Daily Dose Archives
January 01
Selected by Lynne from Sunnyside, Washington
Lynne won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Corn Flakes with John Lennon: And Other Tales from a Rock 'n' Roll Life
by Robert Hilburn
Lynne's Comments:
"[L]ike any good journalist, Hilburn knows it's the story that matters, not the reporter. Hilburn also knows to not stretch the story beyond its scope. He admits not knowing what's going to happen to rock in these days of corporate plastic singers with synthesized voices and celebrity celebrated over talent. But he also believes that genuine music will continue to move people. Rock on, Bob." (read more)
Your price $12.95
Used - Hardcover
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January 02
Selected by Jeffrey from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Against the Day: A Novel
by Thomas Pynchon
Jeffrey's Comments:
"It is rare to feel that an 1100 page book is too short, but that is how I felt at the end of this novel. To the usual Pynchon brilliance is added a depth of feeling for family, for lovers, and for friends that surpasses anything to be found in Pynchon before.
Do yourself a favor -- read this book." (read more)
Your price $7.50
Used - Hardcover
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January 03
Selected by Stephen from McMinnville, Oregon
Stephen won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
January 04
Selected by Lara from Portland, Oregon
Lara won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
January 05
Selected by Chris from McMinnville, Oregon
Let the Great World Spin
by Colum McCann
Chris's Comments:
"The authority with which McCann utilizes multiple perspectives is astonishing. A poet's soul and skills, both. The best book I've read in years..." (read more)
Your price $7.95
Used - Trade Paper
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January 06
Selected by Susan from Poland, Ohio
Susan won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Susan's Comments:
"I must have started 200 people on these books over the past few years, and to date I've had precisely two people tell me they didn't like them. Diana Gabaldon tells a fabulous story with more twists than the average rope!!! This is the first of the Outlander series featuring Jamie and Claire Fraser. If you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down, and then you'll want to read them all. I'm presently working my way through the seventh in the series, and have loved every minute of them -- and I say that as a committed NON-FICTION reader. Don't miss these books!!!" (read more)
Your price $3.95
Used - Mass Market
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January 07
Selected by John from Ukiah, California
John won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Aloft
by Chang-Rae Lee
John's Comments:
"Rich and elegant writing, insightful and alluring character development. An, often overlooked, engaging and fulfilling read that leaves you wanting more!" (read more)
Your price $3.95
Used - Trade Paper
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January 08
Selected by Moira from Portland, Maine
Moira won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
January 09
Selected by Kristen from Minneapolis, Minnesota
Kristen won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The History of Love: A Novel
by Nicole Krauss
Kristen's Comments:
"Unbelievable...how does a human being write something this incredible? I was astounded and moved by this book. I don't think I have ever read a book more than once...this will be my first." (read more)
Your price $5.50
Used - Trade Paper
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January 10
Selected by David from Aloha, Oregon
January 11
Selected by Kristin from Portland, Oregon
Kristin won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
January 12
Selected by Leslie from Portland, Oregon
Leslie won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
January 13
Selected by Ann from Yachats, Oregon
The Crying Tree
by Naseem Rakha
Ann's Comments:
"I am so pleased to see the PNBA has given this book its award for fiction. I honestly do not remember when I have been so captured by a story. The character's conflicts felt absolutely real. And the writing was stunning. Rakha is a master of walking quietly but carrying a big stick.... I don't know how Rahka blended so many important issues into one book -- the death penalty, hate, forgiveness, secrets, lies, acceptance -- but she did. And she did it masterfully.." (read more)
Your price $9.95
Used - Hardcover
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January 14
Selected by Kerry from Eugene, Oregon
Kerry won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
The Shadow of the Wind
by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Kerry's Comments:
"The author did a wonderful job of creating a rich cast of characters. The city of Barcelona is described vividly and almost feels like another character in the book. The concept of a story within the story was well written and true readers everywhere will love the Cemetery of Forgotten Books!" (read more)
Your price $5.95
Used - Trade Paper
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January 15
Selected by Aubrey from Los Angeles, California
Aubrey won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
House of Leaves: A Novel
by Mark Z. Danielewski
Aubrey's Comments:
"I hope with all my heart that this remains on bookshelves in stores and libraries forever. This is a book-lovers dream.
