Cart
|
|
my account
|
wish list
|
help
|
800-878-7323
Hello, |
Login
MENU
Browse
New Arrivals
Bestsellers
Featured Preorders
Award Winners
Audio Books
See All Subjects
Used
Staff Picks
Staff Picks
Picks of the Month
Bookseller Displays
50 Books for 50 Years
25 Best 21st Century Sci-Fi & Fantasy
25 PNW Books to Read Before You Die
25 Books From the 21st Century
25 Memoirs to Read Before You Die
25 Global Books to Read Before You Die
25 Women to Read Before You Die
25 Books to Read Before You Die
Gifts
Gift Cards & eGift Cards
Powell's Souvenirs
Journals and Notebooks
socks
Games
Sell Books
Blog
Events
Find A Store
Don't Miss
Big Mood Sale
Portland Like a Pro Sale
Picture Book Sale
Powell's Author Events
Oregon Battle of the Books
Audio Books
Get the Powell's newsletter
Visit Our Stores
Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
(0 comment)
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...
Read More
»
Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
(0 comment)
Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
(0 comment)
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
Customer Comments
Susan_Pettrone has commented on (11) products
The Ice Cream Theory
by
Steff Deschenes
Susan_Pettrone
, August 01, 2010
The ice cream theory is one of those books you read when you are in the mood for something light and humorous but not belly aching hysterical. It takes life and looks at it in a manner that frankly I never would have, as kinds of ice cream. Inside this small book with a tasty looking strawberry (or is that raspberry) cone dripping on the front, is the tale of a woman and how ice cream began to be an obsession for her. I could really relate to this book on a lot of levels. I remember in my small home town there was this little diner (and when I say little, I men it maybe sat a dozen people) which had the most wonderful butter brickle ice cream cones! And it wasn’t enough that they were cones, they were double dipper cones. Two glorious scoops side by side just begging “eat me first!” I remember how on a hot summers day I would count the steps it took, trying to keep my cool and walk to Chiz Smith’s for that luscious bite of summer, but how I’d break into a run when I saw the diner. Now, 40 something years later, I found a store that sold butter brickle ice cream and though it was good, it wasn’t like I remember it. It was a little too sweet and didn’t have enough “brickle” inside to make me happy. A childhood memory came to an end. As author Steff Deschenes explains it to the reader, as we go through life, our preferences for ice cream change, At first I was thinking “no way! I just like a little variety now and then.” Then I began to look back on times in my life and how I could really measure it by the ice cream I’d eat until I literally was sick to my stomach. I remember having a problem with a boyfriend and since I worked at the school cafeteria, we pretty much had free rein of what we wanted, I discovered there was ice cream in the freezer. I still don’t recall why it was there, whether it was the property of the school, or if someone stashed their fave there but I discovered a lot of interesting adventures like Steff there in that icy bit of heaven. I remember when my heart was breaking, I found myself once again at SAGA (the food service) looking for solace. There I found the perfect salve for my wounds in a half full container of chocolate (deep dark and rich) ice cream. I grabbed the ice cream and headed out the door only to run into the SAGA manager who simply said, “broke up with him huh?” I nodded and he said, wait here, and in a few moments he returned with a small container of chopped peanuts. Without another word, he patted me on the shoulder and smiled and I was out the door. That night as I sat on the dark chapel steps I found someone else needing solace so I shared my ice cream, chopped nuts and spoon as we both sat there and talked for hours. By the time the ice cream was gone, so were our heartbreaks and though we never did socialize much after that, when we met, a comment like “chocolate ice cream” would be said with the other party saying in turn “peanut sprinkles” bringing a knowing smile to both our faces. It was a connection that this book reminded me of and makes me wonder if my ice cream friend remembers it too, four decades later. As my life went on, like Steff, times changed and so did my preferences and obsessions for ice cream. I went through many stages, chocolate chip, peppermint, coffee, plain old fashioned vanilla with those lovely crunchy things poured over the top, Italian gelato, and finally my all time favorite of all, which I still adore, but which is close to impossible to find, chocolate ice cream with hunks of peanut butter cup within. Sure, I’ve tried to duplicate it, but it isn’t the same, and now I spend hours staring at rows upon rows of ice cream trying to find the elusive chocolate/peanut cup ice cream I still crave. This book is one that you will start out taking lightly and find very humorous at times but at times, it will hit you in an all too familiar way like an ice cream headache that “that’s ME she’s taking about!” and life will change from that moment on. The town I live in now has a lovely little ice cream store that has some of the most luscious flavors available. Like the life before him, my son stares at those flavors and tries to find the perfect one for him. But for me, the magic is all but gone. My love of ice cream has dimmed into that of which a small dip now and then of plain old vanilla is all I need. Like my life, my ice cream is simple and in fact it is as easy to wait in the car for my son and not imbibe as it is to choose a flavor. Ice cream doesn’t have that hold on me that it once had and somehow that saddens me. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves ice cream of all sorts or even someone like me who simply wants a scoop now and then on a hot summers day. Whether you are an ice cream freak or not, this book will bring to you memories of days spent with first loves, taking walks with ice cream cones to steal a kiss flavored with a bit of chocolate raspberry ripple or ice cream pity parties where you sat surrounded by pints of different ice creams, dipping into (and sometimes eating them all in one setting) a half dozen decadent flavors, trying to heal a broken heart through not the wonder of modern medicine but through the flavors which burst upon your tongue like bits of snow falling from the sky, trying to help you recapture the mystery and happiness you know is there but have no idea what to do to find it. A thoroughly enjoyable read, “The Ice Cream Theory” is the perfect book for anyone from high school graduation age through retirement, for the memories it brings are ones you will most definitely connect to a certain ice cream in your life and you will see for yourself, as I did, that Steff is right…the only bad ice cream is the ice cream not eaten!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Darkness and Light
