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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
Jennifer Short has commented on (69) products
Runaway Radical: A Young Man's Reckless Journey to Save the World
by
Amy Hollingsworth and Jonathan Edward Hollingsworth
Jennifer Short
, February 09, 2015
Everyone knows someone who has gone off to save the world. We hear the good stories but what happens to those who don't have a good experience overseas? In this book, Hollingsworth along with his mother tells his account of leaving the United States a vibrant, idealistic young man full of hopes and dreams of making life better for others. In a few short excruciating months he returns disillusioned and wants nothing more to do with helping others. He chronicles how he found himself after the experience as well as what crushed his spirit.
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Ghost Boy The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body
by
Martin Pistorius
Jennifer Short
, February 09, 2015
For years Martin Pistorius was fully aware but no one knew it. He knew of the incessant children's programs his care home put in front of him. He knew he wanted to but his body wouldn't let him communicate. This is an amazing book of how someone who once was thought to have an IQ of less than 30 has become an IT guy and an international speaker by using adaptive communication. It's a story of triumph, and one of the best memoirs I've ever read.
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Blue Umbrella
by
Mike Mason
Jennifer Short
, January 06, 2014
Zac Sparks' mother was struck by lightening. After her funeral, Zac was taken to Five Corners to live with his cruel aunties. This is a book that reminded me of bits of James and the Giant Peach and Narnia. I don't believe it's for younger children, but I found it a fascinating read, because Sky Porter holds a secret -- a big secret. And when the auntie's dada wants Mr. Porter's umbrella, all kinds of strange things are revealed. (Note: while this is published by a Christian publishing house, there is nothing overtly Christian in it except a Bible verse at the end, so I believe anyone of any faith would enjoy this with no problem.) I am looking forward to reading the sequel, and it's rare I read sequels -- one of the best fiction books I have read in a long time.
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Ticket to Ride Game
by
Alan R. Moon
Jennifer Short
, January 06, 2014
I love strategy games, and this is a favorite. Build your railroads along certain routes and earn extra points. Have the longest railroad and earn more points. Earn points with cards in your hands. This game is a family favorite and will be for years to come. Easy enough for a child to play but strategic enough for adults to get in a great competition to build their railroads -- and adults might even try to block others from completing their route! Fun for middle elementary through the oldest of adults! Great family game!
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Year Of Biblical Womanhood How A Liberated Woman Found Herself Sitting On Her Roof Covering Her Head & Calling Her Husband Master
by
Rachel Held Evans
Jennifer Short
, March 27, 2013
This is one of the funniest books I've ever read. The author tackles a different "female" virtue of the Bible each month for a year, not taking into account how customs may have changed. She camps out during her "unclean" time of the month as not to defile objects in her home, she learns to be gentle which isn't easy during football season, and her attempts at making her own clothing are just downright hilarious!
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Sister of Silence
by
Berry, Daleen
Jennifer Short
, March 27, 2013
This book is an inside look at domestic violence. It's a story that is repeated daily by thousands of women, but the author has had the courage to speak up as a survivor and tell her riveting story of how she realized she was being abused to being able to break free.
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Thou Shall Prosper Ten Commandments For Making Money
by
Daniel Lapin, Dave Ramsey
Jennifer Short
, April 08, 2012
Within this book Rabbi Daniel Lapin talks about money. He teaches techniques for acquiring it as well as giving to charity and how giving can help increase your wealth. Lapin takes ten principles and unpacks them for an educational book on the theories of money! I even recommended this book to my boss when I was only 1/4 of the way through it!
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Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find — And Keep — Love
by
Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Jennifer Short
, April 08, 2012
Did you know that personality types can be used as a basis to see if a relationship is likely going to last? The author spent years studying personality types and instead of going from relationship to relationship, why not let his research help you in knowing which people to avoid because your personalities won't allow for a long lasting relationship?
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Success Is Not an Accident Change Your Choices Change Your Life
by
Tommy Newberry
Jennifer Short
, April 08, 2012
Did you know that if you have a WRITTEN plan on how to reach your goals you are more likely to achieve them? This book helps you outline exactly what it is you want as well as helping you make a written plan. It doesn't matter if your goals are for business, family, or spiritual, this book can help you as you make your dreams a reality.
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I Want It Now! a Memoir of Life on the Set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
by
Julie Dawn Cole
Jennifer Short
, April 08, 2012
If you will always picture Willie Wonka as Gene Wilder, then this is a book that you must read. It's a wonderful memoir of Julie Dawn Cole, who is of course better known for her role of Veruca Salt. This book is a wonderful behind the scenes look of making one of the most beloved movies!
