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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
Jay Ashok has commented on (74) products
Mystery Guest
by
Nita Prose
Jay Ashok
, May 13, 2024
There will be two types of readers of this book - those who have read "The Maid," and those who haven't. The former will expect everything that happens in this book and not be surprised by the twists in the tale. As for the latter, they will see it as rather surprising. All in all it is a rehash of "The Maid," and as before, Molly the maid comes out shining. Again there is a death in the Regency Hotel and again a maid is suspected of murder and again Molly uncovers the truth. Not a bad mystery thriller and good light reading.
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Let It Snow
by
Nancy Thayer
Jay Ashok
, January 11, 2024
This novel is billed as a romance and it is that, as there is a lot of romance to go around. However, I see it as a family story and a Christmas one at that set in Nantucket to boot. Someone has reviewed it as being predictable. Aren't all romances predictable? It's the characters that make or break a novel and this one has its share of interesting characters. I would certainly recommend it.
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Exchange
by
John Grisham
Jay Ashok
, December 28, 2023
Good book but rather gory. The author went out of his way to portray 'terrorists' as extremely vicious and that they would go to any lengths to kill their victims violently. Ultimately, the book is about Mitch McDeere and his company pooling up with three governments to pay a ransom to release a young Italian woman. There is some suspense which keeps popping up about Mitch and his past which gets solved in the end.
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23 1/2 Lies
by
James Patterson
Jay Ashok
, November 18, 2023
This book was billed as a Mystery/Thriller. I regret to say that it was neither a mystery nor a thriller. The cops did not solve the murder. I would have to say the murder solved itself. The second novel, "Fallen Ranger," was much better. There was a lot of action and the ending was unexpected both as far as the thriller was concerned and the Romance. The Third novel,"watch your back" can only be described as 'different.' the plot keeps revolving and subplots emerge. I had a tough time keeping up with the book and was relieved when it ended.
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Sunshine Nails
by
Mai Nguyen
Jay Ashok
, November 11, 2023
A typical fight for survival of a Vietnamese immigrant story set in Toronto. The Trans, Phil and Debbie and their offspring Jessica and Dustin, along with their niece Thuy work hard at keeping their nail salon, Sunshine Nails afloat. A new chain opens across the street and now the battle becomes a war. A good debut story of the diaspora.
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Sensitive The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud Fast Too Much World
by
Jenn Granneman, Andre Solo
Jay Ashok
, October 31, 2023
This book talks about Highly Sensitive People. It tells us, how they feel, how they act, how they treat other people, and how others treat them and should treat them to get the best out of them. The book also highlights how sensitive children should be treated, how employees should be treated and in general all about sensitive people. I felt that in the beginning the book did not deliver as I hoped it would, but as it progressed, it got better.
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And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: A Novella
by
Fredrik Backman
Jay Ashok
, October 02, 2023
I had a tough time keeping my tears in check while reading this novella. It deals with the love between a grandfather and his grandson while talking about his own love for his wife. But more importantly, one learns about the grandfather's struggle with old age and dementia. Noah reassures his grandfather and asks him not to be scared. What a poignant comment. I could go on but that would involve telling the whole story. This is a must read.
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Girl in the Eagles Talons
by
Karin Smirnoff, Sarah Death
Jay Ashok
, October 01, 2023
It is not difficult to spin a thrilling tale around Lisbeth Salander. Karin Smirnoff has done a competent job in her debut novel. At first I found it difficult to get a handle around the story and all the different characters but once Lisbeth showed up and paired up with her niece Svala I really enjoyed the book. Svala is a miniature thirteen year old Lisbeth and even tough as nails Lisbeth can't help loving her. As always the book ends in a lot of violence but the good guys finished on top so it was a case of 'All's well that ends well.' If there are sequels put me in line to read them:-)
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Run, Rose, Run
by
James Patterson, Dolly Parton
Jay Ashok
, May 10, 2023
When I saw Dolly Parton and James Patterson had written a book I expected a treatise on Country Music, some Romance, and that it would be a thriller. Well, my prediction was entirely true. There was a lot of violence which was perhaps unnecessary but maybe that was the only thing that justified Rose's fear and all the suspense that the authors contrived to build up. Not bad but not great.
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Worthy Opponents
by
Danielle Steel
Jay Ashok
, April 14, 2023
Like I always comment, Danielle Steel writes books faster than I can read them. Most of the time they are rehashes of previous books with one strong character and some very poor characters. This one is a change, because both Spencer and Nick are very 'nice' people and are 'worthy' of being able to oppose each other without really hating one another. The ending is as expected, and makes the read worthwhile.
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Women Talking
by
Miriam Toews
Jay Ashok
, March 16, 2023
This book was at the same time shocking and funny. It is based in a Mennonite Colony where women of three generations have been raped, abused, and ill treated by the menfolk of the colony. Finally the women have had enough and are deciding to take action. The book details a meeting where the women democratically vote on the course of action to take. August Epp is a male teacher, constantly shamed and ridiculed, who is taking the minutes of the meeting as the women are illiterate. It is fascinating to hear different women take different stances and I read the book in one sitting to find out what the women decide.
