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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
Annette P has commented on (24) products
Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest
by
Stieg Larsson
Annette P
, January 30, 2013
Stieg Larsson's final installment in the trilogy is an exhilarating thrill ride into a world of government conspiracy and secret agents. With its intricate weaving of characters, plot, and subplots, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest delivers an exciting combination of brains and brawn. Salander and Blomqvist are forces to be reckoned with, using intelligence to outwit their foes. Intense and imaginative, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's nest is perhaps Steig's most exciting tale in the trilogy.
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Magicians Elephant
by
Kate DiCamillo
Annette P
, January 01, 2011
The Magician's Elephant reminds us that we must hope and dream, and consider even what seems impossible in order to rise above the challenges that living in our world brings. I enjoyed Kate DiCamillo's tale because she presents these positive ideas simply and eloquently. While most of us are used to saying "why?", she reminds us "why not?" and "what if?". I bought this book as a gift for an adult friend as a Christmas present because I knew that she would appreciate the quality of the storytelling. When I read the first chapter myself, I knew that I had to read it too. Is the story's outcome predictable? Others have stated so in their reviews. I don't think it matters whether or not it is. This story is all about the message: to hope and to trust and to believe in yourself. I think that is the real magic!
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Goodbye Tsugumi
by
Banana Yoshimoto
Annette P
, October 17, 2010
What I enjoy about Banana Yoshimoto's writing is her ability to tell a story simply as she invites the reader to unravel and discover the intricate psychology of her characters. In Goodbye Tsugumi, I found myself sympathetic to the characters, even when at times I wondered why/how anyone could. I enjoyed Goodbye Tsugumi as both a coming-of-age story and one of self-discovery.
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Ghosts Of Virginia
by
L B Taylor
Annette P
, October 03, 2010
Packed with fascinating accounts of ghostly experiences and interesting historical details, Ghosts of Virginia Vol.1 is one of the most satisfying books of ghost stories I have ever read. Author L. B. Taylor is so thorough in his research and in the number of Virginia ghost stories that he chooses to include. I'm looking forward to reading Volume 2!
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Bananagrams The Official Book
by
Joe Edley
Annette P
, September 29, 2010
If you like word games and puzzles, this is the book for you! I'm making my way through it now and I can tell you that it offers plenty of challenge (at varying skill levels) and brain stimulation. What I like too is that I can begin a puzzle or challenge, put it down, and then come back to it later - which is convenient if you like something to do while on your coffee- or lunch break.
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Little House 01 Little House In The Big Woods
by
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Annette P
, September 28, 2010
Little House in the Big Woods is a testament to life in pioneering times while being a timeless account of family. When I read Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories of daily life with her family in the 1870s in the Big Woods, I feel like I am listening to a grandmother or great-grandmother sharing with me about what it was like when she was a little girl. Life has changed in many ways since Laura's time; to read about her experiences is to appreciate the differences and to learn about joys to be discovered in simpler (not always easier) ways. A charming collection of stories that can be read by young readers independently, Little House is a wonderful type of book for children to share with an older reader, as it offers many opportunities to exchange experiences of what it is like to grow up in different times. Best of all, what really shines through in Little House is the love and respect family members have for each other. Genuinely heartwarming.
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Arabian Nights Illustrated Junior Library Edition
by
Earle Goodenow
Annette P
, September 27, 2010
Arabian Nights is a classic - the stories have a timeless, romantic quality. The illustrations in this edition are a wonderful embellishment, especially the color illustrations featured on individual pages between the text pages. As for the recommended reading level for children ages 9-12, I would doubt that most children in this group would efficiently comprehend this text. In my opinion it is for someone with a higher reading level. Even on a listening level, it may too difficult to understand completely for many or most in this age range. The vocabulary is very challenging. I discovered this edition in the re-sale area of my local recycling center and took it home because I like stories and I was attracted to the artwork. The style of the book is old-fashioned, and I guess I liked that too.
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Way of the Wizard Twenty Spiritual Lessons for Creating the Life You Want
by
Deepak Chopra
Annette P
, September 25, 2010
Thoughtfully and creatively written, The Way of the Wizard provides opportunity for personal growth in an entertaining way. Chopra's use of storytelling and the characters of Merlin, the wizard and of Arthur, the boy who must learn much before becoming king, is a wonderful gift to the reader who is presented with a chance to unravel the meaning of the lesson for him/herself. Chopra follows each section with further thoughts for understanding the lesson. Originally I borrowed this title from the public library. After reading it, I felt compelled to buy my own copy. This is a book that you can come back to now and then to remind yourself of simple, yet powerful ways to navigate in daily life or stressful times.
