables: From Family Jewels to Friendly Fire - What We Say Instead of What We Mean. Ralph Keyes
by
Ralph Keyes
seldombites
, January 10, 2014
This was an incredibly interesting book on the reasons and motivation behind humanities constant urge to euphemize. It was particularly interesting to learn just how old are some of today's euphemisms, and just how many 'words' originated as euphemisms (such as bear, for instance). Many of the newly emerging euphemisms can be just as amusing as those which are outdated. One such example is 'rebooting the ovarian operating system', a euphemism for menstruation. Just as interesting as the actual euphemisms, however, are the variety of reasons for using them. This is definitely a book I would recommend to a friend.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
World War Z Movie Tie in Edition An Oral History of the Zombie War
by
Max Brooks
seldombites
, January 10, 2014
This is, without a doubt, the best apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic novel I have ever read. If you are after a zombie horror, you will be seriously disappointed, because the zombies themselves are not prominent characters i this book. Instead, Brooks presents us with a series of interviews ten years after the war has ended. Unlike many post-apocalyptic novels, World War Z presents us with a global picture of events. We see interviews with people from many countries, many age groups, many careers, many socio-economic groups - giving a total picture of what was happening everywhere to everyone. The subtitle of this book describes it as an oral history and this description is fitting.The story does not have a traditional plot, in the sense of one story, revolving around one character, with one clear beginning, middle and end. Instead, it consists of lots of mini-stories, with each interview presenting another piece to the puzzle. I was particularly impressed with the author's ability to present each interview in a genuine voice suitable to the purported character. Every one of these interviews is entirely believable and it is this believability that adds to the sense of tension this book creates. I have seen some people complain about the sheer volume of characters, stating that this affected their ability to engage. I would like to humbly disagree. While it is true that I cannot remember all of the names, I do not consider this to be an essential element to compassion or empathy. I, myself, fully engaged with each and every character in this book, to the point that I found myself emotionally immersed in their stories I won't spoil the story by stating what happened, but one interview with a dog handler, actually had me in tears. Another thing I liked about this book is the underlying political commentary. Whether you agree or disagree with the messages being presented, they will surely catch your interest. In fact, I suspect that this one of those onion books that needs to be read and re-read to grasp all of the underlying commentary. I will certainly be re-reading my copy. In fact, I hope to get my hands on the audio-book, which, I am told, is read by a full cast of characters. I feel that this will bring even more depth to an already brilliant story. I do not know whether it is the writing skill of Max Brooks, the unique format of this book, or the incredible realism therein (or perhaps a combination of all three) but this was, by far, the scariest zombie novel I have ever read. I highly recommend it to absolutely everybody!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(3 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Ashfall 02 Ashen Winter
by
Mike Mullin
seldombites
, January 02, 2014
In Ashen Winter we return to an America changed by a natural disaster on a massive scale. As hunger and famine set in, the baser side of human nature sets in. After a raid on the farm that gives Alex cause for concern over his parents fate, he and Darla set forth in an attempt to find them. But the world has changed, even compared to their earlier journey through the countryside. This time, the two of them face challenges such as cannibals, slave-traders and the ever present danger of FEMA patrols. This book wasn't quite as good as Ashfall, but I can't really place my finger on why that is. Nevertheless, it was still an awesome read and I am really looking forward to getting hold of Sunrise, the final book in the trilogy.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Ashfall 01
by
Mike Mullin
seldombites
, January 02, 2014
Apocalyptic & post-apocalyptic fiction is one of my favourite genres, so I began this book enthusiastically. I was not disappointed. As usual, this young adult book was written better than many adult books that I have read. The protagonist in this novel is a sixteen year old boy who is left home alone for the weekend after arguing with his mother over a road-trip to visit rellies. Unfortunately for him, his timing could not have been worse. Just hours after the departure of his family, he is fighting for survival as the Yellowstone Supervolcano erupts. After riding out the worst of the eruption with some neighbours, Alex decides to leave to find his family. He soon finds that the world, and the people in it, are no longer what they once were, and survival will be even harder than he imagined. This is the best post-apocalyptic book I have read in a long time. With no technical errors to distract from his superb story-telling, Mike Mullin allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the world that Alex inhabits. Mullin's style reminds me of the kind of tale one hears sitting around the campfire, listening to an oral history of the world as it was. Ashfall was so enthralling that I read it one sitting. I began reading it in the afternoon and finished the following morning. I was so into the book that I didn't even notice until I closed the book and saw the dawn sun peeking through my window! I definitely recommend this book to adults and teens alike.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
This or That Survival Debate: A Rip-Roaring Game of Either/Or Questions
by
Erik Heinrich
seldombites
, January 02, 2014
Kids might find this book interesting. I did not. Maybe if it were just the questions, it may have been OK, but I found all the supporting information (while informative) to be distracting.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
After The Fires Went Out: Coyote: Book One of the Post-Apocalyptic Series
by
Regan Wolfrom
seldombites
, January 02, 2014
I normally love apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, but I could not even finish this one. While it is technically well-written (no editing errors or things of that sort), it was boring, boring, boring! I will definitely not be reading the rest of the series.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Birthmarked 01