House of Leaves is ostensibly about a film (though this is not really true). Perhaps it is really about the nature of our human connection with the things in our lives; whether that thing is a film critique manuscript, a film, a house, or any other drug of choice (all of the above). It's a book about the ever changing, constant turmoil of human life. It's scary as all get out. Its gorgeous, experimental, funny, allegorical, and not easily defined. House of Leaves will be something that you either love with a passion or hate with a passion. Pick this book up and make up your own mind." (read more)
Your price $11.00
Used - Trade Paper
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January 16
Selected by Sappho from Lubbock, Texas
City of Thieves
by David Benioff
Sappho's Comments:
"Few books have given me as much heartache and joy as this riveting, unputdownable novel! During the Siege of Leningrad during World War II, a young Jewish boy and an AWOL soldier from the Russian Army join forces on an equal parts desperate and ridiculous mission. The people they encounter, and their deepening friendship, are unforgettable.
I have recommended this book to everyone from teenagers to grandfathers, with universal success. It's an instant classic, the sort of book that should be taught in high school so that even non-readers have the opportunity to enjoy it. Please give it a try -- you won't be disappointed!" (read more)
Your price $6.95
Used - Trade Paper
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January 17
Selected by Paula from Lacey, Washington
Paula won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
The Red Tent
by Anita Diamant
Paula's Comments:
"I don't usually like biblical fiction but this book was the exception. Based loosely on the Book of Ruth from the Bible The Red Tent was very absorbing and interesting. Diamant does an excellent job of transporting the reader back to Biblical Times. The idea for a Red Tent is one I wish we had today. The tent is a place where women bond and relax and are waited on. Sounds like a good idea to me. Of course the sanitary conditions left a lot to be desired. This book was very moving and easily the best I read in the last decade." (read more)
Your price $5.95
Used - Trade Paper
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January 18
Selected by Jennifer from Seattle, Washington
Oryx and Crake
by Margaret Atwood
Jennifer's Comments:
"Margaret takes her science fiction imagination (although she evidently hates to be slotted in that genre) far beyond her first foray in The Handmaid's Tale. This novel is definitely worthy of a "Best of the Decade" nod. This is Margaret at her finest. Crake's future seems but a few years away from our present, and the text (while eerily plausible) is never preachy. Oh, and the ending is one of the best I've encountered in fiction over the past ten years." (read more)
Your price $8.00
Used - Trade Paper
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January 19
Selected by Charles from Buffalo, New York
Charles won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Empire Falls: A Novel
by Richard Russo
Charles's Comments:
"Definitely the best book I have read in the last ten years and maybe the best ever. The story of a small Maine town and the lives of its inhabitants has a little of something for everyone. There is drama, humor, love, and even some suspense. The book may be even more relevant today in the current economic times as the industry around the area is failing, one plant and business at a time. Once you have read this marvelous story, you will not soon forget the residents of Empire Falls." (read more)
Your price $1.95
Used - Trade Paper
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January 20
Selected by Carole from Seattle, Washington
Carole won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
A Fine Balance
by Rohinton Mistry
Carole's Comments:
"This is a highly engrossing novel. While reading A Fine Balance, I found myself captivated by the gritty and real images of suffering and of life for its characters. At times I found this hard to read, but I attribute that to my own desire to escape thinking about the inner workings of those whose lives are lived yearning for better. Mistry's storytelling abilities are a true gift and I look forward to his next gift to us." (read more)
Your price $3.95
Used - Trade Paper
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January 21
Selected by Dianna from Filer, Idaho
The Windup Girl
by Paolo Bacigalupi
Dianna's Comments:
"This is really one you should pick -- Sure keeps you interested and in wonder. It will be worth your time. Exciting." (read more)
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January 22
Selected by Kate from Portland, Oregon
Crescent
by Diana Abu-Jaber
Kate's Comments:
"Everyone should read this book. Everyone. It was such a pleasure to read, with some tragedy mixed in. I keep waiting for the movie -- which should be made with smell-a-vision. You'll understand that comment if you read the book." (read more)
Your price $2.50
Used - Trade Paper
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January 23
Selected by Lia from Saint George, Utah
Passage
by Connie Willis
Lia's Comments:
"This is seriously one of the best books I have ever read. It's an intense book that will make you think a lot. Not a book to be casually read on your commute: it will make you miss your stop!" (read more)
Your price $3.95
Used - Mass Market
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January 24
Selected by Morgan from Fox Point, Wisconsin
Morgan won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $80.
