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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
rjs_justreading has commented on (8) products
Absolute Fear
by
Lisa Jackson
rjs_justreading
, November 02, 2007
In her stunning follow up to the 2006 best seller “Shiver,” Lisa Jackson has proven that there’s room for a little romance amid all the death and depravity. Absolute Fear is part of the Bayou series, which includes, “Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded, and Shiver.” The plot line is in depth and complicated yet developed simultaneously with the characters, in such a way that Absolute Fear stands on its own. This book has it all, child abuse, scandalous behavior within the church, unethical medical practices, sex, murder and mayhem. Having enjoyed this novel on every conceivable level, I have added all three previous titles to my list of must reads. Absolute Fear opens three months after the ritualistic murder of Roy Kajak and the attempted murder of Eve Renner. Eve, still suffering from amnesia, returns to New Orleans. That very day, Cole Dennis was set free. It seemed like a life time ago that she had met Cole at her fathers farm house. A hot shot attorney that successfully represented Dr. Renner after his patient committed suicide. There was a part of her that had never been convinced that he had tried to kill her. On the night of her return, this belief would be tested, when Cole appears at her door. Unspeakable madness had once been perpetrated behind the walls of Our Lady of Virtues - and he intended to revive that madness, just for Eve. She would pay for her sins, he would make sure of that. Then he would be deified, his god had said. The “Reviver” is a sick, twisted, ritualistic murderer. The tattooing, cryptic clues and murders are all part of his elaborate revenge. He knew they were all so blinded by sin that they were unable to interpret that which he had written in blood for all to see? He wouldn’t just spell it out for them - and yet that is exactly what he had done. As the true nature of his actions and extent of his manipulations are revealed, the skillfully coded clues scattered throughout become crystal clear. Absolute Fear is an Absolute Best Seller! Lisa Jackson has continued her series, while creating a novel that stands tall on its own merit. Jackson’s ability to explore the inner workings of this characters depraved mind is an astonishing literary feat, that should not be overlooked. Successfully delivering to the reader a fright filled journey into the dark recesses of a madman’s desires, while maintaining a relationship filled with explosive passion places Lisa Jackson in the company of the best! This book has the perfect mix of secrets, lust and murder to keep readers coming back again and again. And with the door left open at the conclusion, we can hope that there will be another installment. Happy Reading!
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Blue Zone
by
Andrew Gross
rjs_justreading
, November 02, 2007
Family secrets, skeletons in the closet, would you really want to know, if the truth would destroy everything? Such questions had never entered Kate Raab’s mind. Until she got the call from her Mom, that would devastate her life. Those words “your father has been arrested, come quickly,” made no sense. There had to be a mistake. Money laundering, connections to the Mercado Family, her father didn’t know anyone from Colombia. Or, did he? With a steady flow of action, suspense, and strong family emotion, The Blue Zone follows Kate as she discovers her life has been a lie. Refusing to accompany her Mother, sister and brother, into the protective custody of the WITSEC Program, Kate’s communications with her family are limited and vague. After a year, she has married, and is trying to establish some semblance of a normal life. When her best friend is shot exiting the lab where they have worked together for several years. Kate is convinced the bullet was meant for her. Again, the reader is thrust into a state of uncertainty filled with nervous anticipation as the conclusion nears. The husband, the old man in the park, the agents that surround her, or her Father, can anyone be trusted? The mind swirls with possibilities. Keeping the reader guessing, wanting to know more, reading just one more chapter. Agents refer to those missing from within the Witness Protection Program, as being in the Blue Zone. Kate describes it this way, somewhere between love and hate, right and wrong, revenge and forgiveness……in this way, we all live within our own “Blue Zone.” Andrew Gross doesn’t open the door to the concept of “The Blue Zone” - He literally kicks it down! Having collaborated with James Patterson expectations were high for his solo debut. Readers will not be disappointed. Gross weaves his plot lines together and maintains a high octane ride like a seasoned pro. I look forward to reading his novels for years to come. In a crowded genre, with many well known and loved authors, Andrew Gross has cemented his place among the best! “Su deber es pagado aqui, Amigo. Your duty here is done.” As is mine. Reviewing this title was a real pleasure! I recommend it heartily and without hesitation! Happy Reading! RJ xx