by
Caragh M. O'Brien
seldombites
, January 02, 2014
The basis of this story is an interesting concept that is just realistic enough to be scary. The 'haves' are living lives of luxury inside the city walls, while the 'have-nots' struggle to make ends meet outside. But all is not as it seems inside the city. Despite a monthly tribute of newborn babies from outside the wall, genetic diversity has shrunk, causing an epidemic of haemophilia. Birthmarked is a decent read, but not a brilliant one. It was interesting enough to read all the way through, but not so great that I will be looking to finish the series.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Mob Rule: Lessons Learned By a Mother of Boys
by
Hannah Evans
seldombites
, November 03, 2013
Mob Rule is a hilarious look at what it is like to raise a bunch of boys. Told as a series of tales about the author's family instead of the usual dry self-help formula, this book will have you laughing long and loud. Anybody who has ever mothered boys will recognize the situations, Evans relates, but even mothers of girls will find some helpful advice (and not a few chuckles) within the pages of this antidote to the often unhelpful parenting manual.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Desperation
by
Stephen King
seldombites
, November 03, 2013
Leave on a holiday and find yourself fighting for your life and soul. This is the basis of Stephen King's Desperation. I love Stephen King. In my opinion no other horror writer can match him, and this is definitely one of his better novels. Scary, thought-provoking and uplifting, this book is difficult to put down. I recommend it to fans and non-fans alike.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Children of the Night
by
Dan Simmons
seldombites
, October 29, 2013
I almost didn't read this book because I had trouble getting into it. It was only on my fourth and final try that I managed to read past the first few pages. I am glad that I persevered because it turned out to be a very good story. From a Romania suffering from the aftermath of revolution to America and back again, Simmons treats us to an interesting and frightening take on the Dracula legend. Set in the late eighties/early nineties, this modern vampire story retains some of the creepiness and foreboding of Bram Stoker's tale while acquiring an urgency that seems all too real. The first chapter of this book is dry and difficult to read but it is worth persisting because Simmons weaves a truly terrifying tale that will have you sleeping with the light on.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Blood Work: Terry McCaleb 1
by
Michael Connelly
seldombites
, October 22, 2013
Blood Work is a good, old-fashioned detective novel. Ex-FBI agent is convinced to take on one more case; case becomes complicated; agent finds himself in trouble; situation is resolved; everybody but the criminal is happy. Thrilling enough to hold my interest, but familiar enough to be comforting and comfortable, this book was perfect for my state of mind when I read it. I would certainly recommend it.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Life Expectancy
by
Dean Koontz
seldombites
, October 22, 2013
Like most first person novels, it took me a little while to get into this book. However, once it gets going, this is a highly entertaining read. One of Koontz's better novels, this is a book that is well worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Fallen
by
David Maine
seldombites
, October 22, 2013
I am not a religious person, nor am I Christian, but that did not prevent me from enjoying this novel. Beginning with the final days of Cain and moving back in time to Adam and Eve's banishment from the Garden, this book portrays the dusty old Bible stories in a brand new light. Breathing life into these well-known characters in a way no Bible story ever could, Maine reminds us that few people are truly evil and that we all have the potential to commit terrible acts. The names in this book are all familiar - Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, God - but their personalities are far more fleshed out and sympathetic than those portrayed in Genesis, and I was left with many more questions than I began with. Was Adam and Eve's crime truly so great as to deserve permanent banishment? How long should a man be punished for the sins of his youth? And just how just is the Christian God really? Whether you are Christian or not, this is an extremely well-written and entertaining read that you will be unable to put down and I will be recommending it to everybody I come across.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Beyond The Barrier
by
Damon Knight
seldombites
, October 22, 2013
This book was such a light and easy read that I almost did not read it. However, I found myself being pulled into the story despite myself and I am glad that I was. This book turned out to be better than it appears at first, and I find the concluding concept quite intriguing. This is worth reading if you are a science fiction fan, but others probably wouldn't enjoy it.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
We Know. Gregg Hurwitz
by
Gregg Hurwitz
seldombites
, October 22, 2013
This book wasn't as thrilling or mysterious as the blurb implied, but it was still an enjoyable read. The juxtaposition of past and present kept me from getting bored and, though the culprit was fairly predictable, the author still managed to keep some tension to the story. Worth reading
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
From Far Away 01
by
Kyoko Hikawa
seldombites
, October 22, 2013
This manga has lovely artwork and an interesting plot. I particularly like how Noriko cannot speak the language when she first arrives in the new world - so many books and movies don't seem to acknowledge this detail. This is very entertaining and I highly recommend it.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Never Say Boo to a Ghost
by
John null and Korky Paul and Korky null
seldombites
, October 22, 2013
This book may have been written for kids, but it is just as enjoyable for adults. Some of the poems are spooky, some are funny and some are just plain silly, but all of them are fun to read. Some of my favourites are: The Ghoul by Charles Thomson; Locking Up by Ian Serraillier; and The Cupboard on the Landing by John Coldwell.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Mindbend
by
Robin Cook
seldombites
, October 22, 2013