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True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson
by
Kostya Kennedy
Jay Ashok
, February 22, 2023
Is this a book about Jackie Robinson's trailblazing foray into major league baseball? I would say it is much more. First of all I would have to say how proud I am to be a Canadian. Canadian's were the first to notice Robinson's amazing skill and break the colour line. Robinson broke several records and patiently put up with racial insults so that he could make a point about Civil Liberties. I am also in awe of Kostya Kennedy who has written a gripping book about Robinson which reads like a story rather than non-nonfiction. It is not surprising that he is an award winning author.
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Mud Lilies
by
Indra Ramayan
Jay Ashok
, February 15, 2023
When I started reading this book I couldn't relate to it. All the talk about whoring, and Blow jobs just disgusted me; but then I realized that this was life. Chanie, Ginger, Jeremy, and Tuffy are trying to swim against the current and make it against all odds. Chanie in particular is not only a prostitute but an abused one. She is abused by her pimp and so-called boy-friend. I thought there was no hope of redemption for her but the title was a clue. Mud lilies are like lotus flowers growing from the mud. They symbolize rising from a place of darkness to a place of beauty and rebirth. Chanie does have some friends like her teachers at school and Mr. Tanji. I just wish the author had her facts right as far as Mr. Tanji was concerned. She gives him a Muslim name but the books he recommends like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads are Hindu texts. Also the author indicates he wears a turban but it is Sikhs who wear turbans. But for these factual inaccuracies it is a well-written book. The ending is realistic.
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Storyteller
by
Jodi Picoult
Jay Ashok
, January 22, 2023
This story seems to be the story of Sage but once Josef Weber enters her life and begs her to end his life and thereby get him forgiveness we learn facts about him that brings Sage's grandmother Minka into the story and really MInka is the storyteller. Jodi Picoult weaves her usual magic and spins an allegory, a description of the horrors of Auschwitz and of life as a baker. Every detail is told with finesse and we yearn for more. The ending is a surprise and couldn't have been better.
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The Rose Code
by
Kate Quinn
Jay Ashok
, June 26, 2022
I found this WW II book to be romantic and enjoyable. It also gave importance to women in the British War Effort. Three young women, Os, Mab and Beth were friends but in the end did one of them let another down? The ending was really thrilling.
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Sorrow & Bliss A Novel
by
Meg Mason
Jay Ashok
, June 21, 2022
Despite all the great reviews, I didn't like this book. I felt it didn't do justice to mental illness. Marta was too mean and Patrick too tolerant.
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Once a Bitcoin Miner Scandal & Turmoil in the Cryptocurrency Wild West
by
Ethan Lou
Jay Ashok
, February 23, 2022
If you think that on reading this book you will be able to buy some rigs and start mining cryptocurrency in your basement you will be disappointed. Ethan Lou does that and makes money at it too but perhaps the skill just cannot be taught. The book explains in detail what Bitcoins are and how first investors made money out of it. The history of bitcoins is fascinating and makes for interesting reading. Lou is a great researcher and this comes through in his book. If you have ever dabbled or considered dabbling in Bitcoins this book is certainly for you.
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Night She Disappeared
by
Lisa Jewell
Jay Ashok
, January 04, 2022
A thrilling albeit dark book. The characters are sketched out vividly. I can't believe people like Scarlett exist. I thought Zach got a rough deal in the story. All in all a fast paced thriller that keeps one interested.
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The Christmas Bookshop
by
Jenny Colgan
Jay Ashok
, December 26, 2021
Books, Christmas, Children and set in Edinburgh. What could be better? Carmen loses her job just before Christmas and sees herself as a huge failure. Then Sofia, her sister, arranges for a job for her to work in a bookshop. It is Carmen's job to keep the bookshop afloat and Christmas is just the time to do so. Carmen gets into the spirit of things and the shop actually makes a profit. Throw in two men into the mix and we have romance too. A great Christmas read.
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Judges List
by
John Grisham
Jay Ashok
, November 09, 2021
I thought the "Judge's List" would be something like a Dean's List. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Judge Ross Banick seems to have a list of people he wants to murder. Jerri the daughter of one of his victims is out to get him. She is obsessed with bringing the judge to justice and complains to Lacy Stoltz of the Florida Bureau of Justice to investigate Judge Banick since he is a sitting judge. The story is fast paced and exciting.
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Jack and Joe Large Print Edition: The Hunt for Jack Reacher Series
by
Diane Capri
Jay Ashok
, October 21, 2021
Author Diane Capri is making a valiant attempt to create some Reacher magic using Lee Child's character. Here FBI agents Kim Otto and Carlos Caspar try to solve the mystery of some murders which supposedly have something to do with Reacher. It's interesting but nowhere near as exciting as the Reacher books.
