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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
Erica Horne has commented on (53) products
Gideon Trilogy 01 Time Travelers
by
Linda Buckley Archer
Erica Horne
, October 05, 2009
Very exciting read. I loved it as much as my kids. It is written very smoothly which made it easy to read. This is usually not my kind of books and my kids usually would not have read it but they loved this one. A great read.
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Harry Potter 03 & The Prisoner Of Azkaban
by
J K Rowling
Erica Horne
, September 24, 2009
Best of the seven book series by far. This book has more action more plot twist and just plain in your face action. I LOVED THIS BOOK and hated the movie. You cannot just see this movie you have to read the book. With all the books being out and the movies running out this series might begin to fade but this is a must read for now and all times.
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Percy Jackson & The Olympians Boxed Set 3 Volumes
by
Rick Riordan
Erica Horne
, September 24, 2009
This series is great. My kids love it and I actually enjoyed it as well. With the trailers for the upcoming first movie already coming out it has resparked their interest in these books. They have already read all 5 books and are now starting over with The Lightening Thief to reread them. I highly recommend these books to all parents for their kids.
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Before They Are Hanged First Law 02
by
Joe Abercrombie
Erica Horne
, September 14, 2009
Very interesting book. If you love historical reads this is a must read for you. A lot of times older books are hard to follow and can get boring real fast; not the case here. A must read for all fans of History. It is action packed and keeps you interest sparked. Great job!
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Wolf In The Parlor
by
Jon Franklin
Erica Horne
, September 08, 2009
This thoroughly enjoyable book shows the power and joy that can be had from well-written nonfiction. The author's search for answers to an enigma is as gripping as the "whodunits" that I like to read. Yet, truth is more fascinating than made-up stories. A photo of a 12,000-year-old skeleton reaching out to the skeleton of a small dog entices Franklin on a quest that takes him from ancient caves guarded by wolf skulls to his own hearth where a Standard Poodle puppy named Charlie turns his world upside down. In this nonfiction mystery, Franklin sets out to discover why dogs are such an integral part of all societies, not only here in the U.S. This is more than a book about dogs; it is a book about what makes us human. It will appeal to anyone wanting to learn more about the world in which they live.
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Harry Potter 07 & The Deathly Hallows
by
J.K. Rowling
Erica Horne
, July 05, 2009
Great conclusion to a wonderful series. Honestly I thought she was running out of steam after reading Half Blood Prince, but she picked it right up with this conclusion to the in my eyes Best series ever written. This book flows easliy as you learn all the answers to all the questions you have had throughout the series. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be left praying she will change her mind and write an 8th book. This is a must read for all Harry Potter fans. YOU CANNOT JUST WATCH THE MOVIES!!
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Persephane Pendrake and the Cimaruta
by
Lady Ellen
Erica Horne
, July 02, 2009
Wonderful book. I love the rich writing and the way the story just flows as you read. She has strong characters you can really just close your eyes and see and they become very close to you as you read the book. You would never guess she was a new author and this was her first book. A must read; get started now and follow as she adds to the collection. I cannot wait until her next one. Great Start!
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The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death: Reflections on Revenge, Germophobia, and Laser Hair Removal
by
Laurie Notaro
Erica Horne
, May 20, 2009
I have been a fan of Ms. Notaro for a long time. Once I picked this book up, I couldn't stop reading. I stayed up until after 3:00 this morning, and got pinched by my husband a few times because I kept waking him up by laughing out loud. The Germophobia story had me doubled over, trying to catch my breath I was laughing so hard. One thing that was in this book that I never expected was a very poignant story about the author's dog. I won't give anything away here, but it was incredibly beautiful and sad. This is my favorite book that Ms. Notaro has ever written.
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The Language Of Bees: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
by
Laurie R King
Erica Horne
, April 29, 2009
I'm almost surprised that I enjoyed it so much. I'm not a Holmes purist, but even to me, this seemed like a risky gambit -- it has so much potential to change his character ... but I should not have been worried. What King accomplishes makes the character of Sherlock Holmes more richly complex, and in the course of doing so, provides a chilling mystery, of a different sort than has been featured in the earlier volumes of the series. If I'm vague, it's only that I'm trying to avoid spoilers. In this volume, readers are treated to more Mycroft (a treat!), Russell solving a different sort of mystery than usual, and a case involving an Aleister Crowleyesque cult. I felt as though there was a more meditative cast to parts of the book, which is to say that readers see Russell musing over human error, and forgiveness, and the ability to move past human error, and loneliness, a little more than in earlier entries of the series. But the book isn't dominated by these musings -- they are skillfully woven into the action. I was satisfied by the ending, despite the fact that the last words are "to be continued...". Sometimes novels that end with cliffhangers feel like half-books that were only published accidentally. _The Language of Bees_ is unquestionably a whole book, and one that I will no doubt read again.
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Cat Power: A Good Woman
by
Goodman, Elizabeth
Erica Horne
, April 28, 2009
Easily the best rock biography since _Morrissey and Marr: The Severed Alliance_. Sensitive, intelligent, and stylishly written, the book gives a vivid picture of a difficult, tortured personality. Very honestly, I think this book would profit even those who've never listened to or really enjoyed Cat Power's music -- the book is compelling on its own merits. And for those who do listen to and enjoy the music, the book will give you a richer appreciation. This is not a genre I enjoy as a rule. I like those Continuum 33 1/3 books, of course, but those are clever essays. Goodman has managed something rather more difficult.
