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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
Edward has commented on (36) products
Monkey Mind a Memoir of Anxiety
by
Daniel B Smith
Edward
, September 11, 2012
You can listen to a interview with the author podcast of this book in this week's New York Times Book Review. The book itself is reassuring, that I am not alone. I frequently suffer from anxiety and sometimes support for this comes from the help of a good listener, a loving family member or friend, or in this case a good book. Oliver Sacks endorses this book. A much needed read in an age of anxiety. Being an introvert, I also frequently do not want to be around people, but would rather be with myself, alone and quiet. Oh, by the way, another good read about introversion and anxiety is Quiet; it just may be the ideal companion guide for this book. Thank you Mr.Smith, you have made a connection and you have made me smile. All I can hope one gains from reading taking my advise and reading it too, is that it will make them smile too.
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Beg Borrow Steal
by
Michael Greenberg
Edward
, December 31, 2009
This gem proves to one that patience pays off. After years of rejection letters and hardships with writing, Greenburg is living proof that one must not give up on what one loves. Greenburg loves writing and his pain and hardships in the publishing world is inspiration for all who painstakingly live to write and write to live. Bravo!
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Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life
by
Kingsolver, Barbara and Kingsolver, Camille and Hopp, Steven L.
Edward
, April 17, 2009
We are converting our backyard into a communal garden. My wife whom only recently began eating vegetables that weren't canned supports this venture. You are what you eat. We should all support locally grown producers and farms. I support the Peoples Market. Vive le local farm!
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White Tiger
by
Aravind Adiga
Edward
, February 20, 2009
It is the Crime and Punishment of this century. Get a taste of India and the modern world. Why does the poor want to be fat and the rich want to be thin? Why do white people wish to be tanned and dark skinned people wish to be lightened? Find out the answers to these questions and more when you get a taste of the "future of the modern novel".
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Pinocchio
by
Carlo Collodi
Edward
, January 09, 2009
An excellent translation. If you only know the Disney film, it comes as a shock to read the original story of Pinocchio and discover that the Talking Cricket is killed by Pinocchio at their very first meeting. This unusual creature, who has lived in Geppetto’s house for a hundred years, offers Pinocchio a ‘great truth’, solemnly advising him that he will never come to any good if he doesn’t find a useful occupation, adding that he pities him for being a puppet. At these last words, Pinocchio jumped up in a rage, grabbed a wooden mallet from the workbench, and flung it at the Talking Cricket. Perhaps he didn’t mean to hit him at all, but unfortunately he hit him square on the head. With his last breath the poor Cricket cried cree-cree-cree and then died on the spot, stuck to the wall. The new translation by Geoffrey Brock is wonderfully faithful to Collodi’s speed and vigour. Until now, the best-known modern translation has been Ann Lawson Lucas’s, and in several respects it is still a better buy, thanks to Lucas’s detailed explanatory notes and full historical preface, which are more useful than Umberto Eco’s thin introduction to the new edition. Judged purely as a translation, however, Brock’s version is more natural and engaging, with a better feeling for how to turn colloquial 19th-century Tuscan into colloquial modern English (or rather colloquial American, which is effectively the same thing).
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The Great Weaver from Kashmir
by
Halldor Laxness
Edward
, November 23, 2008
Gorgeous. Beautiful. Amazing. Sure he won the Nobel, but this book exemplifies what every writer should strive to emulate. It is poetic. It is romantic. Halldor Laxness should be a name everyone knows. His name should be what Shakespeare is to drama, Laxness should be to literature what apple pie is to America-- relished by almost everyone. He is a giant, up there beside Tolstoy dammit! This book is what nearly every writer journey's through. It is a treck to the unknown, a rebirth, and a poetic masterpiece.
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Drunkards Walk How Randomness Rules Our Lives
by
Leonard Mlodinow
Edward
, September 08, 2008
A great look at numbers and what they really mean. Anybody into numerology, mathematics, sports, essay grading, politics, world events-- actually pretty much anything to do with randomness; should procure this great read. I am rating it as a 4 because it wasn't the most amazing thing I have read since sliced bread. In fact if you know anything about Galileo, Pascal, Einstein, etc., it is an erudite summary. Albeit, all in all it was enjoyable and well written. You have 93 good reasons to read it.