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The Wishing Year: The Wishing Year: A House, a Man, My Soul
by
Noelle Oxenhandler
Jennifer Short
, April 08, 2012
This is a great book about positive thinking. The author decides she wants to buy a house, find a man with whom to share her life, and to find restoration of her soul. She learns a lot about putting her wishes into the universe and going after her dreams. If you are wishing for anything positive in your life, I would say this is a must read!
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The Devil in Pew Number Seven
by
Rebecca Nichols Alonzo
Jennifer Short
, February 05, 2012
If you don't like your church's new preacher, most people would switch churches. That's not what Horry Watts did, instead he started harassing the pastor's family with threats, then bombs set in the yard and around the church. Culminating in a murder, this is a riveting true story.
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Dirty Secret: A Daughter Comes Clean about Her Mother's Compulsive Hoarding
by
Jessie Sholl
Jennifer Short
, September 20, 2011
If you've never gone to clean your mother's house and left with scabies, you need to read this book! The author is the daughter of a hoarder, and gives an honest account of how that affected her life both as a child and as an adult in everything from social situations to the dreaded scabies she returned home with after helping her mother clean! This book made me laugh, cry, itch, and clean!
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Dont Kill the Birthday Girl Tales from an Allergic Life
by
Sandra Beasley
Jennifer Short
, August 04, 2011
Have you ever read a book that made you want to eat an omelet with hazelnut chocolate sauce with a glass of soy milk? Well, I never had until I read this book! I wanted to celebrate being able to eat these foods! In Don't Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life , Sandra Beasley presents a sad but at the same time humorously written account of life with multiple food allergies. Weddings? As careful as she is, nearly half of them have left her gasping for air during an allergic attack. Traveling overseas? Don't forget plenty of meds, they may not have the same items available. Family reunion? What a joy when a doctor relative gifts you with six months of allergy samples. While this is a memoir, I learned a lot about food allergies and some of the theories behind them. Did you know that China doesn't have the incidence of peanut allergies the United States does? Does dry roasting peanuts make a difference in the higher rate of peanut allergies in America? While that's not known, she does present some interesting facts about food allergies sprinkled through the book. From childhood until now, she chronicles what life was like without whining, but instead making it almost laugh out loud funny. From being "Fish Girl" in college to rejoicing at receiving raisins in her Trick-Or-Treat bags, or not being able to kiss a boyfriend after he ate a forbidden to her food, she shows how life, all of life, is affected by food allergies. This is a fantastic book, and one of the best I've read this year!
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Labor Of Love A Midwifes Memoir
by
Cara Muhlhahn
Jennifer Short
, April 25, 2011
There's no labor involved for the reader while enjoying this facinating look at a midwife's life! Epstein takes us on a fantastic journey recounting memorable moments in prenatal care and in assisting a mother giving birth.
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Gastroanomalies Questionable Culinary Creations from the Golden Age of American Cookery
by
James Lileks
Jennifer Short
, April 02, 2011
While reading this I know why there is an obesity epidemic. If foods like this were served today, Little Johnny would not ask for seconds! There's something space-age about jell-o salads with vegetables and meat.
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Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement
by
Kathryn Joyce
Jennifer Short
, January 16, 2011
We've all see the large families on TV and possibly even in the grocery store. What is live like for these families when the cameras are off? What are the expectations within these family and why are they so large? This is a great book that looks at these issues and more!
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A Positive Life: Living with HIV as a Pastor, Husband, and Father
by
Kay Warren
Jennifer Short
, July 27, 2010
In the 1980s AIDS was a four letter word. And that's what it was when 16 year old Shane learned he had this disease that was then considered something that would kill you in a matter of a few years. Yet, Shane decided to live a normal life. He married his high school sweetheart, and he was the first person who had AIDS the United Methodist Church ordained, but it wasn't an easy fight. It's an inspiring book as well as a look back into how those with HIV were treated even two decades ago.
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Life In Spite of Me
by
Kristen Jane Anderson
Jennifer Short
, July 27, 2010
This is an amazing book about a lady who decided, as a teenager, to commit suicide. She lived although her legs were severed when she threw herself in front of a train. Sometimes living is harder than dying, and that was true in her case. This is an inspiring book that I couldn't put down!
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Dog House A Love Story
by
Carol Prisant
Jennifer Short
, May 06, 2010
Anyone who has ever loved, or been loved by a dog will enjoy this book!