by
Kathryn Nichole
Susan_Pettrone
, August 01, 2010
Cristian West, an artist of great acclaim is puzzled as to why the image of an extraordinarily beautiful woman haunts his every hour. He is filled with her presence wherever he goes and whatever he does, and finally is compelled to try to put on canvas this beauty to put his mind at rest. But simply capturing the alluring yet mysterious image of this woman isn’t enough. When he spies her at the gallery, he is determined to learn why this woman seems so distant yet such a part of his life. He is compelled to know who she is and why she has been constantly in his mind. But pursuing this woman could be the worst (or best) thing that ever happened to Cristian. For in meeting her and learning about her, he enters into a world that he never dreamed possible. Yet, despite this strange life of Sage’s and her “family” does not dim his infatuation for this woman. In fact, it becomes so commonplace with him, he is willing to give up his former life in order not to lose Sage. Sage’s “family” is not that of blood but of a tie that binds tighter than mere birth. It is a tie that compels those who are in her “family” to protect, love and care for each other like no other family group one could possibly comprehend. To tell more of this book would be a great disservice to the reader, as it must be read to be appreciated. While I have read many books of this genre, this is one of the better books, grabbing the reader and drawing them into the book easily and making one a part of the life of Sage, Cristian and the others. I have only one criticism of the book. The ending seemed a bit too contrived and convenient and left me thinking, “What happened here?!?” It was not an ending deserving of the details put within the book, but rather what I felt to be an after thought or perhaps an easy way to end the book in a swift manner. That criticism aside. This is a highly entertaining book and one that I would suggest for older teens and young adults. There are some sexual scenes that I would not want my 15 year old niece to read as they are on the savage and raw side but other than that, the book is solid and easy to follow. I wonder had the sexual scenes been toned down somewhat if this book would have a wider following. As a parent, Aunt and friend of many teens, I would have to think hard of the individual teen and how mature they were before purchasing this book. With a little editing, this book would be acceptable for all ages and would provide an interesting and entertaining read. This is a story of time and star crossed lovers, mysterious happenings when the reader least expects it and protagonists who hold their parts solid throughout the book. As I mentioned before, though I recommend this book for more mature teens and young adults, I suggest parents and adults read it for themselves before gifting it to a teen, in order to determine whether it should be given at this time or saved for the future. For this book is one that will not grow old and the questions it poses within are well worth storing it away for a couple of years until that young person in your life can better handle some of the scenes within.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Silentheart
by
Roberta D. Hoffer
Susan_Pettrone
, August 01, 2010
To begin with, let me make myself perfectly clear. I have read a great number of vampire books during the last few years based on what is an iffy plot in the first place and turning it into a vampire novel, thus hopefully insuring their place in the "craze of the day". This is wrong on on so any levels, first: it takes an inventive and successful book series and borrows not just plots but mannerisms, characterization and some so called authors have even "borrowed" far more, walking a thin line to keep from falling into what I Like to call the lake of what I like to refer to as plagiarism, which we all know is wrong. This is where my review of Silentheart comes into play. Written by Roberta Hoffer, Silentheart is for vampire lovers, a disappointment of epic proportions. Not only is the theme and plot thin, with predictable characters complete with an estranged/divorced woman escaping to begin a new life, away from her abusive husband, it is also brings said abusive husband back into her life to "get his revenge". As this is expected by the main character Sarah who discovers upon moving to Maryland that her ex-husband has not only sought her down but is still waiting for his pound of flesh, Sarah should not be surprised nor should the reader when she is accosted in her own home. Of course as in all vampire books, we must find out how our heroine is connected to vampires. In Sarah's case it is that far into her family history, there are vampires galore. She discovers she has a guardian vampire who has protected her all her life with the name of Carter and this vampire is in love with Sarah. And so the story goes. It takes all the important elements of a good vampire story, tosses them around like a Cesar salad and calls it good. But there is much more to writing a good book based upon vampires. First the characters have to have personality and not be cardboard cutouts or predictable by modeling them whether consciously or unconsciously after hundreds of other vampires in literature. Second, think as many authors have previously to show major characters such as Sarah, with some strength and devotion to those she loves. The days of vampires lying on fainting couches (think Barnabus Collins in Dark Shadows) waiting for their vampires is too tame (and lame for today's reader. And lastly, if you are