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Dumbest Generation How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans & Jeopardizes Our Future Or Dont Trust Anyone Under 30
by
Mark Bauerlein
Edward
, July 10, 2008
Long over due! LOL-- I hate LOL!
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(6 of 13 readers found this comment helpful)
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La Linea
by
Ann Jaramillo
Edward
, June 19, 2008
A young adult thriller. Real-life fiction comes alive. This book deals with border issues, immigration issues, love, death; and it 'wires' everything together for a very important book-- in an important issue raising time. Politicians, teachers, concerned citizens-- please read this book! Us this book as a pillar to rectify the atrocities committed every day along our noble border. DO NOT BUILD A WALL! Take heed to what happened in Europe. Look at China's mighty GREAT WALL A CRUMBLING! It's election time; and this is a very important issue concerning a country-- USA which is FOUNDED ON IMMIGRATION!
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Opera and the Morbidity of Music
by
Joseph Kerman
Edward
, June 13, 2008
Classical music is dying and this book addresses that very notion. We need to preserve our land, our culture, and our music! Classical literature and classical music must vive!
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(6 of 6 readers found this comment helpful)
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Atmospheric Disturbances
by
Rivka Galchen
Edward
, June 03, 2008
A great debut from an author everyone will soon know about. Be the first to dive in to a gem. A real treat by a nouveau stylist who really knows her stuff. A medical wonder!
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(7 of 11 readers found this comment helpful)
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The Enchantress of Florence
by
Salman Rushdie
Edward
, May 31, 2008
Rushdie is a master and should win the Nobel Prize. This book places him at the pinnacle of his career. Albeit, it is his 10th novel-- Rushdie is the living genius master of our times. This book clearly confirms his mastery.
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(5 of 9 readers found this comment helpful)
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First French Reader A Beginners Dual Language Book
by
Stanley Appelbaum
Edward
, April 04, 2008
Cest manifique! C'est une bonne response pour une singulare langue Amerique! Une bon introduction de la lingua franca!
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Savage Detectives
by
Roberto Bolaño
Edward
, March 29, 2008
This novel's imagination expands into a magical diorama. The author flirts with danger and then gleefully accelerates away from it. The novel is spendiferously enjoyable (as well as, finally, full of lament), in part because Bolaño, despite all the game-playing, has a worldly, literal sensibility. His atmospheres are solidly imagined, but the tone is breezy and colloquial and amazingly unliterary. With much ado and thanks rightfully owed to the translator Natasha Wimmer, for editing much of the slang and converting it; so that we humble English readers can too enjoy its sublimity.
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Thing about Life Is That One Day Youll Be Dead
by
David Shields
Edward
, March 13, 2008
This isn't really a book about life as much as it is a lament about his father. There are all sorts of 'feel good' quotes and anecdotes. The title says it all-- and quite frankly for all the publicity it is absolutely over rated! I like Bill Murray too but I couldn't get though this entire book without throwing up.
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(34 of 48 readers found this comment helpful)
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Bound Man Why We Are Excited about Obama & Why He Cant Win
by
Shelby Steele
Edward
, February 25, 2008
Amidst all that has been said about Mr. Obama on the Internet-- this is a must read! Be informed and read the review online and be informed. I hope Obama can prove Mr. Steele wrong and win the US Presidency 2008!
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(11 of 17 readers found this comment helpful)
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Mindless Eating Why We Eat More Than We Think
by
Wansink, Brian
Edward
, February 23, 2008
All hail Charles Shaw! Long live the 2 Buck Chuck! Can wine from North Dakota and California really taste that differently? Does that stick of sugarless gum that you chew everyday equal 1 pound per year? Do you want to know what I am talking about? Read this marvelous book!
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(5 of 9 readers found this comment helpful)
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St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves
by
Karen Russell
Edward
, February 17, 2008
Please enter the brave collection of dark and witty Floridian short stories. A brave and noble debut by a highly touted new-comer. Meet Ms. Russell's zany world of strange bedfellows and you will encompass strangeness extra-ordinary!