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Hear No Evil
by
Matthew Paul Turner
Jennifer Short
, April 08, 2010
This is a hillarious memoir of a man who grew up in a church where most music except hymns were banned. Yet, he decided to go into the music business. It was wonderfully written and I read it in one sitting because I enjoyed it so much. Because of his church background so many things that most people take for granted were foreign to him. He went to his first movie when he was 19, and in one of his music business classes he admitted he never heard of Jimi Hendrix!
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He Crashed Me So I Crashed Him Back
by
Mark Bechtel
Jennifer Short
, March 07, 2010
It's 1979 and NASCAR is starting to come of it's own, but it's all entwined with politics, a new TV station called ESPN, fightin', feudin' and good ole boy pranks. The Energy Crisis is playing a part in this growing sport, and there's a car with a shark with a dead chicken in its mouth at the racetrack. All this and more is the start of one of today's most popular sports!
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Little House 06 Long Winter
by
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Jennifer Short
, March 03, 2010
After 282" of snow so far this winter, I decided to give this childhood book a re-read. It reminded me to be thankful we have plenty of food and heat!
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Through Hazel Eyes
by
Heather Hummel
Jennifer Short
, January 26, 2010
I read this book in one day. Truly a great work all the way around. Madison teaches school and the suicide of a student was handled so well. Then there is suspense. Is there a stalker? Did the abusive ex-boyfriend send him to track her down? A very good read!
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Pale Fire
by
Vladimir Vl Nabokov
Jennifer Short
, November 16, 2009
An absolutely amazing novel about a fictional author of a fantastic poem. Most unique set up for a novel ever, and it's unforgetable.
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Gift Of A Year
by
Mira Kirshenbaum
Jennifer Short
, November 14, 2009
Everyone has the same number of minutes in a day, and the same number of days in a year. This book outlines how to make the most of a year and in so doing achieve your goals. I decided to take this year to improve myself and this book has been invaluable in helping me find my direction!
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Unlikely Disciple A Sinners Semester at Americas Holiest University
by
Kevin Roose
Jennifer Short
, November 14, 2009
Most college students go on a semester abroad to study another culture, but Brown University student Kevin Roose transfered to Liberty University, the largest conservative Christian University in the country. This book is funny, amazing, and gives a good look at life at Liberty to an "outsider" and as he experiences what the university has to offer, he really seems to enjoy the entire adventure of a school vastly different from the liberal Ivy League school he transfered from.
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No Swimming on Sunday: Stories of a Lifetime in Church
by
Lyn Cryderman
Jennifer Short
, July 11, 2009
I both laughed and cried while reading this book. Anyone who grew up in church, in that subculture that forbids movies and dancing and card playing, during the 1980s or before will laugh and be able to say "Hey, I remember that!" The names you remember may be different, but they are still the same memories!
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Foxfire 7
by
Paul F Gillespie
Jennifer Short
, May 25, 2009
Just the mention of the Foxfire series produces images of mountain people and folk remedies, but this book is different than most. In this book the religion of Appalachia is explored. This facinating book looks at the snake handlers, those who drink poison and do so because they believe that is what the Bible teaches.
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Dream It List It Do It How to Live a Bigger & Bolder Life from the Life List Experts at 43things.com
by
Lia Steakley
Jennifer Short
, May 25, 2009
Need a new goal in life? A new challenge to try? A new destination to visit? This book is chock full of ideas of goals of others, and it will either give you inspiration to set a unique goal of your own, or possibly make someone else's dream yours as well!
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My Fundamentalist Education A Memoir of a Divine Girlhood
by
Christine Rosen
Jennifer Short
, May 25, 2009
Rosen presents an unbiased view of growing up in a Christian Fundamentalist school without that type of a background at home. She neither praises nor disparages the school, just presents facts. She learned to "Walk through the Bible" with hand motions, sex education used bricks, and the hard truth that missionaries are 'normal' people.
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Hidden Files
by
Sue Kovach
Jennifer Short
, May 25, 2009
Gathered from across the USA, these are stories tucked in police files that don't get talked about because there is no explaining them! From a grave popping open sixty years after the child died to fire shooting thirty feet out of electrical sockets, this book is sure to leave you as puzzled as the police as to the cause of these events!
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Singing Tree
by
Kate Seredy
Jennifer Short
, March 18, 2009
The book opens as wedding day celebrations are taking place but by the end of the day there are rumors of war! During World War One, the Hungarian countryside is changed due to the men off to battle. Kate and Jansci must grow up quickly, but woven into the story they learn how everyone is alike in many ways -- from the German children brought to their home so they may be safe from the war to the Russian P.O.W.s who are assigned to the farm to help them produce the crops for the year. A beautifully written children's book that will appeal to all ages.