going to go to all the trouble of writing a book, get a darn good editor ad copywriter to check, recheck and check again, language used throughout the books and how it fits each character. All sentences should make sense and if they do not, ask yourself why they do not and rewrite that page or perhaps delete it all together. And my personal pet peeve is books that have glaring mistakes of mixing tenses, so the reader is thoroughly confused and lost. If a best seller is hoped for, writing must flow one scene into another and there should be no doubt as to who is speaking at any time. And if the grammatical and editorial errors were not enough to break my chain of thought when it came to keeping the characters straight the spelling errors were the icing on the cake. Run spell check and avoid errors for instance, that were so glaring, my 12 r old son spotted them just upon leafing through the book in my office. To be brutally honest, this book was not only hard to get into as the editorial glitches were more than just mistakes, they were annoying. And if little mistakes had been more carefully pursued and corrected, this book would have stood a chance to at least be "OK". But as it is I found it a great mistake, far too predictable and full of so any copy write errors that my attention was ever fully on the plot. I'm sure the author had great hopes for this book and the basis for a good book is there. But in my opinion, it needs to be reworked with some fantastic and new, exciting and unpredictable events thrown in to capture the readers attention. As it is now, I honestly cannot recommend this book to anyone to read. But I do have a recommendation for the author. Consider another publisher with employees who have your best interests at heart and begin to tighten up the plot. Or if you really want a hit, Hide far away, this "One hit wonder" "subject of the day... vampires" and leave the bloodsuckers alone; They have way more than their 15 minutes of fame...it's time to move on. If I were the literary guru of the day, I would bring back more stories of everyday teens finding adventure in the strangest of places. In fact I just read a book which fits this criteria and I personally would find it a breath of fresh air were vampire books to fade away and a new book craze be introduced with vampires left far behind. I am tired of vampires and if my unofficial poll makes a difference, consider this. Out of 20 individuals asked, between the ages of 10 and 80,.....85% want a new genre to read and are tired of vampires and the other 15% could read a medical journal front to back and not be bored. Authors and publishers are you listening? It is time for something new and fresh for your loyal readers! I sincerely believe so and so do your fans as well. Let the fresh writing begin!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Red Flag Warning
by
Kurt Kamm
Susan_Pettrone
, June 19, 2010
In this book by Kurt Kamm we find fire captain and investigator Jim Kendall smack dab in the middle of what he knows is going to be an intense season of forest fires. With conditions in the area dry as never before and temperatures in the danger range, Kendall knows that it is just a matter of time before fires intentionally set, accidental, or those started by lightening strikes will break out and just how much damage will ensue is anyone's guess. He is preparing himself for the worst, but he has no idea how bad it's going to get with a serial fire lover on the loose. This fire bug is not only destroying wildlife and homes, but he is killing people in the process and is growing bolder by the fire. So bold in fact that the reader is quickly drawn into the life of the arsonist and the fire investigator as well. Kendall knows that unless he finds out who this fire lover is and soon, he is possibly going to face a fire he cannot contain. The arsonist known as NiteHeat leaves a destructive path in the darkness, busy setting fires, staying one step ahead of investigators from the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Arson Unit. The character of Randall is one of an investigator set in stone, unstoppable in his quest to find NiteHeat and put a stop to this destruction. While the character NiteHeat lingers in the background, taking center stage in this drama with cleverly planned fires, but also quick and savvy enough to stay ahead of Randall, the tension grows. The fire fighters as the reader sees them at work are realistically portrayed with a tough exterior and a determination that shows a dedication to a deadly job. The reader soon finds out it takes a special breed of person to be an firefighter, a mix of fearlessness, determination, skill and dedication mixed with compassion and near super human abilities to go where others flee. This depiction of firefighters is spot on in it's human touch and the writer has brought to life extremely well the inner workings of those who fight fires. While the reader, like Randall tries to understand and figure out NiteHeat, we soon discover that this is no amateur fire setter. This fire bug is one that obviously knows and loves fire as much as a mother loves her child. And fire is like a child to NiteHeat whom we find in the end in an amazingly surprising ending, is one that if met on the street, would be the last person thought to be NiteHeat. Red Flag Warning is the type of book that keeps your attention from start to finish and although there are those who criticize and comment that the characters are not believable, I beg to differ. My uncle was a firefighter in Arizona in the early 1960's and he fought the same sort of fires depicted there. I remember his stories well. So well that over 50 years later, I remember with trepidation watching lightening striking in the hills and waiting for him to be called into action. That and having friends who are present day firefighters made this book come to life for me and remind me in all too clear ways what a dangerous job we as mere citizens often take for granted. A firefighter is like a police officer. It takes a special breed to do the job and to do it well. It takes part daredevil, fearless in facing what might be around the next corner and it takes a person of determination to help ones fellow man that cannot be imitated. It is an inborn personality trait that makes the best firefighters the ones that last and the ones that give their lives for their fellow man. I highly recommend this book for those who love a good action packed, suspenseful book full of believable characters which keeps them on the edge of their seat. It is a book you will find yourself in the dead of night reading with a flashlight in your own quest to find the identity of NiteHeat. And when you do find NiteHeat, it will be an experience you will never forget in its intensity and unbelievable scene set by talented author Kurt Kamm.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The Last Track