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Written In Blood
by
Diane Fanning
rjs_justreading
, November 01, 2007
Not once, during either of two frantic calls to Durham 9-11 did Michael Peterson mention the blood...and there was a lot of blood. During the early morning hours of December 9th, as Kathleen lay dying on the stairs, police and rescue personnel rush to the home on Cedar Street. Connecting the complex sequence of dots that convinced a jury of his peers that Michael Peterson was indeed guilty of murder would have been the easy part, because the evidence had been painstakingly detailed during the five month trial. But, Diane Fanning takes the reader behind the carefully orchestrated performance in the court room and delivers the journey through the raw, unfiltered eyes of those who lived it. Detailing the crime scene, police procedure, the autopsy and the trial I fully expected, however, this book is chock-full of extras. Intimate conversations between Kathleen and her beloved sister, details concerning the exhumation and autopsy of Elizabeth Ratliff, the suspicious death of George Ratliff and much more. There's also eight pages of photographs that give the reader a glimpse of the Peterson's before, during and the aftermath is punctuated with a single photo of Kathleen's headstone. During the trial, the defense displayed an air of arrogance both in and outside the courtroom. And much to the chagrin of Peterson's few remaining supporters, the author pulls no punches describing the showboating behavior of David Rudolf and Thomas Maher, the mysterious discovery of the missing blowpoke and the effect these antics had on the grieving families. Superb, unflinching, emotionally gritty at times, Written in Blood is a stinging, in your face novel that paints a haunting picture of the madness that often lurks behind the gates of the nicest communities or in the home right next door. And reminds us all that the monster hiding in the shadows is easily recognized in hindsight...but, that's too late! Although the last chapter of this story will be written by the North Carolina Supreme Court, Written In Blood is as complete a history of the Peterson saga as could possibly be written. If you enjoy reading a true crime novel that goes behind the scenes and beyond the glare of the cameras, Written In Blood does not disappoint! Happy Reading! -RJ
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Emma
by
Jane Austen
rjs_justreading
, October 26, 2007
The fourth, longest and last of Jane Austen’s books to appear in print during her lifetime, Emma is considered a classic romantic comedy and was first published in 1816. Written almost 200 year ago, it’s inevitable that the dialogue may feel a bit stilted at times. However, this adds dimension and depth to the story which focuses on 19th century social hierarchies and the interaction between various social classes. Miss Emma Woodhouse is a shining example of a 19th century socialite. Beautiful, clever and wealthy, she fancies herself a master-matchmaker and sets in motion a laundry list of schemes to pair off the Highbury residents. Convinced a make-over would elevate her new friend Harriet’s social standing and thus her marriage potential, Emma, fueled by her feeling of superiority, plotted and planned, all to no avail. Failing to realize the extent of her shortcomings and the consequences of such hurtful behavior, Emma was finally confronted by Mr. Knightley. Afterwards, embarrassed and ashamed, she reevaluated her life and began to make amends, in hopes of becoming a better person. Emma is a beautifully written, classic, laced with wit and sarcasm. Through a vastly differing cast of characters, each delightfully inspiring in his or her own way, Austen vividly captured the heart of a community. Everything is neatly tied up at the conclusion, as things literally come full circle…ending much the way it began. A sublte, yet very significant messege is hidden just below the surface–the beginning and the ending are just definitive points in the journey, in between is where we write our definition of happiness. There’s a depth and sincere honesty written into the very fabric of this story- that must be recognized to fully appreciate the artistic genius of Jane Austen. Like a vintage automobile, Emma is a slow, leisurely read, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Happy Reading!