Once again, Robin Cook has provided me with an average but entertaining read. His medical thrillers always leave me with an odd mix of boredom and entertainment that I find difficult to describe. Still, as Cook novels go, this is one of his better books. Certainly, the concept is a scary one, even if it isn't presented as well as it could be. Worth reading if you are a Robin Cook fan or if you don't want to think too hard.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Blood Will Have Blood
by
Linda Barnes
seldombites
, October 22, 2013
This is my first Michael Spraggue Mystery but it will not be my last. I was thoroughly intrigued and befuddled and just generally enthralled by the twists and turns and personality clashes contained within the story and I did not guess who the bad guy was before the end, though I came close. Actually, this book brings to mind shades of Agatha Christie, though it is much cruder and far less refined. A book that is well worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Goosebumps HorrorLand 07 My Friends Call Me Monster
by
R L Stine
seldombites
, September 29, 2013
I have always been a Goosebumps fan, but I only recently discovered the Horrorland series. Each book has a (very) creepy story involving children, followed by a chapter of the Horrorland tale. Each book brings further clarity to the Horrorland section, leaving the reader craving more. Unfortunately, I only have the first eight, so I am in limbo as to what will happen. I cannot wait to obtain the remainder of this thrilling series!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Goosebumps Horrorland 06 Whos Your Mummy
by
R L Stine
seldombites
, September 29, 2013
I have always been a Goosebumps fan, but I only recently discovered the Horrorland series. Each book has a (very) creepy story involving children, followed by a chapter of the Horrorland tale. Each book brings further clarity to the Horrorland section, leaving the reader craving more. Unfortunately, I only have the first eight, so I am in limbo as to what will happen. I cannot wait to obtain the remainder of this thrilling series!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Goosebumps HorrorLand 05 Dr Maniac vs Robby Schwartz
by
R L Stine
seldombites
, September 29, 2013
I have always been a Goosebumps fan, but I only recently discovered the Horrorland series. Each book has a (very) creepy story involving children, followed by a chapter of the Horrorland tale. Each book brings further clarity to the Horrorland section, leaving the reader craving more. Unfortunately, I only have the first eight, so I am in limbo as to what will happen. I cannot wait to obtain the remainder of this thrilling series!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Goosebumps HorrorLand 04 The Scream Of The Haunted Mask
by
R L Stine
seldombites
, September 29, 2013
I have always been a Goosebumps fan, but I only recently discovered the Horrorland series. Each book has a (very) creepy story involving children, followed by a chapter of the Horrorland tale. Each book brings further clarity to the Horrorland section, leaving the reader craving more. Unfortunately, I only have the first eight, so I am in limbo as to what will happen. I cannot wait to obtain the remainder of this thrilling series!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Goosebumps HorrorLand 03 Monster Blood For Breakfast
by
R L Stine
seldombites
, September 29, 2013
I have always been a Goosebumps fan, but I only recently discovered the Horrorland series. Each book has a (very) creepy story involving children, followed by a chapter of the Horrorland tale. Each book brings further clarity to the Horrorland section, leaving the reader craving more. Unfortunately, I only have the first eight, so I am in limbo as to what will happen. I cannot wait to obtain the remainder of this thrilling series!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Goosebumps HorrorLand 02 Creep From The Deep
by
R L Stine
seldombites
, September 29, 2013
I have always been a Goosebumps fan, but I only recently discovered the Horrorland series. Each book has a (very) creepy story involving children, followed by a chapter of the Horrorland tale. Each book brings further clarity to the Horrorland section, leaving the reader craving more. Unfortunately, I only have the first eight, so I am in limbo as to what will happen. I cannot wait to obtain the remainder of this thrilling series!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Goosebumps HorrorLand 01 Revenge of the Living Dummy
by
R L Stine
seldombites
, September 29, 2013
I have always been a Goosebumps fan, but I only recently discovered the Horrorland series. Each book has a (very) creepy story involving children, followed by a chapter of the Horrorland tale. Each book brings further clarity to the Horrorland section, leaving the reader craving more. Unfortunately, I only have the first eight, so I am in limbo as to what will happen. I cannot wait to obtain the remainder of this thrilling series!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
BRIDE OF THE WATER GOD Volume 4
by
Mi Kyung Yun
seldombites
, September 28, 2013
This series is beautifully illustrated with an exceptional attention to detail. The characters are strong and enchanting, while the prose is engaging and not overdone. This is my first experience of Korean Manga and I was not disappointed.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Bride of the Water God 03
by
Mi Kyung Yun
seldombites
, September 28, 2013
This series is beautifully illustrated with an exceptional attention to detail. The characters are strong and enchanting, while the prose is engaging and not overdone. This is my first experience of Korean Manga and I was not disappointed.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Bride Of The Water God Volume 2
by
Mi Kyung Yun
seldombites
, September 28, 2013
This series is beautifully illustrated with an exceptional attention to detail. The characters are strong and enchanting, while the prose is engaging and not overdone. This is my first experience of Korean Manga and I was not disappointed.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Bride of the Water God Volume 1
by
Mi Kyung Yun
seldombites
, September 28, 2013
This series is beautifully illustrated with an exceptional attention to detail. The characters are strong and enchanting, while the prose is engaging and not overdone. This is my first experience of Korean Manga and I was not disappointed.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Fear: Gone 5
by
Michael Grant
seldombites
, September 15, 2013