by
Hilliard, Sam
Susan_Pettrone
, June 19, 2010
In this book by Kurt Kamm we find fire captain and investigator Jim Kendall smack dab in the middle of what he knows is going to be an intense season of forest fires. With conditions in the area dry as never before and temperatures in the danger range, Kendall knows that it is just a matter of time before fires intentionally set, accidental, or those started by lightening strikes will break out and just how much damage will ensue is anyone's guess. He is preparing himself for the worst, but he has no idea how bad it's going to get with a serial fire lover on the loose. This fire bug is not only destroying wildlife and homes, but he is killing people in the process and is growing bolder by the fire. So bold in fact that the reader is quickly drawn into the life of the arsonist and the fire investigator as well. Kendall knows that unless he finds out who this fire lover is and soon, he is possibly going to face a fire he cannot contain. The arsonist known as NiteHeat leaves a destructive path in the darkness, busy setting fires, staying one step ahead of investigators from the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Arson Unit. The character of Randall is one of an investigator set in stone, unstoppable in his quest to find NiteHeat and put a stop to this destruction. While the character NiteHeat lingers in the background, taking center stage in this drama with cleverly planned fires, but also quick and savvy enough to stay ahead of Randall, the tension grows. The fire fighters as the reader sees them at work are realistically portrayed with a tough exterior and a determination that shows a dedication to a deadly job. The reader soon finds out it takes a special breed of person to be an firefighter, a mix of fearlessness, determination, skill and dedication mixed with compassion and near super human abilities to go where others flee. This depiction of firefighters is spot on in it's human touch and the writer has brought to life extremely well the inner workings of those who fight fires. While the reader, like Randall tries to understand and figure out NiteHeat, we soon discover that this is no amateur fire setter. This fire bug is one that obviously knows and loves fire as much as a mother loves her child. And fire is like a child to NiteHeat whom we find in the end in an amazingly surprising ending, is one that if met on the street, would be the last person thought to be NiteHeat. Red Flag Warning is the type of book that keeps your attention from start to finish and although there are those who criticize and comment that the characters are not believable, I beg to differ. My uncle was a firefighter in Arizona in the early 1960's and he fought the same sort of fires depicted there. I remember his stories well. So well that over 50 years later, I remember with trepidation watching lightening striking in the hills and waiting for him to be called into action. That and having friends who are present day firefighters made this book come to life for me and remind me in all too clear ways what a dangerous job we as mere citizens often take for granted. A firefighter is like a police officer. It takes a special breed to do the job and to do it well. It takes part daredevil, fearless in facing what might be around the next corner and it takes a person of determination to help ones fellow man that cannot be imitated. It is an inborn personality trait that makes the best firefighters the ones that last and the ones that give their lives for their fellow man. I highly recommend this book for those who love a good action packed, suspenseful book full of believable characters which keeps them on the edge of their seat. It is a book you will find yourself in the dead of night reading with a flashlight in your own quest to find the identity of NiteHeat. And when you do find NiteHeat, it will be an experience you will never forget in its intensity and unbelievable scene set by talented author Kurt Kamm.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Belle in the Slouch Hat: Mimi Mathis
by
Mimi Mathis
Susan_Pettrone
, May 24, 2010
The story begins in 1862, with Belle, a 15 year old young woman who has idolized and patterned her life after Bud: her hero, her friend and her brother. Though they all know the wages of war, it still came as a surprise when they discovered shortly after Bud left to rejoin his group, that he was shot in the back and killed. With a spirit that belies her size and somewhat innocent appearance, Belle is bound and determined to find the scoundrel who killed her brother. Though her parents are against her getting involved in the war, they let her go to discover what she may and help the troops with intelligence. The Civil War also known as the War between the north and the south is deep within it's hold and fight for rights. The war effects many as is to be expected and many live in fear every day that they will be the next town or person killed in this bloody senseless war fought a great deal by children. Bud was more than a mere Confederate soldier, he member of a group of tough Confederate Guerrillas, who were in charge of keeping the lines of communication open. He always wore a slouch hat, something Belle appropriates for her own as she begins her own personal fight to find the man who killed her brother, At this time, Belle finds a special friend in Maude, who acts not just as a friend but as her spiritual mentor as well. Into her life comes a horse with “magical powers“, the self same horse that Bud once rode and her “best-friend-cousin,” sixteen-year-old Winnie Brayden. It seems when Winnie was seven years old she lost her eyesight, but though she cannot see, she has an