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Deadlock
by
Iris Johansen
Erica Horne
, April 27, 2009
I really enjoy the novels of Iris Johansen, and I thought this was very good. It has an interesting plot about a UN artifacts hunter who is the victim of an elaborate conspiracy -- sort of a female Indiana Jones meets DaVinci Code story. I like that the female characters are smart and courageous, the hero is capable, and the villain is truly frightening. I also appreciated that, though the story was plenty scary, the gore was minimal. I wasn't turned off by the romance, but I thought that the ending was definitely anticlimactic. Suddenly it was over, when other authors might have made the final chase more drawn out and horrific.
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Emergency This Book Will Save Your Life
by
Neil Strauss
Erica Horne
, April 27, 2009
Truth can be stranger than fiction, and that's the case in Emergency. Neil Strauss wonders what he would do if the world as we know it failed to function as it does currently. What would he do if an event the magnitude of 9/11 or Katrina took place in his hometown? No more electricity, iPods, takeout food or Seinfeld reruns. The book begins with him as a typical "city boy", knowing nothing about survival. In similar fashion to The Game he seeks out the best of the best to learn the skills he feels he needs to survive. And also similar to The Game he takes all this knowledge and moves beyond it, creating his own interpretations. At times while reading this book I was tempted with ideas ranging from calling my financial planner to see about moving my money to something more secure to thoughts of leaving the country. Other times I was laughing hysterically. This was one of those books that I just couldn't put down. Within 24 hours of purchase I had read all 418 pages. It was entertaining, it made me laugh and it made me think. Highly recommended to any American living in 2009.
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Outliers: The Story of Success
by
Gladwell, Malcolm
Erica Horne
, April 27, 2009
I am early on in this book but the connections and realizations Malcolm make are overwhelming myself at an early age was deemed to need more attention to learning how to read. In actuality my deficiency stemmed from the fact my family moved states and in one state they taught kids to read at a later age than the one I moved too. This situation led me to be marginalized to a level of education that wasn't as challenging and I had to prove myself to be promoted to higher level classes but the time my peers spent learning at that higher level left me with more of a challenging environment to compete. I eventually became an A student went to a top University and have a masters degree but at times I have struggled to hold my own with my peers and I can only suspect that some of what Malcolm points out in his book applied to me. This book made me cry it staggers my mind to think the times I felt inadequate about my abilities and perhaps my situation was really due to the circumstance of poor timing in my relocation.
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Complete Peanuts 1971 1972
by
Charles M Schulz
Erica Horne
, April 27, 2009
We have the whole set so far. every fall they come out with a new box set. and every year at Christmas my husband looks for his books. He is a huge Peanuts fan and loves the older cartoons. there is even an older one where an adult actually talks!
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Yardbirds The Band That Launched Eric Clapton Jeff Beck Jimmy Page
by
Alan Clayson
Erica Horne
, April 25, 2009
Wonderful read for all you historians out there. This helps show how they paved the road for so many great bands. Without the Yard Birds we would have missed out on so much through the years. I am so glad they got a book and a chance to shine. It is wonderfully written and has some timeless photos in it. One you can truly use on your coffee table.
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Spider Man the Icon The Life & Times of a Pop Culture Phenomenon
by
Steve Saffel
Erica Horne
, April 25, 2009
My son loves this book. He is a big Spidey fan and loved all the little insights into his life. It gave him and of course myself a chance to learn more about this wonderful super hero. Strong writing and wonderful illustrations bring this book to life. A definant read for any Spiderman lovers and even if you are not his biggest fan you will like it as well.
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Best Skillet Recipes
by
Americas Test Kitchen, Cooks Illustrated
Erica Horne
, April 24, 2009
This is not a Coffee Table book. Don't expect traditional color pictures, there are almost none. There are, however, clear illustrations. This book is teaching me to cook with confidence and, unbelievably, eagerness. Even without photos, these recipes look manageable and inviting. Along the way, you build a repertoire of techniques and habits (setting up your "mise en place") that apply to all your cooking and baking. I think it appeals to all levels of cook, and would make a wonderful gift equally at at a wedding shower or a retirement celebration. Or for yourself.
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From Dead to Worse
by
Charlaine Harris
Erica Horne
, April 24, 2009
No question, From Dead to Worse is a bridge book in the Southern Vampire series. I am one fan who thinks that is just peachy keen fine. I thought this was an excellent book, very engaging, by which I mean I read it all in one sitting, no stopping. While it's true that this book is episodic in nature, my feeling is that going along with the characters on these episodes is high entertainment. As I get older, I find it becomes harder to concentrate, and that Charlaine Harris continues to hold my attention eight books into this series is just wonderful. The truth is, if you are going to read this series, you need to start with the first book. Read them in order, and don't start with this one, because you need to know all the back story to fully appreciate how far the characters have come. (And can I just say: Sookie needs a vacation! Ms. Harris, send her off to a beautiful island where she can relax, forget her cares for a while, sip some rum punch on nice beach, and maybe go limbo-ing with some nice fella who doesn't want anything more than the pleasure of her company.) I think this book is for the fans who have fallen in love with these characters. We've spent the last year since the release of All Together Dead wondering what was going to happen next, and musing about the paths the characters would take. From Dead to Worse tells us some great stories, fills in some of the personal details we've all been aching to know, and sets the stage for what will be I hope many more books to come. I think From Dead to Worse was fabulous. Brava, Ms. Harris!
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Shadow Of Sirius
by
W S Merwin
Erica Horne
, April 23, 2009
After hearing a review of this book on NPR and discussion with the author, W.S. Merwin, I knew I had to purchase it. I'm so glad I did! I can open to any page and enjoy the beautiful turn of phrase and imagery that Merwin offers. It's my favorite book of poetry to date. I'm particularly fond of the poem on page 91, One of the Butterflies. I highly recommend this book!