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Happiness Is A Warm Puppy
by
Charles M Schulz
Annette P
, September 22, 2010
One of the first books I could read by myself as a young child, this gem is not only a classic, but it is for both young and old alike. The messages that everyone wants to be happy and that we find happiness in unique and varied ways is told simply. Children get it. I found out exactly how deeply they get it when I used the book with my students last year and discovered that they found happiness in very meaningful ways, not from just the superficial things that I had anticipated they might say. Incidentally, it was my daughter who gave me this edition of Happiness Is a Warm Puppy, knowing what it meant to me as a child. It is a sweet little treasure that I will go back to now and again (and share with others) when I want to remember that it's easy to find something to be happy about.
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Woman Who Laughed At God
by
Jonathan Kirsch
Annette P
, September 20, 2010
The Woman Who Laughed at God. It was that title that grabbed my attention. I had to read the book because I wanted to know who the woman was! And I was not disappointed, because not only did I learn her identity, but I learned so much more about the origins of Judaism and how it has grown and changed. I also learned about the variety of people who share a common religious tradition with variation in religious expression. Author Jonathan Kirsch's writing is eloquent, inviting Jew and non-Jew alike to discover Judaism's rich past and its many paths to the present.
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(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
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Code Book The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography
by
Simon Singh
Annette P
, September 15, 2010
Secret communication. That alone is what sparked my interest to read this book. We want to be in on the secret, and Simon Singh brings us an interesting variety of secrets with a colorful array of characters in dangerous and exciting circumstances - a real life "Da Vinci Code"! If you like secrets and enjoy learning some history (stuff you probably didn't read about in school) and want to know more about code and codebreaking, this is an excellent choice. Very informative and entertaining.
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
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Suzannes Diary For Nicholas
by
James Patterson
Annette P
, September 14, 2010
I was very surprised to read this type of story from James Patterson, and it's not the type of novel I usually read, however I am glad that I gave it a chance. A moving and suspenseful story, Patterson lets it unfold slowly and lovingly, giving the reader just enough detail at each moment of the way, making the destination well worth the trip. One thing: just be sure to have a box of tissues nearby, because I guarantee you're going to need it!
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Fermats Last Theorem Unlocking the Secret of an Ancient Mathematical Problem
by
Amir D Aczel
Annette P
, September 13, 2010
In school so much focus is directed on learning math concepts and computation that we do not learn the history of mathematics, nor have opportunity to appreciate the collective efforts of the many "mathematicians" who have contributed to it. This is a great loss, because to understand the purpose of its many contributors is to appreciate the elegance of, and understand the purpose for math. I really appreciate Dr. Aczel's explanation of math concepts as he writes in a timeline framework of history-makers and milestones. As he related the passion of history's innovators and problemsolvers I could understand what drove them forward, and what continues to drive modern problemsolvers forward as well. If you enjoy reading about history and technology, I think you'll savor this!
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(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
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Fever Dream
by
Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child
Annette P
, September 12, 2010
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of Preston & Child's Pendergast series - they're a thrilling, fantastic rollercoaster ride - but having just finished reading Fever Dream, I have to say that I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous novels. I felt that some of the unique qualities of F.B.I. Special Agent Pendergast were not present, and the plot was left a little more open-ended than I would have liked. Of course that, in part, will serve to drive the storyline of the next novel in the series. Still, I was left dissatisfied with a couple aspects of the story. Still a huge fan, maybe I will just have to wait to see what Preston & Child have up their sleeves when their next Pendergast novel "Rolls" out next fall. I can hardly wait!
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(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
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Introvert Advantage How to Thrive in an Extrovert World
by
Marti Olsen Laney
Annette P
, September 12, 2010
This book is an "ah-ha!" offering information and insight that makes so much sense. Laney describes the concepts of introversion and extroversion so clearly and shows a deep understanding of what it can mean to be an introvert in an overwhelmingly (and often overwhelming) extroverted world. I especially appreciate her tips for introverts who may struggle in social situations gracefully navigated by extroverts. The Introvert Advantage is a powerful affirmation and tool to those who may feel isolated and view their introverted personality as a disadvantage.
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Hunchback Of Notre Dame
by
Victor Hugo
Annette P
, September 11, 2010
Great multifaceted characters! That's what I love most about The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It would be so easy to identify each character from what he/she shows us externally, but the beauty of Hugo's writing is that he lets us in on his characters' thoughts and feelings. The action and mystery of the plot kept me on the edge of my seat - it's that good. This is a story that must be read - film adaptations really don't do it justice. And although it may be a "classic", it's every bit as exciting as today's contemporary novels.
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Thunderstruck
by
Erik Larson
Annette P
, September 10, 2010
After reading Devil in the White City, I was thrilled to find Erik Larson's Thunderstruck. By connecting seemingly unrelated individuals, Larson illustrates, through his gift for storytelling, that the world really is a smaller place and maybe we aren't so separate as we think. What I love about Larson's books is that I learn so much history as I am reading - in a way as to be entertained as well as informed. He really does make the past come alive, and in so doing, invites the reader to see the people of the time as individuals who share the same desires and concerns as people do today. If you are looking for action, adventure, mystery, romance, AND reality, this is a great choice.
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Random House Book Of Ghost Stories
by
Susan Hill, Angela Barrett
Annette P
, September 10, 2010
This is a terrific collection of ghost stories - emphasis on "stories" - to share with kids. The stories are thoughtfully crafted and the illustrations help to set the mood. Last year at Halloween I read a few to my middle school class while they munched on pumpkin-shaped cookies...the stories (and the cookies) were a real treat! Who doesn't like a good ghost story?
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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
by
McCall Smith, Alexander
Annette P
, September 09, 2010
Genuine, thoughtful characters combined with an understanding of human nature make this series a delightful read. It's no wonder that HBO created a show based on the books.
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(3 of 6 readers found this comment helpful)
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The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
by
Erik Larson
Annette P
, September 09, 2010
I love the way that Erik Larson presents history in a way that informs and entertains and draws you in to want more. He made the past come alive for me in a vivid and authentic way. Imagine my surprise to learn that the "villain" of the book had worked, for a short while, in my town? And while I read the book I made lots of connections to places I had visited while in Chicago. I felt like the past was not so distant!
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(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
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The Creative Life: Seven Keys to Your Inner Genius
by
Eric Butterworth
Annette P
, September 08, 2010
Life is tough! So often the demands of living in our modern world leave you feeling frazzled and powerless. That's why I love The Creative Life. I have read it several times, and every time I read it, I am reminded that much of the stress I feel has to do with the way I see myself and my role in this world. It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and not see the big picture. Like a good friend, Eric Butterworth shares his simple and elegant insights, one-to-one. His writing is easy to read, and his ideas are gems that will get you re-thinking your outlook and mindset. This is a treasure you'll return to time and again.
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Cabinet Of Curiosities
by
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Annette P
, September 04, 2010
Knowing nothing about the Pendergast series, I started with this, the third book. Mystery, action, adventure - the Preston and Child novels have it all, and this one is no exception. The vivid characters and curious plot twists are titillating and drove me forward - I hated for the story to end! I think The Cabinet of Curiosities may be my favorite in the series, maybe because it introduced me to Preston and Child and gave me an exciting introduction to a thrilling series. I would love to see this and any of the other Pendergast novels up on the big screen, that's how they read - like a fast-action thrill ride movie. One nice thing is that this book reads well as a stand-alone - you don't need to have read the series first to read this book.
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Venetian Stories
by
Jane Turner Rylands
Annette P
, September 03, 2010
I came back from my Italian honeymoon in love with Italia and enchanted with Venice. It is a city rich in history and mystery, and it invites the imagination to wonder about the people who call her home. That's why I enjoyed reading Jane Turner Ryland's Venetian Stories so much. Through her stories of the interwoven lives of an interesting array of characters, Ryland brings Venice to life in a way that only someone on the inside would know. When you read Venetian Stories, you feel like an insider, too. I hope someday to return to this magical town. In the meantime I can savor the scenic, colorful, delicious tour that is Venetian Stories.
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Simple Pleasures
by
Susannah Seton
Annette P
, September 02, 2010
Simple Pleasures: the title says it all, as this book is simply a pleasure to read! The anecdotes, recipes, and ideas for seasonal things to do may take you back to your childhood or forgotten memories, and the quotations and tips are inspiring. It's amazing how the shared experiences and advice of 60+ contributors can make you feel like you're sharing a cup of tea and a heartwarming conversation with a good neighbor or best friend. I think this book could be called "Simple Treasures" - it's a comfort and a joy to read and read again.
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