Fear is definitely the best Gone book yet. A tentative peace has emerged between Caine in Perdido Beach and Sam in Lake Tramonto. Tensions between freaks and normals has faded. Food is plentiful and starvation is no longer an issue. Drake hasn't been spotted in ages. Suddenly, however, the barrier begins to turn black. Food once more becomes an issue. Astrid is back, but so is Drake and this time he must be faced in the dark. Each installment in this series is better than the last, and Fear is no exception. Alternating between Pete's spirit, those trapped in the FAYZ and those trapped without, this book is by far the most fascinating and the most frightening. With the children facing their greatest threat yet, under observation of those outside, this book surely lives up to it's name. As with the previous books, I highly recommend you read this.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Gone 04 Plague
by
Michael Grant
seldombites
, September 15, 2013
The threat of starvation is receding in Perdido Beach, and the horror that is Drake has been imprisoned, but now a new threat is emerging. A devastating disease is spreading through the FAYZ - a terrifying illness that causes sufferers to cough up their lungs. At the same time a new infestation is growing - one that eats its victims from the inside out, and one that even Sam cannot kill. Plague is the fourth book in the popular Gone series and it is the best yet. Terrifying, horrifying, disturbing, no reader will rest before the final page is turned - and eve then, they will be left wanting more. If you have yet to read this series, I recommend that you do so. You will not regret it.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Hunger: Gone 2
by
Michael Grant
seldombites
, September 15, 2013
Life in the FAYZ has settled somewhat, but not for long. As starvation begins to set in, and more and more kids develop mutant powers, the choice is no longer between the group led by Sam and that led by Caine. Instead, trouble is brewing between those with powers (the 'freaks') and those without (the 'normals'). Animals continue to mutate, making food even harder to obtain, and suddenly a new threat emerges - one that poses a threat to both freaks and normals, Perdido Beach and Coates Academy. The sequel to Michael Grant's popular ya novel Gone, this book is even better than the first. Regardless of age, you will be completely engrossed in the story, unable to avoid turning the page, anxious to know what happens next. This book is definitely worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Gone: Gone 1
by
Michael Grant
seldombites
, September 15, 2013
At first, this story seems reminiscent of Stephen King's The Dome. A town is suddenly cut off from the rest of the world by a mysterious dome-shaped barrier that cuts through the landscape and shocks when touched. However, this is where the similarities end. In Gone, everybody over the age of fifteen disappears, leaving the children inside the dome (or what will come to be known as the FAYZ) to cope for themselves. In a Lord of the Flies type scenario, cliques begin to form. One side, ruled by the town bullies, is cruel. The other side, humane. Worse, some of the kids develop supernatural powers, and the animals begin to mutate in ways that make them more dangerous. If you liked The Dome or Lord of the Flies, you will love Gone. As thrilling as either, and more enjoyable than both, Gone will linger i your mind long after you are done reading, leaving you craving to learn more, more, more about life in the FAYZ. Michael Grant is an awesome author and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
The Wendigo
by
Algernon Blackwood
seldombites
, September 15, 2013
The Wendigo is creepy in a way only Victorian stories can be. It is a short story, but an intense one. It did not take me long to read this story but it stayed in my head long after I finished, leaving me with a vague sense of unease and dread for the remainder of the night. I will be keeping this book in my collection and I recommend that horror fans read it if they can.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The Dark Tide
by
Andrew Gross
seldombites
, September 15, 2013
This story grips you from page one and the ride continues all the way through. Part mystery, part thriller, this book will have you unable to put it it down. Definitely worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Full Dark No Stars
by
Stephen King
seldombites
, August 24, 2013
I have come to expect a lot from Stephen King, especially his short stories and novellas, and I was not disappointed. The four stories in this anthology were all very well written, engaging, engrossing and (as one would expect from the King) just a little disturbing. The first story, 1922 is presented as the written confession of a farmer who, by murdering his wife, destroyed his son, his soul and his peace of mind. This tale demonstrates how, by our own actions, we can create for ourselves a hell on Earth long before we encounter any kind of divine punishment. The second story, Big Driver, is the best description of how it feels to be raped that I have read by someone who hasn't actually experienced this horror for themselves. It highlights the humiliation, the terror, the anger, the disgust, the burning need for revenge combined with the desperate desire to hide that is felt by many victims of this awful crime. The third story, Fair Extension, shows the lengths many of us are willing to go to in order to topple those of whom we are jealous and to put our own selfish interests ahead of the interests of those around us. Many of us are all too eager to do a deal with the devil, no trickery or bribery needed. The fourth, and final, story is called A Good Marriage. In my opinion, this is the best of the four. By reading this tale, we are asked just how well we can really know another person, even those nearest and dearest to us. What would we do if we found out our most-loved ones had been hiding a horrible secret from us, so terrible that we refused, at first, to believe it to be true? Could you suddenly stop loving someone who turned out to be evil? As is typical for Stephen King's works, these stories are enjoyable to read while they last, and stay in your mind, churning your thoughts, exciting your emotions and disturbing your peace long after they are finished. I have made no secret of the fact that King is one of my favourite authors, so it should come as no surprise to you that I highly recommend this book.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Family of Angels
by
Mike Ripley
seldombites
, August 17, 2013
This book wasn't particularly well-written, yet it had me hooked from the very beginning. The story had so many unrealistic twists and turns that it really should have been a flop, yet I was completely unable to put it down. Some of the characters were flawless, others formulaic but engaging. This book really should not have been as fun and funny as it was, but despite it's faults, it turned out to be an engrossing and enjoyable read �" and that speaks to the skill of the author.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The Pied Piper of Hamelin (Yesterday's Classics)
