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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
ltobin has commented on (21) products
Schindlers List
by
Thomas Keneally
ltobin
, January 06, 2012
Much different from what I expected, Keneally's Schindler's List is more of a historical account than a dramatic re-telling of a true story. Do not get me wrong, there is mystery, and subterfuge, and pain, but Keneally does not need to dress up the details in any way but the truth. I found myself completely engrossed in what I thought was going to be just be a dramatic story interwoven with a painful account of concentration camps and death. I could not put the book down, even when the tears were flowing and I was scared for the next paragraph to confirm my deepest fears. An imperfect man, Schindler does something extraordinary. It reminds me that even with all my mistakes, I can still make a difference.
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Guns Germs & Steel The Fates of Human Societies
by
Jared Diamond
ltobin
, November 05, 2011
A bit of an academic read, Diamond takes a direct approach to describing why and how groups of people evolved at different rates on separate continents. Although interesting and thought-provoking, many of Diamond's insights were "duh" moments for me as it all seemed rather obvious at the end of each chapter (of course environment would have such a strong influence). A good read if you have the time, I think I would have enjoyed the book more on audio.
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The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians 1
by
Rick Riordan
ltobin
, November 05, 2011
Nothing too surprising here, but this cute children's story showcases heroism and strong moral character traits, if not a little spunk. The main character is likable and the danger an acceptable level for 6th grade readers. I am not sure, but I find that this book geared more toward young men and think that encouraging your tween boy to pick this up is probably a good idea. Overall, I am gonna stick with the series. I can probably read a book a night if I tried hard enough.
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Last Werewolf
by
Glen Duncan
ltobin
, October 16, 2011
I cannot believe I liked this book as much as I did, which leads me to realize that you cannot separate any part of this book from itself. You have to judge it in its entirety - a sign of a well-written, captivating tale. It was not the story, albeit unique; and, it is not the writing, which was eloquent and crass (at the same time); but, it was something about the book that made me feel hopeful - when the book, unto itself, is not hopeful at all. At first, I could have cared less for Jake (the main protagonist). He is self-loathing, vulgar, and unable to connect to anyone. I did not want to like him - maybe that is a better way to put that...but I ended up wanting him to succeed. I got caught up in the hope and I disregarded the deplorableness of his actions, his words. That, in itself, is amazing. Duncan has a way with words - a style that wants to throw the book at the flowery, poetic word choices while making you crave the next sentence. I wish I could say something else here, but all I really have is an appeal for you to read the book
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History of Love
by
Nicole Krauss
ltobin
, May 10, 2011
I hate to go against the grain here, but I found a History of Love too difficult to follow well and/ or understand at all. I thought I would enjoy this book much more than I did. The writing style was just too much for me. The several person's perspectives, the weird innuendos and surprises, all of it was just too much to follow the story well. I am not sure what exactly was Krauss's goal or hope for this book, so I am not sure if she met it. The story of an old man and his lost love was oddly executed and frustrating to follow, if only his perspective pieces. The only reason I am giving this book two stars is that I thought the premise was interesting and the pieces with the little girl were nice to read. They lent some credibility to the overall story.
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Mortal Instruments 01 City of Bones
by
Cassandra Clare
ltobin
, April 17, 2011
Things you should probably know right off the bat: 1. This is a paranormal book series that was supposed to end as a trilogy but has been extended. 2. Character development is limited as much of it is introducing the world and revving up for the big fight scenes. 3. Young Adult novels are just all the rage now and so are paranormal young adult novels (and unfortunately, there is only so many different spins on paranormal that can happen before it is all "been there done that". The first three books are interesting and worthy of a quick read if you are just looking for pure entertainment.