amazing ability to “see with her heart.” Her compassion and humor is a positive influence in Belle’s life and keeps her on task and facing the future with hope and compassion. As Belle discovers the name of the man who killed not only her brother but Maude's husband too, she is more determined to stop this man at all costs. There is but one twist, Belle doesn't know that he is out to kill her and put a stop to the Confederate Guerrillas. But Belle will have nothing less than revenge for the death of her brother and so many like him. As the book ends, it is best left to the reader to discover how Belle and her advisory meet, interact and how the book finally ends. It is a book that teaches not only history but compassion, dedication and strength of character. It is a book that without a doubt will leave the young reader wondering what lies around the corner for Belle. Read it and see what is there for Belle and her friends. I believe you will find the ending satisfying and somewhat empowering as it dawns on the reader that a mere 15 year old young woman can show her love and dedication to such a cause without faltering or losing her focus of the world around her.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The Krybosian Stairpath: Magnetic Reversal
by
S. R. R. Colvin
Susan_Pettrone
, May 16, 2010
Madison and her brother Mica hurry home, on the last day of school, eager to reach 241 Rock Quarry road and elated that they don't have to endure for three months teasing about the Terrence Mystery. 241 Rock Quarry road seems simple from the outside, even plain and boring but what lies within promises Madison, Mica and her best friend Onyx a fun filled summer of discovery and mystery. Grandpa and his pet gopher Digby live in this extra ordinary home deep underground quite nicely, as it fits the geological background of Grandpa. Once the owner of a quarry, Grandpa suddenly shut down the quarry one day claiming it was flooding and was of no more use. With no other explanation, this caused quite a stir within the community and legend was born. Stories of the Terrance Mystery, a mystery that people of all ages loved to discuss and even torment the younger Terrance's about, passed from family to family with none the wiser as to what had actually happened. But the teasing and heckling is all put behind Madison and Mica as they begin three months of bliss with their Grandpa Rocky. As the two reach their grandfathers attic haven, they beg him to tell more stories of the magical world below. He complies and fills their minds and dreams with stories of a fantastic, mystical place that few have seen. As the afternoon wears on, Digby seems to be trying to tell them something, but they can't decipher his message so his odd behavior is put behind them as the suggestion is made to enter the Grand Cavern, a suggestion that is eagerly jumped upon by all present. Onyx and Madison's parents have gone on a geological dig for the summer and thus have left the children with Grandpa Rocky for safekeeping. The kids are fine with this decision as they know they have a summer full of geological fun ahead of them, and as Madison hopes, a discovery or two along the way. Little do they know, that one of 11 year old, Madison's worst tormentors Jacin has followed them into their fantastic underground home. As Jacin finally emerges, he finds that he is alone and he begins to search the room with amazing finds along the way. He also discovers upon searching Grandfather Rocky's room finds himself so fascinated with a crystal that he finds, that he pockets it, thinking that no one will ever notice. As they begin their voyage down a stairpath portal they find they find themselves in their families cavern. While they are in awe of the beauty as wander throughout the underground cavern, they find themselves drawn deeper and deeper into mystery and magnificence that they couldn't imagine much less see for themselves. The journey is such that the reader much discover it for him/herself in order for the magic to fully be exposed and opened to see. But Unbeknownst to Madison, Jacin has discovered the entry to the cavern and is following them. During their journey they feel something isn't quite right but when they meet Marcelene Queen of the wonderful world Elea, their previous worries vanish. Chessa, a gopher in the world of Elea meets them and they mistake her for Digby, a mistake she quickly corrects in her somewhat proud gopher personality. They soon find themselves in a magical place that cannot be described but in the words of the author and the imagination of the reader. To fully appreciate all they see and experience is left to the individual reader. What happens next to the visitors of Elea can only be read to fully appreciate and enjoy. The author has woven within this marvelous book, geology and mystical events as well as friendship and devotion that is rarely seen in such a book. A wonderfully exciting book written by S R R Colvin, is from start to finish exciting and a book that draws the reader into the story wonderfully. Though The Krybosian Stairpath was originally written for the young Middle school set, I see it appealing to many ages. In fact, if truth is to be known, I as a mother of two boys, found it so mesmerizing and interesting that I read by flashlight far into the early morning hours, not wanting to put The Krybosian Stairpath down as I searched with the characters for an end to the story. But as we all know, the best books are read undercover of darkness (and sheets) with a flashlight. And I can attest, that though I am past the age where I read under the sheets so my parents won't catch me, this one brought me back to an age where the most important thing in my life was a book that was so mesmerizing that I could not bear to put it down. Read it for yourselves....and share it with the whole family. It is a book unlike any other and a book to be kept for the next generation to enjoy anew, as it is truly magical indeed!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(0 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Behold the Eye: Viridia
by
Bridgitt Tabares
Susan_Pettrone
, May 01, 2010
In The last installment of three. Behold the Eye: Veridia begins right where it's predecessor Behold the eye: Curulea leaves off. In this book we find a conclusion to the dream travel of Vickie at last. As they leave Curulea, the land of blue eyes who can read minds, they travel onto Veridia the land of green eyes, where all the citizens are intensely connected to all wildlife. It is a world like none of the other books writer Veronica R. Tabares' has written, and fits fantastically to the other adventures she has her characters encounter along the way in their strange yet fascinating journey. Veridia brings Tricia, Cathy, and Kathy, Vickie's best friends set their minds on finding a way to get Vickie back to them by dream travel. They are very focused on their goal and despite any dangers they might encounter are determined to prevail in their task! So much so that Tricia becomes stuck within the dream world as well posing yet another problem for the girls, how to release Tricia so they can find Vickie and take her back home where she belongs. Throughout the book, the reader sees the friendships of these girls grow tighter and tighter and leaves the reader with a feeling of satisfaction that these young girls have learned something many adults struggle with, the importance of friendship. When Tricia is trapped, she too falls into a deep coma in her real world, leaving those who stand by her side, clueless as to what has happened, wondering if this could be part of a larger picture for both Vickie and Tricia. On the surface, everyone tries to bring Vickie and Tricia back but the reader knows that until they can escape the dream world, there is little hope of them returning. In fact, within this entire book, family and friendship play a large part of the story and the relationships between the characters involved grow deeper with every page within this remarkable book. Vickie, while searching for a way out, still knows she must find a way home or she may be forced to repeat a grade due to her prolonged absence, and while on one hand it is appealing, she also knows that she also may be trapped in the dream world forever. While trapped in her dream world, Vickie, Shanti and Micah are forced to undertake a dangerous quest which not only is a task of difficulty and surprises but proves to be much more difficult that the three expected. During this quest, Vickie comes to an epiphany of sorts where she asks herself some hard questions, questions that answers do not come easily but are ultimately the best for Vickie. The outcome of their quest is one the reader must experience for him/herself, as it is unique indeed. Back in the real world, parents of Vickie and Tricia, convinced that a kidnapping of sorts has to the be the answer to the girls disappearance and all those who are near and dear to these two find themselves working not only to find the girls but learning lessons themselves along the way of the importance of a home that is safe for their children. This is a lesson that the searchers take to heart and as they search, the lesson only grows more solid within them. The ending, as in all writer Veronica R. Tabares' books is best read to appreciate. I as a writer myself prefer the reader to discover the ending and experience it in their own special way as both a person and as a lover of books. And this book is no different. Fantastic and entertaining in all ways, at times an "on the edge of your seat" read, this book, and the trilogy itself is one I would wholly recommend to parents, grandparents and anyone who wants to open a new world for the young reader in your life. Don't stop with purchasing just the first book, but the entire trilogy and save yourself time, for it is imaginative, exciting and adventurous, three attributes that make for a successful serious, and this serious is all that and much more! Happy reading...enjoy!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Behold the Eye: Cerulea
by
Veronica R. Tabares
Susan_Pettrone
, May 01, 2010
In this second installment of three, the book opens with a librarian becoming increasingly concerned by not one, but two books which have disappeared from the library. As she ponders their disappearance, we find Vickie has safely arrived in the world of Micah and Shanti. Though at first, a bit confused, it doesn't take long for Vickie to acclimate herself to the different world around her, especially when Shanti and Micah promise to help her. Another new friend, Dafyyd, enters the scene and all four begin a journey to help Vickie return home. Throughout this book we find journal entries written not just to Vickie but to Roland as well. In this way his daughter is introduced to the reader. We're shown how concerned the journal writers become as the weeks go by and neither Roland nor Vickie can be found and the ways it effects their lives. The Journal entries to Vickie are written to her by her friends from home. The entries reflect their feelings of guilt, responsibility, and sadness because Vickie so mysteriously vanished. But they will not give up on her return. As each takes their turn writing, the journal entries aid the reader to understand the story within the story. It clearly shows Vickie's friends feelings regarding her disappearance. Adding the letters written by Roland's daughter, as well as one written by Vickie's mother, and the reader is shown a large part of the picture surrounding the disappearances and how the absences are affecting those left behind. Vickie soon realizes being in Cerulea, the land of the blue eyed, is more of a hazard to returning home than she originally thought. Not only do Cerulean's possess unique knowledge, but also are blessed with special gifts including telepathy. Although Shanti and Micah were prepared for Cerulea by successfully learning to block their thoughts, it takes Vickie longer to acquire that gift. She also learns that negative thoughts can be and are, transmitted to others to "hear." Vicki eventually learns to block out her negative thoughts. While adapting to life in Cerulea, Vicki must also deal with the arrival of Roland who still believes he is on his life long mission. Roland will stop at nothing to achieve what he believes is his royal birthright, which includes enticing Vickie to go with him. Roland promises Vicki he will take her to a place where she can travel home and though she had learned to use telepathy, she has no idea what plans Roland has in store. He believes Vickie holds the key to his destiny and will stop at nothing to achieve her help, even at the risk of danger to Vickie. Once again, Roland traps a girl with his devious ways as in the first book, Behold the Eye:Braumu, to gain what he feels is rightfully his, only this time it is Vickie. As the book ends, Vickie learns a startling fact about her absence from home, one that makes her more determined than ever to return and be with her family and friends! As much as I liked it's predecessor, Behold the Eye: Braumu, I enjoyed this book even more. It has excitement, other worldly gifts, another world to explore and finally, it even has the forces of good (The kids) vs evil (Roland). I would highly suggest this series for the reader in your life who enjoys a thriller but isn't quite up to reading some of the more adult suspense available today, Although I have yet to finish book number three, I am already finding the adventures start anew and continue on with a little help from Dafyyd, Vicki, Micah and Shanti. This is an excellent book written by talented writer Veronica R Tabares and one I must insist everyone read. For whatever your age, the magic and the adventure will have you hooked before the first page is done!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The Cram Zone Guide to Walt Disney World 2010
by
William F. Sauerbier
Susan_Pettrone
, April 10, 2010
I must be honest from the start. I am a big Disney World fan and have read nearly every book about visiting the site as well as having been there several times, from the time it was first conceived to my last trip in 2008. But I also was intrigued. I knew from my last trip that there was much more to Disney World than we had experienced, even though we had a 5 day trip full to the brim. And so I found myself reading this book. My curiosity over what we had missed and how to make the trip more efficient in time and travel took control and I was hooked. What I found inside the striking orange cover of this book was unique indeed. For not only was it simply sectioned off into 9 chapters covering everything from “Disney World: The How, the When and the What (chapter 1)” to even a chapter on “Cram dining”(chapter 7). It was a Disney lovers dream, almost a “secret” way on how to get from here to there as quickly as possible and cram so much into a day that you literally fall asleep at night exhausted but dreaming of Stitch, trips into the past and even Captain Jack Sparrow (a favorite of mine, I must admit). This book was, in the simplest of words, perfect for the Disney fanatic and the first timer as well. And that is where it’s beauty really lies. In the way the author makes it an easy journey to adventure to any of the parks for the newbie and the frequent Disney visitor as well. Delving in to such nuances such as the time it takes to stand in line, the best times to go on a particular ride, fast passes and even how long the rides take to complete was a special favorite to myself and I suspect will be to anyone who reads this priceless guide to Disney World. Also included is chapter 6 which centers on tips and Chapter 9 which helps the traveler to make their own Cram session at Disney. Both were exceptionally well written, as was the rest of the book, and gave even myself, no novice by any means, to the park some insight I hadn’t previously considered. Forget all those flashy “guides” to Disney you see crammed in stores and booksellers everywhere. Purchase before your trip this simple book with its festive orange color and see for yourself why I recently suggested this book to a friend who was going to Disney World instead of a book which was prominently displayed in the bookstore. She later reported that though she had to have it special ordered that she liked it so much, she told the bookseller to “get more and put them on a special display”! Laughing at her Mickey like exuberance, I stopped short when I next visited the book seller in question, to see this simple orange book front and center with other Disney travel guides around it. Of course, I then made sure the folks who were checking out the array of books about Disney, that they gave “The Cram Zone” a look. When last I saw them, they had the book in hand and were heading for the counter. I smiled and knew that they would have the time of their lives and not miss a minute if they took the sensible advice of this author to heart. As I am now planning our next Disney trip, this book will travel with us. For not only is it packed full of priceless information, it is also small enough to place within your day backpack and take to any park with you. And don’t assume you will find it at Disney World for though it is good, it isn’t a Disney owned book and it will not be in any store within the parks. Though if Disney executives were smart, they would stock a lot of this book and sell it for it far exceeds any other tour book I’ve read about the parks and holds the basics without any fluff to bog down the book. It is a must read for anyone who is traveling to Disney World, whether you are a first timer or a frequent visitor for as I have previously mentioned, there are bits within this book that will catch you by surprise and the information on the rides themselves are priceless to any visitor wanting to get as much as possible from the trip. My Mickey ears are off to author William F. Sauerbier for finally writing a book that is not only basic but has information within that travelers really want, as well as need to read before embarking on their next adventure. It is a hidden treasure that I am sure Walt himself would have approved and one that you’ll find is worth every penny you spend in adding to your visit to Disney World. Have a great time at Disney World and if you see a 5’ redhead decked from head to toe with trademark Mickey gear on Pirates of the Caribbean, Mission Space or even at Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular…come on over and introduce yourself. I can’t be missed, as I am the biggest Disney fan around and I show it! Purchase this book and enjoy your trip…it’s a once in a lifetime adventure to fun…and one that everyone in the family will find enchanting from toddlers to Grandma and Grandpa. It’s truly a trip for the ages, and this book makes that trip so simple, it’s amazing! As Mickey himself said, “See you real soon!”
