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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
Chocolate and Croissants has commented on (8) products
The Little Paris Bookshop
by
Nina George
Chocolate and Croissants
, August 02, 2015
I must admit I had very high expectations for this book and I cannot say that the book met them. The concept behind the book is delightful. Jean Perdu owns a library barge, a literary apothecary. He knows what books to prescribe to his readers. Everyone has a different need and even Jean has a need. Perdu himself is also lost. (Perdu means lost in French) When a woman moves into his apartment after being dumped by her husband he gives her a table with a letter that was left inside. Jean forgot that he put the letter there and had never opened it. Upon opening the letter he takes his barge away from its his tie-up on the Seine in Paris and sets off on an adventure to the south of France accompanied by Max, a young author who has written a best seller. George's writing can be very beautiful in places, however it can also drone on. For me while I enjoyed the story I did not love it. The book just failed to grab me and take me away. Here is an example of how well the author writes. “Books are more than doctors, of course. Some novels are loving, lifelong companions; some give you a clip around the ear; others are friends who wrap you in warm towels when you’ve got those autumn blues. And some…well, some are pink candy floss that tingles in your brain for three seconds and leaves a blissful voice. Like a short, torrid love affair.” Who can really resist a passage like this? The writing is just beautiful and makes you long for more. There are many passages like this that I relished reading. For me the book was just average.
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Paris I Love You But Youre Bringing Me Down
by
Rosecrans Baldwin
Chocolate and Croissants
, July 13, 2015
This book hits Paris on the mark. We all love Paris, but yes I am not the one to burst your bubble, however every city in the world has aspects that are not glamorous. We just have to learn that for ourselves. Author, Baldwin, gets the job opportunity that we all probably dream of. Working in Paris on the Champs D'Elyse. Ok, that is not my dream but close enough. He gets to live in Paris. The story he writes is hysterical. Having visited Paris probably more than 20 times I can say that he has a realistic approach to life in Paris. While some may say that you should not complain he does capture the French at both their best and their worse. When Baldwin arrives at the office he is not bilingual. He finds himself frustrated as he cannot communicate efficiently and is often mute or just misunderstood. In one chapter he tries to explain to a co-worker that the water spigot is very forceful. When words do not communicate the message he uses his hands only to spill water all over his suit dressed colleague and leaves him with moat in the cuff of his pants. On another occasion he does not pronounce a word properly and while he means to say champion, he has the listener thinking he is talking about mushrooms, les champignions. He also finds himself in a state of confusion on when to kiss and when not to kiss. Such is life in Paris. Baldwin also has a great love for what makes Paris Paris. Lunch is had in a park by the office. He gives all the regulars nicknames and appreciates the customs of the French.
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Salad Love Crunchy Savory & Filling Meals You Can Make Every Day
by
David Bez
Chocolate and Croissants
, May 13, 2015
Summer is quickly approaching and the days are warming up. For me I love salads in the summer time. The weather is warm and I want a refreshing light easily digestible meal as opposed to something heavy. With over 260 crunchy, savory, filling meals Salad Love is perfect. Let me add that if I am going to eat a salad it must be crunch, savory and filling. I want to feel like I ate not just tasted my food. The author has a great approach to salads. The base will always be a vegetable, whether it is carrot, kale, spinach, lettuce or peas, you then add your protein. Protein will make up 25 percent of the salad. This is were I think most salads fail. Without protein many salads are just not filling leaving us hungry. Another 25 percent of your salad is either other fruits and vegetables. Get creative here. I recently tried a salad that put in raw zucchini. I love the crunchiness and taste of it. You are chewing. I think that chewing makes you believe that you are eating. (I do not believe in drinking your nutrition). He then has toppings. Here again he has a great approach-seeds, berries or pearl pickled vegetable-maybe a tablespoon. Notice he is not adding any of those processed wontons you find at so many salad bars. This will be followed by some fresh herbs for taste and then the dressing. He divides the dressings into three categories oil and vinegar, creamy or pesto. Just because a dressing may be creamy do not think there is a lot of cream in it. You are not going to see Thousand Island or Blue Cheese Dressing here-which I personally do not believe belong on a salad. Mr. Bez is inspired by Y. Ottolenghi one of my favourite chefs. The use of herbs and natural flavours are going to be prevalent. For me this is a great cookbook that will give me some different ideas as summer awaits. There is a goat cheese, melon, blueberry and spinach salad. Or you could try auction, cherry tomatoes and avocado. The salads are also divided into seasons based on the vegetable season. He has also labeled them omnivore or vegetarian with an option to switch out. This is one of the better salad books I have seen in a long time. It is healthy, diverse and visually appealing. He has photos for each salad. I see myself reaching for this book often in the weeks to come.
