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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
avry15 has commented on (22) products
Fast-Tracked
by
MS Tracy Rozzlynn
avry15
, September 06, 2011
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* Ms. Rozzlyn is now one of my fav authors.. really she's good in bringing her readers to her story... luring us to her own thoughts and characters.. I have read Verita and it's good too and it's more fiction.. while on Fast-tracked it depicts well..races.. how people are misguided by beliefs about who's superior and who are slaves... like in true life..we always face racial discrimination everyday..maybe not obviously..but still there it is.. the author here clearly relate to us in a novel way.. of what really it's like.. a great book.. can't wait for the sequel if there is one.. A short synopsis from Amazon: Study hard, do well on your assessment, and you’ll be rewarded. The phrase had been repeated throughout Alexandria's life. A person’s ranking on the assessment test determined everything. Their job, where they live, and even who they can marry. At least that’s what Alexandria though before she received the results. Everything Alexandria believed was a lie. fast-trackers run the country. Anger one of them and your whole world could fall apart. Anger one of them and the person you love would suffer. Alexandria was elevated to fast-tracker class while her best-friend turned true love was plummeted to the lowest possible rank�" a guaranteed life of hardship and misery. She plunges herself into the fast-tracker world in hopes of helping Byron. But can she help Byron before she completely loses herself to the allure of their lifestyle?
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Vampire Academy: #1
by
Richelle Mead
avry15
, September 06, 2011
this is a great book..an addition to my other favorites.. and what really matters in this story is the bond is between bestfriends and not lovers.. at first though,..i can't quite get the essnce of the story.. i even think if i'd jump reading..forgetting about the prologue.. but then as i read further.. i realized that the story is actually flashing back to the prologue which i assumed earlier..lol.. rose..is really someone i should admire for..for her boldness.. the story is further associated with St. vladimir and shadow-kissed Anna.. on which near the end of the story rose realize is actually like them.. a spirit user(Lissa) and a shadow-kissed(Rose).. which happens because lissa brought her back when she died at the car accident which killed lissa's family.. the story twist at the end where the one person whom they considered as a family turns out to be after lissa, because she can heal him.. this is really a full of action book.. and i wish that dimitri and rose relationship could really blossom.. one thing i hate about rose..she's flirty.. though still charming..
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Hex Hall 02 Demonglass
by
Rachel Hawkins
avry15
, September 06, 2011
OMG!! this is a story-turner...what would you do.. if you discovered that you're a supernatural creature but then you're good..and now it turns out that you're characteristics was really deemed bad..and what's worse is you thought there are only two of you which is like that-your father..and then you discovered that your crush is a member of a group promised to wipe out your race.. and so you take off to some place to get rid of your power..and then you discovered your friends are like you too? ..OMG!! this is really too much... i really really like this book..full of surprises and desperate choices.. though too bad,..this is again..another cliffhanger..so to all the fans..i know you can't wait for the third book..well, just like me too..but then..let just savor this one..so great!! Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world�"the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Acher to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?
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Hex Hall 01
by
Rachel Hawkins
avry15
, September 06, 2011
wow!..this book is another bookseller... i know we're used to teenage books with some drama..magic..supernatural effects..but this one..has a new way in getting to the hearts of its readers...the storyline line is humorous in a way..but could really let a reader delve into the story so much.. i wish i'm one of the characters there...it was really thrilling in a way..i can't help thinking what kind of spoof might attacked sophie again..lol... i guess this one..should have a contract to be a movie.. well, just a proposal..and i think you would agree that this one really deserves to be serve in movie..type.. i can't wait to read demonglass synopsis: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
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Blood Faerie
by
India Drummond
avry15
, September 06, 2011
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* i had finish reading the book .........this book was more than good(said this twice)...i'm honestly addicted to nonfiction books... and this one didn't disappoint me.. i started reading this at night,..but then..i'm totally hooked up...there are times even like i don't wanna go to sleep..because i still wanna learn and read more of the stories... the 3 characters are beautifully intertwined..which makes the storyline thrilling and wonderful...this book is full of magic, mystery and mayhem.....i really can't wait for the sequel..love this! This book is a page-turner filled with action, danger, romance,magic, mystery all rolled into one! and a world that instantly grabs you from the very first page! urban fantasy never seems to be this good well until this book came!
