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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
simmonsr has commented on (10) products
The Gunslinger: The Dark Tower #1
by
Stephen King
simmonsr
, June 12, 2017
Ok, so this is my favorite modern fantasy series...that said, this first book in the series shows the youth that was in evidence regarding the writing. Basically there's a lot of ideas but no central theme tying them together. As the series progresses so does Mr King's writing skills and also the world view of this fantasy. When I recommend the Dark Tower to friends I always offer the caveat that they need not read the Gunslinger and start with the second book, as I believe this can turn people off to the magic that comes, and they can always go back and read it. The Dark Tower is an amazing achievement and has to be read to understand all the devotion. The Gunslinger shows the youth of the writer finding his way. But what do I know? Many love this tome as the best in the series.... See for yourself...up to you...
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A Naked Singularity
by
Sergio De La Pava
simmonsr
, January 01, 2013
This is an amazing book that I couldn't put down. A rambling slice of life in the court rooms of New York full of discourse on philosophical ephemera and a crime caper wrapped inside. Pynchon, Delilo, David Foster Wallace, Melville, Dostoevsky rolled up and smoked without a filter. Rambling but brilliant.
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1Q84
by
Haruki Murakami, Jay Rubin, Philip Gabriel
simmonsr
, January 01, 2012
Murakami's Masterpiece. All the themes that he has worked with in his previous novels coalesce in this wonderful novel.
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Stone Arabia
by
Dana Spiotta
simmonsr
, August 02, 2011
Fascinating study of brother/sister relationship. Middle age angst, memory loss, aged Mother, Rock and Roll, creativity, life of the artist, etc. are just some of the subjects covered in this book. Fits in nicely with last years big hit, "Goon Squad".
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How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe
by
Charles Yu
simmonsr
, June 10, 2011
This book is just simply a major hoot! Twist you brain around various concepts of "time" while roller coasting along with a nerdy protagonist, his not real dog Ed, and his software female companion. Pure fun, and it works!
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Lonely Polygamist
by
Brady Udall
simmonsr
, June 08, 2011
This is a compelling read about family life, only this family consists of four wives and twenty eight children. We get to follow the ups and downs, revelations and frustrations of this family, which winds up being like any other family. Closely drawn characters reel you in and it winds up being a true page turner. Highly recommended.
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Just Kids
by
Patti Smith
simmonsr
, May 22, 2011
This is a sweet account of two lives coming together in the turbulent 60's. An inside look at the mingling of two artists lives and how their "art" was realized through mutual affection. Drugs, sex, William Burroughs, Allen Ginsburgh and the Andy Worhol crowd are all featured background to this wonderful tale. Elegantly written, the tale is mostly about love.
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Faithful Place
by
Tana French
simmonsr
, May 14, 2011
This was an amazingly good read, and another book that I picked up because of its being on the Tournament of Books list. The book is ostensibly a murder mystery however, it's much more a portrait of an modern Irish family in conflict. Gorgeous writing propels the story forward. I will now most definitely be seeking out other books by Ms French. Highly recommended!
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Skippy Dies
by
Paul Murray
simmonsr
, May 14, 2011
I read this because it was one the Tournament of Books choices, and I am happy to say that I am glad for it. The book is a "coming of age" novel that takes place in an all boys private school, and follows the foibles of a cast of young men at the "voice cracking" stage of life, along with some adult characters that are well fleshed out. Full of poignant passages and lovely writing. Once the end came I found myself wanting to know more of what awaits in the future for this cast of characters.
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Cloud Atlas
by
David Mitchell
simmonsr
, January 29, 2011
This is the best book I have read in a long, long while. Amazing writerly craft is on full display in this jigsaw puzzle of a book. Highly clever, multi voiced and absolutely fascinating. The premise: several stories with only the most tenuous of connective threads are presented to the reader and all end on cliff hangers. At the middle of the book each story is brought back and "finished". I was captivated, and truly saddened to have each story end. Brilliant!
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