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Mademoiselle Chanel
by
C W Gortner
Chocolate and Croissants
, April 28, 2015
As a huge fan of Chanel I was excited to read the book. I knew quite bit about the legendary Coco Chanel, however Gortner's book brought the woman to life. Starting off from her childhood when she was abandoned in an orphanage Chanel, always had a talent for the needle and thread. The story takes us from Chanel's humble beginnings to owning one of the most prestigious fashion houses. In addition to learning about the woman the book also touches on how Chanel was influenced and where she drew her inspiration from. A little known area about the woman's life was her connections with the Nazi's during the war. Gortner is much more favorable to Chanel during this time period than other authors have been. Given that I do not know what either of these author's sources where I cannot tell you whether or not Chanel was. It did have me doing some research on my own. I was absolutely fascinated by Coco's story. The woman had a head for both fashion and business that has been unparalleled in other fashion houses. Should you want a good story, Mademoiselle Chanel delivers both the tale of who the woman was and an interesting story.
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My Paris Kitchen Recipes & Stories
by
David Lebovitz
Chocolate and Croissants
, November 29, 2014
My Paris Kitchen has been the perfect bedtime reading. I have followed David's blog for a while and adore the book. What makes the book so good is everything. Having hailed from the U.S. David comprehends the differences that a flour or other ingredient can make between purchasing it in France vs. the U.S. I have metric measuring spoons I bought in France just to overcome this. Each of David's recipes comes with a story. This is what makes the book so fascinating. While the recipe may not be for you, you learn why it is he came to make it. I have never met David, but must confess I do keep my eyes open for him as I stroll Marche Richard Lenoir. And yes, while I have never seen David, I did see and talk to another blogger once at Pierre Herme. David has a sense of humour. His stories and entertaining and just sweet. Author Lebovitz understands that not everyone spent years at Chez Panisse and then gets to live in Paris. He starts off the book with some great references to ingredients and supplies. His book is organized into appetizers, first courses, main courses, sides, desserts and the pantry. The recipes are what I would describe as French home cooking (something President Mitterand) would have approved of if David was in his kitchen. Who would not be happy to be served chicken with mustard for dinner or chicken lady chicken cooked in a cast-iron skillet or fried ham and cheese sandwich, un croque monsieur for those in the know. There are some recipes that I do not think of as traditional French, baba ganoush and hummus but this just adds to the book. You will also find a wonderful recipe for a fresh herb omelet, and crepes. The book is just lovely. An added bonus is he will tell you what pan to use. For recipes made in the cast-iron skillet I consider this non-negotiable. David, has his state-side readers in mind and has a great page full of resources for herbs and supplies. I have frequented many of the vendors on my own and can attest to them. Whether you want to dream of eating French for or strolling through Paris this is a book that any cook or Francophile will enjoy. It is a cookbook first, but also a story about his life in France and the food he has discovered.
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Rosie Project
by
Graeme C Simsion
Chocolate and Croissants
, January 23, 2014
When I initially started listening to the book I was not too keen on it. Quite possibly it may have been the only audio book in my car so I continued listening…and then I was hooked. Let me introduce you to Don Tillman, geneticist and potentially the quirkiest man you will ever meet. Don is smart, brilliant, obsessive compulsive and completely socially inept. Don befriends an older woman in his complex, Daphne who tells him that studies show that married men are happier and live longer than single men. From here Don gets the idea to start The Wife Project. Believe me you do not want to be a candidate for The Wife Project. You are required to calculate your own BMI and adhere to other odd prerequisites. Through The Wife Project Don meets Rosie and The Rosie Project is born. The book is truly adorable. While you may not want to date Don, you grow to appreciate his quirkiness and odd habits. The Rosie Project is a wonderful love story. Rosie is fond of Don and has no problem pointing out his idiosyncrasies. Don allows Rosie to introduce him to new experiences and realizes that one can have fun in life. My suggestion, do yourself a favour and get a copy of The Rosie Project. The book will have you laughing and appreciating Don's odd behavior.
