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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
The True Book Addict has commented on (11) products
The Reindeer Keeper: Believe Again ...
by
Barbara Briggs Ward and Barbara Briggs Ward
The True Book Addict
, October 26, 2011
Dear authors, if you write a book that brings me to tears, it automatically earns a must-read (5 stars on Goodreads) recommendation. Barbara has done it! I have not read such a touching, heartfelt Christmas book since one of my favorites, The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans. She has touched on so many of the things that resonate with me. Family, having two sons and dealing with how fast they grow and wondering where the time goes, the traditions and spirit of Christmas, and the importance of believing. I recognized so much of myself in Abbey. Her willingness to believe in the magic of Christmas is so like me. I'm sure that's why I identify with the book so well, but even if you do not identify yourself with the characters (but you just might), you will still love this book. I must touch on another wonderful aspect of the book and that is the cover and inside illustrations by Suzanne Langelier-Lebeda. They are so wonderful and they really make the book even more special. I must warn you...this book will make you cry, but it will also make you laugh and it will make you remember your family traditions and hopes. I really can't recommend this book highly enough. It has earned a permanent spot on my Christmas book shelves and I know I will read it again and again for many years to come. Thank you, Barbara, for this wonderful book. <3
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Dust
by
Joan Frances Turner
The True Book Addict
, October 26, 2011
Man, I really liked this book! If you like zombies, but you want more than just a bunch of mindless, animate objects staggering around on a hunt for brains, then this is the book for you. Turner has concocted a zombie tale for the intelligent reader. Her zombies are pretty close to human, except they eat raw flesh...animal and human. The zombies (although they do not like to be called that) have formed gangs and they live like families--hunting, fighting, and dancing together. But, like any family, when one person starts veering from the group and their behavior changes toward the group, the family unit starts to crumble. I can't really say too much because I really don't want to give away the story. It needs to be discovered and savored, as a zombie would savor the liver of a fresh kill. Not only do we get a dynamic zombie tale here, but the author takes it a step further and asks us. What could be worse than zombies? And then she proceeds to masterfully invent that next horror for us. Dust is not only a zombie horror story, but is also a dystopian, post-apocalyptic tale of caution. When I think of the possibility of being the last humans (or what resembles human?) on earth, I certainly never envisioned this type of scenario. If you haven't read this book, I have to strongly recommend that you do so soon.
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Road from the West: Book I of the Chronicles of Tancred
by
Rosanne E. Lortz
The True Book Addict
, October 26, 2011
I am so pleased that I keep discovering historical fiction authors who really know how to tell a story. Rosanne Lortz has taken the Crusades, which I have to admit I know little about, aside from Richard the Lionheart, and has written a well-researched and captivating account. I'm not much for battle scenes, but she succeeded in adding just enough to show the harsh reality of war and the mettle it took for these men to fight as they did. While many of the men in the story joined the Crusades for personal gain, for many it was a deeply religious experience. A quest to prove their fealty to their Lord and Church. The main character, Tancred, was one of the latter group. Tancred is a very likable character. It may seem cliche, but I really enjoy characters that have a purpose, a mission to do good, and a character who has principles and honor. Tancred loses his taste for killing in the name of a liege lord, that is, the killing of Christians. He seems to have no qualms in killing Turks or 'Mussulmen' (I'm assuming the name of the time for Muslims?) because they are infidels who have denounced Christianity. Killing is killing, right? But we must remember the time period, when war was common and many wars were fought in the name of the Church. Despite what we might view as hypocrisy, Tancred is a noble man who refuses to swear allegiance to any state, but the Church. In her author's note, Lortz informs that all the characters are true historical personages, with the exception of a few supporting characters. She has breathed life into history. Something that I continue to stress that is the importance of historical fiction. An engaging book such as this is one that will spark an interest in learning more about the Crusades, even in the most lay of persons. A planned trilogy, with subsequent books with Tancred as protagonist, the second and third books are Flower of the Desert and Prince of the East, set to release in 2012 and 2013. I, for one, cannot wait to read about the further adventures of Tancred.