by
Robert Browning
seldombites
, August 17, 2013
I was unaware, until I read this, that it was a poem. Despite being a classic, I had never read it before, though I knew the basic story of course. In any case, I found this poem to be quite enjoyable. If you haven't read it already, I recommend that you do.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Fan Mail
by
P D Martin
seldombites
, August 08, 2013
While it was fairly obvious whodunnit from about a third of the way in, this is still an enjoyable book to read. I really liked the main character, Sophie Anderson, and I found the concept of an FBI agent with clairvoyant tendencies intriguing. I also found the idea that a killer was targeting crime authors and using their books for inspiration to be quite interesting. Despite having guessed who the culprit was, I enjoyed watching the police as they struggled to piece together the evidence and come to the same conclusions as I did. This book isn't a masterpiece, but it is a fun read and well worth your time.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Under the Dome TV Tie In Edition
by
Stephen King
seldombites
, August 03, 2013
This is the second time I have read this book. The first time I read it, I wrote the following: "I've always been a big fan of Stephen King and this is definitely one of his better novels. In fact, Under The Dome is now my favourite Stephen King Novel (it used to be The Stand). The characters are extremely believable, as is the premise. I particularly liked the comparison between Chester's Mill and ant farms. In addition to being a good read, this book also makes a frightening statement about the nature of people. Namely, that scared people are all too willing to give up their rights and behave in dreadful ways in order to feel safe; and how, when people are frightened by something they can't explain, they go looking for scapegoats. Sadly, these are behaviours we are seeing all around us today, not helped (as in the book) by our leaders' willingness to exploit our fears. Overall, this is a highly recommended read!" I have no reason to change my opinion, except to say that this book is even better the second time around. As with other Stephen King novels, each reading allows the discover of some new subtlety, allowing multiple readings to be as enjoyable as the first time around. This is an awesome book that I would recommend to any fan of the genre.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Mortality
by
Kellie Sheridan
seldombites
, August 03, 2013
This book has far too many spelling and grammatical errors which distract the reader from the storyline. This could easily be fixed by having the story proof-read by somebody else before publishing. More annoying still were the sudden jumps in time or scene. Perhaps a blank line between the final paragraph of one scene and the first paragraph of the next would make these jumps less confusing. Having said all that, my only gripes with this book are technical. The story itself is engrossing and well-written. The characters are engaging and the situations frighteningly realistic. I found the time spent inside the mind of a living zombie particularly horrifying. It is no easy feat to create empathy for the zombies in a living reader, but the author of this book manages this so well that, when there is an altercation near the end between a living person and one of the infected, I was genuinely unsure of which character I wanted to win. Had the technical errors not been present, I would have given this book a full five out of five. As it is, I can only give it a four. Still, if this is a good representation of Sheridan's writing, I will definitely be on the lookout for more!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Courts And Criminals: From The Magic Lamp Classic True Crime Series
by
Arthur Train
seldombites
, July 10, 2013
I did not finish this book. It was too dry and clinical for my taste. I get the feeling that it is probably aimed at students.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Scanner Darkly
by
Philip K Dick
seldombites
, May 05, 2013
This book is a fascinating insight into the damage recreational drugs can do to our psyche. Set in an alternate history, there is a new drug on the market known as 'Substance D' or 'Death'. Prolonged use of this drug messes with the physical structure of the brain, leading to severe mental illness and, eventually, death. Even withdrawing from the drug doesn't reverse the effects, with many ex-users left as walking, talking vegetables. Our protagonist is an undercover police officer, who is forced to take the drug in the line of duty. Told from his point of view, the novel documents his slow descent into insanity. Being inside the mind of a user is unpleasant and often confusing. However, this is a book well worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Crime & Punishment
by
Dostoevsky, Fyodor Mikhailovich
seldombites
, April 21, 2013
I found this book to be much easier to read than most classics. The personalities and culture took a little getting used to, but became endearing after a while. The language was sometimes confusing, but not unbearably so. I do think this book is worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Complete Tightwad Gazette
by
Amy Dacyczyn
seldombites
, April 21, 2013
The Complete Tightwad Gazette has got to be the best purchase I have ever made, with the possible exception of my kindle, and I didn't even pay full price. Thanks to a gift voucher I won for Powell's Books, I was able to acquire this book for the cost of postage. When I first received this book, I was advised to read it cover to cover first, then go back through it with a notebook and write down all tips I think are relevant to my family. I have just finished reading it for the first time and I can understand why I was advised to read it this way. This three-in-one book is so chock full of useful information that I would have quickly been overwhelmed if I had started copying tips from the get-go. The Complete Tightwad Gazette is not a dry, boring list of hints and tips. Rather it is a seemingly random selection of articles, written in an engaging and personal style that keeps the reader entertained and prevents boredom. The length of book seems daunting at first, but the articles capture the imagination so well that, despite the more than nine hundred pages, one is left hungry for more. Off the top of