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French Illusions: My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley
by
Linda Kovic-Skow
Chocolate and Croissants
, March 07, 2013
Linda lead the life I would have wanted to live in my teen years (minus the au pair taking care of children). I always wanted to be a flight attendant and live abroad. I was too short on the flight attendant part and I was never going to babysit anyone's children on a full time basis. It all started when author Linda wanted to work for the airlines. Finding out that she needed to speak another language she decided that she would be an au pair in France and learn the language so that she could fly to France. The part of the program that she did not take into account was that she would need to speak French. The author had a French speaker complete her application. All was well until she met the family that she was going to work for an au pair for...or more specifically the madame of the house. Of course it is understandable that Madame was upset that that Linda did not speak French. But given she was about 8 months pregnant she decided to keep Linda. All was downhill from here. While every story has two sides, Madame comes across as the meanest crankiest person one could be stuck working for in a foreign country where one did not speak the language. When Linda takes ill with the flu Madame gives her barely a moment to get better warning her that she had better not infect the household. While Linda was expected to do light house work she found herself beating carpets and serving guests. Of course no visit to France would be complete without a married man hitting on you (it was one of the guests). My favourite was when Linda complained that there was no heat in her room and she was told to send home for warmer clothing. To her credit Linda tries to make the best of the situation despite all the challenges. Madame's daughter is a mini Madame, snarky and undermining Linda. The young boy is a delight to spend time with and Linda enjoys baking and making him pancakes. Trying to learn French Linda takes classes at a university in a nearby town. Here she meets some college kids and finds herself a cute boyfriend. Interacting with other English speaker and young people her age gives her some sanity. After months of torture Linda makes a decision to quit. Once again Madame's true colours come out as she kicks Linda out of the house. I give Linda credit for trying to make the best of a situation. Along the way she is able to experience some of the treasures of France. Messieur teaches her about wine and dinner at the house is always a culinary experience. Should you read this book...without a doubt. It is fun and keeps your attention throughout. You want Linda to succeed and not succumb to tears.
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Vanity Fare A Novel of Lattes Literature & Love
by
Megan Caldwell
Chocolate and Croissants
, January 16, 2013
Yes I am a shallow book reader, the cover alone drew me in. Chocolate chip cookies, old books on the cover, literature and love (I am not a latte person, but a cup of tea would work well with me). This is the book I took home with me on the plane at Christmas. It was the perfect read. Molly the main character is faced with major financial challenges after her cheating husband walks out on her and her 6 year old. Molly finds herself with a job helping Simon open up a pastry shop. The job seems perfect for Molly-the pastry shop is to have a literary theme. Simon has other ideas. Used to getting all the women he wants Simon is thinks he is the perfect dessert. Initially Molly is beyond flattered by the hot, sexy green eyed British chef. This is never the type of man who was attracted to her. Intimidated by both her own insecurities and Nick, Simon's business partner Molly is not sure whether to devour Simon or abstain. She cannot risk losing the job and the income it will generate. I devoured the story with all it's delicious and sometimes sour ingredients as Molly starts to discover herself as a newly divorced mother raising a child. Caldwell gives her readers a fast paced book, while exposing the harsh realities of many women who find themselves single with a child and no current skills after years of child rearing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and especially enjoyed Molly's transformation through the various chapters. While the book does not center on food, I liked the idea of a literary pastry shop and at the end of the book there are also a few recipes. My one criticism of the book was the use of the "F" word. There was no need for it and I am not sure why Caldwell felt the need to interject it in an otherwise wholesome book. You should pick this one up. You will not be disappointed.
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