Special Offers see all
More at Powell's
2013 Archives
2012 Archives
2011 Archives
2010 Archives
2009 Archives
2008 Archives
2007 Archives
2006 Archives
2005 Archives
2004 Archives
2003 Archives
2002 Archives
2001 Archives
 |
Daily Dose Archives
February 01
Selected by Karen from San Francisco, California
Karen won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Angelmaker (Vintage Contemporaries)
by Nick Harkaway
Karen's Comments:
"The urban proto-steampunk fantasy noir zombie book is soooo done. Or so it seems. Then this book comes along and blows the genre out of the water. What a fantastic ride! This book is enjoyable, well-written, and startlingly imaginative from beginning to end. It's got a little Gaiman, a little Chandler, a little Stevenson, but derivative of no one. The characters are wonderful, believable, and well-drawn, even the passing side characters....If any of this appeals, do pick up 'Angelmaker.'" (read more)
Your price $10.95
Used - Trade Paper
add to wish list
|
February 02
Selected by Karen from Frederick, Maryland
1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created (Vintage)
by Charles C. Mann
Karen's Comments:
"This is an amazing book!...Charles Mann writes in a way that evokes a story rather than non-fiction....It traces the connections between China, Europe and the Americas and shows how disease (specifically malaria and yellow fever), labor issues and native foods (like the sweet potato) shaped how the world became connected. I was very sad to finish this book -- people would be more interested in history if everyone wrote like this." (read more)
Your price $10.50
Used - Trade Paper
add to wish list
|
February 03
Selected by Patricia from Portland, Oregon
Patricia won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Alif the Unseen
by G. Willow Wilson
Patricia's Comments:
"'Alif' challenged me. I consider myself knowledgeable about the Middle East and Muslim culture, but I don't know the modern world of computers. G. Willow Wilson combined these is a thoroughly delightful way so that the unknown world of computers became as the equally unknown world of jinns, who, despite their antiquity, used computers in a thoroughly modern way. The dualistic worlds -- Arab and non-Arab, human and jinn, ancient and modern, practicing Muslim and non-practicing Muslim, computer literate and computer luddite, democracy and autocracy -- came together in a delightful mystery prescient of the Arab spring and winds of change in the modern Arab world." (read more)
Your price $25.00
New - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 04
Selected by Erin from Brooklyn, New York
Erin won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Beautiful Ruins
by Jess Walter
Erin's Comments:
"From the arms of Richard Burton in 60s Italy at the Hotel Adequate View to the plastic surgery-enhanced jowls of a washed-up producer in modern-day Hollywood, this love story intricately weaves together several disparate stories over many decades and two continents. With particular attention to historic detail (dating back as far as the Donner party), Jess Walter has written not just a timeless novel, but an undeniable argument to book a trip to Italy. Pronto." (read more)
Your price $26.99
New - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 05
Selected by Kathleen from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Kathleen won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Volume 4
by Robert A. Caro
Kathleen's Comments:
"The wait was worth it. Caro focuses on the brief period of time from Kennedy's assassination to Johnson's first State of the Union, teaching us that great progress hinges upon recognizing and seizing the opportunity to make a more perfect union, which may come along only once in a generation. Knowing what happened next in Johnson's presidency, this book provides a compelling argument in support of nuanced, continuing re-examination of our history and our leaders." (read more)
Your price $18.00
Used - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 06
Selected by Sarah from Gresham, Oregon
Code Name Verity
by Elizabeth Wein
Sarah's Comments:
"Such a lush and complex book. Set during WWII, it follows the story of two young British women and their friendship. Wein has not only crafted full-fledged characters, but she's created a candid narrative that begs for a re-read. Definitely my favorite book of the year." (read more)
Your price $11.95
Used - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 07
Selected by Trudy from Orange, California
Trudy won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking
by Oliver Burkeman
Trudy's Comments:
"This book distills all my intuitive resistance to positive thinking self-help into well researched and easily understood bites of philosophy.