my head, my top ten tightwad gazette tips are: • The universal recipes. I love these because they are so easily adapted to utilise whatever I have in my cupboard. • Selective Squeamishness. So your potato has a brown bit on it. Cut around it - the rest of the spud is still good. Same goes for fruit that has had one or two bites taken out - no need to discard the entire thing. • Dumpster Diving (or scrounging trash piles left out for pick-up). It is absolutely amazing the stuff people will throw away. We have found some perfectly good toys, clothes and furniture this way - some with minor faults (such as a missing draw handle), others in brand new condition. We even got ourselves a perfectly good working vacuum cleaner this way. • Thrift Stores and Garage Sales. Second hand does not mean second best. Plus, your wallet will love you! • Price Book. Having a price book is a great way to keep track of when and where various food items are cheapest. • Learn to Sew. Knowing how to repair that small tear will make your kids' clothes last so much longer - and you will be able to utilise the material when clothes are no longer useable. • Make time to cook. Even if it means getting up a little earlier in the morning. Home-cooked snacks are a lot cheaper than store-bought and your kids will like them much better. • Libraries. Join your local library. They generally stock the most popular books. If, like me, your tastes are a little less common, you can still save money by getting what you can from the library and only buying those books they don't have. • Re-use. With a little imagination and a small amount of effort, almost everything that comes into your home can be re-purposed. Turkey nets can be used to drain bath toys, a bunch of six pack rings tied together are strong enough to make a hammock, old milk cartons can be used to make dog toys or toss-and-catch games. • Use Less. Products (like laundry detergents, shampoos and so on) generally have a recommended amount per use. However, these are not always accurate. There are two reasons for this. First, they want to sell more product and the more you use at one time, the sooner you will have to replenish. Secondly, they are unable to take account of your individual circumstances - how dirty your hair is for example or how hard or soft your water is. Experiment with different amounts of products until you find the minimum amount you need to do the job. Doing this will save you loads of money. Not every tip in this book will suit every reader, but I challenge you to read it without finding a single article useful.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Eclipse
by
Richard North Patterson
seldombites
, April 21, 2013
The first part of this novel was riveting, but after that I simply lost interest. However, I don't think the fault lies with the book which is well-written and suspenseful and deals with important issues. I guess I just wasn't in the mood for this style of heavy-handed activism. A different reader will probably enjoy it.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Third Man
by
Graham Greene
seldombites
, March 22, 2013
I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this book. I am not usually into spy stories, but the plot of this screenplay was both intriguing and enjoyable. I especially like that the author points out the differences between the original screenplay and that used for the film. This is one spy movie I would very much like to see.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Dracula
by
Bram Stoker
seldombites
, March 18, 2013
I have read many vampire stories, from the scary (Salem's Lot) to the romantic (Twilight) but, despite it's age, this is by far the creepiest vampire novel I have read. In fact, this is the only vampire story that has ever disturbed my sleep. The old-world language and diary format lend it an air of tension to this novel that is lacking in other vampire books that I have read. Most horror books are scary, but fairly predictable. Not so, Bram Stoker's Dracula. I found this story to be intriguing and enthralling and I found myself unable to put it down. This is the original vampire novel and, in my opinion, still the best.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Oxford Bookworms Library: The Canterville Ghost: Level 2: 700-Word Vocabulary
by
Oscar Wilde and John Escott
seldombites
, March 16, 2013
This story may be short, but it is highly amusing. I did not experience a single second of boredom when reading this. I felt so sorry for the poor ghost, having to deal with obnoxious Americans who refused to pay him the respect he deserved. This entertaining tale from Oscar Wilde is definitely worth reading!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Incandescence
by
Greg Egan
seldombites
, March 16, 2013
This book was very, very difficult for anybody other than a scientist or mathematician to read. I persisted, however, because despite all the jargon, the basic plot was quite interesting. I don't know why I bothered. The book had two separate story-lines, giving the impression that these would eventually come together. This did not happen. The two stories were not properly combined, leaving the reader with the sense that the book just ended suddenly, as though the author just ran out of words. This would be disappointing at any time, but after wading through all the maths and science to get to this point, I feel as though I wasted my time. The first set of characters came into contact with a world like that on which the second set reside, but we are left wondering if this is a similar world, the same world in the past or the same world in the future. This book just wasn't worth the effort.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Dont Kiss Them Goodbye
by
Allison Dubois
seldombites
, March 09, 2013
This book is both very sad and very inspirational. The author, Allison DuBois, is the woman whose life formed the inspiration for the TV show Medium. This book explains how she came to realize her talent and how she came to use it for good. It contains several actual cases and readings she has worked on and is finished by a chapter about what it is like to live with a medium, written by her husband Joe. This is an excellent book that is an easy read, and it will have you run the full gamut of your emotions before you are through. Well worth picking up.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
One for the Money: Stephanie Plum 1
by
Janet Evanovich
seldombites
, March 07, 2013
