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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
Jackie Blem has commented on (4) products
Lovers Dictionary
by
David Levithan
Jackie Blem
, January 02, 2011
This is an amazing book. It truly is told in the style of a dictionary--a word and then a short explanation of that word as it relates to the unnamed male narrator and his unnamed girlfriend. The "definitions" are sometimes a single sentence, other times a paragraph, a few are a page long. They are spare and poignant. I teared up at some, laughed at others, and experienced vivid memories about being in similar situations and having similar emotions. I re-read a lot of them because I loved the way he was able to describe an emotion or a moment--he really cuts to the heart of something with just a few words. The story in not chronological, which makes it a sort of puzzle to put together--a delightful puzzle. This isn't a happy story, nor is it a sad story--it's the story of two people in a relationship with ALL of its emotional currents. It's moving, brilliant, and a book I could not recommend more sincerely.
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Unless It Moves the Human Heart The Craft & Art of Writing
by
Roger Rosenblatt
Jackie Blem
, January 02, 2011
I love the way that Roger Rosenblatt, author of "Making Toast" as well as several other books, can squeeze so much meaning in so few words. His latest is somewhat a collection of ideas, discussions, and exercises that he has put his writing students through (he is a professor of English and Writing at Stonybrook University), though he does start off by saying "To be clear: nobody really said what I say they said in class. But the ideas expressed here were expressed there." And there is sooooo much good stuff in here, even for the casual writer. My copy is all marked up already! One of my favorite gems in this book is "...in fiction you treat facts differently. You dream into them and make them works of art." That line has lived vividly in my imagination since I read it, and I know that it will continue to influence me for the rest of my life. Yes, this is that kind of book. The kind that will change your life with a few carefully written words. Amazing.
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The Year of the Hare
by
Arto Paasilinna
Jackie Blem
, January 02, 2011
This story was originally published in 1975 in Finland. And translated into 25 different languages. At last, it's about to be in our hands--and what an amazing delight thisstory is! Vatanen is a journalist, on the road with a photographer covering a story, when their car accidentally hits a hare. Vatanen makes the driver stop and searches for the wounded animal. After quite a long while, he finds him and brings him back to the car as the creature has a broken leg and Vatanen wants to take it to a vet. The photographer refuses to have "that wild animal" in the car, and after an argument, drives off without the journalist. This is the beginning, this simple decision to walk into the woods with the injured animal, that leads to a year of unlikely but amusing adventures that has Vatanen, the now wanderer, being a Samaritan to many, many interesting characters in many, many odd situations--with his faithful sidekick, the hare, of course. This is a book about running away from the world in order to embrace it more fully and is a treasure of storytelling brilliance. It's odd, and beautiful, and should not be missed.
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
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Room
by
Emma Donoghue
Jackie Blem
, January 02, 2011
I could NOT put this book down. That is no exaggeration. This book is riveting and beautiful. It's about how a mother's love can make the world magical even in the worst of circumstances. The story is told by a 5 year old boy who has never been out of the 11x11 room that he was born in. His mother had been abducted by "Old Nick" seven year before and stashed in a cleverly disguised shed. She got pregnant by her abductor, but did not hold that against her son and protected him fiercely. Most of the days they spent alone together, and she made up fantastic tales, projects, learning experiences and ways to stay healthy and fit for the two of them. And, eventually, she devises a way to escape. I do not want to reveal too much about this book, because coming into it with innocent eyes makes it more powerful and meaningful. Just know that it is ultimately a positive book, though many dark and terrible things do happen. This book is going to be HUGE--you just can't help but fall in love with it, especially the elfin Jack who's world view is fresh and unforgettable. Book clubs will go nuts over it!
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