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Penny
by
Joyce Meyer
rjs_justreading
, October 10, 2007
(Abridged Audio Version) How many times have you walked past a penny on the ground without so much as a second thought? Jenny Blake did just that, and then for some unexplainable reason, turned, ran back and retrieved the penny from the hot asphalt. At the tender age of 14 Jenny had no way of knowing the significance of her actions on that blistering summer day in 1955. The Blake family lived in St. Louis, which during the 50's and early 60's was a hotbed of racial tension. So when Jenny, a white girl, befriends Aurelia, a black girl recently integrated into the same school, she must keep the friendship a secret. Although Aurelia's family welcomes Jenny into both their home and church, the same acceptance could not be found within the Blake household. Jenny's father in an abusive, horrible man, that mistreats his daughters in every conceivable way. Working for Miss Shaw, the local jeweler, Jenny begins to see Christianity at work, in small ways that others barely notice. Yet, no matter how hard she prays, her fathers abuse continues and she struggles to understand why God seems to be ignoring her pain. With Miss Shaw's guidance, and Aurelia's unwavering friendship she continues building her faith, one step at a time. Little by little God's truth is revealed to her....."God doesn't always make something go away because we pray, He often gives us the strength to stand up to it." And that knowledge changes her life and that of those around her. The authors indelible ability to recognize the miraculous wonders of God, even the smallest of details, is but one of the many things that makes "The Penny" a beautifully moving reading experience. Despite your religious convictions, this is a wonderful story where the authors reveal their inspirations subtly and slowly, never preachy, over-bearing or offensive, "The Penny" is much like the soft-spoken, loving direction one receives from a beloved parent. There's something for everyone in this heart-felt, inspirational story. The narration is exceptionally well delivered, adding depth and conviction to the reading experience. I highly recommend this novel to any reader that simply enjoys a strong, powerful story. (Just make sure you don't start listening (or reading) until you have several hours of free time... you will not want to put it down.) Happy Reading! RJ
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The Magic Medallion
by
Mary Cunningham
rjs_justreading
, October 10, 2007
4.5 :) Mary Cunningham’s second book in the Cynthia’s Attic series, reunites best friends, Cynthia and Gus for another trail-blazing adventure. The amateur sleuths have a nose for trouble and just can’t resist the urge to visit the mysterious old trunk in the attic. With non-stop action from cover to cover, there’s more than enough twists, turns and danger to keep readers up past well past bedtime. Climbing the dusty stairs, the girls knew that although there were no ghosts, goblins or giant spiders in the attic, the real excitement was in great-grandmother’s old trunk. Expecting things to be just the way they had left them, the girls were shocked to find Cynthia’s great-grandfather’s circus train in-front of the trunk. Magically the girls are thrust back in time, to the year 1914, where they eventually find themselves forced to perform by a nasty hobo clown. Rescued from the sinister Blackie, by the beautiful, fortune teller, Gabriella, Cynthia and Gus have unwittingly become entangled in the theft of her family’s most cherished treasure. The adventure is wrought with danger as the girls must travel through time and locate the magic medallion. Should they refuse, they may never be able to return to their present-day lives. In this second volume of the Cynthia’s Attic series, the girls meet a host of new and interesting characters and explore a wide range of settings. This is an irresistible adventure series - that has it all..entertaining, exciting and engaging,– a non-stop, thrilling ride through time. I eagerly await the third installment in this unique series! Happy Reading! RJ xx
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The Missing Locket
by
Mary Cunningham
rjs_justreading
, October 10, 2007