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Slavery by Another Name The Re Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II
by
Douglas A Blackmon
Erica Horne
, April 23, 2009
I Just finished Slavery by Another Name. I had known about the black code for several years, but not the selling of free black people. I hate the Al Sharptons of the world or black people that defend criminals that blame their crime on racism. They disrespect all these ghosts of the past that suffered at the hands of brutal savage souls. But one thing has changed for me: Although I never called anyone in my life a nigger, I thought it. After reading your book, I will never allow that thought to come to the surface again. That photo of the man tied up on the ground felt his short life of suffering would have no meaning, but he was wrong, after 100 years we look at him and feel his pain and are influenced by his image forever. I wish I could embrace him and give him the love and respect every creature deserves
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Chris Farley Show A Biography in Three Acts
by
Tom Jr Farley
Erica Horne
, April 22, 2009
If you are a fan of Chris Farley, read this book. It offers insight from the people who knew him best. However, I wonder why Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider didn't contribute more to the book. Just looking at the "public persona" of Chris Farley, you would never know about the dysfunctional, co-dependent family, the over-the-top, self-destructive, addictive behavior, all of the people who tried to help him and constantly warned him about his actions, and the deep seated self-doubt and insecurities that the man had. This book wasn't the humorous book that I expected, but I feel like I know and understand Chris Farley after reading it. Act I tells of his formative years, from childhood through his early experiences in comedy (Second City), to eventually being hired by SNL, all the while trying to keep his binges in check and surviving as a "functioning" addict. Act II covers a three year period of his life in the 90's, after a successful stint in rehab, and is a sort of "what could have been" had he stayed straight. Act III is terribly heartbreaking as the addiction takes control of his life and ultimately kills him.
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Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing Traitor to the Nation Volume II The Kingdom on the Waves
by
M T Anderson
Erica Horne
, April 22, 2009
I have just finished listening to the audible version of Octavian Nothing, and it seems fitting that we have just elected an African American to be our President. I think Octavian would have been so happy to know this. Octavian is one the most complete, complicated, heartfelt characters a reader will come upon. Learning the plight of the African American soldiers who fought on either side of the revolution, was an education, and because of the wonderful story telling, and authentic period dialogue as well as narration, an adventure I was sorry to have end. Octavian is real to me and has touched my heart in the deepest of ways.
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Complete Grimms Fairy Tales
by
Jacob Grimm
Erica Horne
, April 21, 2009
My boys love this book; and in a day of competing with movies, video games, and computers that is truly saying something. They love for me to sit with them and read them the wonderful stories in the book. They always ask, "Mom did grandpa read you this one when you were little?" I always answer "Yes he did." It creates a special bond between us. This book holds a special place in my heart and I think it will in yours too.
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Dangerous Book For Boys
by
Conn Iggulden
Erica Horne
, April 21, 2009
Some books you hang onto because they are useful, or well written, or happy memories are associated with them. And then there are the select books that are so handsome, you keep them because of pride of ownership. THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS is a keeper in all these categories. It is so durable and well designed, it is an absolute pleasure to hold and read. As to its actual contents, it sits at the pinnacle of nonfiction for early teen and 'tween boys, alongside The Big Book of Boy Stuff by, er, yours truly. Anyway, the chapters in DANGEROUS BOOK are a glorious, encyclopedic hodge-podge. They range from the historical ("The Golden Age of Piracy") to the esoteric ("Grinding an Italic Nib"!) to the quite daring ("Understanding Grammar"). My kudos to the Brothers Iggulden for this retro look celebrating the secrets of boyhood. And again, neither gender nor age should restrict its readership; this book looks great sitting on anyone's nightstand.
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Martha Stewarts Cookies the Very Best Treats to Bake & to Share
by
Martha Stewart
Erica Horne
, April 21, 2009
This collection of recipes from Martha Stewart Living is beautifully organized by texture & type and covers the gamut from the most basic of cookies to some of the most adventurous. it is not by martha herself which I found refreshing since it doesn't pre-suppose you have a kitchen full of exotic ingredients and expensive equipment. Even the most daring cookies here can be attempted by a modestly equipped cook. Cookies with similar basic ingredients & textures are grouped together to illustrate how easy it can be to change up a basic recipe and trick it out for a more sophisticated taste-bud or occasion. The old standby's are here as well. All the recipes rely on good wholesome ingredients and very basic preparation methods but they add a flare of imagination. The cookie on the cover is a terrific example - chocolate filled chewy gingerbread! Yum! Inside are other similarly invetnive recipes such as Cream Cheese Shortbreads, Chocolate Malt Sandwhich cookies and more. The best part of this book is that EVERY cookie is photographed so that you can see exactly how they are intended to look when finished. In addition, the instructions are free from frothy observations or self-congratulatory rhetoric that mar some her other publications. She did not write this book and it shows. Her editors wrote it. And that my friends, is a GOOD THING when it comes to a book such as this which is intended to be the only cookie book you'll ever need. I have already bought several as gifts for young mothers I know and dedicated cookie baking pals. This is really the last cookie book I will ever need. It will take me years to run out of recipes to try from this collection.
