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Daily Dose Archives
December 01
Selected by Judy from Salem, Oregon
The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup
by Susan Orlean
Judy's Comments:
"The subtitle, "My Encounters With Extraordinary People", hints at these engaging essays. Orlean is a genius at revealing personality and person (as she did so well in The Orchid Thief). This is terrific vacation reading!" (read more)
Your price $5.95
Used - Trade Paper
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December 02
Selected by Sarai from Portland, Oregon
The Nice Girl Syndrome: Stop Being Manipulated and Abused -- And Start Standing Up for Yourself
by Beverly Engel
Sarai's Comments:
"Beverly Engel has written a book that I believe every woman should read. It's a big dose of compassionate tough love for those of us who always put ourselves last and then resent women who take care of themselves. She leads the reader step-by-step through the process of seeing how we let others take advantage of us. She then shows us how to reclaim our self-respect.
The anecdotes and advice are clear and easy to understand. I especially liked the exercises. My own answers have surprised me!" (read more)
Your price $16.95
New - Trade Paper
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December 03
Selected by Suzanne from Olympia, WA
Suzanne won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $60.
This Is NPR: The First Forty Years
by Cokie Roberts et al.
Suzanne's Comments:
"Even in the rapidly changing communications world, NPR has been a consistent voice that manages to stay in step with the times without sacrificing quality of writing and broadcasting. This is an incredible look behind the scenes of some of the most significant and memorable programming on the airwaves." (read more)
Your price $9.50
Used - Hardcover
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December 04
Selected by Susan from Eureka, California
Song of Solomon
by Toni Morrison
Susan's Comments:
"Out of all of Morrison's fiction, this is her best, most in depth book. Although she won the Pulitzer for Beloved, this is one book I have re-read many times and find a new layer after each read. It's fabulous." (read more)
Your price $9.95
Used - Hardcover
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December 05
Selected by Danielle from Portland, Oregon
Danielle won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void
by Mary Roach
Danielle's Comments:
"Packing For Mars is a hilarious and informative romp through the often over-serious but weird world of space exploration. It is filled with deliciously fun details like how astronauts train to use toilets in space, and what recycled urine tastes like (very sweet). Mary Roach combines excellent writing and impeccable research with a sense of fun and excitement, bringing back the wonder that we all felt as children when we looked up at the stars." (read more)
Your price $8.98
Sale - Hardcover
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December 06
Selected by Arlene from Denver, Colorado
Arlene won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Searching for Tamsen Donner (American Lives)
by Gabrielle Burton
Arlene's Comments:
"I heard about the author Gabrielle Burton in a discussion on National Public Radio, and something about the tone of the comments sent me in search of this book.... it's one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I've had in a very long time. She skillfully combines a biography of Tamsen Donner with a memoir of her own experience raising a family and her determination to keep a place in her life for her own identity as a writer. Along the way she throws in an entertaining "road story" of her family's retracing the path of the Donner party, and for good measure adds a dollop of a classic American adventure tale of the expansion of the West. Not many authors can combine themes so skillfully." (read more)
Your price $15.50
Used - Hardcover
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December 07
Selected by Katie from Oak Creek, WI
Katie won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
December 08
Selected by Elizabeth from Hillsboro, Oregon
Elizabeth won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Last American Man
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth 's Comments:
"It you enjoyed Susan Orlean's portrayal of John Laroche in The Orchid Thief, you need to read this riveting story of the intensely unconventional individual who is Eustace Conway. The true account of this driven, self-made man will leave you questioning the decisions we all make every day as we struggle to find our place in the fast-paced modern culture of today's America." (read more)
Your price $7.50
Used - Trade Paper
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December 09
Selected by Linda from Lakewood, Washington
December 10
Selected by Christina from Portland, Oregon
December 11
Selected by Patti from Omaha, Nebraska
Bad Monkeys (P.S.)
by Matt Ruff
Patti's Comments:
"This book is a good light read. It's a mystery conspiracy with a touch of sci-fi and plenty of plot twists to keep the reader involved. Is Jane Charlotte really part of a mysterious crime fighting group or is she just delusional? And who are these bad monkeys? It's a fun trip to find out the answers. Just when you think you understand, things change." (read more)
Your price $4.50
Used - Trade Paper
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December 12
Selected by Theresa from Louisville, Kentucky
Theresa won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $80.
The Windup Girl
by Paolo Bacigalupi
Theresa's Comments:
"I just finished this book and was sad to see it end. I hope there is another forthcoming. Paolo balances detail, violence, and drama very well. Each day I looked forward to picking this up. I encourage everyone to check out his unique vision." (read more)
Your price $10.50
Used - Trade Paper
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December 13
Selected by William from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
William won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
December 14
Selected by Erica from Berkeley, CA
Erica won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Zeitoun (Vintage)
by Dave Eggers
Erica's Comments:
"This book rocked my world, had me noticing just how precarious some of our nice little lives are balanced, and how little it would take to tip the scales...I learned to love the family, wondered what horrible future awaited them in the lead up to Katrina, and ultimately could not put the book down!" (read more)
Your price $7.95
Used - Trade Paper
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December 15
Selected by Matthew from Honolulu, Hawaii
Matthew won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Heartsick
by Chelsea Cain
Matthew's Comments:
"Easily the best, most shocking novel I have read in a long time. In fact, it was so amazing that I immediately bought the two books following it the moment I finished the first. Brilliant. Really, really brilliant." (read more)
Your price $5.95
Used - Mass Market
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December 16
Selected by Jeffrey from Denver, Colorado
Jeffrey won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
by David Wroblewski
Jeffrey's Comments:
"This unlikely mix of Old Yeller and Hamlet was so entertaining that the only time I put it down was to hug my dog or dry the occasional tear. And although it's a must read for any pet owner, this story of a young boy's maturation in the wake of a devastating loss is one that resonates no matter the audience. From the vivid details of living and working in a kennel to the complex relationships between a father and his son, reading this novel was one memorable journey." (read more)
Your price $3.95
Used - Hardcover
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December 17
Selected by Vendela from Los Angeles, California
Vendela won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Cutting for Stone (Vintage)
by Abraham Verghese
Vendela's Comments:
"Cutting for Stone is undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read. What makes this book so extraordinary -- in addition to author Verghese's clear writing skill -- is his ability to integrate numerous characters, while melding varied stories and making the environment one where you live at that very minute. He incorporates medical knowledge, with political awareness and compassion, and a very astute awareness of human nature. Add to this a strong sense of suspense and the ability to manipulate the reader with a variety of viable turns and twists... I cannot wait to read more of this author -- he is literary, and technical and I've not read anything like this in a very long time." (read more)
Your price $5.95
Used - Trade Paper
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December 18
Selected by Paul from Eureka Springs, Arkansas
December 19
Selected by Carolyn from Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
Carolyn won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Sometimes a Great Notion (Penguin Classics)
by Ken Kesey
Carolyn's Comments:
"Some people say Sometimes a Great Notion is the big union novel that everyone needs to read -- it is more than that -- it is the richest, rawest, densest novel about people. People have their stuff, and people need other people, but the incredible and complicated lives that all people (actually all living things) are -- this is what you get. The elegant power of Kesey's craft makes you slow down and read all of it. If you move too quickly, you won't understand. Spend time with this novel, and read it every year. The power of what is actually represented may just jar you out of yourself for a moment. It changed my life." (read more)
Your price $10.00
Used - Trade Paper
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December 20
Selected by Rachel from Easton, Pennsylvania
Rachel won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Meanwhile: Pick Any Path 3,856 Story Possibilities
by Jason Shiga
Rachel's Comments:
"If you've got a 7-12 year-old boy in your household, don't pass this book up. I bought it for my 7-year-old son in September, and he took it to school to read during Silent Reading time. I haven't seen it since. He says he has been reading and rereading it the whole time and sharing it with his best friend. We just gave a copy to his best friend for his birthday and his mother said it was her son's favorite gift -- above all the toys. Wow! Can you get higher praise for a book for this age group?" (read more)
Your price $10.95
Used - Hardcover
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December 21
Selected by Alan from Seattle, Washington
Alan won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
December 22
Selected by Umair from Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan,
Digital Fortress
by Dan Brown
Umair's Comments:
"The book is simply amazing. The most important thing in this book is that the reader itself remains in suspense through out the book and there are many surprises in it. [M]any...surprises force the reader to jump in delight and say AMAZING!!! sir you have done a great job in writing this..
A must read book in my view..." (read more)
Your price $3.95
Used - Mass Market
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December 23
Selected by Jeff from St. Clair, Michigan
A Working Stiff's Manifesto: A Memoir of Thirty Jobs I Quit, Nine That Fired Me, and Three I Can't Remember
by Iain Levison
Jeff's Comments:
"This was a terrific book to read. I started last night and had a tough time putting it down, and nearly finished it in the wee hours of the morning.... The writing style was cynical and humorous, and much of that dark humor. It's was almost like the Edward Norton character in Fight Club was narrating the story of all the crappy jobs the author had.... Any people looking for work and frustrated, or just frustrated already with dead-end jobs, will identify with the world presented in this book." (read more)
Your price $6.50
Used - Trade Paper
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December 24
Selected by Kim from Portland, Oregon
Kim won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $60.
Daring Spectacle: Adventures in Deviant Journalism
by Mark Morford
Kim's Comments:
"What an incredible collection of powerful and insightful commentaries on our world today. Mark Morford says all the things I wish I could say, in bold and sacrilegious ways that make me giggle and gasp. I have read his column for years. Now, this book will live next to my bed." (read more)
Your price $13.95
Used - Trade Paper
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December 25
Selected by Shalaena from Portland, Oregon
Shalaena won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Athena Project
by Brad Thor
Shalaena's Comments:
"When I heard about a book that stars an elite all female delta force team I was very excited. I love reading books about strong women that can kick some ass and hold their own. It's a thing I think we need more of in the literary world. This is the first book by Brad Thor that I have read, and I must say, I am now hooked! I will be looking for more of his titles on my next trip to the book store. This was such an intriguing and thrilling ride! Full of action, mystery, suspense and wit.... I was always on the edge of my seat with this book waiting to see what was going to happen next. This is one of the best books I have read this year. I highly recommend it!" (read more)
Your price $7.95
Used - Hardcover
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December 26
Selected by Giovanni from Levittown, Pennsylvania
Hell Island
by Matthew Reilly
Giovanni's Comments:
"Are there any Scarecrow fans out there? I am definitely one. You can count me among those that have read everything that is available that Matthew Reilly has written, including the YA Hover Car series. The last time I posted on a Matthew Reilly novel was for the Five Greatest Warriors novel (please check the archives for that; I loved it). ... [T]his is a fine ride with Mother, Scarecrow and a host of characters that come at the readers fast and furiously. Reilly certainly packed a ton of action into such a short space; he accomplished everything he set out to do. Putting it down is not really an option, it is a nice cover to cover read, that moves fast and hard. Reading this will not put you through hell, but make you an island as you will not want to be bothered as you read it." (read more)
Your price $3.95
Used - Mass Market
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December 27
Selected by Nina from Seattle, Washington
Nina won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Instructions
by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess
Nina's Comments:
"Neil Gaiman's "Instructions" for if you ever find yourself stuck in a fairy tale. I recall having to learn to recite poetry in High School. I thought it was a pointless bore but, I would not have minded learning this poem, especially if the poem were accompanied by Charles Vess' art, as it is in this edition. My first introduction to Neil Gaiman was the "Sandman" comics. I read the paperback of Stardust, long before I obtained the version that Charles Vess illustrated. I find myself having to obtain the audio versions of Gaiman's books, as well as the print copies. Gaiman is as mesmerizing a reader as he is an author." (read more)
Your price $14.99
New - Hardcover
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December 28
Selected by Olivia from Portland, Oregon
Olivia won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Night Whispers (Warriors #03)
by Erin Hunter
Olivia's Comments:
"This has to be one of the best in the series. I could hardly put it down after I started to read! So suspenseful! If you liked the rest of this series as much as I did you're sure to find this as one of the Erin Hunters greatest accomplishments.If you are a fan of the seekers series or the lightning thief, this is the book for you." (read more)
Your price $4.50
Used - Hardcover
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December 29
Selected by Keith from Oxford, Alabama
Keith won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Burning Land
by Bernard Cornwell
Keith's Comments:
"Another incredible book of The Saxon Stories. Cornwell brings you into the story and causes you to urge Uhtred forward. Can't wait for the next book of this wonderful series!" (read more)
Your price $8.95
Used - Trade Paper
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December 30
Selected by Leo from Fountain Valley, California
Frank: The Voice
by James Kaplan
Leo's Comments:
"Marvelous, terrific, amazing, a page turner and quite possibly the best bio I have ever read, and I have read a ton of them. The author has brought a man, his friends, his enemies and his age to brilliant, glittering life.
I will never consider Frank, Nancy, Ava, Lana and the myriad of other, larger than life personalities strewn throughout this story, in the same way again.
Mr. Kaplan sir, you are a great talent." (read more)
Your price $9.95
Used - Hardcover
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December 31
Selected by Amanda from New Orleans, Louisiana
Amanda won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Invincible Summer
by Hannah Moskowitz
Amanda's Comments:
"I read this book a while ago and it's still stayed with me. There was so much depth to this book in the way the family members related to each other -- the unofficial battle lines drawn, the way people are supposed to take care of each other, the prodigal son adored when he's around.
There's so much to love about this book...when you read it, it feels like you're sitting on a beach in Maryland. The beach is as much of a character as any of the people, and it works. Everything about it seemed real, and complicated. I loved the way it was constructed, told only in the summers. It really showed Chase's mindset, how what happens in the summer is completely separate from year-long life.
I don't want to say too much and spoil, but this book was absolutely amazing. I've had it for a few months and already read it twice, and I'll probably read it again soon. Invincible Summer is an awesome addition to the already fantastic genre of contemporary YA fiction." (read more)
Your price $9.99
New - Trade Paper
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