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Party Crasher
by
Sophie Kinsella
Jay Ashok
, October 20, 2021
Effie Talbot's world as she knew it is falling apart and the house she loved may never be her family's again. She has already lost her job and her boyfriend but nothing fazes out Effie. In true Effie style she crashes a party and the rest is slapstick all the way. The other characters, Bean, Gus, Dad, Joe, and Krista add to the flavour and keeps us in stitches.
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Rich People Problems
by
Kevin Kwan
Jay Ashok
, September 22, 2021
This book is almost 600 pages long and I'd have to say reading the first half was a total waste of time. The book is supposed to be about the death of Su Yi, everybody's favourite Ah Ma and more importantly, the contents of her will. I can understand that some groundwork needed to be done but description of designer clothes, food and cheating spouses didn't do it for me. The only decent characters in the book are Nick, Astrid, and Rachael And I kept reading the book to see how their lives turned out and who inherited Tyersall Park. Yes, that was interesting otherwise my rating would have been two stars not three.
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The Black Book
by
James Patterson and David Ellis
Jay Ashok
, June 25, 2021
I read this book by the duo of James Patterson and David Ellis because i had read the book "The Red book" in the same series with the same characters. Thus I kind of knew some part of how the book would turn out. Despite this, I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot and how it was laid out. I would say this book was even better than the sequel.
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Sixteenth of June
by
Maya Lang
Jay Ashok
, July 16, 2020
On the sixteenth of June, Grandma Portman was buried. Her son Michael and daughter-in-law June did not cancel the party they hosted each year on that evening to mark Bloomsday. This novel is a satire on the life of the Portmans and Leo Portman's fiancee Nora. In a peculiar situation, Leo's brother Stephen is Nora's best friend. This certainly makes for some unusual and bizarre situations. A different kind of novel whose defining moments are the situations arising out of the characters' uniqueness. A good enough read with an ending you may not expect.
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What We Carry A Memoir
by
Maya Shanbhag Lang
Jay Ashok
, July 04, 2020
This book is in three parts and each part defines how Maya Shanbhag sees her mother and herself in a different context. She idolizes her mother in the first part and because of this she sees herself failing as a mother when she can't live up to those standards. What happens when she realizes that much of the stories she believed are myths? It is a well-written book and with a lot of heartache. Anything else I say will be a spoiler so I'll just end by saying it's well worth a read.
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World Without End
by
Ken Follett
Jay Ashok
, June 20, 2020
I had read Pillars of the earth and A column of fire before this so I wonder if I set myself up for disappointment. But Ken Follett delivered a masterpiece again. The locale is Kingsbridge as in Pillars of the earth but 200 years later and with a different cast. The one thing I have learned with FOllett's books is that every character important or otherwise and every word uttered by each of these, in every sentence is sure to play a part in the story. Thus one has to read with intense concentration as one is gripped with excitement and wants to proceed. In this story the main two characters are Caris and Merthin and one wonders whether they will ever get together. Caris loves Merthin but she also has a passion for medicine and wants to follow this passion. As always I followed the intrigues of church politics, economic maneuvering, architecture, and justice with bated breath. A must read either as a stand alone or as part of the trilogy.
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Wedding Dress
by
Danielle Steel
Jay Ashok
, June 08, 2020
When you've read as many books by Danielle Steel as I have, you know that down days always follow extreme wealth and the "Wedding Dress" is no different. From the title you can guess that the dress is going to play a huge part in the story. Also, as in all books by Steel the good are really good and the bad really bad. Since her books are women-centric you know it is the woman who is going to be really good. The thing about Steel books though is that even though they are predictable you want to read them -probably just to have the story as you guessed it confirmed and everything tied up in a neat package.
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Secret Life of Bees
by
Sue Monk Kidd
Jay Ashok
, June 04, 2020
This is a lovely book where the author uses bees a a metaphor for life itself. Lily lives with her father and Black housekeeper as her mother is dead - died in mysterious circumstances. It is a coming of age story set in the Civil Rights era of the sixties in the American South. Lily runs away from home and finds love with a family of black sisters. She learns that white people and colored people living together and getting along was not the aim rather everybody being colorless together was a better plan. A short sweet debut novel which will tug at your heart strings.
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The End of October
by
Lawrence Wright
Jay Ashok
, June 02, 2020
Had I read this book any time but now I would have dismissed it as pure hyperbole and a thriller which was not believable at all. But now in the midst of the Covid 19 Pandemic, I cannot but think that all the situations mentioned in the book- medical, geopolitical, Bio-terrorism - are not only possible but quite probable. Dr. Henry Parsons an epidemiologist is the hero of the book which is realistic to be almost frightening. I do not wish to say anything more as it would be a spoiler. However, I would caution you that if the latest Corona virus is causing you anxiety don't read this book. On the other hand if you want to find out the limits to which the pandemic could take us, by all means read the book right away.
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Fall of Giants
by
Ken Follett
Jay Ashok
, May 27, 2020
"Fall of Giants" is the first book in the Century Trilogy. I had read the following two and since the books trace the same families and their successive generations some of the plot was not a surprise to me. Also, perhaps I have read one two many books by Follett becuase this book didn't grip me at the beginning. But as it progressed and dealt with historic events like women's suffrage, World War I and the Soviet revolution I got engrossed. All in all a well-researched, well-written book.
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Promise Me Dad A Year of Hope Hardship & Purpose
by
Joe Biden
Jay Ashok
, April 24, 2020
I had expected that "Promise Me Dad," was a story of Beau Biden's diagnosis, Illness, and death. It was, but it was much more than that. It was Joe Biden's story of his term in office as a Vice President and his immense contribution to Foreign Policy. However, Joe's first and foremost commitment is to his family and his descriptions brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. The book is titled, "Promise me dad," and Joe tells us what Beau meant by this . "He hadn't told me how to keep going after he was gone, or what he expected of me. He had showed me." Beau's illness had been as heroic as his life and the eulogies were heartbreaking.
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In Such Good Company Eleven Years of Laughter Mayhem & Fun in the Sandbox
by
Carol Burnett
Jay Ashok
, April 22, 2020
I have never watched a Carol Burnett show so could not relate to the incidents or people mentioned in this memoir. Yet, I could visualize what the author was talking about and enjoyed reading the book. Perhaps it was a little repetitive.
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Column of Fire
by
Ken Follett
Jay Ashok
, April 06, 2020
I haven't read that many Historical Epics so this was a novel experience for me (Yes, pun intended.) I found the book amazing. It had everything a really good book needs and since it was based on history one couldn't refute it either. It had the right mix of real characters and fictional ones- like Ned Willard and Margery. It was scary yet realistic and I'm going to look for other books like it.
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Zero The Biography Of A Dangerous Idea
by
Charles Seife
Jay Ashok
, March 28, 2020
I'd have to say I wish I'd read this book before college! It explains some concepts very carefully. Having said that, however, I have to confess that towards the end of the book I had trouble understanding Modern Physics that the writer touched on. I would suggest that book is a keeper. Reading and re-reading it will help and is definitely worthwhile
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A Minute to Midnight: Atlee Pine 2
by
David Baldacci
Jay Ashok
, February 18, 2020
This is the second in the Attlee Pine series. The book begins with a show of strength by FBI agent Pine and goes on with her desire to solve her three decade old mystery of how her twin, Mercy was abducted. She goes back home only to step into a quagmire of murders. Will she solve anything at all? Not a bad book.
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Spy
by
Danielle Steel
Jay Ashok
, January 29, 2020
This was my first book of 2020. I wasn't holding my breath as I was expecting the standard Danielle Steel formula. I was, surprised, however, since the plot was unique and though the lead character was the usual strong woman, the situation was different. All in all I enjoyed the book which was about a wartime spy.
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Ella's Umbrellas
by
Jennifer Lloyd
Jay Ashok
, August 27, 2019
A lovely book about giving and receiving. Ella loves umbrellas so everyone gives her umbrellas as gifts. She keeps them all over her house till it is time to clean up and make room for Aunt Stella. Ella gives all of them away during rains even her special blue one. This makes her sad till aunt Stella gives her a ...
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Two Weeks A Novel
by
Karen Kingsbury
Jay Ashok
, August 18, 2019
To be honest I found the book rather cloying for the first little while. Then the baby entered the scene - a baby wanted by three couples; and i couldn't put the book down. It was at about page 200 that the significance of the title, "Two Weeks" shone through. When a birth mother puts up her baby for adoption, she has two weeks time to change her mind. Kingsbury has written beautifully about the emotions of the couples in these two weeks and I was in tears by the time the book ended.
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Normal People: A Novel
by
Sally Rooney
Jay Ashok
, August 07, 2019
Sally Rooney is a good writer. Having said that I would have to add that "Normal People" is not a great book. The book does justice to two characters, Marianne and Connell, befriending each other in high school and seeing each other in College. Their relationship is on again off again and I kept wondering if Connell and Marianne are just friends or something more in each other's lives. It's a tender love story but the plot could have been developed better.
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Island of Sea Women
by
Lisa See
Jay Ashok
, April 02, 2019
Lisa See has come up with another winner in "The Island of Sea Women." The book is set over generations in the island of Jeju in Korea. The story revolves around two young women, Mi-Ja and Young-sook who work together in their women's all-female diving collective. It is interesting to read about the matriarchal society which nevertheless values sons. The women respect the sea and as Young-sook's mother says, "The sea is better than a mother. You can love your mother, and she still might leave you. You can love or hate the sea, but it will always be there. Forever." This is a book about love, friendship, family, and work ethics and ties everything together really well. A must read.
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Becoming
by
Michelle Obama
Jay Ashok
, February 13, 2019
A hardcover that is a page turner. Michelle Obama has done a remarkable job of keeping her memoir interesting. She starts out writing about her life in a middle class home, goes on to write as a young adult and her marriage to Barack Obama and ends with her life as a first lady. Indeed a variety of experiences. We can see her anguish when she is campaigning as for example when she is described as "a too tall, too forceful, ready to emasculate Godzilla of a political wife." Michelle Obama did her bit as a first lady by taking up the challenge of children's eating habits - she made children's diets healthier; and by encouraging young girls to reach higher and higher. She has been a tremendous motivating force and her intelligence has shined through. A wonderful read.
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People vs Alex Cross
by
James Patterson
Jay Ashok
, December 21, 2018
I have read several books by James Paterson, and i would have to say this is one of his better ones. Alex Cross is accused of being a trigger happy cop who murders unarmed victims. He has a good lawyer and we read about the case as it proceeds. Simultaneously there is another tragedy happening where young blonde women are kidnapped by a pornography ring and abused. Alex Cross is involved in this case but with his hands tied due to his own trial. All this makes for good reading and a satisfying ending.
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Atlas of Unknowns
by
Tania James
Jay Ashok
, December 05, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It is a coming of age novel of two sisters, Linno and Anju. Linno and Anju are as close as any two sisters can be till fate leaves Linno in bucolic Kumarakom, Kerala while Anjuleaves for New York - by fair means or foul. From then on we follow the parrallel paths of the two sisters oceans apart and marvel at the progress Linno makes despite her handicap. The author slips bit of their history while spinning a fascinating yarn of current events. Time takes its toll and both sisters want their parrallel lives to converge and to this end we encounter the various interesting characters such as Anju's host parents and their son; and Linno's employer. Will their lives ever converge again? It is well wort ha read to find out.
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Juror 3
by
James Patterson, Nancy Allen
Jay Ashok
, November 04, 2018
James Paterson's 'Juror # 3' is a legal thriller which does not disappoint. It is an easy read which tells the story of two of Ruby Bozarth's murder cases. Ruby is a fresh lawyer in the Mississippi Bar and feels she may be in over her heels; but some timely help from Suzanne Greene, her erstwhile boyfriend Les Greene's aunt, she comes out with flying colors. May not happen in true life but you can bask in the good will feeling that this book leaves you with.
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Unhinged: An Insider's Account of the Trump White House
by
Omarosa Manigault Newman
Jay Ashok
, October 27, 2018
Based on the writing style I would have rated this book higher but it was the content that disappointed me. Omarosa confesses that she used Donald Trump to rise in her career and life and that she is grateful to him. However, right from the beginning she puts him down. Everything she says may be true but if she saw all this she ought to have left his inner circle. Not doing so shows a lack of integrity and writing the book soon after being let go from the position shows that she used Trump as long as she could and had no compunction about coming out with a negative book when she no longer had anything to do with him.I would have to say good on form but bad in content.
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Tao of Physics An Exploration of the Parallels Between Modern Physics & Eastern Mysticism 35th Anniversary Edition
by
Fritjof Capra
Jay Ashok
, October 12, 2018
I knew this book would not be an easy read. It was surprisingly simple for a layperson like me. The book deals with the relationship between Eastern Mysticism and Modern Physics - both difficult in their own right. I must confess that the physics part of it was way over my head but I could understand enough to see the relationship. The author shows that the principal theories and models of modern physics lead to a view of the world which is consistent and in perfect harmony with the views of Eastern Mysticism. The author goes in depth into Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism and I thoroughly enjoyed these descriptions. If you want to read a book which brings science and philosophy together this is the perfect book.
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Other Woman
by
Daniel Silva
Jay Ashok
, September 09, 2018
This book had all the ingredients of a thriller but somehow the mix didn't work; at least it didn't do it for me. Gabriel Allon, the chief of Israel's secret intelligent services is a larger than life leading man; however, the other characters were not upto par. Allon hunts for his most important asset inside Russian intelligence and his quest in time leads him and us, his readers backward in time. I thought it was a waste of almost 500 pages.
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Iboy
by
Kevin Brooks
Jay Ashok
, August 23, 2018
Tom Harvey was a regular teenager with regular habits and desires- until he was hit on the head with an iPhone. Suddenly when he recovers from surgery he finds himself with extraordinary powers. He has turned into an actualized app.Now he can see and know much more than any human being can.Surprisingly, he now has a level of power which is more than the linear sum of the human brain and an iPhone.When Tom learns that the gang members in the neighborhood have raped his friend and beaten up her brother he gets really angry and with his new powers turns into a vigilante. The rest is usual teenage stuff.However, the gang members and leader are not going to take all this lying down and Tom gets into trouble. When he asks gang leader,Ellman why he does all these bad things he gets a profound answer. "It's all about power.If you've got it you survive.If you haven't you don't." Well, are Tom and his girlfriend Lucy going to survive? The book tells you in a gripping fashion.If there's a young adult on your gift list this would make a great gift.