Prayer for Owen Meany
by John Irving
Morgan's Comments:
"Hands down Irving's best novel. Owen Meany is like no other character or person you know; he makes you think, laugh and cry. The last 50 pages of this novel will teach you more than any other book you read." (read more)
Your price $3.50
Used - Mass Market
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January 25
Selected by Toni from Portland, Oregon
The Man Who Fell in Love with the Moon
by Tom Spanbauer
Toni 's Comments:
"It is erotic, intriguing, twists and turns and you can never anticipate what happens next. Tom Spanbauer has the most incredible imagination and depth to his words. The visual images leave you breathless." (read more)
Your price $5.50
Used - Trade Paper
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January 26
Selected by Tara from Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tara won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
The Prestige
by Christopher Priest
Tara's Comments:
"Forget the movie. Read the book instead! It's gothic and emerging modern science put together. Loved the narrative strands, the old time magic, the portals and seances and card trickery. There's some trickery in the narrative, too. I was totally surprised (and delighted) at the end. The story will keep you guessing." (read more)
Your price $6.95
Used - Trade Paper
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January 27
Selected by Michelle from Nashville, Tennessee
Michelle won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Pillars of the Earth
by Ken Follett
Michelle's Comments:
"This is one of the best historical novels ever written. It contains a wonderful ensemble cast of characters intertwined with real historical figures. Their stories and how they relate to each other make for an epic read that will stay with the reader forever." (read more)
Your price $2.95
Used - Mass Market
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January 28
Selected by Esme from Costa Mesa, California
Esme won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Twentieth Wife
by Indu Sundaresan
Esme's Comments:
"[B]eautifully told, weaving together the rich history of India and the Mughal empire along with the love story of Mehrunnisa and Salim. While Mehrunnisa is the Prince's twentieth wife she quickly rises above his other wives to become his favorite. Their love story comes to life.... [T]his book is written so well that readers can see the colors of the women's sari's, smell the scents of the streets and hear the chaos of the courtyard." (read more)
Your price $2.95
Used - Trade Paper
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January 29
Selected by Kristen from Woodinville, Washington
Kristen won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Winter Queen
by Boris Akunin
Kristen's Comments:
"Akunin is a fantastic writer but I also give credit to the translator of this book, Andrew Bromfield. He does an admirable job of translating this book from its native Russian. It is an insightful look into 1876 Moscow and also a strong start to a great series!" (read more)
Your price $4.50
Used - Trade Paper
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January 30
Selected by Candace Leigh from Sacramento, California
Candace Leigh won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Blackbird House
by Alice Hoffman
Candace Leigh 's Comments:
"Aching and lovely. Each chapter is a well-crafted story on its own, but interconnects through the arc of the novel. Mystical realism makes the emotions tangible." (read more)
Your price $4.50
Used - Trade Paper
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January 31
Selected by JD from Brooklyn, New York
JD won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Magic for Beginners
by Kelly Link
JD's Comments:
"[O]ne of the few books I took with me when I moved across the country last year. These short stories are dense and satisfying but I didn't want them to end -- the first and only time I've wished for a sequel to a short story collection." (read more)
Your price $8.00
Used - Trade Paper
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