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Reefer Madness Sex Drugs & Cheap Labor in the American Black Market
by
Eric Schlosser
ltobin
, December 23, 2010
After reading Fast Food Nation, I was on a mission to find any other book written by Schlosser. I find Schlosser an excellent writer, well-versed and well-researched. Of course, he has a point and a bias, but he does an excellent job of supporting his arguments and backing up his opinion with numbers and rational conclusions. In Reefer Madness, Schlosser addresses the impact marijuana laws have had on the US pineal system (and recreational users), the rise of the porn industry, and day labor issues in California. Overall, Schlosser does a fantastic job when describing how the US's focus on unimportant issues tears our focus away from the real problems faced by our nation. A great (and eye-opening read), I highly recommend this book.
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Dreamquake
by
Elizabeth Knox
ltobin
, October 21, 2010
In this follow-up to Knox's Dreamhunter, we continue to follow Laura Hame and the government's involvement in dream hunting. The story does splinter into a few more fragments and increases our exposure to Laura's cousin and Maime, the daughter of a corrupt government official. There is also a minor love story, which I find a bit inappropriate for young readers, thus I recommend this book for youth ages 13 and up. Definitely take time to discuss the book with your teenager though, as Knox introduces teen pregnancy and incest (I think - the end of the book is very vague and may leave you underwhelmed and annoyed). Overall, Knox writes very well and Dreamquake does a allright job of bringing this story to an end.
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Dreamhunter
by
Elizabeth Knox
ltobin
, October 18, 2010
Dreamhunter introduces us to Laura Hame, a newly minted Dreamhunter. Following in her father's footsteps, Laura has the ability to "catch dreams" and project them to others around her while everyone sleeps. Of course, this is not the entire story (as interesting as dream hunting may be) as we learn misfortune has befallen Laura's father and he has left her a message, asking her to carry out some clandestine work. Knox does a wonderful job of pulling the reader in; however, it takes a bit of time. The first 1/2 to 3/4 of the story are all about setting the scene and much happens in the last 1/4 of the book. Good news though, there is a sequel! It definitely is worth reading, but I would not recommend it for children under the age of 12.
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Dead Aid Why Aid Is Not Working & How There Is a Better Way for Africa
by
Dambisa Moyo
ltobin
, October 07, 2010
Although just a handful of pages, it is prudent to set aside some very quiet time to read Dead Aid. After reading it on my own, I was surprised to find Dead Aid on a list of required books for one of my Master's courses. A very analytic look at how aid has been given to African countries and the effects aid has had on African countries, a thorough discussion is the only way you are going to be able to process the information presented by Moyo. Personally, it helped that I had a basic understanding of economics before reading Dead Aid; however, I am sure anyone with access to Google will be able to wade through all the numbers and references. Just be prepared to have all your previous thoughts about aid monies challenged.
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Taken by Midnight
by
Lara Adrian
ltobin
, October 07, 2010
Ehh. That is how I started out feeling about this continuation of the Breed series (it helps to read the first books in the series, otherwise, the story line in this book is confusing). Of course, after I finished it, I thought it was interesting and a quiet way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Still, I hope Adrian returns to the "normal" plot line and/or describes further what is happening with this story's main heroine. Otherwise, this series may follow that of so many others and start to lose my interest.
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Mockingjay
by
Collins, Suzanne
ltobin
, September 24, 2010
Unwrapping the shipping packaging, I felt a deep sense of excitement. I was so ready for this book, yet from the moment I turned the first page, it was a battle to keep reading. It is not because the writing is lame or the story not captivating. I had to know what happened to Katniss, but as I read, I realized I did not want to know. After Catching Fire (the second book in the trilogy), you can almost imagine everything getting better, but you know that is not quite possible. Collins does an incredible job with this book and does not take the easy road where everyone walks away holding hands and singing songs. She writes a true dystopia. It is just, so incredibly sad that I could barely sleep last night. Obviously, a testament to Collins' incredible writing, but also to the heartbreak of this final book.
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Catching Fire: Hunger Games #2
by
Suzanne Collins
ltobin
, September 04, 2010
READ IT READ IT READ IT. Of course, read The Hunger Games first and then run to Powell's and pick up books 2 and 3. After finishing Book 1, I was skeptical that Collin would be able to pull a trilogy out of Katniss's story - I really should not have been, because she does and she does it well. Similar to my experience with Book 1, I could not put this book done. An easy read (it is written for young adults, although, I would not let a child under the age of 13 read the series), you really need to allocate an afternoon to each book because you will not want to stop reading.