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All We Ever Wanted
by
Emily Giffin
Jay Ashok
, August 14, 2018
I can't say that Emily Giffin was at her best in this book but I did read it in one sitting. Nashville elite Nina, Kirk, and Finch Browning are millionaires and Finch has been accepted to Princeton much to his parents's delight. Is that going to be jeopardized by one silly photograph of Lyla (Tom's daughter) Volpe? Giffin has created strong characters. I loved hating Kirk, and I loved loving Nina, as for Finch I couldn't be sure. Lyla and Tom, who lived on the "wrong side of the tracks" were passionate people whom one had to like. The problem with the book was that the story consisted only of this one prank and its repercussions; so it dragged on in some places. Not a bad read all in all.
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When Life Gives You Lululemons
by
Lauren Weisberger
Jay Ashok
, August 12, 2018
I would be a hypocrite if I were to give this book a bad review after reading it in one sitting. However, there wasn't much in it except for detailed descriptions of rich women's lives in the Greenwich suburb of Connecticut. There is an attempt to bring in a story by introducing Karolina Hartwell into the mix and getting her arrested for DUI but there's not enough of it to make the book spicier. All in all easy reading.
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Annies Life in Lists
by
Kristin Mahoney
Jay Ashok
, August 03, 2018
Kristin Mahoney writes the story of a year in the life of Andromeda - Annie; only she writes it as a list! Yes, Annie, who doesn't like being called Andromeda, as she tells us in one of her lists, tells us everything that happens in the form of lists. This makes for very easy and interesting reading. Annie's fifth grade life is eventful as the family moves from Brooklyn to Clover Gap- a move Annie and her brother Ted are not too happy about. Annie in particular blames herself without realizing the true reason they move. At the end of the year, however, all turns out well, and Annie is a changed person from a quiet young girl to someone who is not so quiet.
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By Invitation Only
by
Dorothea Benton Frank
Jay Ashok
, July 23, 2018
"By Invitation Only" starts with an engagement party for Shelby and Fred in South Carolina's Low country. It is soon obvious to everyone that Shelby is marrying way below her social status, coming as she does from Upper crust Chicago society. However, Fred's family trump's Shelby's by their 'goodness.' I could go on but anything I say would be a spoiler since Dorothy Benton Frank has written this novel in such a way that every sentence is germane to the story. Suffice it to say that this is a good summer read.
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A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet #1)
by
Madeleine LEngle
Jay Ashok
, July 15, 2018
An interesting books which must have been way ahead of its time. Children employ a tesseract, a wrinkle in time, to move between planets to rescue their father who is held prisoner by a warped, evil intelligence. There are enough "good Guys" and "Bad guys" to make it interesting; I wish the author had not brought in religion as it was quite unnecessary. The ultimate climax is as expected but fitting in a children's story.Interesting Math and language concepts have been introduced to make it educational.
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Healing Self A Revolutionary New Plan to Supercharge Your Immune System & Stay Well for Life
by
Deepak Chopra, Rudolph E Tanzi
Jay Ashok
, July 10, 2018
When you read a book that influences your behavior for the better, it is definitely worth reading with a lot of attention. Deepak Chopra and Rudolph Tanzi's book was really good. I must confess that the first part was too technical and I found it tough to read. I am glad, however, that I persevered because the second part which gives a prescription of Do's and Undo's for each day of the week was really inspiring and has made me give up a lot of bad habits and adopt good ones instead. A keeper.
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Anticancer a New Way of Life
by
David Servan Schreiber
Jay Ashok
, July 02, 2018
This book is billed as "All of us have cancer cells in our bodies. But not all of us will develop cancer."Indeed Dr. Servan-Schreiber shows us methodically how we can manage our lives regardless of whether we have cancer or not such that we can live better. The author tells us about all areas of our lives which we can change so that we can fight off cancer. Simple changes like changes to our diet can go a long way in this fight against cancer, so much so, that we wonder why more mainstream physicians don't advocate them. If there is one book you want to read this year this is the one.
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After Anna
by
Lisa Scottoline
Jay Ashok
, April 29, 2018
Reading this book made me realize why Legal Thrillers are my favorite genre. Maggie, Noah, and their stepson/ son Caleb live a happy and peaceful life . This is shattered. When? After Anna. Yes, the arrival of Maggie's long lost daughter Anna in Maggie and Noah's home changes everything and they know no more peace. Soon Anna is murdered and Noah is charged with her murder. Is Noah really the murderer? Or is Anna a seductress who seduces Noah and ends up getting killed? The legal case is thrilling but the story takes a weird twist and there is a surprising happy ending.