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Behold the Eye Braumaru
by
Veronica R Tabares, Tara Tabares
Susan_Pettrone
, March 20, 2010
As Micah came of age at 15, in the land of Braumaru, he finally finds his gift, as did others before him. Micah Zomorah however, had no idea that his dreams might have anything to do with his gift and at the beginning, he ignored them and categorized them as merely fantastic dreams. When he realizes that his dreams are his gift, that he indeed is a dream traveler, this discovery sets him upon an adventure that will captivate and capture the imagination of all who read it. On another plane and place within this book, the reader meets 6th graders, Vickie and her friends, Karen, Cathy, and Tricia. These four girls find themselves one day on the playground bored to tears, so they decide to become rich and famous by writing a book. Though there is a bit of a hard time deciding on a topic to write the book on, the four girls finally settle on a book which would be factual and would be about actual encounters with ghosts and goblins. This of course proves harder than they expected, but still they continue trying to write the book. As their work is ongoing , surprising things begin to happen to Vickie. One day much to her surprise, Vicki realizes that the girls have a special power of dreaming and they turn their focus from the book to developing their dream power, if only to see where it might lead them. But, unbeknownst to all involved, while the girls and Micah are trying to wrap their minds around what is happening to them, there is nearby an "evil one" who is trying desperately to find the secret of dream travel. This person is evil in that he dreams of returning to a past world and gaining the power of king, a power he feels is his birthright. His intentions upon becoming king are not good and this is a worry for the girls and Micah when they finally do figure him out. One of the worst problems with this "evil one", is he will do anything in his power to gain that power, even if it puts Micah and the girls in harms way. The evil one discovers a lost ‘dream traveling’ girl and falsely gains her trust, promising to help her find the secret to returning home. This man knows exactly what he needs to gain the power he seeks, so he sends the girl to help him find an ancient lost book that contains inscriptions from a long time ago ancestor, detailing the story behind how their home was lost, with only a few remaining. One he believes will give him the power he seeks. The evil one uses the lost girl and her discovery of clues and his knowledge of his family history to try to find a way to find a way he can travel to the past and regain what he feels is his deserved royal status. The evil one also tricks another girl, by luring her to fall into a coma of which doctors, in the present, have no idea how to treat, much less how to help her regain consciousness. Of course, evil as he is, he also locks his helper, Shanti and comatose Vickie, into a sort of dream house where they cannot escape. Micah knows of the house through his dreams and he and the girls attempt to find the house and rescue the two girls inside. During this time, Micha and the girls encounter creatures of which nightmares are made and quickly discover that the dream world can actually be more dangerous than the working, living world they came from. The ending is filled with page turning surprises and shocks as the four attempt time and again to rescue the girls from the house. As they work, so does the evil one, calling up creatures and instances that both thrill and shock the reader into a point of disbelief and discouragement that anyone will prevail over the evil one. the discovery of the girls and what Shanti represents are as surprising to Micah as they are to the reader. What happens at the end of this book is best left for the reader to discover, as it is so intense that I found myself re-reading parts of it to fully grasp the ending and what happens to the characters within. As the first of a trilogy, this sets the stage excellently for more books ahead and hours of suspense and great reading not just for the pre-teen and teen set, but for adults as well. Writer, Veronica R. Tabares, has a unique talent of writing a book that instantly captures the attention of many ages of readers and keeps one wondering, until the final page is turned. I must be honest and admit, I have books 2 and 3 of the trilogy and intend to dive into number 2 this week to learn more from this trilogy, it so intrigued me. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who has a suspense, sci-fi loving pre-teen, teen or even a fun loving adult they wish to gift with a unique book. I can guarantee that this book is one of the best books I have read in all my years of reading, one that is somewhat on the level of A WRINKLE IN TIME, in it's intensity and suspenseful events strewn within. A book which can be purchased at many different outlets, it is easy to find and easier still to lose oneself in, once the first page is turned and the adventure begins!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment