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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
Jordan Mierek has commented on (13) products
Though Mountains Fall
by
Dale Cramer
Jordan Mierek
, February 03, 2013
I received a copy of THOUGH MOUNTAINS FALL by Dale Cramer from Bethany House. It is the third book in the Daughters of Caleb Bender series. Overall, I have very mixed feelings about the novel. I haven’t read any other books by Dale Cramer, and I’m not sure I’ll seek them out, although if one does fall into my hands, I’ll give it a try. There were aspects of THOUGH MOUNTAINS FALL that I loved. For one thing, Dale Cramer based the series on his own ancestors. That is a huge plus for me. For another thing, it involves an Amish community in Mexico, something I’d never heard about before ��" definitely another plus. For those of you who follow my reading habits, you know Amish fiction is a favorite (there are many Amish families in my town, so I enjoy understanding their perspectives). I recommend this series to anyone else who enjoys learning about the Amish just because it takes place in Mexico, setting it apart from other Amish series. There were some things I didn’t like: mainly, the writing style. Everyone has a different preference, and I just couldn’t get into the story. The characters were interesting, but there were too many adverbs and not enough descriptions to hold my interest. The characters also seemed to blend together as I read. No one had a distinct personality, at least in my opinion. I know other people will feel differently about those aspects, so nonetheless, I recommend this book. I will continue to read Amish books and this one will remain on my list of novels to discuss with other fans of Amish fiction.
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Tangled Ashes
by
Michele Phoenix
Jordan Mierek
, October 19, 2012
I received a copy of TANGLED ASHES by Michele Phoenix from Tyndale Fiction via Handlebar Central. This adult novel, with plenty of action and mystery, is based on World War II. I shouldn’t say that’s my favorite topic ��" it is much too dark and morbid. However, I do read a lot of novels on the subject. This fits in well with those, so I recommend this to anyone interested in the Holocaust ��" if “interested” is the right word. The book focuses on a Manor in France. The best part? It’s a real place! I hope to visit it someday. The author paints it into a beautiful, majestic light, interweaving history with nature. The story jumps between World War II and 2001. In 2001, Becker is hired to restore the manor for the owner’s wife’s birthday; time to welcome a cast of unique, realistic characters. I loved the descriptions and the discovered artifacts. The manor really came to life for me. In World War II, the manor was used by the Nazis as a “baby factory.” Aryan women, whose babies had been sired by Nazi soldiers, came to the Manor to bear their children. After the baby was born, the women had to leave them there to be raised. A servant in the house decides to steal one away… I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoiling the plot.
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Love in Disguise
by
Carol Cox
Jordan Mierek
, July 06, 2012
I received a copy of LOVE IN DISGUISE by Carol Cox from Bethany House. Not only is the front cover intriguing, but the back cover hooked me from the first sentence: “Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?” I started reading at lunch and couldn’t wait to get home to finish the novel. It really is one you can’t put down, and fast-paced enough to read in one day. The novel begins in Chicago in 1881, where Ellie works as an actress’s assistant. The actress, however, moves to Europe. Without her, Ellie doesn’t have a job. She wrangles her way into Pinkerton’s Detective Agency (a favorite topic of mine to read about) and is sent to Arizona. There, someone has been stealing from a mine. Ellie must pretend to be a widowed aunt and another detective will be her niece. That other experienced detective decides not to go, though, so Ellie decides to play both parts. So many places had me laughing out loud (which caused quite a few stairs in the cafeteria). I loved the characters ��" each unique and realistic. Major events in the story seemed a bit too coincidental and predictable, but overall I enjoyed the book. The romance left me smiling. This is truly a feel-good novel. I hope to read more novels by this author.
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Legacy Road
by
Graham Garrison
Jordan Mierek
, July 02, 2012
I received a copy of LEGACY ROAD by Graham Garrison, from Kregel. Normally, I love Kregel books. This one, not so much. It was good, but not a favorite. The story centers on three main characters ��" Wes, his girlfriend Emmy, and his dad, Ron. Wes’s parents divorced when he was young, and he’s never been close with his dad. His dad has been in and out of jail for various reasons, and Wes sees him as a horrible person. Ron knows he’s done wretched things, but he still cares about his son. He recognizes his mistakes, but has trouble righting them, and he also struggles to stay on the correct side of the law. In the past, Ron sent his son letters, and some are shown in the story as Wes analyzes his feelings for his father. Wes needs to work on an assignment for a history graduate course and Ron decides to help them, so they grow closer, while Wes struggles to deal with his mother’s declining health. In the meantime, Wes hopes to propose to his girlfriend, Emmy. She works in the medical field and is being sent to Afghanistan soon. Although she cares for Wes, a secret in her past keeps her from saying yes. I never got a strong sense of the characters. I couldn’t tell ages, and no one was strongly described. Most of the secrets were revealed suddenly at the end, making it feel rushed. I would have liked to see them come out a little at a time through the entire novel. I did like how history tried in with today, and I enjoyed reading the different perspectives of the main characters. I love it when chapters explore varying point of views. The end brought tears and a smile. Overall, the book is an interesting family drama.
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The Book of Books: The Bible Retold
by
Trevor Dennis
Jordan Mierek
, June 28, 2012
I received a copy of THE BOOK OF BOOKS: THE BIBLE RETOLD by Trevor Dennis, from Lion via Kregel. The book, bound with an impressive hard cover, contains many stories from the Bible, retold in simple language for today’s youth to enjoy. There are twelve chapters. They deal with popular Bible stories. For example, chapter six contains four parts: Ruth, Naeomi, and Boaz: Love Wins the Day; Jonah, a Big Fish, a Great City and the Forgiveness of God; the Book of Job: Shaking a Fist at Heaven; and Songs of Light. Each chapter starts with a few paragraphs explaining what it contains, and then the parts include illustrations. Some of the pictures were a little abstract for me, but the patterns will surely appeal to children. Since the stories are short, it was easy to read one every night before bed and then discuss it with my family. My grandmother also enjoyed it. She has dementia and we’ve hired people to sit with her at nights. They all enjoyed sharing these stories. They were quick and simple enough to keep her attention, while keeping the meaning. This is a perfect addition to any library for children of all ages.
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The Pack - Retribution
by
LM Preston
Jordan Mierek
, May 31, 2012
As a certified teacher, I’ve had a lot of experience with books and children. This is definitely one that will appeal to junior high and high school students. It has a strong main character ��" Shamira. Her love interest, Valens, is equally strong. He’ll catch the attention of boys reading the story, and girls will be interested in seeing how the romance progresses. Add in action and revenge; LM has a winning novel! Not to mention that the cover is certainly eye-catching. It would do great on a classroom shelf.
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Darkly Hidden Truth
by
Donna Fletcher Crow
Jordan Mierek
, February 20, 2012
I received a copy of A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH by Donna Fletcher Crow from Kregel. It is the second book in the “Monastery Mysteries” series. I haven’t read the first one yet, but this was has piqued my interest. A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH involves a young woman named Felicity. She studies at the theological college run by the Community of the Transfiguration. I would have liked to read more about her adventures at the college, actually studying, but it wasn’t integral to the story (I am always curious about theological colleges). At the start of the novel, Felicity is debating whether to become a nun. While deciding if that is her calling in life, she is yanked into a mystery surrounding a missing icon. The endearing Antony and Felicity’s mother, who she has never had a great relationship with, join her, as well as other memorable characters. Donna Fletcher Crow takes the reader to new places. When reading about the grand monasteries and beautiful England, I really felt as if I were there with Felicity. Donna Fletcher Crow also added in historical facts that really suck the reader back in time. I love history, so I couldn’t get enough of the factual tidbits. This is a perfect story for people who love mysteries, history, and religion. I couldn’t stop reading once I opened to the prologue.
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Unhallowed Ground The Fourth Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton Surgeon
by
Mel Starr
Jordan Mierek
, January 23, 2012
I received a copy of UNHALLOWED GROUND by Mel Starr from Kregel. I’d never heard of the “Hugh de Singleton, surgeon” series before, but now that I’ve read this fourth chronicle, I feel inclined to read the others. Hugh de Singleton is not only a surgeon, but he is also Lord Gilbert Talbot’s bailiff. I have always been fascinated by the Middle Ages, the time period this series takes place in, and so was thrilled to immerse myself in the pages. It’s a fast read at only 224 pages, and includes a tantalizing glimpse at the fifth book in the series. UNHALLOWED GROUND begins in the year 1366 when Thomas ate Bridge is found hanging. As a man of ill repute, the people declare the deed a suicide and are please that Thomas is gone. Hugh de Singleton, however, feels there is more to the hanging than suicide. Thomas has a mark on his wrist, as though he were hung, and mud only on the heels of his boots, not on the stool he supposedly used. Hugh de Singleton believes Thomas was murdered, and sets out to find the killer. I won’t give the mystery away, but it is cunningly written, shifting through many suspects and numerous motives. Once I began chapter one, I couldn’t stop reading until I had completed the book. I did guess at the murderer about halfway through, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story. UNHALLOWED GROUND starts with action, and never lets up. The historical mystery aspect reminded me of the middle grade “Lady Grace Cavendish” mysteries, which my cousin introduced me to a year ago. I have loved history since I was a child, and even more so now after studying my genealogy, which I can trace back to the Middle Ages. UNHALLOWED GROUND is rich in historic details, so it was easy to picture my ancestors in the setting. The dialogue is very realistic, and my mind kept inserting accents. Although I enjoyed reading the book, a few things stood out to me. At times I felt distant from the story, and would have liked more insight into High de Singleton’s emotions. Oftentimes, the author told events, rather than showing them, and when Hugh de Singleton occasionally addressed the reader as “you,” I was jarred from the story. Overall, I rate the story four out of five starts. I recommend UNHALLOWED GROUND to any fans of mysteries and historic fiction.
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Heroes Adrift
by
Moira J Moore
Jordan Mierek
, November 01, 2011
I love fantasy stories, so I've read a lot of them. This one is unique, so it was a pleasure to read. Now I'll have to catch up with the others in the series.
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Across The Wide River
by
Stephanie Reed
Jordan Mierek
, August 15, 2011
I received a copy of ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER by Stephanie Reed from Kregel Publications. It is an historic novel for teenagers, about the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. I love historical fiction and this book didn’t fail to live up to my expectations. What is better, it is based on a true story. The Rankin family really existed. The story centers on Lowry Rankin. He begins as a child, but quickly matures. His family leaves Kentucky to live in Ohio, where they participate as a station on the Underground Railroad. Lowry’s father is a minister, and the family strongly supports the abolitionist movement. I have my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and while I read, I kept thinking about how perfect this book would be for a social studies class. It not only fits well with the Civil War era, but it is easily relatable for teenagers. Lowry leaves his treasured home in Kentucky for Ohio; moving is something many people have dealt with. He also learns how to fully welcome God into his life, and highly values religion, which is another positive trait for young adults. Lowry discovers how to deal with shyness, which is a new obstacle for him once he moves to Ohio. Many people, myself included, have had to overcome being shy around others. It is inspiring to know that if he can do it, so can the reader. He even worries it will keep him from becoming a proper minister, similar to how I once worried about being a teacher despite my shyness. Lowry also deals with bullies, family, and standing up for what he believes in ��" an end to slavery. Stephanie Reed paints a poignant image of the cruelties slaves faced, and their troubles with escaping. I enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone interested in history.
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Along Wooded Paths
by
Tricia Goyer
Jordan Mierek
, July 21, 2011
I received a copy of ALONG WOODED PATHS by Tricia Goyer, from B & H Books. I was thrilled to see the cover and realize the novel is about the Amish (the cover depicts a young Amish woman walking along a path, surrounded by a misty sky, towering trees, and a homey wooden fence). I planned to only read a few chapters this morning, but ended up reading the whole thing ��" I literally couldn’t put it down except for lunch. All of the characters cook and eat plentiful meals, so it made me hungry. The back of the book includes recipes, and I am eager to make them. Some of them include meat, but can easily be transformed into vegetarian versions. This story is the sequel to BESIDE STILL WATERS, and is the second in the BIG SKY series. I never read the first book, but now feel the overpowering urge to. You don’t have to be familiar with the first to enjoy this one, although some parts confused me. The back of the book contains an excerpt from the next BIG SKY novel, and it sounds just as exciting as this one. I look forward to reading that one as well. ALONG WOODEN PATHS tells the story of Marianna Sommer. She lives with her family in a small Montana community, where the Amish dwell side-by-side with the English. Marianna must deal with the loss of her sisters and her brother, who decided to leave the Amish faith, while coming to terms with her own love of God. She questions reading English Bibles and going to prayer meetings. She also questions her love for two men. Ben is an Englishman who loves God, but because he isn’t Amish, her family frowns on their relationship. Aaron, her other interest, used to be her beau before her family left Indiana for Montana. He is now visiting her, and she wonders if when he leaves, she should go with him. While she lives in Montana, though, she works at an English restaurants and befriends her English coworkers. The story shows a different side to the Amish than most novels I have read. The love story brought a smile to my face.
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The House on Mango Street
by
Sandra Cisneros
Jordan Mierek
, June 02, 2011
I was assigned to read this story for my ethnic fiction class. After the first few pages, I recalled reading it back in high school for an English class. Just goes to show how often this book is used in educational settings. Some of the story sections are hard to follow because they are written from a child's point of view, but by the end of the book, everything comes together smoothly to show a girl's coming-of-age.
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(5 of 9 readers found this comment helpful)
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A Girl's Guide to Life: The Truth on Growing Up, Being Real, and Making Your Teen Years Fabulous!
by
Katie Meier
Jordan Mierek
, June 14, 2010
I was unsure of what to expect from A GIRL’S GUIDE TO LIFE by Katie Meier, from Thomas Nelson. The back of the novel, however, sums it up perfectly. The book shows teenage girls how they can be the best person they can be. There are three parts: Mind, Body, and Soul. Amongst those parts are chapters, which cover everything from self-esteem to family. The book also affords pop quizzes so that the reader is not only reading, but also participating, therefore making the chapters seem more relevant and alive. There are short blurbs in colored boxes that display common myths and the truth behind them, such as “Skipping meals will help me lose weight.” Every issue mentioned in the book is real, something that all girls go through and struggle with; the book will help them to see the light of facts and really consider what they are doing to their bodies. The purple print is catchy, so girls won’t shy away from the book thinking it’s “un-cool.” I had expected a little more religion, in the pages, however. Something that really upset me about the book occurred in the Religion chapter. The author discusses different religions – which was informative. The author then went on to say why Christianity is the best. Everyone has different beliefs, and for them, that belief is the best. By saying that Christianity is the best, the author was not allowing girls to decide for themselves, which should be a main focus of everyone’s life – deciding which religion is best for them and why. Overall, I would recommend this book to teen girls. It could really make a difference in someone’s life.
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