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Past Perfect A Novel
by
Danielle Steel
Jay Ashok
, January 07, 2018
Danielle Steel states in her introduction to this book that she does not like Ghost Stories or books about Time Travel; yet in 'Past Perfect' she has written a book which is a perfect blend of both. I too count myself among those who don't like this genre but I must confess Steel has handled these topics well in the book. Sybil and Blake Gregory and their family leave a perfect life in New York for an untested one in San Francisco. More importantly unlike the usual men in Steel's women-centric novels, Blake decides on buying a beautiful old mansion to live in without consulting Sybil. The plot moves rapidly and without being a spoiler all I can say is that the house brings the Gregories and the original owners together with the past colliding with the present in a glorious way. As always this book too is about love and emotions as two families a century apart share their lives. Well worth a read if you are a Steel fan and worth trying out even if you aren't
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Harry Potter & the Cursed Child Parts One & Two The Official Playscript of the Original West End Production
by
J K Rowling, Jack Thorne, John Tiffany
Jay Ashok
, January 06, 2018
Harry Potter and his cohorts are back after almost 20 years and what makes this book interesting is that this time around Harry, Ron, and Hermione's children are characters too. While the book is in play form and is a sequel to the earlier seven, it might almost work as a stand alone. All the features of the earlier Harry Potter books such as good, evil, magic and exciting characters are present but more importantly love is emphasized. Albus, Harry's son and Scorpius, Draco's son are the main characters and form an unlikely friendship. An important device is a time turner which permits Albus and Scorpius to travel back in time and try to reverse history. You definitely need to read this book, and carefully, to enjoy the interesting plot.
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Malalas Magic Pencil
by
Malala Yousafzai
Jay Ashok
, January 03, 2018
"Malala's Magic Pencil" may be a children's picture book but the theme is very grown-up. As she is growing up Malala wishes for a magic pencil. She wants the things she draws to come true. As she grows up her world changes and she now wishes good things for girls.She wants girls to be able to attend school. Brave Malala uses a regular pencil to write about the challenges girls faced in her country. Thus, an ordinary pencil becomes a magic pencil in the hands of this brave girl who goes on to win the Nobel Peace Prize.A very motivational book for youngsters, particularly young girls.
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Why We Dont Suck & How All of Us Need to Stop Being Such Partisan Little Bitches
by
Denis Leary
Jay Ashok
, December 14, 2017
I don't know why profanity seems to be an essential part of comedy but all comedians seem to think it is warranted. Once I got past the swearing and use of language I consider inappropriate I loved the book. (OK so I'm a prude.) Leary exhibited a knowledge of several subjects and expressed it well. I actually learned some things from the book! And yes, it kept me in stitches.
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Half Girlfriend
by
Chetan Bhagat
Jay Ashok
, December 06, 2017
"Half Girlfriend" is a simple, beautiful, if somewhat naive romance between Madhav Jha from a rural area in Bihar and the sophisticated Delhiite Riya Somani. Their common love for Basketball brings them together. Is it enough to sustain a relationship? Is Riya just toying with Madhav? There are enough twists and turns in the tale to keep the reader's interest in this book.
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The Golden House
by
Salman Rushdie
Jay Ashok
, November 12, 2017
I cannot say I enjoyed this book but there was something compelling about it that kept me reading. Nero Golden moves his family of three adult sons from India to Greenwich Village in New York and Rene` the narrator tells the story of his life. His life in India remains a mystery till almost the very end. Here in New York, Vasilisa a beautiful woman, traps him into marriage and is intent on producing a heir for Nero's fortune. Does she succeed? There are a lot of questions and Rushdie tells a tale quite well as he answers them.
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Michael Vey 07 The Final Spark
by
Richard Paul Evans
Jay Ashok
, October 31, 2017
Since Michael was missing at the end of Book 6 I was eagerly looking forward to "The Final Spark," to see if he returned. The book starts out without Michael and it appears he is really gone. The battle on the island of Hades ended with an electroclan victory but Hatch survived. He is his evil self in this book but much of the book is devoted to strategizing by Enele, the grandson of the defeated Prime Minister. Jack and Ostin join forces with him and it they seem to have a solid plan till Hatch "buys" a Filipino Captain to head his navy. All is not however lost since a "Lightning God,' may come to the rescue. A fitting end to a wonderful series.
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Right Time A Novel
by
Danielle Steel
Jay Ashok
, October 29, 2017
Just like her heroine, Alex Winslow, Danielle Steel may have found her touch again. I did not particularly care for the last few Steel books I read but this one struck a chord. Alex is orphaned at fourteen but not before her father bequeathed a love of mystery thrillers. Alex is a born writer and becomes a successful writer albeit under a pseudonym since she is convinced only men can write thrillers - another legacy of her father's beliefs. She gets a thriller published under the pseudonym A. Green when she is still in college and it is a runaway success. Only her friends the nuns at the convent she lives in, her editor, and her agent know the true identity of A.Green. Despite this she is unlucky in men- -from a TA at college to a successful magnate she meets in London everyone is threatened by Alex. Will she ever find true love at the right time? A book worth reading to find out.