This book is fairly predictable - I could pretty much tell what was going to happen from the first chapter. The first person narrative took a couple of chapters to get used to but this is nothing new. I always struggle at first with first person narrative. Having said that, however, I found this book to be an enjoyable read. It was light enough to read when I was winding down at night, yet interesting enough that I will be reading the rest of the series. Overall, I would say it is worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Twilight and Philosophy: Vampires, Vegetarians, and the Pursuit of Immortality
by
Rebecca Housel
seldombites
, March 06, 2013
This book was very difficult to read - not due to the writing style, but the reasoning. Many of their arguments were made in convoluted, over-complicated ways when they could have been stated simply and succinctly. There was also a fair bit of repetition between chapters. I was left with the impression that the authors were trying to stretch a short essay into a full book so as to make some money. If you really want to read this book, try to locate a lend-able copy. Don't spend your own dollars on it.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Monoculture How One Story Is Changing Everything
by
F S Michaels
seldombites
, March 05, 2013
I tried to read this book several times. I feel the concept is sound and there is a good point being made, but it is being made in such a way that I was bored to tears. I just could not make it through to the end.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Blogging for Fame & Fortune
by
Jason R Rich
seldombites
, February 19, 2013
Just about everybody has a blog these days. They are so prolific that it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. Yet this is exactly what you must do if you wish to make money from your blog. Blogging for Fame and Fortune will show you how to do just that. Packed with hints, tips and advice, this book will have you making money from your blog in no time. It is not just for money-makers, however. If, like me, you blog for fun and have no intention of monetizing, you can still derive benefit from reading this book. It is not just about making money, but gives advice on how to maintain a blog that will keep your readers interested so they return to your blog again and again. Beginners will also like this book, as it can be used as a starters guide. From comparing the webs major blogging platforms, to instructions on how to create a blog; from describing different kinds of blogs to advice on how to make your blog awesome and unique; from tips on driving traffic to your blog to interviews with well-known and successful bloggers, this book has something for the absolute beginner and the experienced blogger alike. I suggest taking your time reading this as the book is full of hints and suggested websites that you will want to note down as you go. I definitely recommend this book to anybody who has a blog or is considering starting one up. I guarantee you will find something in this book helpful.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Fear The Worst
by
Linwood Barclay
seldombites
, January 20, 2013
This is a light read for when you don't want your brain to be too taxed. Not too obvious, but not unsolvable and not un-put-down-able.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Ritual
by
Adam Nevill
seldombites
, January 20, 2013
This book is a mysterious and terrifying glimpse of what it might be like if ancient myths were real and ancient rituals still practiced somewhere in the untouched wilderness of the world. Definitely do not read this at night.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Jurassic Park
by
Michael Crichton
seldombites
, September 12, 2012
This is one of the rare instances where I have enjoyed a movie more than the book. That isn't to say, however, that the book is no good. On the contrary, while it didn't have the immediate thrills and jump moments of a Hollywood film, it was still an enjoyable and engrossing novel filled with suspense and tension. If you enjoyed the movie, you are bound to like the book.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Mephisto Club
by
Tess Gerritsen
seldombites
, March 08, 2012
This was an average, everyday, serial killer novel. Enjoyable while it lasted but not overly memorable after the event. I was able to pick that there was a traiter in the club, but not exactly who it was. Worth reading if you like this sort of thing, skip over it if you don't.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Evil Serial Killers
by
Charlotte Greig
seldombites
, March 06, 2012
This is a fascinating look at some of the most notorious serial murderers known to man. However, one of the aspects I liked most about this book is the fact that it doesn't only list famous serial killers. There are several murderers mentioned who I had never heard of. The book gives details of the crimes without getting too gruesome and the early lives of killers are covered quite well. The nature of this book precludes it from becoming overly detailed. However, it is an excellent starting base for those interested in digging deeper into the serial killer phenomenon.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Pobby and Dingan
by
Ben Rice
seldombites
, March 03, 2012
This is a charming and heartbreaking story set in the opal fields of Lightning Ridge. The author uses words with skill. We feel the hot, dusty air in our lungs, we experience the ostracism and community of spirit of small town Australia and our hearts tear in two for the unhappy little girl who has lost her friends. This book may be short, but it is potent. I highly recommend it. There is another short story included at the end of the book entitled Specks in the Sky. It is strange and confusing and worth skipping over.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(3 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Kingdom Of Dreams
by
Judith Mcnaught
seldombites
, March 02, 2012
This was an excellent read. I was up half the night because I did not want to put this book down. The story is full of twists and turns, the characters are appealing and Jennifer's antics had me in stitches. This is one book that is definitely worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Night
by
Elie Wiesel
seldombites
, March 02, 2012
This is a deeply moving narrative from a survivor of Hitler's extermination camps. There have been several of these types of books released in the past few years, but I believe this is one of the better ones. Told in first person, we are exposed to how it really felt to be in one of these camps - how it dehumanised people and caused good, loving people to behave like animals. This book should be required reading in all high schools.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Broken Prey: Lucas Davenport 16
by
John Sandford
seldombites
, February 29, 2012
I found the beginning of this book a little disconcerting as it chopped and changed a fair bit. However, once I got into the story, I was hooked. The author maintains a good level of suspense throughout and the plot has more twists and turns than you would find in a maze. Interestingly, I was completely unable to pick the culprit until the author was ready for me to do so, which is fairly rare these days. If you like murder mysteries, you will love this book.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The Red Dahlia
by
Lynda La Plante
seldombites
, February 28, 2012
I very much enjoyed this book. I felt it was slightly more realistic than most police novels in that they were unable to identify a serial killer until recieving a tip off from somebody known to him. I also liked the fact that they took time to investigate the claim, questioning those around him, putting him under surveillance etc instead of just marching up and arresting him on the spot - the evidence was hard to find and wasn't handed to them on a platter. Worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Dinkum Dunnies
by
Douglass Baglin
seldombites
, February 25, 2012
This is a book of photographs of dunnies in various Australian locations. It is OK, but I've seen way better.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Poltergeists and Other Hauntings
by
Rupert Matthews
seldombites
, February 16, 2012
This an awesome, and very thorough study of the poltergeist phenomenon. It begins by describing various visitations, some well known, others less so. The author then goes on to highlight the commonalities between cases and establishes a set of parameters that can help distinguish a poltergeist event from a typical haunting. Finally, various explanations for the phenomenon are discussed. This book is highly readable, interesting and informative. I did not get bored at all while reading it. I recommend this to anyone interested in poltergeists specifically or the paranormal in general.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Eye for an Eye
by
William Ian Miller
seldombites
, February 15, 2012
This was a fascinating book presenting a a far different, and more interesting, take on the meaning of justice than most people would form for themselves. Writing about various ages, from Mesopotamia to honour societies, from ancient practices to the formation of the modern court system, Miller presents modern justice as merely a codification of the concept of 'an eye for an eye'. Referencing sources both modern and ancient, including the Bible, the Torah, Shakespeare and Harvard Law Reviews, Miller makes his point thoroughly and often. My main gripe with this book (and the one thing that prevented me from completing it) is that it tended to become quite repetitive - I feel it could have been quite a bit shorter. Having said that, the author makes some good points and this book is worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The House Of Thunder
by
Dean Koontz
seldombites
, February 11, 2012
This is one of those mysteries where you have absolutely no idea what is going on until the very end. Is she imagining things because of her brain injury? Is she really seeing ghosts come back from the dead to take their revenge? Or is it all just an elaborate plot to send her crazy? I really enjoyed most this book and I would have loved to give it a higher mark. Sadly, though, it was let down by the ending, which seemed to be rushed and didn't really fit the rest of the story. It is as if the author ran out of inspiration at a certain point and just tacked on a stock ending. I was left with a feeling of dissapointment and anti-climax when I finished this novel. Such a shame.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Bitten: True Medical Stories of Bites and Stings
by
Pamela Nagami
seldombites
, December 21, 2011
Definitely not for the sqeamish, this book covers various types of bites and stings from around the world, and provides graphic case studies for each one. From spiders to mosquitos, from snakes to dogs, Bitten tells us exactly how each type of bite or sting affects humans and why. By the time you finish reading this book, you will never look at another creature in the same way again.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Why Do Men Have Nipples Hundreds of Questions Youd Only Ask a Doctor After Your Third Martini
by
Leyner, Mark and Goldberg, Billy
seldombites
, December 21, 2011
This book is both amusing and informative. A few of the questions weren't really fully answered to my satisfaction, but I did pick up quite a few fun facts. I found the chat intermissions a little annoying at first, but I soon grew used to them and relaxed into the humour break. This book is well worth reading and I will be looking up their other books at some point in the future.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Plot Against America
by
Philip Roth
seldombites
, December 21, 2011
Written like an autobiography, this novel portrays an interesting alternative history. Like any normal autobiography, there are periods where life is dull and the story becomes a little slow, but overall the book is quite readable. One thing I particularly liked about this, is the fact that the author included a section at the end relaying the actual history. It saved me lots of googling time!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(4 of 7 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
First Time
by
Joy Fielding
seldombites
, December 20, 2011
This book is surprisingly good. It is well-written, the characters are well-developed and the plot is very real and believable. The ending reflects reality in that it isn't all flowers and sunshine. There are many hearstring moments so keep your tissues handy. Worth reading.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Taboo
by
Casey Hill
seldombites
, November 26, 2011
This was an interesting and thrilling story that was hard to put down. The premise of murders being committed according to society's taboos was a fascinating one. My only gripe is that the author made it a little too obvious as to the identity of the killer. Otherwise, this was a worthwile read that did not require too much thinking and I would recommend it in a pinch.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
by
Malcolm Gladwell
seldombites
, November 26, 2011
I just could not get into this book. I found it to be a dry and difficult read, jumping all over the place and lingering on points that needed only a few sentences or paragraphs. Other people might enjoy this book, but it was not for me.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(6 of 11 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment