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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
jessica voigts has commented on (23) products
Cool Tokyo Guide Adventures in the City of Kawaii Fashion Train Sushi & Godzilla
by
Abby Denson
jessica voigts
, March 07, 2018
Abby Denson's The Cool Tokyo Guide: Adventures in the City of Kawaii Fashion, Train Sushi, and Godzilla, is a fun, intriguing book - and one you can't put down. The easy to read comic book format lends itself well to this off-beat, upbeat tour of Tokyo. From Tokyo travel basics (getting around, survival skills) to culture shock funnies, eating, hotels, entertainment, cultural sites, family travel tips, and more (Ghibli Museum!), this guide is a captivating read - I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!
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Pantry and Palate: Remembering and Rediscovering Acadian Food
by
Simon Thibault
jessica voigts
, November 17, 2017
Simon A. Thibault's new cookbook, Pantry and Palate: Remembering and Rediscovering Acadian Food combines the best of many worlds - of home cooks and family recipes; of cooking, with seasons, from a place; of history, both Acadian and culinary; and delicious, interesting recipes that bring the taste of home, family, history. Ever since we visited New Brunswick, I've been interested in Acadian history and the Acadian diaspora. This cookbook? It helps satisfy my quest to learn more about this facet of Canada's history. In reading it, you'll learn about the culinary history of the Acadian foodways, of the truth of you are where you eat, many fascinating and delicious recipes, and, most likely, start to ask questions of your family cooks, look for recipe notebooks, and discover your own culinary heritage.
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The Harvest Baker: Sweet and Savory Baked Goods Made with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
by
Ken Haedrich
jessica voigts
, November 17, 2017
Have you ever read a cookbook and had to stop at the VERY FIRST RECIPE to make it? Such is the case with Ken Haedrich's The Harvest Baker: 150 Sweet and Savory Recipes Celebrating the Fresh-Picked Falvors of Fruits, Herbs, and Vegetables. I guarantee that if you pick up this book and start reading it, you're going to stop and make something right away, as we did this summer (and ever since). You might not even make it to the end of the book for months, because the recipes are so distracting - and delicious.
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Dawn Again Tracking the Wisdom of the Wild
by
Doniga Markegard
jessica voigts
, November 10, 2017
The most powerful and important book I've read this year? No question. Dawn Again: Tracking the Wisdom of the Wild, by Doniga Markegard, is eloquent, inspiring, and a must-read for any global educator. Markegard's memoir traces her beginnings from wildlife tracking to a more concerted effort of support and practical advice for wilderness education and living wisely on this planet. Through it all, her voice rings clearly for teaching about the earth, about the wildlife on it, and living responsibly and well. There is much to learn from animals and others - and Markegard provides a window to it, and teaches us how to listen. Her exploration for answers is illuminating - and leads toward, as Markegard notes, bountiful permanence. From tracking wolves, living in wilderness, the slow food movement, permaculture, family, and cultural explorations (such as the importance of Standing Rock), Markegard beautifully translates her experiences and wisdom into a book we can learn much from - and which inspires us, in turn, to work and think and live toward a better planet for all creatures. Highly, highly recommended.
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Taste of Paris A History of the Parisian Love Affair with Food
by
David Downie
jessica voigts
, September 26, 2017
I've long loved David Downie's books on Paris, for their illumination of a city so many people love. He is a consummate researcher, his books brimming with details I'd never known before, but he's also a storyteller - I can't put his books down. So let me share his new book (as always, I stayed up WAY too late reading it), A Taste of Paris: A History of the Parisian Love Affair with Food. A Taste of Paris is that rare book that combines history with an immensely readable style. Think of how Lin Manuel-Miranda's Hamilton brought US history to life - Downie's book does the same, but with a much broader scope (and no music, alas) - that of several thousand years, and a wide range of social, cultural, and gastronomic changes. Dating from c. 53 BC until today, Downie shares the places and spaces, people, and recipes that have influenced food and eating in Paris. Downie names the Ile de la Cite spot ground zero in the "edible and drinkable epic of Paris," he shares architecture, food, wine, history, and more. "...the city of Paris itself grew like an oyster shell, in layers, built from the intermingling of imported styles, merging the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, and so did the culture that produced the often-complicated delicacies and refined nectars Parisians and visitors adore today or prefer to fashionably disdain as unworthy of past greatness." Downie delves into history, detailing important people, ingredients, trends, and more in an interesting, readable way. Everything is included - recipes, menus, restaurants, food writers and critics, chefs, humble and noble food, and more, all written engagingly, as if he was talking to a friend. Not only did I learn a great deal, but I was constantly hungry for perhaps archaic dishes - or the company of someone long passed. Once you read this, you might have to rethink who you would choose for that "invite 3 people from history to dinner" game. You might also, like me, wish to follow in Downie's footsteps, as he purposefully wanders the city of light. You'll love this book, and find yourself getting extra copies for your friends who love food, or France, or both - especially since your copy will be dog-eared and much-read. Highly recommended.
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Curva Peligrosa
by
Lily Iona MacKenzie
jessica voigts
, September 22, 2017
Why must you read Curva Peligrosa? It's a story of the living - and dead. It is an inspiration to live life fully, and well. It's an education into history, travel, and indigenous people. it's a story of people, and change, and written with a very strong sense of place. It's full of characters you will love. And, it's a book you won't be able to put down. I loved Curva Peligrosa, and tell everyone I know about it. Highly recommended.
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Eat Smart in Portugal: How to Decipher the Menu, Know the Market Foods, amd Embark on a Tasting Adventure
by
Ronnie Hess and Joan Peterson
jessica voigts
, September 16, 2017
Here’s what I love about this book – it’s (as always, with the Eat Smart guides), an intriguing read, an introduction to the history and culture of Portugal, a language guide, a cookbook (incredible recipes!), and an enticement to travel to Portugal and experience the deliciousness for myself. I opened the cover and emerged a while later, ready to travel, ready to cook, ready to eat, my brain brimming with history and cultural facts, my eyes happy, the foodie in me already hungry. The authors have years of experience in Portugal - exploring, dining, and cooking. I love the insights, the cultural and historical background, and the smart way to learn about, cook, and eat Portuguese food. Highly recommended!
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A World Erased: A Grandson's Search for His Family's Holocaust Secrets
by
Noah Lederman
jessica voigts
, June 02, 2017
Have you ever read a memoir that you couldn't put down? They are rare, but I've found one: A World Erased: A Grandson's Search for His Family's Holocaust Secrets. Author Noah Lederman delves into his family's past - both in the United States, and at different concentration camps and towns in Europe. His phenomenological work tells of a childhood filled with love, food, and incredible grandparents, which turns into a quest for understanding - of the lives of those we love most, of the horrors of concentration camps during the Holocaust and how people lived through them, of chance and bravery, of travel and research, of tackling such a horrific subject...so that we don't forget. How much do we know about our family members, our friends, the ones we love? What happens when you uncover the past (as much as anyone can, really), and ask the hard questions? Lederman is an excellent writer, and not only shares family memories, but his journey to understand the lives of his grandparents - what they survived during the Holocaust - and how that affected the rest of their lives. It is powerful, moving, and I have never read a memoir that held my attention so much that I couldn't sleep; turning out the light at 6am when the sun was rising, as I turned the last page, I felt bereft at finishing, awe at Lederman's words and story, and love for his family. Over my morning coffee, I thought deeply about how important personal histories are - that we must honestly represent lived lives, so that mistakes and horror aren't revisited. I thank Lederman for sharing his family history, for traveling and discovering his family's history, and for writing this incredibly important book. Highly recommended.
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Moon Belize
by
Lebawit Lily Girma
jessica voigts
, July 29, 2016
What I love about this book is the depth of Girma's knowledge. Whether it is diving, accommodations, what to eat, or even how it feels to be there, she's a masterful travel writer who can both entice and inform. As with all Moon Guides, the recommendations are also split out by cost, so you're not reading about something and then discovering it is WAY more than you can afford. All the photos were taken by Girma, and show another side of her that I appreciate - that of the visual learner. This is the best guidebook I've ever seen about Belize, and one of my favorite guidebooks ever. I dare you to read this and NOT plan a trip to Belize. I keep mine in the car, and it's filled with little slips of paper for all that I want to see and do. Honestly, with all those little bookmarks, the book is about 3 times the size as when it came into my grateful keeping. Highly recommended.
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Avenging the Owl
by
Melissa Hart
jessica voigts
, June 03, 2016
Being a teen is hard. Being a teen with a series of life changes is even harder. One new YA book that explores this theme is Avenging the Owl, by Melissa Hart. But it's not only a book about life changes and growing up - it's also about raptors, and helping others, and the essence of place, and finding yourself. I loved this book for addressing these issues, but also because the writing is strong, clear, and makes you feel as if you were there, with Solo - at the beach, in the woods - trying his best to make sense of the new life he's been thrust into. Author Melissa Hart is an advocate for raptors rehabilitation, and utilizes her experiences in working with them throughout the book. She's also a genius at writing about gaining understanding of ourselves through nature and wildlife, for positively showing that growth and change go hand in hand, and encouraging readers to help ourselves by helping others. I read many YA books - it's one of my favorite genres - and Avenging the Owl is one of my favorites. I love the setting in the woods, the characters, the science education spread throughout, the gentle understanding of a character with Down Syndrome, and the potential for change that Hart writes so beautifully. Highly recommended.
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Youre the Best A Celebration of Friendship
by
Julie Dolan, Lian Dolan, Liz Dolan
jessica voigts
, December 17, 2015
You're the Best is a collection of short essays. Some are funny (ok, most are funny - it's the Satellite Sisters!), some are poignant, but ALL of them are important, relateable, and a joyful read. The book covers friendships (of course), but also family, careers, relationships, birthdays, and more. We excerpted a chapter - Packing List for a Girls Weekend - read it and you'll see why I love the Satellite Sisters, and why I think this book is an important read - for yourself, and for the women in your life. Perhaps my favorite part was the paragraph on finding a friend in the lap lane. But you will dig into this book and have a different favorite part. Maybe it is the funny dialogue chats at the end of most chapters, or the Birthday Parties (which cracked me up). Never fear - you'll all find something to love and share in this book. It's important. Highly recommended.
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How to Live an Awesome Life: How to Live Well Do Good Be Happy
by
Polly Campbell
jessica voigts
, December 10, 2015
How to Live an Awesome Life is a very thoughtful book, full of intriguing things to ponder, questions that can bring startling clarity to situations that may have puzzled you, and understandable, comprehensive direction for you to make choices in this over-connected, crazy busy, at times less-than-awesome world. This is one book that you don’t want to skim, but rather, dig deeply and let it lead you to a life filled with awesomeness. Read this book with an open mind – the potential for awesomeness in your life will pop up. Somehow, wherever you are in your life journey, this book will bring a new clarity to the way you choose to live life – and do it awesomely.
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Untamed
by
Dyer, Madeline
jessica voigts
, September 23, 2015
Every so often, a book comes along that beautifully, powerfully reminds you of humanity. One such book is the first in a series (YAY!), entitled Untamed. Written by Madeline Dyer, this YA novel takes a look at a world that is changed - and who the changemakers are. This is one of the rare books that doesn't gloss over the different aspects of being human - of succeeding, failing, wanting things, struggling, and trying your best - and is why it is such a stellar read. I fell into Seven's world, and was right there with her the entirety of the book (and then I started it again, because I didn't want it to end!). Highly recommended.
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Who Is Mr. Plutin?
by
Rebecca Strong
jessica voigts
, July 25, 2015
Ready for a fun, interesting read, one that crosses cultures and makes you laugh? If so, jump into Who Is Mr. Plutin?, a new novel by author Rebecca Strong. I picked it up and couldn't put it down - for here is a heroine somewhat like the rest of us, who blunders around, tries her hardest, and is stunned at the way her life has turned out. It's a tale of Russia and New York, of memory and spying, of family and money. What I love most is that this book is relateable - for despite crossing cultures - and socio-economic status - it gives us a look into what it might be like to be extremely wealthy in Russia - and how the life of a 20-something in New York City can fit into that worldview. Rebecca Strong does a remarkable job of creating an interesting heroine, and filling the background with equally interesting characters, including Russia herself. I love this book, for it made me think, laugh, crave blini, head to the Hermitage website to look at art, and stay up late, reading. It's that good. Highly recommended!
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Fling!
by
Lily Iona MacKenzie
jessica voigts
, July 14, 2015
Fling!, the new novel from writer and educator Lily Iona Mackenzie, is set in many countries. It’s at once a glimpse into new, interesting characters - and new, interesting worlds. It’s a saga that spans time, all at once. It’s color, and cold; light, and dark; memory, and forgetfulness; mothers, daughters, granddaughters; culture, and chaos. I love it. Let me tell you why: I felt completely involved in the characters, family, and storyline. I rooted for some characters, felt puzzled at others, and felt champagne-like joy at the appearance of Annie (whom I just love). Fling! also covers the trickiness of mother/daughter relationships, and getting older. And, most importantly, Fling! offers the magic of possibility. That is pretty heady writing (and reading), and is what makes MacKenzie’s book a treasure to delve into deeply - and emerge happy, with a magical world in your memory. Highly recommended.
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Philadelphia Liberty Trail: Trace the Path of America's Heritage
by
Larissa Milne and Michael Milne
jessica voigts
, June 29, 2015
Larissa and Michael Milne have penned the most important guidebook to Philadelphia - one that you must read before visiting (and if you're anything like me, reading this book will inspire a visit to Philly!). Who better to write this book (and create the trail!) than award-winning native Philadelphian travel writers? What I love about this book is that it, like Philadelphia, combines history and life today - through fun activities for kids (and their parents), good eats, and interesting tidbits about history that keep readers fascinated. This book is an extraordinary history lesson that is more than interesting - it's SO hard to put down. I'm extremely impressed with this book - highly recommended!
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Around the World in 50 Years My Adventure to Every Country on Earth
by
Albert Podell
jessica voigts
, April 09, 2015
In his book, Podell shares his travel (and life) adventures from a half century of exploring the world. He’s hilarious, wise, and definitely well-versed in the challenges and joys of travel. He shares explorations of food, travels with God (and God’s visa problems), transportation breakdowns, tips on not getting sick (bring your own chopsticks, for one), history, culture, ethnorelativism (he is one of the best practitioners I’ve read!), and more -the gleanings of 72 different journeys to 196 countries. It’s more than a good read - it’s an inspiration to explore wherever you are, and to approach travel (and life) with a sense of curiosity and openness.
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Mermaid A Memoir of Resilience
by
Cronin, Eileen
jessica voigts
, February 15, 2015
Cronin beautifully details her life, starting with learning, at around the age of 3, that having no legs was unique. From then on, the book shares tales of getting new legs (a trip alone with her mother!), of losing a leg dancing (and watching it spin off away from her), of growing up different, of being strong, of dealing with bullies, siblings, changing family dynamics, love, pain, life. Through it all, Cronin's sense of humor shines, as she can make even the most difficult events come to life, and with the power to make you smile through her pain and readjustments. This book? It's a shining example of looking at life honestly, and moving forward with grace. She has many lessons for readers in accepting ourselves, our families, and people we love. But the biggest takeaway is learning to accept yourself, grow up, love, and find your purpose in life. This defies labeling, and is a lesson we all need to learn - and practice.
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How to Travel the World on $50 a Day: Revised: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Smarter
by
Kepnes, Matt
jessica voigts
, January 10, 2015
This is, by far, the most useful global compendium of travel knowledge I've ever read. Matt provides his own expertise, and shares that of other well-traveled writers to create a comprehensive guide to traveling well for less anywhere in the world. Highly recommended!
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100 Places in France Every Woman Should Go
by
Marcid De Sanctis
jessica voigts
, January 10, 2015
This book is the perfect, interesting, intelligent travel companion. It’s full of excellent advice, humor, experience, and the kind of information you’d get from talking for hours with your well-traveled best friend who has lived there.
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(4 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
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Sisters Eight 09 The Final Battle For Now
by
Lauren Baratz Logsted
jessica voigts
, December 19, 2014
Lovely books about 8 sisters (you guessed that, right?!) and how they learn to thrive without their missing parents (spoiler: don't worry!), as well as learn their own magical powers. In each book, there's a mystery, challenges, inspiration, a robot/refrigerator love story, friends, enemies, and girl power. What I love about these books are not only the interesting characters and their very real ways of interacting with each other, and the beautifully creative illustrations, but that each sister is special in her own way. I think many young girls today feel as if they aren't special, or don't matter. They do, very much so. This book series is an excellent way to share that each person is unique, important, and interesting.
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Falling Rock
by
Rebecca Heller
jessica voigts
, December 02, 2014
The book tells a classic tale of a Native American and his journey, and is beautifully illustrated. The vibrant paintings perfectly complement the engaging story of a young man who spends years seeking his best friend. It's a tale of perseverance, of love, of traditions and naming and life. Honestly? My daughter and I love it!
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Exploring Chicago Blues
by
Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
jessica voigts
, November 19, 2014
One of my favorite cultural travel writers, Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, has written a book that is a must-read for Chicagoans, people that love music, historians, and anyone heading to Chicago (it'll probably change where you go, whilst there). Exploring Chicago Blues: Inside the Scene, Past and Present is an honest, carefully crafted, genuine portrait of a city, musicians, musical trends, culture, history, and personality. It is, hands down, the best themed travel guide I've ever read. I wasn't knowledgeable about Chicago Blues before; now I'm a huge fan. For what Cummings-Yeates does, while carefully sharing history and her passion about this music, is to bring people - and music - to life.
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