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Ordeal by Innocence
by
Agatha Christie
The True Book Addict
, October 04, 2011
First of all, I have to admit that this is only the second AC book I’ve read. Shocking, I know! I’ve been meaning to read more of her and I do own several of her books, but the ever looming TBR pile is so demanding. It’s so hard to choose what to read next! I liked this book immediately. I knew I did because it seemed like I was getting through it so fast. Granted it took me all day to read it (approx. 12 hours or so), but actually that’s pretty fast for me! It immediately grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go. I’m not familiar with AC’s other books, so I’m not up on her usual structure, but I have to say, I liked this structure. It made me feel like I was part of solving the crime, but I was the clueless person on the CSI team who has no idea who to suspect. The only other AC book I have read was Partners in Crime (Tommy and Tuppence). I felt this book had a much higher level of suspense than the stories in that book, especially toward the end. It kept getting more and more suspenseful��"more and more people seemed to be figuring it out and/or knew more than they were telling. I loved it! I have to say that Agatha is the master! I am usually really good at figuring out the identity of the killer, but in this one, I was stumped almost to the very end. Only when Tina was stabbed and gave her cryptic clues after regaining consciousness did I finally know who was the murderer. AC was excellent in what she did with her mysteries and I also really liked in this book that she raised questions of a psychological nature, such as nature vs. nurture and the art of parenting and the connection between a mother and her biological children. I do have to say that the very end (the exchange between Hester and Calgary) was a little corny, but I won’t fault Agatha for that little bit of lightness in this relatively dark mystery.
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The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe
by
Sandi Gelles-Cole
The True Book Addict
, October 04, 2011
What if Marilyn Monroe did not die that day in 1962? What if someone close to her happened to stop by and saved her? And what if Marilyn decided she didn't want to be Marilyn anymore and let (almost) everyone believe she was dead and started a new life? This scenario is what Gelles-Cole explores in her 'fictionalized autobiography' of Marilyn. Not only does she start over, but she starts over again and again, learning from various mistakes along the way. The author has given us an inside look at what it would have been like for Marilyn, had she lived, to overcome her total dependence on alcohol and chemical substances while taking on a new identity and seeking a new life. Most people have a difficult time overcoming addiction while remaining who they are in their lives. In the book, what Marilyn accomplishes is remarkable, although she does stumble along the way. The book really is a story of a woman's self-discovery and rebirth. A woman that was so manipulated and, at times, maligned in her life that for her to have accomplished what she did in this fictional tale would have been a miracle. If only it could be true. In the book, 'Marilyn' sets straight just how she climbed to the top in Hollywood, she comes clean regarding the truth about her marriages to Arthur Miller and Joe DiMaggio, and she debunks the whole conspiracy theory surrounding her death in connection with the Kennedy family. I enjoyed this book, although at times the jumping back and forth had me a bit confused. I think 'what if' novels are so interesting, especially when it takes a famous person or event and turns it on its ear. I mean, how many of us have wished that a beloved celebrity really wasn't dead and had just staged their death to escape the public life. That's why there are so many reports of Elvis sightings or of Jim Morrison being alive and living in France. Heck, I've even wished this about Heath Ledger! Gelles-Cole has taken our wish (especially for Marilyn fans) and breathed it to life. She has made us think about what might have been.