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Dispatches From the Edge: A Memoir of War Disasters and Survival
by
Anderson Cooper
Jennifer Short
, March 18, 2009
I started reading this and couldn't put it down until I finished it at about five in the morning. It's an autobiography and look at some of the world's disasters all in one tome. He has a way of drawing readers in, and you'll feel like you are there with him experiencing the things firsthand. A wonderfully written book, and one I will remember forever.
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Gallery of Regrettable Food Highlights from Classic American Recipe Books
by
James Lileks
Jennifer Short
, March 18, 2009
Pistachio-ketchup cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Or maybe you should make "everyone's favorite" beet pie casserole! Need a little whimsy on your table? Penguins made from boiled eggs and olives are sure to please! This book is a hillarious look at the recipes of yore that should have never been invented such as salmon and cucumbers in green gelatin! Grab a snack of tongue mousse and enjoy this book. You'll enjoy it much more than you would the recipes inside -- that is if you had to EAT them!
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Dewey The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
by
Myron, Vicki
Jennifer Short
, January 13, 2009
Have you ever gone to the library, reach for a book, and end up holding a CAT? If you live in Spenser, Iowa you probably have! This book is the tail -- err tale -- of Dewey, the town library cat. Dewey was featured in many newspapers and magazines, and even a Japanese documentary! He was himself, but being himself he befriended the town, helped spirits soar, and left a legacy many humans could long to leave!
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Not Buying It My Year Without Shopping
by
Judith Levine
Jennifer Short
, January 11, 2009
Have you ever wondered if you could go a year without buying anything but what is needed? Well, the author of "Not Buying It" did just that. Is it easier to survive in the city or in a rural area when you aren't 'buying it'? She lives part time in New York and part time in Vermont, so you get a taste of both lifestyles. A little frugality, a little politics, and thoughts about consumerism, terrorism, and carbon footprints top off this delightful book.
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Does Harry Potter Tickle Sleeping Dragons?
by
Ramir P. M. Villaluz
Jennifer Short
, December 25, 2008
St. Mungo's Hospital, Hermione,and Dumbledore. All familiar to the Harry Potter fan. But did you ever stop to think where these names came from? Did you know there is a real St. Mungo? This book researches books and other influences mentioned by Rowling in her interviews. The results might surprise you, but be forewarned, you may want to read Harry Potter once more!
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The Tales of Beedle the Bard: A Wizarding Classic from the World of Harry Potter
by
J K Rowling
Jennifer Short
, December 05, 2008
Rowling has once again created another classic which will be loved by young and old alike. This book is a collection of fairy tales the students at Hogwarts would have grown up hearing and beloved by them and their parents, however, even for us non-magical people, it is a tome of charming stories with universal truths. As an added bonus "Dumbledore" has added commentary on the stories to give us Muggles more of a background as to the history.
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Shrink Art Jewelry With Shrinky Dinks Plastic Cord & Lobster ClaspsWith Charm Bracelet & Earring WireWith Beads
by
Klutz
Jennifer Short
, October 07, 2008
This makes an excellent gift to any girl --or woman who enjoys creating her own jewelry. Basic supplies are included and before you know it, you'll have some one of a kind beautiful jewelry made from shrink art plastic. A great rainy day activity for mothers and daughters!
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The Telltale Lilac Bush and Other West Virginia Ghost Tales
by
Ruth Ann Musick
Jennifer Short
, October 07, 2008
West Virginia is rarely thought of as a location of ghostly encounters, but you'll look at the Mountain State differently after you've read this book! Musick collected first hand encounters of the unexplained and compiled them into this book. Perfect to read before a campout when you have to tell ghost stories, as these can send a shiver down anyone's spine!
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Card Collectors Con Men & the True Story of Historys Most Desired Baseball Card
by
Michael Okeeffe
Jennifer Short
, October 07, 2008
Any baseball collector knows what a T206 is; it is the holy grail of baseball card collectors -- the rare Honus Wagner card. This book investigates the man behind the card, collectors who have owned the highest quality Wagner T206 in existance, and it also discusses some of the con artist scams in baseball card collecting. Because sports collectibles are seen as an investment by many, this book has a large range of appeal: collectors, baseball fans -- especially those who are from Pittsburgh, investors, and even the casual reader will all enjoy this book!
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Seasons Gleamings The Art of the Aluminum Christmas Tree
by
J Shimon
Jennifer Short
, October 07, 2008
We all remember those trees that were sparkly aluminum, and this book is a holiday must have of retro glitz! The photographs are excellent and there's a history of the trees that couldn't be adorned with lights but instead had color wheels to illuminate them!