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Motley Fool Investment Guide Third Edition How the Fools Beat Wall Streets Wise Men & How You Can Too
by
Tom Gardner, David Gardner
Jay Ashok
, September 25, 2017
This is a very good book for investors who are starting out in their investment journey. Since i'm not in that demographic I did not find it too useful. Also, if you are looking for specific stock picks you are going to be disappointed. The tools are there. Apply them and you can build a good investment portfolio.
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Camino Island
by
John Grisham
Jay Ashok
, July 16, 2017
John Grisham is one of my favorite authors.I read him for the thoroughness of his Legal Prep work and the brilliance of his courtroom dramas. Camino Island was different in that it did not have either of these. The lead character Mercer is embroiled in a situation following the theft of some very valuable manuscripts from a University Library. As the plot unfolds our sympathies vacillate between the characters and we are not sure whom to love and whom to hate. The ending was somewhat tame and expected but did not detract from the value of the book. An excellent read. You may not be a book collector but reading this book will make you one. If it does, a Limited Edition copy of this title will be a great start for your collection or a wonderful Gift for a book collector.
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Dangerous Games
by
Danielle Steel
Jay Ashok
, April 22, 2017
Since thrillers seem to be the most popular genre now Danielle Steel is trying to foray in this territory. Unfortunately it is obvious this is not her forte. The story is essentially about Alix a typical Steel superwoman, who is an award-winning TV reporter, her cameraman Ben, an assassinated Senator's wife Olivia, and no less a person than the Vice President of the US. If the cast seems impressive don't let the array fool you. Steel must think we, her readers, are remarkably naive to read along and wait for the climax or shall we say anti-climax. But, since most of us are her long time followers we do.
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Collapse of Parenting How We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Grown Ups
by
Leonard Sax
Jay Ashok
, April 06, 2017
Leonard Sax's book is a no holds barred account of what is wrong with parenting today, and the consequent culture of disrespect among kids. More importantly, in North America, medication is becoming increasingly the 'go to' solution for bad behaviour and Dr. Sax suggests there is a lot of over-medication and unneeded prescribing of powerful drugs - uncalled for in most cases. In addition to pointing out the causes of bad behaviour Dr. Sax gives a prescription for correcting this and a means for parents to retake control.
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The Book with No Pictures
by
B J Novak
Jay Ashok
, August 10, 2016
In all honesty the four star rating is because I'm an adult - tho with a child's heart- and I read the book to myself. Had I read the book, in all its silliness to child she/he would have roared with laughter and rated it five stars. Yes, Novak has catered to children and the children in all of us by writing a nifty book with enough silliness to make it funny.
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Mouse & His Child
by
Russell Hoban
Jay Ashok
, March 08, 2016
If you think this is "just a children's book," you're mistaken. This book is deep...really, really deep! Read it and read it to your children and grandchildren too!!
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Full Life Reflections at Ninety
by
Carter, Jimmy
Jay Ashok
, March 07, 2016
Many, if not all former US presidents have written their autobiographies, so in that sense there is nothing unusual about this Bio written by President Jimmy Carter. What is different though is the fact that this book is written as Jimmy Carter turns ninety and has indeed led, as the title indicates, a full life. I would say the life has not only been very full but also most interesting in its variety. As the author himself says, "in retrospect, ...all phases of my life have been challenging, but successful and enjoyable." The book is informative, enjoyable, and above all, educational. It may not be a very easy read but it is definitely a book to be read and savored.
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Michael Vey 05 Storm of Lightning
by
Richard Paul Evans
Jay Ashok
, February 23, 2016
This Young Adult Book should be read not only by Young Adults but by adults and Seniors too. This book is the fifth in a series of seven. Compared to the other books there was less action but like many classics such as "Charlotte's Web" and "The Wizard of Oz," it is very philosophical. The author, Evans uses the villain Dr. Hatch to demonstrate the evil of craving power. "Let's say he is suddenly the king of the world. What is he going to do with it that he can't do now? Is his food going to taste better? Is the weather going to be better?" Likewise Evans's good characters espouse good values and make for very good examples to readers. All in all a great book - and yes, every reader will be waiting with bated breath for Book 6 since this one ends in a cliffhanger.
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Lets Just Say It Wasnt Pretty
by
Diane Keaton
Jay Ashok
, April 28, 2015
I didn't like this book; but that does not reflect on the book. I'm just not a movie person so I didn't appreciate the references. The one chapter I liked was, "What is beauty," where Keaton says that for her, beauty is a collection of images, and objects, and thoughts and feelings she's gathered over the course of her life. If you enjoy movies, you may love this book:-)
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