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Eromenos
by
Melanie McDonald
The True Book Addict
, September 09, 2011
Eromenos is a perfect example of why historical fiction is important. Having never heard of Antinous, even in my self-induced and dedicated study of all things historical, I learned of an intimate aspect of the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian. And so the crucial aspect of historical fiction is fulfilled. Attracting lay persons (although I wouldn't consider myself a lay person by any means) to history and historical subjects. Not only was the very fact of Antinous's existence in history brought to my attention, but also the ritual of the October Horse and the study of lycanthropy, the former of which I had heard in passing and the latter, of which I had no idea its study extended as far back as antiquity. This, in my opinion, is the unique responsibility of historical fiction. To interest the reader in the further investigation of a time, place, and persons in history. Not only do we get the fulfillment mentioned above in Eromenos, but we also get an idea of the culture of ancient Rome. Homosexuality was known and accepted, although it seemed tolerated among the patricians, yet frowned upon among the lower classes. I refer to Antinous's passing encounter with a farm boy who seems to judge Antinous's lifestyle disdainfully with one knowing glance. What I found most interesting in the story of Antinous was the fact that, despite his high status as Hadrian's 'favorite', he always had to keep in the back of his mind that one day he would be put aside for someone new, someone younger. Quite sad was that, upon losing his inheritance, he knew he would have no options in society after his favored status was lost. He did not believe truly that Hadrian loved him and, in truth had very ambiguous feelings toward Hadrian himself. A sad realization for us to find out that Hadrian would mourn him so fervently after his death. Perhaps Hadrian would not have put him aside, if we look at his grief as evidence of his true love for Antinous. Eromenos gives us the tragic story of a boy who was not given much choice in life. We see the fact that once the Emperor sets his favor upon a person, then he must obey, as this royal favor is considered an honor and the knowledge of this is taught early on. A refusal would bring dishonor to the person's family and this was unacceptable in Roman society. In the end, Antinous takes control of his destiny. The result leaves a feeling of sadness and yet, elation for his triumph. In this short book, Ms. McDonald has succeeded in telling us an engaging story while whetting the appetite for historical investigation.
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Night Walker (the Night Series, #1)
by
Lisa Kessler
The True Book Addict
, September 01, 2011
I'm not a big reader of paranormal romance. In fact, I'm not much for romance novels at all. However, I had been reading Lisa's stories over the years and I really liked her style of writing. I am pleased to say that Night Walker just works on so many levels. First of all, anyone who knows me, knows I love the idea of reincarnation and this is an almost immediate premise in the book. Yes! And adding a love story along with reincarnation just makes it even better. But also, there are a moral implications at the base of the story that give it even more depth. I was pleased that the characters were likable and I developed an easy connection with them, with the exception of one very unlikable character, Jose, who is about as vile as they come. Don't worry...you're not supposed to like him. This really isn't a typical "vampire" novel, although many may try to pigeonhole it that way. As I said, it's more of a love story with a conscience. The moral issues were subtle, but recognizable. The displacement of Native Americans by the Spanish and the betrayal of the confessional by a monk (which leads to a despicable act) are the issues interlaced in the plot and I thought their presence added greatly to the depth of the novel. I feel I must touch on the love scenes which are one of the reasons I tend to steer clear of the PR genre. I'm not fond of the explicit or overly erotic scenes. I have to send kudos Lisa's way. She really made the scenes sensual and classy (with the exception of Jose's scenes, but his aren't supposed to be). Would that other writers in this genre would take Lisa's lead and I just might become a convert! Finally, the epilogue gives us an intriguing glimpse of what's to come as the Night series continues and I have to say...I can't wait! Well done, Lisa, on this wonderful first novel.
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Angel Star
by
Jennifer Murgia
The True Book Addict
, September 30, 2010
I'm going to break my review down into what I liked and what I disliked because I had such mixed feelings about this book. What I disliked--As soon as I started reading and was introduced to Teagan and Garreth, the Twilight bells started going off. Teagan is down on herself, thinks herself inadequate (sound like someone you know?). Garreth is this perfect guy (of course, he is an angel) that Teagan just cannot believe would have any interest in her (again, sound familiar?). Then, throw into the mix the "bad"angel, Hadrian, and you have yourself one heck of a love triangle, because Teagan is inexplicably drawn to Hadrian. The similarities abound! I mean, at least Jacob is a nice person...yeah, he's a werewolf...but he's still good. Hadrian is a baddy through and through...so why would Teagan be attracted to him? Oh, yeah...the old "bad boy" attraction I guess. Also, I guess the concept of good cannot exist without evil so maybe Teagan has an evil streak in her. I don't know, I'm done speculating What I liked--I really liked Jennifer's concept of heaven. In the book, Garreth tells Teagan that Heaven is inside your mind. That heaven isn't technically a place, but a place inside of a person. A place that a person tries to reach by constantly changing and striving for good in their life. This quote kind of summed it up for me (it's very good): "Your judgement is your own, and when you can look inward and see that you are changed and like what you see, then it is by your own hand that you are judged." This statement pretty much redeemed the book for me. I can see that this book would appeal to young adults because these are the kind of books they like and are reading like crazy. The good thing about this book is that it has a message for young people to keep striving to change and "live your best life." (oh, dear...I'm quoting Oprah now!
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Arcadia Falls
by
Carol Goodman
The True Book Addict
, September 30, 2010
I own several books by Carol Goodman, but Arcadia Falls is the first one of hers that I have read. Let me first say that Ms. Goodman writes beautifully. Her descriptions are so vivid, I felt like I was there in the book, interacting with the characters. The art school at Arcadia, which started out as a summer artist colony, has a feminist sensibility. The whole theory of its founder, Vera Beecher, is that women cannot be married and have children without giving up their art. Now I think myself to be somewhat of a feminist, but I choose to believe that women can have it all. I do not think that having a family hinders or prevents creativity. Opinions aside, Goodman successfully portrays the thinking of the early 20th century. Women just could not have it all. Interspersed in the workings of the art colony/school is the mystery of the death of one of it's founders and Vera Beecher's companion, Lily Eberhardt. Lily's diary is found and the truth behind what happened in the years leading up to her death is revealed. A death on campus in the present adds further mystery and I was thoroughly drawn into the mysterious story and trying to figure out what exactly was the truth. This is the kind of novel I enjoy...one that keeps me guessing until the end. Although, I did have one hunch right that is revealed at the very end of the book. Arcadia Falls is an interesting and entertaining read. I recommend it and I'm looking forward to reading more of Goodman's work.
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Virgin & the Crab
by
Robert Parry
The True Book Addict
, September 30, 2010
When I finished reading 'Virgin', I told Robert that it should be recognized by a major publisher. He responded by saying that most publishers will not touch a debut novel of over 100,000 words. 'Virgin' is close to 200,000. It's a shame because this book is one of the best historical novels I have ever read. There's no fluff in the pages of this book. Just straight historical fiction that read almost like non-fiction, but nowhere near as boring. Not that I generally think that non-fiction is boring, but some can be real yawners, if you know what I mean. What I enjoyed most about the book was that I was able to follow what was transpiring with Elizabeth directly parallel to what occurred from before Mary's (Elizabeth's sister) reign and then from the beginning until the end of Mary's reign. I enjoyed the intrigue that was involved in this plot to protect Elizabeth and to ensure that she would someday take the throne. There was a lot of breath holding on my part, even though I already knew the outcome. I liked the way Lady Jane Grey was portrayed here...more as a pawn then a willing participant in seizing the crown. Which made her end all the more tragic. Mary was not portrayed in a favorable light. She comes across as pias, petty and prudish and so full of hatred and the need for revenge for what happened to her mother that she takes religious fanaticism to a new extreme and many people die as a consequence. I'm on the fence about Mary. The character of John Dee was very interesting. I do not know much about him outside of this book, but after reading 'Virgin', I'm compelled to find out more. Perhaps the best thing about this book is that it portrays my favorite historical figure in the best possible light. Elizabeth was an enigma...a skillful and powerful ruler who chose to be married to her country instead of a man. How much of what we know is true? And what do we not know? Here in this favorite quote of mine from the book, Elizabeth speaks about the mystique that surrounds her (and John Dee): "Men say he has his darker side. And many, I know, go in fear of him. Like Us, a mystique has surrounded our friend, John Dee. It is good that this has occurred, and We shall keep it so. But really, in truth, he is a darling of a man - and no more a Crab than I might be a Virgin - though we'll say no more of that!" I highly recommend 'Virgin and the Crab' to all historical fiction lovers and especially to all who adore Elizabeth Tudor. It's an exciting twist on Elizabeth's path to the throne. Historically compelling and deliciously suspenseful! I'm looking forward to Robert's next novel!
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Pillars of the Earth
by
Ken Follett
The True Book Addict
, January 24, 2010
This is one of the best historical novels ever written. It contains a wonderful ensemble cast of characters intertwined with real historical figures. Their stories and how they relate to each other make for an epic read that will stay with the reader forever.
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