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The Miracle At Speedy Motors: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 9
by
Alexander McCall Smith
Erica Horne
, April 21, 2009
This is the next little episode in the series of books, set in Botswana, and starring Mma Precious Ramotswe. It's difficult to explain to people who haven't met Mma Ramotswe just how these simple tales affect the reader and draw one into such a feeling of closeness and affection that one has for this big hearted, kind and lovable lady who describes herself as being of "traditional build" for an African lady. Mma's assistant Private Detective at the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Grace Kakutsi, is engeged to marry the owner of a prosperous store and is thrilled when he buys a bed for them to use after their marriage. It's a huge bed with a headboard made of red velvet in the shape of a heart. Grace is unable to even get it into her tiny house and so leaves it outside until other arrangements can be made. Unfortunately, the drought breaks and the bed is totally ruined by the torrential rain so when Grace manages to find a replacement, she is tortured by doubts as to whether or not she should confess her carelessness to her fiance. One of the cases the Agency is handling at the moment is one where a young woman is trying to find any living relative. These stories seem too simple to be of any interest but are filled with such warmth and love that I cannot wait for the next to be written!
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The Lorax
by
Dr. Seuss
Erica Horne
, April 20, 2009
I speak for the trees; this is a great book. It teaches kids in an easy way to understand the importance of taking care of the planet. My husband uses this book in his classroom around Earth Day every year no matter what grade level he is working with. It has a wonderful message but did not loose the bright colors, wonderful characters, and expressivce language Dr. Seuss is so well known for. A perfect book for any reader from age 3 to 93. I love this book!
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Forgotten Garden
by
Kate Morton
Erica Horne
, April 20, 2009
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton is a wonderful book, weaving the past and the present in an intriguing mystery spanning a century! A little girl is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913 with nothing but a few clothes and a book of fairy tales. Taken in by a kindly man and his wife who eventually decide to keep her as their own, the little girl is never told her true origins until her 21st birthday. With her world shattered, "Nell" as she came to be known known, withdraws from the family and starts out on her own, determined to find out who her real family is and where they are. Through the span of time, Nell never finds all the answers she needs; it takes her granddaughter, Cassandra, to unravel the mystery. As Cassandra attempts to find answers to Nell's puzzling deathbed tale, she uncovers a mystery that's like a spider who has weaved his web, each piece belonging to another one. "The Forgotten Garden" works not only through the actions of its strong female characters, but also through the fairy tales of Nell's past, providing clues to the generations-spanning mystery. Although a hefty book, almost 600 pages, this is the best book I have read in many years, filled with love, heartbreak, deep soul searching, tears and laughter. It's really hard to put down once you start reading. I cannot give enough praise to this fine writer, the book is amazing!
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Ten Year Nap
by
Meg Wolitzer
Erica Horne
, April 19, 2009
I bought this book yesterday after hearing the author on NPR with Terry Gross and seeing the profile of her in the New York Times and was up most of the night (and half of the morning) finishing this unbelievably good novel up, though i was a little teed off my bookstore didn't have the book until yesterday (publishers, what is the matter with you?). Wolitzer has everything you want in a writer -- it's like having a conversation with an unbelievably perceptive, wickedly amusing, but also on the inside serious person. And this novel takes a hard and entirely convincing look at the issues and the dilemmas facing women today. should they work or not work? is a woman's role to take care of her kids and can you "have it all" and if you do, does that mean something has to be sacrificed (your marriage, your relationship with your kids, your work?). i have never seen a book tackle something like this before in such a believable way (and i'm a guy, so this isn't really a topic that should interest me much, but I see it in my wife and in just about every woman i know and work with). so all in all she (wolitzer) has managed to carry off something pretty impossible in my opinion -- a page turner that's also a wonderful, beautifully written read. how often can you say that about a book? 5 stars all the way.
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Hurry Down Sunshine A Memoir
by
Michael Greenberg
Erica Horne
, April 17, 2009
Hurry Down Sunshine, by Michael Greenberg, is right up my alley. I am a nurse working with geriatric psyche patients, and I love a good memoir. The story is about Sally, the author's fifteen year old daughter. Diagnosed as Bipolar, she exhibited classic symptoms of the disease, albeit at a younger age than most. I read this book in a matter of hours, engrossed in the story from beginning to end. The author's extended family adds a cast of colorful characters to the story also. (I found the plight of the authors brother as captivating as Sally's saga...) This could have been a story about the hopelessness of psyche patients and the ineptness of psychiatrists, therapists and others inevitably encountered when one reluctantly enters a mental health facility, but it wasn't that at all. The Greenberg's were lucky to find a doctor who used both therapy and pharmacology to treat their daughter's disease, and a positive outcome was had. The author went to unusual lengths himself to learn more about the drugs his daughter was prescribed, and you have to applaud him for that also. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Bipolar Disorder, or someone looking for a good weekend read.
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Northern Clemency
by
Philip Hensher
Erica Horne
, April 17, 2009
This book was a bit hard to get into and you have to make an effort to sit down and get into it, but in the end it is worth the effort. It is the story who of two families that are neighbors in a Sheffield, England suburb-the Sellers and the Glovers. Over three decades, from the mid 1970s to the mid 1990s the book follows the day to day events of these two families, both the adults and the children. For some the minute of these seemingly ordinary events could be boring, but once I got into the story and the characters I was pulled in and found it an engaging read. It is not a book built around sex or violence, but the day to day lives of real people. What makes the book engaging is how the reader follows the lives of the characters and witnesses them progress, mature as their views change. For this reason the book maybe more interesting to those of us over forty, who have seen similar changes in ourselves; then again it would be a more important read for those under 30 so they know what to expect. The book is a bit long at over 700 pages and I did not like the structure of having no chapters, it made it hard to find a good stopping point; but maybe that was the authors point? Life offers no stopping point? Overall rating is a solid 4 stars.
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To The Nines
by
Janet Evanovich
Erica Horne
, April 16, 2009
TO THE NINES is another mystery adventure in the fast-paced life of Stephanie Plum, Bounty Hunter. In this story, Stephanie is living with the love of her life, Joe Morelli, but still flirting with the mysterious Ranger. Stephanie can't quite make the marriage commitment yet, but does not want to give up Morelli. Stephanie and her co-workers, Lula and Connie take a trip to Las Vegas where they are seeking Samuel Singh, an Indian man who is in violation of his bond. They meet Elvis impersonators one evening and the next day Connie shows up with a picture of herself married to one, but she can't even remember the ceremony. Lula is on a protein diet and carries pork chops and bacon around in her purse. Dogs follow her everywhere. These Stephanie Plum stories are completely outrageous and funny. The dark side of the book is the mystery man who sends Stephanie flowers as he constantly threatens to kill her. As usual, Stephanie's life is one wild and crazy ride.
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Quickie
by
James Patterson
Erica Horne
, April 16, 2009
Lauren Stillwell is living every woman's dream...she has a loving husband, a beautiful home and a great job. Lauren has it all until the day she surprises her husband for lunch and catches him with another woman. After Lauren casually asks her husband about his lunch, and he lies about it, she decides it's time for her to give him a taste of his own medicine. Lauren planned on a "quickie," a night of sex with no strings. However, her night of passion turns deadly when she witnesses a brutal murder. Lauren must uncover the truth at all costs if she is to save her job, her marriage, and even her life. I will not go into any more of the plot in order to keep the surprises intact, but trust me, when it's revealed what Lauren does for a living, who her one night stand is, and who the murderer is you will be floored and propelled to keep reading. Considering all this takes place in the first 60 pages, readers are treated to 300 more twist-filled pages that shock at every turn. `The Quickie' is not only one of the best Patterson books, it's one of the best thrillers this year. There are so many plots twists and surprises even the most jaded readers will be thrilled James Patterson has proven, once again, that he is THE master of an un-put-downable read. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE it's excellent.
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Your Money or Your Life 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money & Achieving Financial Independence Revised & Updated for 2018
by
Robin, Vicki and Dominguez, Joe and Tilford, Monique
Erica Horne
, April 15, 2009
"Your Money or Your Life" is a classic, the kind of book that produces immediate results, and reduces the need to read all the other financial books out there. Offering a specific plan for living low on the material chain, the book is chock full of helpful suggestions. I read the book quickly, and followed some of the outlined plans for financial mastery. For a month I kept track of every penny I spent and found in the months since that I'm much more concious of what I spend. I have grown to have an aversion to impuslse buying, in part because the book brings home the wastefulness of materialism. I have really cut corners, and gotten rid of a lot of useless clutter, and feel much better as a result. Best of all, I have been able to live for almost a year on a third of what I spent when I was in a more fast track job. Will this book work for anyone? I'm not sure about that, because the simple fact is, some people value possessions over free time. Some people are more than happy to work two jobs if it means being able to buy what they want, and live the lifestyle to which they are accustomed. I can't see the US being overrun with frugality anytime soon. But, for those who wish to live on less-- writers, stay at home moms, artists, or those needing to get out of debt-- this book is flawless.
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Song Is You
by
Arthur Phillips
Erica Horne
, April 15, 2009
Julian's marriage has fallen apart after the death of his 2-year-old son. At a Brooklyn bar, he happens to hear a young Irish singer named Cait O'Dwyer, sing. Julian becomes attracted and obsessed by Cait and Cait is as affected by him as he is by her. They need each other and fall in love without meeting face to face. This is a great unconventional story, and Julian must chose between his marriage and Cait.
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Always Looking Up The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist
by
Michael J Fox
Erica Horne
, April 14, 2009
This is Michael J Fox's second book...his first being Lucky Man: A Memoir, in 2002 he announced to the world that he had Parkinson's disease and detailed what it was like living with and raising awareness for this currently incurable disease. 2009 he releases is second book, ALWAYS LOOKING UP. Once again, the eighties icon turns a debilitating and degenerative disease and offers a ray of hope for people who might otherwise find depression. ALWAYS LOOKING UP blends many elements into a heart-warming and optimistic memoir that will bring hope, humor, and awareness to millions of people. I say memoir because much of the book is from his own personal experiences and how he shed light on those dark times. He speaks of how Parkinson had strengthened his "family ties" Okay, I'm not as funny as Michael J Fox, but he doesn't think he would have the strong, close knit family he has if it wasn't tested by Parkinson's. ALWAYS LOOKING UP, is the perfect name for this book, the man, and everything he has done to help raise awareness for this incurable disease...whether it's a guest appearance, a heartfelt memoir, or through his foundation: The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, ALWAYS LOOKING UP is about optimism and making choices and finding a cure.
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Zoes Tale
by
John Scalzi
Erica Horne
, April 13, 2009
John Scalzi's latest is an excellent addition to the 'Old Man's War' universe. If you haven't read any of the previous books, don't be afraid to jump right in with this one. It works just as well as a stand along novel and was written that way on purpose. Mr. Scalzi continues to impress me with each novel he releases. His writing style is quick, entertaining, and the characters really come alive for the reader. Zoe's Tale takes place during the same events as 'The Last Colony' but from the perspective of a 16 year old girl. The bare bones of the story are that Zoe's parents are picked to lead a planetary colony. Adding to the risks of starting a colony from nothing, the colonists must also fear being attacked by other alien races that compete for any habitable planet. Not only are there lots of alien species in the universe, but they are all fighting over the same planets and are hyper xenophobic to boot. Zoe, her family, and the entire colony are pawns in a intergalactic power struggle. I highly recommend this book.
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Ultimate Depression Survival Guide Protect Your Savings Boost Your Income & Grow Wealthy Even in the Worst of Times
by
Martin D Weiss
Erica Horne
, April 10, 2009
The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide is a literal gold mine of wealth saving- and wealth creating- information that most anyone from the auto line worker to the CEO or business owner- and anyone and everyone in between- can read and learn from. This title- just like the new business title by Will Estell, Wisdom & Wisecracks for the Aspiring Business Owner-have appeared in a time when their topics are of great value and consequence for their readers. I highly suggest buying The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide, and Wisdom & Wisecracks for the Aspiring Business Owner because you cannot get this type of valuable advice anywhere else for so little investment in your time and money. Kudos to Martin Weiss for a well written, easy to read, follow and understand book that really can and will make a difference to readers.
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Killing Floor: Jack Reacher 1
by
Lee Child
Erica Horne
, April 09, 2009
Wow, what a book! Lee Child has given us perhaps the most interesting and complex hero in some time. Jack Reacher is Clint Eastwood, John Wayne and Arnold Schwarzenegger rolled into one...but with much more personality and pizzazz! I'm only sorry it's taken me so long to read Mr. Child's book! The story is a riveting one, focusing on Jack's involvement in a crime in a small town in Georgia. Boy, does he make a mistake in deciding to stop off in this little burg, just to find out about a blue singing legend named Blind Blake. But, what a story unfolds. The dialogue is brisk, economical, and very involving! Along with Jack, there are a ton of characters that are so remarkably fleshed out and described, you would think this was a true crime story! There are scenes of nail-biting action; very graphic and disturbing scenes of violence; and amidst all this some really well-written scenes of sensitivity and poignancy. Jack's meeting with an old lady who once knew the old blues legend is outstanding in its emotional punch! Paul Hubble, the neurotic banker; Roscoe, the beautiful policewoman; Finlay, the chief of detectives; and the evil villains are some of the best written characters in recent mystery fiction. What is so amazing about this book is the way Lee Child has not only woven a complex murder mystery, but also a chilling tale of greed, madness, and lost loves and lives. This is an emotional, wrenching debut, and I cannot wait to start in on the rest of this series!
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Girl on the Couch: Life, Love, and Confessions of a Normal Neurotic
by
Lorna Martin
Erica Horne
, April 08, 2009
I happen to catch a decent review of this book in a recent Entertainment Weekly, and in search of some books to read for a recent trip, I picked this up. In "Girl on the Couch: Life, Love, and Confessions of a Normal Neurotic" (347 pages), well-established British (actually Scottish) journalist (for the Sunday Observer) Lorna Martin brings her story of one year of psycho-therapy, with all of the apprehensions she had going into it, even though she realized that her life was out of control and something needed to be done. Lorna sets the table nicely, bringing her shortcomings and failures in her emotional, romantic and professional life. The book covers the many sessions (3 a week) over that one year period with her psycho-therapist (a woman only names as "Dr. J"), and how after many misgivings Lorna sees the strides that she's making. There are many ups and downs, as one could expect of course. Observes Lorna about her sessions with Dr. J: "It makes me realize how easy it is to hide yourself in the real world, without even being aware of it." While this book sure makes for pleasant reading (I read most of it on a long 9 hr. flight), there is nothing 'revolutionary' in this book, and probably none was intended. At the same time, I recognize the courage that Lorna had to take to come forward and tell her story, dealing with the 'stigma' of admitting to taking this therapy treament.
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Asta in the Wings
by
Jan Watson, Tin House Books
Erica Horne
, April 07, 2009
Once I got involved, I couldn't put this book down. The author's imagination was so keen it was difficult to believe that this was not autobiographical. I have already recommended it to several friends.
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One Square Inch of Silence One Mans Search for Natural Silence in a Noisy World
by
Gordon Hempton
Erica Horne
, April 06, 2009
Like the aesthetic beauty of natural sound, the theme of the book is subtle - in a way the idea is almost laughable. Given all the problems in the world, who could possibly complain about a single plane flying 18,000 feet over a national park a few times a day? Yet Gordon Hempton, who has won an Emmy Award for his recordings of nature, wants to make us aware of how man-made sounds exist in just about every inch of the continental USA. To draw attention to the loss of the American soundscape, he wants to set aside a single square inch of silence in Olympic National Park, to create a place where no man-made noise intrudes above 20 dba (the lower limit of human hearing). As Gordon drives across the USA in this sort of travel memoir steeped in the traditions of John Muir, Walden and Aldo Leopold, he records levels with a sound-meter and thus experiences the American coast-to-coast road trip through the hearing sense. The book may even be pioneering a new form of travel/nature literature, experiencing the world through the aesthetic of sound, specifically the lack of man-made noise (including music), and the presence of natural sounds. Few if any authors have ever approached a book in this way before. It may seem overly precious and perhaps a bit odd to some people, like Gordon's rebellious teenage daughter; yet Gordon really does seem to be on to something. Some have said noise pollution is where air pollution was 40 or 50 years ago, a few people concerned but becoming increasingly important. "The loss of quiet is literally the loss of awareness. Quiet is being lost without people even becoming aware of what they are loosing." This book brings a new awareness.
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Jamie at Home Cook Your Way to the Good Life
by
Jamie Oliver
Erica Horne
, April 05, 2009
I just happened upon this book at the local grocery store but didn't hesitate to purchase it as I've always enjoyed Jamie Oliver's cookbooks. His writing has always been down to earth and he seems to 'relish' (pun intended!) any opportunity to educate the public about making healthy, delicious eating practical and realistic. He's forever 'encouraging' us to eat responsibly...with a healthy dose of common sense and absolute sincere appreciation for where our food comes from and in which form it takes on our plates. His humour and generous spirit shine through, as always. As a gardener I especially appreciated the way he's chosen to write a very simple book that includes information on growing your own food, making ethical (without being too preachy!) food choices and most of all...simply and truly enjoying quality, delicious REAL food. Good job, Jamie!
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World According to Mister Rogers Important Things to Remember
by
Fred Rogers
Erica Horne
, April 04, 2009
Like many adults, i grew up on Mr. Rogers and remember his TV shows and characters. This book is aptly subtitled- "important things to remember" and is a great collection of stories, anecdotes and thoughts on topics that matter like Love, relationships, individuals, respect and honesty. It help us remember what its like to be a good neighbor. There is a foreword written by his wife which is very touching and the book is easy to read--each short anedote/saying is printed on a separate page. It would be a good idea to read a page a day and use that as the basis for "a thought for the day." This book would make an ideal present for the coming holidays, especially for kids and for those who grew up with Mr. Rogers and didn't we all??
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Mercy
by
Toni Morrison
Erica Horne
, April 03, 2009
In her latest novel Toni Morrison takes us back to the late 17th century America. The plot gives her an opportunity to present America in the making, there is no US yet, there are colonies, each somewhat different in their culture, religion or attitude to slavery. Sending her characters on distant voyages Morrison adroitly shapes the plot in such a way as to give the reader at least an impression of the variety that America once was. The differences between people and places are the most clearly visible in the opposition between Maryland and New York yet the choice of characters also helps Morrison to stress the diversity of American roots. And yet "A Mercy" is not just a historical novel. The setting is important but Morrison is much more interested in her characters presented in the novel with depth and insight. This concentration is reflected in the form of the book - we get to know about the events from the characters in a series of monologues which culminate in the final monologue of Florens' mother which ties some of the book's loose ends and answers some of its haunting questions. Each of the monologues comes from a completely different character - a slave, a native American, a Dutch etc. - this variety is almost incredible but serves to add a depth to the book, broadens the view the reader gets. As usual in Morrison's fiction the characters are mostly women. As a result the book to some degree fails as a HIStory book, it is much more of a HERstory book, offering the reader a selection of points of view usually missing in more traditional history writing both fictional and scholarly. In short: another great book from a Nobel-prize winning novelist.
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Reliable Wife
by
Robert Goolrick
Erica Horne
, April 02, 2009
A RELIABLE WIFE is a novel of intensity and raw power. On its own rather masochistic terms, it also offers up love (and forgiveness) of the deepest kind. This novel will appeal widely, but likely most to those who crave a bold but somewhat perverse love story featuring very flawed characters. They, despite their cravenness, reach out to readers and demand notice and even grudging respect and affection. Goolrick's fictional version of 1900's rural Wisconsin folk isn't pretty, but, "Such things happened." See what you think of this tale.
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Life You Can Save Acting Now to End World Poverty
by
Peter Singer
Erica Horne
, April 01, 2009
In this relatively short book, Professor Singer makes an extremely compelling case for why it is morally obligatory for capable individuals to aid beings that suffer. Those that are familiar with his previous work will recognize his basic arguments on poverty, which he has been expanding upon for over three decades. For those who are unfamiliar with Peter Singer, the argument he expands upon in this book is quoted as follows... 1.) "Suffering and death from lack of food, shelter and medical care are bad." 2.) "If it is in your power to prevent something bad from happening, without sacrificing anything nearly as important, it is wrong not to do so." 3.) "By donating to aid agencies, you can prevent suffering and death from lack of food, shelter and medical care, without sacrificing anything nearly as important." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conclusion - "Therefore, if you do not donate to aid agencies, you are doing something wrong." This argument is valid, and I think sound, so if one is to reject the conclusion, one MUST reject one (or more) of the premises. If they accept the premises, then they MUST accept the conclusion. Professor Singer's logic is solid throughout. His writing is both lucid and entertaining, making this work accessible, absorbing and crucially important to philosophers and philosophical novices alike. This is simply a must read for everyone.
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Millennials Rising The Next Great Generation
by
William Strauss
Erica Horne
, March 31, 2009
Having just finished this book, I am amazed to find so many people disagreeing. This book conclusively resembles my life--And I was born in 82! The book itself seems not to be an insult to Boomers or Gen Xers, and not even a complement to Millennials; it takes into account painstaking research and uses it to make delicate generalizations about an entire generation of Americans. Whoa! That's a big deal AND really hard to do! I understand the disgressions people have with parts of the theory, but it's been my experience that the Strauss/Howe model is a complete understanding of American history. (And it works!) Reviewing their predictions since 1991, Strauss and Howe have precisely calculated the heartbeat of American culture and given an equation that is practical and applicable to all of their readers. In regards to my own generation, I read this book and recalled their portrayal of Millennials to be very descriptive of my own childhood environment. Living in the cusp of third and fourth turning societies, I can't help but recognize all of the social trends with greater awareness after reading this book. I more generally found the book a delightful read. Strauss and Howe's writing is natural and easy to read and understand. Even if you have no dealings with cultural anthropology or today's youth, I still recommend this book for it's value of collected information about our society, and its implications, in a very reader friendly way.
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White Goddess A Historical Grammar of Poetic Myth
by
Robert Graves
Erica Horne
, March 30, 2009
I am a great fan of Robert Graves. I find him to be an outstanding poet, an excellent novelist, and a compelling writer of non-fiction. Probably the best known, if not the best, example of the last mentioned genre is "The White Goddess." When "Goddess" first appeared in the late 1940's it was a groundbreaking work; for lack of a better definition it is a book on cultural anthropolgy written by a poet, who felt that as a a poet and a man who understood the inner motivation of the poet he would give his views on the Muse and her invocation. The book covers a lot of territory, sprawling across civilization from the Greeks to the Celts, and from the three forms of the Muse to the Fisher King to the Ogham alphabet. It wanders so far that it's hard to keep up with Mr. Graves as he gallops across centuries and over distances. For those of us used to Mr. Graves' usual tight control of his material and its presentation, it's difficult to deal with how he jumps from subject to subject with little or no notice. I'm almost tempted to say that this is Mr. Graves' version of "Finnegan's Wake", only in a non-fictional form. It certainly is his encomium to the White Goddess, whom he identifies as the original Muse of all poets, including himself. There's enough to think about for years in this book, and neo-pagan movements may be described as having largely started based on the thoughts provoked by this book. But Graves was a poet, not a social scientist, and in the last fifty years many of his observations have been proven to be wrong. This in itself is not so surprising, nor is it really such a bad thing; the real problem is the amount of emotional residue that those ideas left in their wake. Graves makes some observations that some would find offensive now, such as his allegation that women can't be real poets - they have no Muse to appeal to, the White Goddess only wants the worship of males. He makes a possible exception of Sappho, for what it's worth. In short, "Goddess" still deserves to be read - it's a good, albeit exhausting read, and Graves is always worth reading - but it would be a mistake to pick up his ideas and run with them.
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Corner Shop
by
Roopa Farooki
Erica Horne
, March 29, 2009
I thought that Roopa Farooki's first novel, Bitter Sweets, was a fantastic book, but Corner Shop is even better. It has laugh out loud comedy in places, and edge of your seat drama in others - a perfect mix of funny, witty and poignant. It's a twist on the universal family drama -about individuals pursuing their dreams, and what happens afterwards. You really feel for the characters, despite all their faults. This is the type of book I love - a utterly pleasurable read, but one with genuine insight and which has something real to say.
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Made To Be Broken Nadia Stafford 02
by
Kelley Armstrong
Erica Horne
, March 28, 2009
I'm more an urban fantasy fan myself (Mercy Thompson books and Armstrong's Otherworld series) but Exit Strategy grabbed me and didn't let go! This book is the same! The plot is well developed and strong, but it's the interaction between Jack and Nadia that kept me coming for more. Nadia is a tough but realistic heroine. She's smart, she knows her limits and she thinks things through. And her relationship with Jack is awesome. Jack and Nadia work as a great team and even though not every second is filled with blatant sexual tension, there's an underlying simmer the whole way through. I just hope the author keeps 'em coming, cause I haven't gotten my fix yet!
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In Memory Of Gorfman T Frog
by
Gail Donovan
Erica Horne
, March 27, 2009
This a book for all ages if you are looking for something to cheer your day up. It is best for children from ages six to eleven. It seems impossible for me to realize that this was written by an adult woman, not a boy. The main character, a 5th-grader named Josh, thinks in really immature ways that seem very real, something a full grown woman wouldn't usually be able to do. All the characters are rich and have their own unique personalities. The plot is simple, and the conflicts are good. I like the part when Josh explained that he was named after Joshua Tree National Park. Then he said that if he was going to be named after a park, he wished it could have been Death Valley. Funny comments like this are everywhere in the book. This is a quick read that gets to the point fast, and doesn't wast a second of your time. I liked it a lot, and I hope you do, too.
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Lush Life
by
Richard Price
Erica Horne
, March 26, 2009
It is my belief that when you watch a movie, the best acting comes when you don't notice that the person is acting; you become absorbed in the film and forget that the actor is merely playing a part. Similarly, often the best fiction writing is when you don't really notice the writing; if the narrative is too cleverly written, you might admire the cleverness, but it breaks the spell of being in that fictional world. Which brings me to Richard Price, and more particularly his new novel, Lush Life: it is sometimes a little too stylish for its own good. The plot of Lush Life centers on an apparent mugging gone wrong. Eric Cash, Ike Marcus and Steve Boulware are walking around late one evening when a pair of wannabe crooks try to rob them. Ike is a little too defiant and gets shot. Steve is out cold, dead drunk and a series of events lead the police to believe Eric is the killer. It is sorted out relatively quickly, but not soon enough to for Eric to avoid a tough interrogation and a few hours in jail. Lush Life is a crime story, but not the typical sort. It focuses less on the hunt for a murderer and more on the repercussions on all involved. For Eric, the brief arrest is merely the culmination of a very bad evening and the trauma - including dealing with his own cowardice during the mugging - will lead him on a self-destructive path. Similarly, Ike's father, Billy, is unable to cope with the loss of his son. The third principal character, Detective Matty Clark, tries to find the real killer despite an unwillingness by the police brass to really pursue the case (after the embarrassment of Eric's wrongful arrest, they'd like the whole thing to go away). Matty also has to deal with the increasingly unhinged Billy while confronting the effects of his own poor parenting techniques. There's a lot that's good about Lush Life. There are times when it is compelling reading, and Price often has a good sense of dialogue. On the other hand, there were times when his gritty, streetwise style is a little over-the-top and is distracting; in short, I noticed he was writing rather than just being drawn into his story.
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