The Missing Locket reaches out to young readers and pulls them into a story overflowing with excitement, adventures and laugh out loud dialogue. Set in 1964, best friends, Cynthia and Augusta, are suffering from a bad case of summer-time boredom. Cynthia’s family lives in a mansion of a house, three floors filled with so many rooms just waiting to be explored. After overhearing her parents plans to clean out the attic, the twelve year old is determined to nose through those boxes before all the “good stuff” gets thrown out. Amid all the cobwebs, antiques and creepy-crawlies was an old, rusted trunk, which belonged to Cynthia’s grandmother, Clara. Once opened, the girls discovered a dingy, time worn ballet costume, which Cynthia immediately put on. Instantly, she began to dance around the attic as if possessed by the spirit of a true ballerina! Shocked and more than a bit confused, the two girls decide to leave the attic. When they are drawn back to the old trunk…suddenly, the hot, dusty attic turns cold and everything around them looks new. Intrigued, Gus puts on a sailor outfit and is transported to the year 1914. Not long after she is joined by Cynthia and the two are swept into the adventure of a lifetime. Crossing the Atlantic on a steamship, making friends with a ghost and ultimately solving the mystery of Aunt Isabella’s missing locket. Mary Cunningham has crafted an entertaining, fanciful adventure that will keep young readers turning pages until the very end. A fast paced read, well written, time travel story that will be treasured by all. I look forward to reading the next installment in this unique, character driven series! Don’t Miss It! Happy Reading! RJ xx
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Edgar Fonts Hunt for a House to Haunt Adventure One The Castle Tower Lighthouse
by
Patrick H T Doyle
rjs_justreading
, October 10, 2007
If I told you this story began with an old man pointing the way to a secret door in a dream, what would you say? Yet, that is exactly how Patrick H.T. Doyle discovered the leatherbound journal in the attic of his home. Inside he read the most wonderful stories, each describing the adventures of a trusted grandpa and two adoring grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett. Through his imagination and incredible storytelling abilities, Doyle has delivered a new kind of adventure book, that is destined to be a favorite for young and old alike. The last time the kids had seen grandpa was three years earlier, at their Mother’s funeral. Garrett remembered his bushy moustache and that he lived in a tree house on an island somewhere. Audrey recalled the fantastic stories he had shared during their visits. How he explored pyramids in Egypt, surfed waves in Australia and climbed Mount Everest, twice. Yes, Grandpa was a true explorer. Now everyone referred to him as eccentric. Which of course to the kids simply meant he was weird. Now they would be spending the entire summer with him at his apartment in The Sterling Oaks Retirement Village. Translated into kids english - “boring, boring, and boring.” But, they could not have been more wrong. This would be a summer they would never forget. Sir Edgar Font has lived an exciting life and certainly intends to continue his quirky ways after he passes from this world into the next. So begins his search for the perfect house to haunt. The Retirement Village was filled with lonely, bored ghosts and that was no place for him. As grandpa explained his plans to his wide eyed grandchildren he was met with skeptisim and questions. Later that night after having seen a ghost at the dinner table, they exited down the emergency steps and made their way to the “Adventure Wagon.” This wagon will take us anywhere we want to go and our first destination will be the Lighthouse, grandpa told them. The Castle Tower Lighthouse holds many puzzles, secrets, and mysteries, each waiting to be discovered. Beyond all the games there are life lessons being taught through out this book. Dealing with the loss of someone you love, like the death of Audrey and Garrett’s Mother and learning to look beyond that which seems obvious, are only two of the many wonderfully woven stories that both entertain and teach. As a companion and beautifully complimenting the adventures within the book, the website offers many hours of fun and puzzle solving. Patrick H.T. Doyle has delivered a truly new and refreshing alternative to the books currently available.This could easily be a review filled with all the raving adjectives, because each and every one has been earned. Excellent, engaging, suspense filled, action packed, I could list them all. However, it is far more important to point out that this is not just a children’s book or for young adults. For all the parents out there who have searched for a great story to read to your children before bed, this is it! I have no doubt, children everywhere will be asking, “is it bed-time yet”? For all the children looking for an affordable book that is entertaining and fun, here it is! And lastly for all the adults who enjoy discovering a new author that has truly created something different, look no further, you have found it! And with the second book in this adventure series available in July, this is the perfect time to get introduced to Sir Edgar Font. Happy Reading! RJ xx
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