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(21 of 34 readers found this comment helpful)
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How to Read Chinese Poetry: A Guided Anthology
by
Zong Qi Cai
Edward
, February 15, 2008
Why don't high schools teach the poetry of China? This anthology is a perfect teaching tool. It also is very practical for anyone interested in the history of poetry from China. Where have all the scholars interested in poetry gone? Far away from China that is for certain-- well no more! Open your eyes to culture, poetry, and beauty!
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(5 of 6 readers found this comment helpful)
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Adventures of Amir Hamza Lord of the Auspicious Planetary Conjunction
by
Lakhnavi, Bilgrami
Edward
, January 28, 2008
Romantic, moralistic, fables! Finally a defined collection for English readers under one roof! An authentic and genuine look at the 'real world', through Muslim-Persian eyes-- through all eyes! Readers around the world (especially in the Western World) should dive into this plethora of magic and attempt to understand the Islamic world. Fantastically entertaining!
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(7 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
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Whoreson
by
Donald Goines
Edward
, January 02, 2008
Recommended from the Youth of Stumptown! I am a teacher at an Alternative High School in Portland and my students and I both love this book. A fabulous read! Even if you don't like reading-- this book reels you in!
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(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
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When a Crocodile Eats the Sun A Memoir of Africa
by
Peter Godwin
Edward
, December 25, 2007
It's long overdue. People must wake up and act globally. People are dying, countries are falling apart, our civilization is perishing; this is just another chapter as to what is 'really' happening outside of Americana TV Land. TAKE NOTICE: READ THIS BOOK!
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(3 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
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The Freedom Writers Diary Teacher's Guide
by
Erin Gruwell and The Freedom Writers
Edward
, November 17, 2007
An asset to any classroom.
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(3 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
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City of Dreaming Books
by
Moers, Walter
Edward
, October 24, 2007
A plethora of pleasure and joy! This book is a journey into the wonderful land of books. Moers's accompanying illustrations are also splendid-- as per usual. If you have read his cult-classic Bluebear or just want to dabble into some black-book-magic, please, please procure this literary feast. Have you tried beebread?
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(7 of 9 readers found this comment helpful)
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War & Peace
by
Leo Tolstoy, Richard Pevear, Larissa Volokhonsky
Edward
, October 03, 2007
Finally a translation in English which exemplifies Tolstoy's masterpiece. When you have finished reading this version it will be like having your first orgasm. Incredible.
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(17 of 22 readers found this comment helpful)
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Confessions An Innocent Life in Communist China
by
Zhengguo Kang
Edward
, August 21, 2007
"Confessions" is totally gripping. It has honest, detailed, and finely textured writing that transports you back in time. You'll feel as if you had experienced the Cultural Revolution yourself. It's worth sacrificing sleep for; I simply wasn't able to put it down. Kang's bookworm habits get him in trouble again and again. He is an understandable and sympathetic character who allows the reader to glimpse history through his tale.
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(6 of 11 readers found this comment helpful)
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Septembers Of Shiraz
by
Dalia Sofer
Edward
, August 21, 2007
Beautifully written. This book could win the Pulitzer-- my personal prediction. It is a story about an imprisoned wealthy businessman in Tehran, Iran (arrested for being an ally-spy with Israel) during the 1981 Revolution. Simultaneously, you here the perspective from his free wife (who earnestly tries to visit him) and his Brooklyn, NY son. This gem is gorgeously woven together with the point of view from each character to create a tale that will not soon be forgotten. *Remember it will win major awards. Read this book-- especially if you love fiction about the Middle East. The prose is much better composed than that Runner of Kites book.
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Vain Art of the Fugue
by
Dumitru Tsepeneag
Edward
, August 11, 2007
This book is unique and imaginative. This story has cyclical tales of the bus, pig, and fish in which the ordinary is new each chapter. It's delightful and playful imagery will show you what it is to be human.
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Mere Anarchy
by
Woody Allen
Edward
, June 14, 2007
Classic New Yorker style. You have to love and appreciate New York to 'really' enjoy this one. You also have to like Woody-- if you don't like his humor style, then forget about it. But if you like good-raw-entertaining short stories a la Woody then bon appetite! His older stories are much better. To quote the Friday, June 14, 2007 NY Times book review by Janet Maslin, '"The stories in ?Mere Anarchy? deliver the same joys and foibles that have been with its author from the start. Take his women: please. Mr. Allen still writes about hot babes and wifely harridans with very little in between. And he is funniest, not surprisingly, when he can be seen working hard rather than coasting. It has always been second nature for Mr. Allen to Mad-Lib a phrase while on autopilot (?a long dream in which Rodgers and Hart appeared at his window as parrots and simonized his car?) without breaking a sweat.But more often than not the analogies fit. (?Actually I?d never seen a book remaindered in the kindling section before.?) And when the thoughtfulness shows (as with a renovation estimate that ?waxed to the girth of the Talmud while rivaling it in possible interpretations?), the effort pays off."'
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The Emperors Children
by
Claire Messud
Edward
, April 02, 2007
5+ A gorgeously woven tale of three very different people all patched and sewed together. Her prose is remarkable-- one is sunk as soon as one sets sail on her remarkable journey. I am reading this with my English Masters class and the students are in awe. They can't put it down. It's a hefty little book filled with a copious vocabulary. One of my students asked me, "Why can't we read stuff this good all of the time?"
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Last Evenings On Earth
by
Roberto Bolano, Chris Andrews
Edward
, April 01, 2007
A great collection of short stories. I discovered Bolano in March 2007 Beliver magazine and upon reading this translation I have not been disappointed. If you have ever received a refusal letter from a publisher, if you have ever chased a beloved author, or if you have ever experienced the great debate that only gorgeously written prose can offer-- then you must read this 1st person narrative delight. A splendid read!
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The Teacher's Funeral
by
Richard Peck
Edward
, February 28, 2007
I am using this book in an English Masters class at a Private School (in which the majority of the students are Asian) and the Asian-American students in my classes do not like this book. I fret that they are finding it difficult to identify and relate to the material. As a teaching companion in an all-white school, I would give it a hurrah! Maybe somewhere in Indiana or Nebraska the book would be something that the kids could grasp and relate to. Some say it's funny but our class would largely disagree. Some say it's interesting, our kids aren't farmers. Some might even say, well it's good to learn about that; yes this is true but as a kids book it should be somehow more entertaining. Clever title-- my kids picked it out largely on that but that's hardly suffice. It's adequately written for a kids book (Grades 4,5, or 6) and the vocabulary is perky in parts but overall as a class we were not satisfied.
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Upside Down A Primer for the Looking Glass World
by
Eduardo Galeano
Edward
, February 27, 2007
Have a taste of the real world; enter Eduardo Galeano's intuitive and accurate world view of today's current global reality. This book will first shake your mind and later clear your mind; it will make you re-think the world and its global disorder. This book must be updated (copyright 1998, translation 2000) but it nonetheless still bears essential and relevant fruit which unmasks and reveals the truths of the world's general assumptions. After reading this book you will truely never see the world the same again. I hope he updates this book and keeps updating this book periodically. If we were all rich and "consumed like those who are squeezing the earth dry we'd have no world left." Our world appears to be creating (manufacturing) illusions daily which we eagerly take in (consume), and these illusions are spiraling downwards-- that is Upside Down.
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Pour Your Heart Into It How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time
by
Howard Schultz
Edward
, December 31, 2006
A good book for the business erudite or just someone in search of pursuing the 'All American Dream'. It is well written and inspirational!
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Wizard Of The Crow
by
Ngugi Wa Thiongo
Edward
, September 04, 2006
A cross between Gabriel Garcia MArquez and Cervantes. Ngugi Wa Thiongo has writen a masterpiece which wil be praised and treasured for generations! He has done for Africa what Marquez did for Columbia and Cervantes did for Spain. The Wizard of the Crow is remarkable!
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Wizard Of The Crow
by
Ngugi Wa Thiongo
Edward
, September 04, 2006
Have you read Tolsoy's war and Peace? What Tolstoy did for Russia, Ngugi Wa Thiongo has done for Africa. A truely superb novel and one that will be treasured for generations to come. Remember that orgasm after reading War and Peace? After reading Wizard and the Crow that orgasm will happen again!
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