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
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Dancing in the Shadows of Love
by
Judy Croome
avry15
, September 06, 2011
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* the book is sooo good! I would like also to appreciate the book cover...emphasizing arts..it's wonderful. what i like most about the book..is that..in every chapter it has an opening statement of a saying or a quote..and the book really has deep meanings about love and life. the storyline and the characters are very well delivered and developed.. you can actually remember their names and their roles. the story is about the three women..Lulu, Zahra and Jamilla and their journey to find their place in the world.. it also give us glimpses of their past..so we could really understand the characters. also it encompasses not just the reality of love but also gives us deep understanding of our own prejudices and relationship toward other people, especially those who are not in our inner circle. and by the way, it has some insights of the eternal and unselfish love of our Spirit King(High Deity). highly recommended! :D... i can't wait to read til the end of the story
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Passion
by
Lauren Kate
avry15
, September 06, 2011
Passion is the third book in the Fallen series by Lauren Kate. Published by Random House, Passion has a release date of 23rd June and is 432 pages long. Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC for review. Plot Before Luce and Daniel had ever met at Sword and Cross school, before they had a massive showdown with the Immortals, they had shared so many previous lives with each other. Not knowing what their relationship is really all about, Luce is determined to figure it all out, by going back and witnessing these lives, and their love, for herself. Desperate to unlock the secret that hold their relationship in a complicated curse, Luce is determined to find out what that secret is and how she goes about breaking the curse once and for all. Will delving into past lives she isn’t supposed to remember ruin what she has with Daniel, after seeing who he has been his whole life, with and without her. Surely over the span of centuries, Daniel couldn’t have always been a complete saint…could he? My review: Due to the nature of the plot, each chapter explores a different era throughout time. in this book, Luce together with a gargoyle named Bill, traveled backward into her and Daniel's past. Luce discovered all the stages of their love, even those which are not good. but for better or for worse, Daniel was always there, at her side. this is a nice book as it, unveils their past..and answers the questions i'm dying to know like what is the reason of their curse... and why does Luce always burn up in flames... this book will really keep you reading and it will give you glimpses...sorry..but not just glimpses...you could at least imagine yourself traveling from era to era.. Of course, with a title like Passion, the book had to at least have some of that but I am glad to say, it has bucket loads. Highly recommended but only if you have read the previous books, because if not you might lose yourself.
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Nevermore
by
Kelly Creagh
avry15
, September 06, 2011
this book is great.. at first... you will think...it's worse to feel in love with a hooligan than a vampire...but then if that hooligan is not that dark, morbid and bad... but instead gentleman to the bone, serious but with a good sense of humor, remembers your favorites, stick to his words, hides into mystery but is really really handsome, and suffered a not so good family drama...would you not fall in love? i find this book a lil bit thrilling, engaging and interesting. The characters developed and emerged slowly, but in a reallly really good way, keeping up with the thrill given to readers who can't get enough. The book is filled with forbidden romance, action, i could almost consider this as vampire tale, though it's not. The plot is wonderfully written, and the story is just wonderful, especially as it depicts Edgar allan poe and the reason behind his death. i also love to mention, that Varen is the kind of guy that makes you hate at first but would later be lured to his charisma and attitude. I like the book and wish that their romance would develop into something greater. this is a cliff-hanger and i can't wait to read the sequel. Isobel has a great life: she is a cheerleader, her boyfriend is a star on the football team, her friends are great (members of the screw squad). That changes once she is partnered with the weird Goth guy, Varen, in English class to do a project on Edgar Allen Poe. Varen is mysterious, and he doesn't seem too interested in Isobel. However, Isobel finds herself drawn to him, especially after she takes a peek at his notebook, only to find it filled with strange stories and drawings. Strange things start to happen both when she is alone and when she's with Varen. She can't tell whether it is a dream, or reality. NEVERMORE was so captivating. I have never read anything like it before. It was really fast-paced and intriguing; Varen...he's so something....and Isobel is just amazing..really beautiful... i just finish reading..it's thrilling..though at the end i expect it to be just what everybody expects...but then..don't despair..because there is a sequel..oh..i can't wait..
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Nevermore
by
Kelly Creagh
avry15
, September 06, 2011
this book is great.. at first... you will think...it's worse to feel in love with a hooligan than a vampire...but then if that hooligan is not that dark, morbid and bad... but instead gentleman to the bone, serious but with a good sense of humor, remembers your favorites, stick to his words, hides into mystery but is really really handsome, and suffered a not so good family drama...would you not fall in love? i find this book a lil bit thrilling, engaging and interesting. The characters developed and emerged slowly, but in a reallly really good way, keeping up with the thrill given to readers who can't get enough. The book is filled with forbidden romance, action, i could almost consider this as vampire tale, though it's not. The plot is wonderfully written, and the story is just wonderful, especially as it depicts Edgar allan poe and the reason behind his death. i also love to mention, that Varen is the kind of guy that makes you hate at first but would later be lured to his charisma and attitude. I like the book and wish that their romance would develop into something greater. this is a cliff-hanger and i can't wait to read the sequel. Isobel has a great life: she is a cheerleader, her boyfriend is a star on the football team, her friends are great (members of the screw squad). That changes once she is partnered with the weird Goth guy, Varen, in English class to do a project on Edgar Allen Poe. Varen is mysterious, and he doesn't seem too interested in Isobel. However, Isobel finds herself drawn to him, especially after she takes a peek at his notebook, only to find it filled with strange stories and drawings. Strange things start to happen both when she is alone and when she's with Varen. She can't tell whether it is a dream, or reality. NEVERMORE was so captivating. I have never read anything like it before. It was really fast-paced and intriguing; Varen...he's so something....and Isobel is just amazing..really beautiful... i just finish reading..it's thrilling..though at the end i expect it to be just what everybody expects...but then..don't despair..because there is a sequel..oh..i can't wait..
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Fallen
by
Lauren Kate
avry15
, September 06, 2011
This story truly could be the next "twilight". But its up to the author to live up to that and turn this book into a world of great imagination. I found Lauren Kate's writing style to be a little bit annoying. It seemed like she can use a "creative writing" class because sometimes i just didn't understand what she was trying to convey in some paragraphs/sentences.I sometimes found myself reading some parts over and over again.And sometimes..i continued to read some lines or paragraphs even though it's for another scene..it's so hard to determine..really.. Lauren has a wonderful imagination, now she just needs to put it better into words. She sometimes had too many words thrown into a sentence that weren't even necessary to begin with. More like "fillers". The Story was very good though. It was like for more than half the story Lauren built up this Thriller/Suspense around all her characters. Every character was well developed with an edge and mystery to them. It was like this whole jumble of mystery and confusion for more than half of the book. The next thing you know, you are 20 pages away from finishing the book, yet STILL no answers. Well, that's exactly what happened. The conclusion wasn't much of a conclusion as it was a cliff-hanger. Honestly?...i could have thrown the book at the former chapters.. because the story was really slow...it didn't have that interesting factor..Though what thrills me..and what keeps me reading..is how Daniel would interact with lucy.. I have very high expectations for the next book, Torment, because *fingers crossed* many of the mystery's will be solved and questions will be answered. But i m not totally counting on that either, since this is a 4 books series and lauren will need something to talk about in those books too. *sigh* This wait is gonna kill me!! Sorry!