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Night Sins
by
Tami Hoag
ltobin
, September 04, 2010
I never really thought of myself as a series reader until I started enjoying Tami Hoag books. Her ability to interweave stories, while making them stand alone is a great talent. In Night Sins, she does a wonderful job of preparing the reader for the next book (Guilty as Sin), as well as developing the characters enough that you feel satisfied when the book ends.
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Still Waters
by
Tami Hoag
ltobin
, September 04, 2010
This was the second Tami Hoag book I read and I have to say, it was an afternoon well spent. The book is paced well, vivid and well structured. I enjoyed the character development and found the story interesting and engaging enough to want to finish in one sitting.
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Kiss Of Midnight Midnight Breed 01
by
Lara Adrian
ltobin
, July 24, 2010
As I received an e-version of this book for free, I was skeptical at first. I was pleasantly surprised by Lara Adrian's writing style and her story line clarity. I enjoyed the character development and how she weaved the stories of the supporting characters in without overriding the main story plot line. I find most vampire romance stories odd and weirdly violent; however, Lara did a great job of showing a less than fantasy side of an alien race which we have dubbed vampires. A surprisingly light, but fulfilling read, Lara did a great job of pulling me in and making me interested in the upcoming books in the series.
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Veil Of Midnight Midnight Breed 05
by
Lara Adrian
ltobin
, July 24, 2010
If anything can be said about Lara Adrian's writing style, it is that she really pulls you in. After reading the first book in this series, I was hooked and have not stopped yet. Veil of Midnight is just another example of how diverse Lara can be with her characters, coming up with new and interesting ways for them to 1. fall in love; 2. and test that love with happy ending out comes. This book is definitely a rainy Sunday read.
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Shades of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel
by
Lara Adrian
ltobin
, July 24, 2010
What can I say? I love this series. I really enjoy how Lara Adrian is able to keep her level of writing up with each consecutive book, which is often not done with romance novels. I really enjoyed this story as, an Alaskan girl myself, it made me miss home and reminded me of the tall, dark, and handsome men lurking around the snowmachine shops and trying their mite in the wilds of Alaska. Still, I am going to have to be skeptical here and say that I doubt any of those men are Breed.
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Push
by
Sapphire
ltobin
, July 24, 2010
For most who pick up Push, they know what they are getting themselves into. It is a hard book about horrifically taboo topics and circumstances I feel most Americans refuse to acknowledge even exist. For those who have no idea what the book entails, I am sure that when they finish the first paragraph, they have tears in their eyes and a resolve to finish the book no matter how disturbing the content it. I honestly could not put the book down, as I knew if I did, I would never pick it up again. As heartbreaking as Precious's story is, the real heartbreak would not be permitting yourself to read it.
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by
Sherman Alexie
ltobin
, July 10, 2010
The minute I picked up The Absolutely True Diary...I knew I was going to finish it that day. I was happily drawn into Junior/Arnold's world of humor, sadness, drive, and youthful pursuits. Sherman writes with such clarity that it is impossible not to feel what his characters feel and identify with their struggles, even if it has been years since you were or teen or if you have never experienced being an outsider in an insider world. I highly recommend this book for everyone, not just young adults.
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The Hunger Games: Hunger Games 1
by
Suzanne Collins
ltobin
, July 08, 2010
After my ma sent this book, it sat on my shelf for weeks. Only after promising a student that he could read it (my half-hearted endorsement coming from my reading the back cover), I picked it up so I would know what words he would not understand (English is his third language). Immediately, I was swept away by Suzanne's writing style, her ability to paint a believable dystopia, and her character development. I read the whole thing straight through in a matter of hours. Unfortunately, for my student, he still is waiting for this book - I have passed it on to every Peace Corps Volunteer in my group! I can hardly wait for Book 2 & 3 to arrive at my post office!
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