I have literally cleared out an entire shelf of self-help-sunshine books and in their place rests this little tome. Just being able to send all of those books on their way has added a bit of tranquility to my life." (read more)
Your price $17.50
Used - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 08
Selected by Carol from Red Hook, New York
Carol won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend
by Susan Orlean
Carol's Comments:
"More than a portrait of the original and legendary Rin Tin Tin, Susan Orlean discusses early Hollywood, the cult of a movie star (albeit a canine one), the love between a human and a noble dog, and the admirers, fans and dog lovers alike, who have kept Rinty's legend alive over the decades of silent film, talkies, radio dramas, and television adventure shows. Orlean's humor, research, and sensitivity to her subject are all present in this book, which I would recommend to those interested in American popular culture as well as anyone who treasures a relationship with a special dog, even if the dog in question existed only in the movies." (read more)
Your price $10.95
Used - Trade Paper
add to wish list
|
February 09
Selected by Carl from Portland, Oregon
Carl won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
February 10
Selected by Nic from Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Snuff (Discworld Novels)
by Terry Pratchett
Nic's Comments:
"Enthralling -- one of Sir Terry's best! -- not only read it right through but listened to the audio book as well! Drama, pathos and plenty of Sir Terry's humour. The latest in the Commander Vimes books adding insight to the character and introducing us to another of the Disc's species. Loved it and glad I have both the book and the audio file to enjoy again -- each time finding another gem that might have passed me by in earlier readings!" (read more)
Your price $10.95
Used - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 11
Selected by Elaine from Spring, Texas
Elaine won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Carry the One
by Carol Anshaw
Elaine's Comments:
"Loved this book! The 'drama' occurs in the first part of the book, and the remainder details the lives of everyone involved -- how they spin out of control, the directions they take. It's a wonderful telling of the aftermath of a car accident/fatality." (read more)
Your price $10.50
Used - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 12
Selected by Derek from Lansing, Michigan
Derek won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
by Catherynne M. Valente and Ana Juan
Derek's Comments:
"I don't have much interest in fantasy-type books, but Ms. Valente has for several years been a rare exception. She is well-versed in mythologies and fairy-tales from many cultures, but with this offering -- the first in what Valente says will be a five-part series -- her imagination is more fertile than ever...with a heroine that is easy to root for and a Fairyland filled with creatures both familiar and less-so." (read more)
Your price $4.95
Used - Trade Paper
add to wish list
|
February 13
Selected by Susi from Juneau, Alaska
Susi won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Spanish Bow
by Andromeda Romano-Lax
Susi's Comments:
"I was late coming to this book, which came out over five years ago, but it immediately became my most-recommended book of the year. History, passion, music, ethics, the responsibility of art, all are here, with characters so vibrant it's hard to believe they are an author's invention....The richness of the characters and the setting, the evocation of the time period, the depth of humanity in all its glories and dinginess, contribute to making this a memorable read." (read more)
Your price $3.95
Used - Trade Paper
add to wish list
|
February 14
Selected by Jessica from Santa Paula, California
Jessica won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
February 15
Selected by Nicole from Port Orchard , Washington
Nicole won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Ever After
by Kim Harrison
Nicole's Comments:
"This is a series that keeps getting better and better. I read a lot of urban fantasy books, and this is one of the best series out there. Start from the beginning of the series and enjoy, just make sure you have plenty of time to read as you won't want to put them down." (read more)
Your price $27.99
New - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 16
Selected by Lurline from Hamden, Connecticut
Lurline won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Behind the Kitchen Door
by Saru Jayaraman
Lurline's Comments:
"In recent years we have focused on the living conditions of the animals raised for our food. Finally, we are examining the living conditions of the people who serve us that food. This book does an excellent job of integrating large scale research results with personal vignettes. The author presents stories of restaurant workers who are terribly exploited and abused, juxtaposed with stories of those whose spirit and determination lead them to fight against this oppression....For those of us who wish to choose compassionate consumption, the book is a beacon." (read more)
Your price $21.95
New - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 17
Selected by Beverly from Portland, Oregon
Beverly won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Colin Fischer (Colin Fischer #1)
by Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz
Beverly's Comments:
"'Colin Fischer' is a fascinating, tense, heart-warming and well-crafted mystery. Colin has Asperger's syndrome. Colin may have poor social skills, but he is ultra observant, perceptive, and analytical, and he has a photographic memory....There is even a surprise twist that surprises Colin more than it will surprise careful readers." (read more)
Your price $12.50
Used - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 18
Selected by Linda from Ivins, Utah
Linda won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
San Miguel
by T. C. Boyle
Linda's Comments:
"In 'San Miguel,' T.C. Boyle tells the story of two families living on the Channel Island called San Miguel off the coast of southern California....Life on the rugged island is filled with natural beauty as well as wild destructive forces. Boyle's masterful writing is rich with historical detail. The characters come alive as Boyle reveals their inner struggles, doubts and human frailties. I was completely captured by this book from the first chapter and hated to put it down, even after I'd finished it." (read more)
Your price $14.00
Used - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 19
Selected by Georgia from Albany, Oregon
Georgia won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
The Map of Lost Memories
by Kim Fay
Georgia's Comments:
"Couldn't put it down!...This is an enchanting, exciting, never stop adventure of not only coming to self realization, but one heck of a treasure hunt through 1925 Cambodia to discover the history of the ancient Khmer civilization....I wade through a lot of not so interesting novels but 'The Map of Lost Memories' held me captive through story and content." (read more)
Your price $17.95
Used - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 20
Selected by Sobri from San Francisco, California
Sobri won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Killing Floor (Jack Reacher Novels)
by Lee Child
Sobri's Comments:
"This was a fantastic book!...This was the first book in the series of Jack Reacher by Lee Child and I will definitely be reading through the whole set after reading this book. It had a good mix of wry humor, thrill and suspense which kept my attention through the end. Absolutely recommend." (read more)
Your price $6.95
Used - Mass Market
add to wish list
|
February 21
Selected by Myra from Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 22
Selected by James from San Francisco, California
James won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Etiquette and Espionage (Finishing School #1)
by Gail Carriger
James's Comments:
"For those who devoured the Alexia Taraboti series, welcome to The Parasol Protectorate: the Previous Generation. Occurring some 20 years before the previous series, it's still Victorian England, complete with vampires, werewolves, and steampunk. Our guide is 14-year-old Sophronia, who unexpectedly finds herself shipped off to finishing school -- which turns out rather differently from what she expected. Along the way, we meet a few younger versions of old friends from the original series, as well as many new ones. Adventures happen in the delightful Miss Carriger's combination of wit, erudition, and fashion." (read more)
Your price $17.99
New - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 23
Selected by Anne-Marie from Portland, Oregon
The Girl with No Shadow (P.S.)
by Joanne Harris
Anne-Marie's Comments:
"After receiving this book as a birthday present, I read non-stop for two days. Hard to put down, as I was immediately drawn into the characters and Harris's descriptions of Montmarte....Such decadence and color in her words, such magic and cunning, this book is a terrific read. If you haven't read the first book, 'Chocolat,' you will go get it when you are done with this book." (read more)
Your price $4.50
Used - Trade Paper
add to wish list
|
February 24
Selected by YongJae from Hollywood, California
YongJae won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
Love Is a Canoe
by Ben Schrank
YongJae's Comments:
"At first, I thought I would not like the book, that it would be too hokey and folksy for me. In fact, the opposite happened. I fell in love with it....We get a first-hand view of the clawing and cat fighting in the publishing industry and for those involved in this enterprise, it rings pretty true. This is a wonderful book." (read more)
Your price $17.50
Used - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
February 25
Selected by Alice from Canby, Oregon
Dark Life
by Kat Falls
Alice's Comments:
"This book seemed geared for the middle school audience, but I still enjoyed it. It was a fun, quick read on a rainy day....I'm pretty sure that the descriptions of the underwater farms and other parts of The Deep will fascinate younger readers....All in all, this book is worth reading for ages ten to mid-teen. There's nothing here inappropriate for younger readers, and the writing style and vocabulary are simple.
I expect to read the sequel." (read more)
Your price $6.99
New - Mass Market
add to wish list
|
February 26
Selected by Shannon from Portland, Oregon
Shannon won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $40.
February 27
Selected by Debra from Portland, Oregon
Debra won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Self Storage
by Gayle Brandeis
Debra's Comments:
"'Self Storage' had everything I want in a novel: compelling characters, a quirky, original plot, and lines that are so well written I am tempted to memorize them....Brandeis manages to bring a light touch to fundamentally serious subject matter, giving us a thought-provoking yet highly entertaining read." (read more)
Your price $8.00
Used - Trade Paper
add to wish list
|
February 28
Selected by Sara from Panama City, Florida
Sara won a Powells.com gift certificate worth $20.
Antigonick
by Anne Carson and Bianca Stone
Sara's Comments:
"This book is incredibly beautiful! The illustrations are truly gorgeous, printed on vellum, and the text is all handwritten. I want to buy this for everyone I know who's ever even heard of 'Antigone.'" (read more)
Your price $24.95
New - Hardcover
add to wish list
|
|