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Shelter (Blood Haze: Book One): A Paranormal Vampire Romance
by
Tara Shuler
avry15
, September 06, 2011
*I won a free copy this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* Two guys, one vampire girl, and two dark secrets that threaten to tear her world apart. this is a good book..another twist from common vampire stories..this time the girl is the vampire..and two human boys-human?(find out the secret!) it's a great take on vampire phenomenal..twilight fans-read this book! stories like this tend to get the attention of teen readers..and i'm one of those..a good story and a new one-in it's sense... remarkable and fascinating-a one-read-book! The plot is good and well-flowing, one that would set the readers into full read. I just hate the part that the guy is almost perfect except the fact that he's too emotional, an opposite of Edward(twilight). Nevertheless, the book is great, I couldn't actually say it has suspense, because you could guess, what's coming up next in the situation, but I daresay, that the plot of this is one of a kind, the history's of each character except for new ones, was well-written and explained. Warning though: this is a cliff-hanger, so if you decide to read this, be sure, you have access to the second book... great, great book.. my e-copy had some typographical errors.. Alice Wright is a young vampire going to high school for the first time at the age of seventeen at the behest of her eccentric mother. In many ways, she's more afraid of the human students than they would be of her. She feels lost and awkward in human society, but she soon develops a strong bond with the cousin of one of her human classmates, nineteen year old Kai. He is beautiful, but somewhat of an enigma. She discovers a dark secret in Kai's life, and she instantly wants to shelter him from the pain that has tormented him all his life. Then she meets Maksim Augustine, the incredibly gorgeous guy who seems more like he should be a model than a high school student. She is overwhelmingly attracted to him physically, but her love for Kai causes her to continually push him away. Eventually, she discovers a frightening secret about Max, too. But Max's secret threatens to destroy everything...
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Imperial Hostage - Book 1 of the Destruction Series
by
Cantrill, Phil
avry15
, August 31, 2011
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* don't be fooled by the cover of the book, for underneath it lies a story so heart-warming and full of noble acts, bravery and heroism. i could say this book is more of an epic! the story is good especially for those people who seem to love the ways of the past,..but this one doesn't lose the touch of what it is we're after today.. the author did a good mix of heroism, tragedy, prophecies, friendships and lots of heart experiences in making up this book. a well-written story very much well intended for young adults.. the book is GREAT! will make you realize LIFE! From the moment 12-year-old Prince Erechtheus docks in Poseidia, capital of the Empire, to be a hostage for 13 years, nothing in his life is easy - or safe. An unexpected and foreboding prophecy, uttered by a blind seer, puts the prince immediately in the crosshairs of Al-Jinn, the powerful and paranoid High Priest from the Temple of Bel. In a fit of perverse desperation, Al-Jinn and several other priests ravenously abuse Erech before placing him on an altar for ritual sacrifice to Lord Bel. Only last-minute intervention from Kul-Kan, High Priest of the rival Temple of One, saves the prince from a gruesome fate. At the Temple of One, although he remains a hostage, Erech is befriended by others his age as they are all educated in the Empire's arts and sciences. The Temple offers relative sanctuary, but the prince is repeatedly attacked. He survives with the help of his new-found friends and hand-to-hand combat training from Myriné, heir-apparent to the Queen of the Amazons. Erech gains exceptional fighting skills and an understanding of the natural world as he matures, but he suffers a series of crippling, heart-breaking losses - most as a result of the many attempts on his life. At the twilight of his captivity as a hostage, the 25-year-old prince encounters one last trial, a trial that could very well lead to war between his native land and the Empire.
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Fezariu's Epiphany
by
David M. Brown
avry15
, August 31, 2011
*I won a free copy this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* this is a fantasy story..that grips on reality.. it shows the flaws of human decisions and it's consequences-well,to err is human! the story is well-written,..it's development is fascinating as well as the characters'.. giving the readers different moods, excitement, predicting, angry, pity, etc.. there are times ..the readers could even say.."yah, i know that will happen",...the book is really good.. emphasizing human nature..the reality of life and how we should cope in it..a really good book! Suffering a betrayal as a young boy, Fezariu turns his back on his family. Convinced their way of life will help him leave his past behind, he joins the Merelax Mercenaries. In a quest to prove himself and survive his dangerous assignments in the Colonies, he's forced to forge new alliances but works hard to distance himself emotionally. Despite his determined focus to move on his thoughts are drawn back to Clarendon where the White Oak, an infamous brothel, holds the secret to his past and the childhood friend he abandoned still remains. From the Back Cover The White Oak, Clarendon's oldest brothel, lured and destroyed men by the thousands. Fezariu was different. He had never been drawn by the White Oak's vices but the brothel had still ruined him when he was just a boy. Salvation came in the form of the Merelax Mercenaries - Elenchera's most prestigious hired hands. They gave Fezariu the chance to escape from his past. Immersed in the world of dangerous assignments in the colonies Fezariu longed to forget everything about his childhood but only in facing the past would he ever be free of it.
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The October Five
by
Mobashar Qureshi
avry15
, August 31, 2011
Mobashar Qureshi really has a genius in writing mystery stories.. The October Five is a well-written story packed with mystery, action, crime, friendship, loyalty, justice, and HUMOR! it's a wonder how humor adds up to this kind of genre, but Mr. Qureshi proves this to be possible.. which makes the story intriguing, engaging, breathtaking and bearable to the senses.. the characters are so well-developed that the story fits perfectly with them..a good read! A young man is found strangled in his bed. Detective Karl Whaler is assigned to solve the brutal murder. Five individuals frequently meet in a room. They have been meeting for decades. There is another murder; this time the victim is found with his throat slashed. Is there a link between the two murders? Whaler's investigation leads him to the most strange and dangerous case of his career. The October Five is a spiraling page-turning that examines friendship, loyalty, and justice
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The Choice: Book One of the Walk the Right Road Series
by
Lorhainne Eckhart
avry15
, August 31, 2011
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* The Choice-literally the title of the book says what it it's content..The book is all about making and doing the right choices in life that would lead our heroine to destruction or salvation.. the story is soo good,..with good moral lessons from here and there..it opens readers minds to simple things like listening and following advices...the story is well-written and the characters are depicted for the ease of the readers..though there are really some grammars which are wrong ..it's understandable cause this just a pre-copy of the book and still it's readable..the plot was really complex but it adds life to the book..as well as the the intriguing characters..the ending is somewhat hints the sequel of the second book..so yah..the ending isn't perfect! Mimi Barbour, Author of The Vicarage Bench Series Marcie Hollis is a Wiccan, who’s always played by the rules. That’s until she meets Dan McKenzie, a man who she believes to be the knight in shining armor she’s been searching for all her life. However, Dan’s not who he appears to be. He lures Marcie into his world of lies, greed and high-grade marijuana. But fate intervenes on Marcie's illicit trip for Dan to New Orleans, when she's robbed in a crowded airport. The thug not only makes off with her suspicious backpack, he knocks her down, her head slams on the concrete floor, and she loses her memory right in the path of DEA agent, Sam Carre. After a six-month investigation into the activities of a big time drug dealer crumbles, the same day damming evidence is found stuffed in Sam’s locker �" evidence suggesting he’s the notorious leak on the team, Sam jumps on the first plane home. Arriving in a crowded airport in New Orleans - his reputation and loyalty are in question. But even though Sam’s tired, disillusioned and haunted by a past that gives him no peace, he stops to help an attractive stranger when she falls in front of him. Then in an act of chivalry, he takes her to his home until the police can identify her. When questions arise about Marcie, and what she’s involved in, the answers lead them to the exact felons Sam investigated in the Pacific Northwest. When her illusive memory returns, this complex case pushes them both to explain the unexplainable, and leaves Sam with a haunting question. Was she set up, or was this a game she played? Sam’s forced to make a choice, walk away from the attraction that connects them, or risk losing everything.
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Children of the Elementi
by
Ceri Clark
avry15
, August 31, 2011
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* a great fantasy sci-fi read of which the writing of the author are greatly crafted with passion and intelligence. The story is somewhat common(well, for me, teenagers saving the world, though in this one its another world). But still the author manages to make the story interesting and compelling.The plot and situations are super intense that you would turn pages by pages of the book (or in my case an ebook). the characters are well-developed, intertwined and with outstanding characteristics. Ceri Clark wonderful tells us the story of young adults and then takes us to a breathtaking new world which would capture our sympathy and passion.. Great book! Smouldering in the circle the Deoc glared malevolently at Aras. Its body was made entirely of fire but as Aras watched, the flames rescinded. Skin formed over the creature's body. First its arms and legs, then its face before it was covered completely in skin. Over this, a robe formed until a man stood before him with red and gold-flecked eyes. 'What do you want?' 'I need you to kill a boy.' 'Why would I do that?' The creature smiled, confident in its power. 'You have no choice.' The powerful Elementi Empire spanned over a thousand years, its kings and queens loved and revered by their people and their elemental powers feared by their enemies. One fateful night almost a century ago, the Empire was destroyed by treachery and Magi illusion. All five heirs were thought to be lost... until now. On present day Earth, Jake has an ordinary life, school, bullies, parties... until he stumbles on an ancient crystal and discovers his adoption and a royal past. As Jake touches the pendant, the Magi Emperor in Eleria is alerted that not all the Elementi were killed all those years ago. The Emperor summons an evil fire demon and sends him across the dimensional barrier to hunt and kill the last of the Elementi. Can Jake learn to control his growing elemental powers and reunite the other lost children in time?
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Be Brave, Be Strong: A Journey Across the Great Divide
by
Jill Homer
avry15
, August 31, 2011
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* This is an inspiring story-though probably would have deeper meanings to cyclist. Jill Homer made a wonderful job, story-telling and describing her journey beautifully. The writing is well-written and expertly crafted, the words are soothing , encouraging and inspiring. The book had an ambience of seriousness,...but with alot of quotes(I really loved those) and surely a great adventure story in its own way. Full of philosophical and psychological views, this story narrates the beauty of man's emotions, endurance and perseverance! Jill Homer, a newspaper editor from Juneau, Alaska, has an outlandish ambition: Racing a mountain bike 2,740 miles from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide. Her preparation plans are equally ambitious: A 350-mile winter bicycle race on Alaska’s frozen Iditarod Trail, followed by two months of focused training during a summer sojourn with her boyfriend in the Utah desert. But in the tradition of best-laid plans, Jill’s dream begins to unravel the minute she sets it in motion. During the Iditarod Trail Invitational, Jill breaks through lake ice and suffers serious frostbite on her foot. While she’s laid up on crutches and unable to train, Jill’s employer coerces her into taking a job that may prevent her from even starting the 2009 Tour Divide. Then, just two days before their departure date, Jill’s boyfriend ends their eight-year-relationship. This final dismantling of expectations causes Jill to question everything she thought she knew about life, love and her own identity. Faced with a summer full of plans they’re both reluctant to change, Jill and her now-ex-boyfriend embark on a road trip from Juneau to San Francisco in an effort to salvage a long-term friendship. She vows to repair her crumbling relationship with her ex, but a chance discovery and a jarring bicycle crash reveal the truth �" that their past, and her heart, have been irrevocably broken. She returns alone to her family home in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a vague plan to pick up the pieces and continue pursuing the Tour Divide. Despite a lack of motivation and overarching desire to do something more conducive to “getting on with her life,” Jill embarks on a series of training rides to prepare her for the rigors of a self-supported endurance race. She spends long nights huddled in a thin sleeping bag beneath a wash of stars, trying to reconcile her heartbreak and uncertainty. Just days before the start of the Tour Divide, Jill travels to Banff, Alberta, where she meets kindred spirits who help spark greater perspective and new enthusiasm for a solo journey. On June 12, 2009, she joins 42 other racers at the start of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Jill finds herself almost instantly in over her head, facing a sudden deluge of loose gravel, rocky terrain, hard fatigue, violent thunderstorms, difficult route-finding, stream crossings, bear encounters, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles �" and she hasn’t even pedaled out of Canada yet. On the third day, Jill meets a veteran Divide racer named John. They agree to ride together for the day, which stretches into several days as John settles into Jill’s pace and Jill enjoys the company of a methodical, results-driven athlete who loves cycling but seems so much unlike her in nearly every other way. They part ways in western Wyoming, and suddenly Jill finds herself facing nearly 2,000 miles of Rocky Mountains backwoods, completely alone. The difficulties compound quickly. Mud and weather slow her progress, knee pains become chronic, food planning errors leave her low on calories, and a rear hub failure nearly strands her in the harsh desert of the Great Divide Basin more than 100 miles from the next town. Brake failure leads to a bad crash in northern Colorado. Amid the mounting demands of her savage new way of life, Jill’s sense of civility wears away and her emotions become those of a child, raw and affecting. But Jill’s adventure also swings toward the sublime, from the unconditional kindness of strangers to a deliriously beautiful descent from the sweeping mountains above Salida, Colorado. Jill allows herself to believe the worst is behind her, unaware that the most jarring discovery still awaits her beyond the storm-ravaged peaks of the southern San Juan Mountains. This is the story of an adventure driven relentlessly forward as foundations crumble, proving that to succeed in "the world's toughest mountain bike race," one doesn't have to be the world's toughest woman. Not even close.
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The Schliemann Legacy
by
D. a. Graystone
avry15
, August 31, 2011
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* the plot of this book is intriguing,interesting and engaging, a treasure-hunt story, with vendettas and personal motives thrown all-around. The story is a fast-read, because the events are just twisted and turned upside-down that the readers wonders what will happen next. Graystone manages to combine in this work suspense, mystery, and rage. The story could be like THe national treasure, and could really be a good book if given a chance. though I agree, some parts should be re-written. But the plot is excellent and lures many readers. A HUNT FOR TREASURE AND REVENGE 1873 �" Heinrich Schliemann discovers ancient treasure in Turkey which proves the existence of Troy. 1943 �" the treasure disappears from Nazi Germany. 1981 �" Henri Mardinaud, international information broker, discovers the treasure in the possession of Friedrich Heiden, ex-commander of Majdanek, a Nazi extermination camp. Using his network, Henri, the master gamesman positions his players in a race for the treasure and the Nazi. David Morritt, a recently retired Mossad agent and survivor of Majdanek. Katrina Kontoravdis, a disgraced Greek intelligence operative hoping to redeem herself. Duman, a vicious Turkish terrorist who will do anything to achieve his objectives. From Europe, to Heiden's fortress in Colombia, to a secluded estate in Jamaica, Mardinaud uses the hatred between Greece and Turkey and the horror of the holocaust to fuel his twisted game. More than the treasure, survival becomes the ultimate prize in this battle of haunting memories, revenge and love.
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Still Life With Brass Pole
by
Craig Machen
avry15
, August 31, 2011
*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway* i find this story related to the present situations ordinary people could really face today. instead of giving us the sorrows of a girl, we have garnered the story of a boy who turns out later to be a man. there are alot of ramblings which sometimes i skip :), but then, i guess it just adds to the spice of the story and it explains or gives us the insight of the protagonist. it's a simple tale, with a simple character but with an extraordinary situations that would make each of us realize how lucky we are at times not to be in the character's shoes. the story falls smoothly , and it inspires, touches the heart of those who read it. totally worth reading. Craig is 16 when he returns from a drug-fueled visit with his dad in Miami to find his mom leaving town with her 23 year-old boyfriend. In the same moment, his dreams of settling down with his pregnant girlfriend are dashed when she is moved off to Texas by her parents. Left alone in small town Oklahoma, he embarks on a deranged, cross-country quest for a family of his own. STILL LIFE WITH BRASS POLE is Craig Machen’s funny, debauched and heartfelt memoir about young love and coming of age in the titillation business. And how a roaring White Knight Complex, an eccentric comedy club owner, and a trio of unpredictable striptease artists conspire to help him achieve his aims.
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The Last Prophet
by
Jeff W. Horton
avry15
, August 31, 2011
The last prophet is an apocalyptic book that would surely engage readers to the content of it. The plot is well-written with enough mysteries, suspense and thrill all around it that one could not stop turning pages. I’m always lured to books which had a fact-based piece and especially this one who depends on the bible. I find the plot of having the last prophet and all written along it a bit of interesting. The author made the characters real, humanlike which makes it easier for the readers to understand their decisions and what they’re feeling on certain situations. The” end of the world” thought here really creep me up in a really good way , and I especially launch myself into John’s journey in fighting the beast and leading the people to God’s path. It was a good book, as it will make the reader think about his life, and really where would he be when the end of the world ends. I felt drawn to the last prophet(John) about his insecurities and doubt why would he be chosen to be God’s messenger, then I realized that no matter how low you think of yourself, God has always seen the special in you. Horton made this story a best-selling one by giving it the mixture of suspense, twist and turns all in the right time, as well as giving the taste of real-life situations and emotions. It was scary as well as enlightening the descriptions given when it would be like when the end of the world has come. A great book! Totally worth reading! Would you believe it if someone told you that you were one of the last two prophets mentioned in the book of Revelation? It is the End of Days. The power of the Antichrist and his grip on humanity grows stronger with each passing day, enabling him to deceive the world and entice humanity into joining him in his corruption, and in his eternal punishment. With the help of the False Prophet, the Beast persuades many to fall down and worship him, also forcing them to take his mark. When someone tells John March that he has been chosen by God to become the last of the two prophets mentioned in the book of Revelation, he doesn’t believe it. After a visitation by an angel followed by a miraculous sign however, he becomes convinced that it is true and decides to embrace his calling, despite learning that doing so will lead to his untimely death. March begins his mission by proclaiming God's message: that the End of Days is at hand, to beware the growing power and influence of the Beast, and to know that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is imminent. Supernatural disasters, including a worldwide drought, rivers of blood, massive earthquakes, and a devastating asteroid, testify that the end of the world is at hand. Join John March on his journey to becoming, The Last Prophet.
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Dancing on the Inside
by
Glen C. Strathy
avry15
, August 31, 2011
this was a very good book, which for me really has a piece of me since I love dancing, especially ballet, but then I didn't have the chance to be a part of it though, :). yet still, I enjoyed the book , I find it light to read but has really deeper meanings than just the words being thrown by the characters. The book is a lot more, it makes us value ourselves more, treasure friendships, to see the shimmer in ourselves instead of our folws, to be brave enough to pursue our dreams, instead of being afraid to try and fail, YEAH, it made me realie so much. the book is not just actually for young girls it would appeal to anyone who has dreams and wanted them so badly, even if there are times it seems so out of reach. The story is typical a yound girl, 12 year old Jenny who reallu love ballet, but could not really perform well in front of other people, oh my gosh, even in front of her teacher or in class, but then she manage to let them just observe the class, and sge practices in her room and memorizes all the steps secretly. that was she is, until she meets Ara, who instantly became her bestfriend, .they praCtice together and bring the best within each other. Although she's a total opposite of jenny, she's unafraid and passionate, they've been connected, friendships is not about similarities, it's about accepting the differences. Jenny then discovered with the help of their new instructor that she has real talent for choreography, and then they work together to put on the spring recital, an original ballet. The story flowed naturally, and the characters are typical teens, with insecurities, doubts, talents, secrets, bonds, happiness, etc.. Their personalities and dreams, as well as the author's light words, will help in alluring girls to read this book.! great book!
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The Society of Sinners
by
Charity Parkerson
avry15
, August 31, 2011
I wish I had read the book " Danger from Within", which i believe Brandon appeared first. Brandon there was just a thing or a guy yeah, Lena used to make Dan jealous, and I badly want to know read the details in that book, to know what happened between Brandon and Lena. Although, it can't be denied that The society of Sinners stand for itself. this book is Brandon's own story, the author gives us here a clear description of his life and his past. teh story was engaging and interesting, and a mixture of romance, action and humor sums up to make a good read. The characters here are given outstanding characteristics. The story is well-plot and funny at times,. worth the while book !:) Nestled high in the mountains… The quiet community of Jackson Station is where everyone knows your name and…species? Vampires have existed since almost the beginning of time, but not in the way we have been led to believe. These were not men cursed by the devil but warriors blessed by God to have great strength, agility, and eternal life. Eternal life came at a price, the price of human blood. Some chose to live within their own society; The Society of Sinners. This is the first in Charity Parkerson’s new sinners series introducing a paranormal world filled with vampires, werewolves, changeling, and God’s greatest warrior.
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