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Brainiac: Adventures in the Curious, Competitive, Compulsive World of Trivia Buffs
by
Ken Jennings
Jennifer Short
, October 07, 2008
Ken Jennings is more than Jeopardy's longest running contestant, he's is a collector of odd and unusual facts. Through this book he'll tantalize and tease with trivia, but will also give a look into the subculture of those who find a quiz meet more facinating than a football game!
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Redeeming Love
by
Francine Rivers
Jennifer Short
, October 07, 2008
A brothel in the Wild West. A prostitute. And a man who falls in love with the prostitute but she can't accept his love because she expects to be used. A facinating book based loosely on the Biblical book of Hosea. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days, and I first heard about it from a male friend, so it's not just women who will enjoy this story!
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Fahrenheit 451
by
Ray Bradbury
Jennifer Short
, July 14, 2008
Bradbury wrote a classic in this book. There's so much depth to this story. There's the basic plot which gives you a lot to think about, and then there's symbolism as well. What more can you ask for? Can you immagine a world without books? Bradbury has written about that day and about the few people who still love books. Join Montag as he burns books and then realizes what he is doing!
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Growing Up with Dick & Jane Learning & Living the American Dream
by
Carole Kismaric
Jennifer Short
, June 15, 2008
Millions of people were "friends" with Dick and Jane when they learned to read. This book takes a look at how Dick and Jane "grew up" from their early days until the books were no longer produced. The country changed dramatically in those years, as did Dick and Jane. Mother began driving in later years. In the earlier years Dick and Jane were perfect obediant children, but in the later versions they were like every other child -- with a mischevious streak. This book is as much about how the country and childhood changed as it is Dick and Jane, and will be greatly enjoyed by anyone who remembers Sally and Puff.
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Day the World Came to Town 9 11 in Gander Newfoundland
by
DeFede, Jim
Jennifer Short
, May 31, 2008
This book is truly a hidden gem. It describes the events in Gander, Newfoundland in such a way that it almost makes you wish you were on a plane that got divered to there on 9/11. The people on the planes and the locals are described in such a wonderful way you feel you almost know them. It is also such a wonderful read because on one of the most tragic days in our nation's history, you realize the lengths our neighbors to the north went to in an effort to do what they could for everyone. Truly a wonderful book that shows the gamut of emotions that people went through that week.
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Yiddish With Dick & Jane
by
Ellis Weiner
Jennifer Short
, May 20, 2008
Oy Vey! It's Dick and Jane and Sally! They are back in this parody, and all grown up! Enjoy their adventures as adults while learning a little Yiddish along the way! A fun book that anyone will enjoy!
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One Red Paperclip Or How an Ordinary Man Achieved His Dream with the Help of a Simple Office Supply
by
Kyle Macdonald
Jennifer Short
, March 09, 2008
Kyle Macdonald was out of work and had extra time on his hands. He remembered the games of "bigger, better" he played in high school, and decided to see what he could get in exchange for a red paperclip. He ended his trading by moving into a house he got in exhange for a movie role, but it all started with one red paperclip. Macdonald had some amazing adventures along the way, incluing being onstage with Alice Cooper! I've said for years that all it takes to succeed in this world is a good idea, and this book proves it. I also wish that when I was in high school the game of bigger better I played wouldn't have ended with a movie poster, but something spectacular, because I see that the sky is the limit when you are resourceful!
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Prisoner of Trebekistan A Decade in Jeopardy
by
Bob Harris
Jennifer Short
, March 05, 2008
I finished reading this book last night -- at four in the morning. I just couldn't put it down! Bob Harris has a way with words, and his account of his Jeopardy! experiences are written in such a way I often found myself laughing. He stays upbeat with his losses, and he keeps coming back and back and back to Jeopardy! He talks about the contestants he has played against, and we all remember such names like Chuck Forrest, Ken Jennings, and Eric Newhouse. It was a look inside the mind of a Jeopardy! champion. My only gripe with the book is I wish he would have elaborated on why not to play poker with Eddie Timanus! There has to be a story there that wasn't shared!
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Year of Living Biblically One Mans Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible
by
A J Jacobs
Jennifer Short
, January 15, 2008
Another great book by A.J. Jacobs. This time, he embarks on a quest to live Biblically and follow the rules of the Bible. Join him as he grows a beard that gives him problems at airport security, tries to tithe an orange in Israel, and visits a museum in Kentucky devoted entirely to Creation with dioramas of Adam and Eve with dinorsaurs. He even visits a snake handling church to watch Mark 16 put into practice. An excellent book, and hillarious, too.
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Lolita
by
Vladimir Nabokov
Jennifer Short
, January 10, 2008
Called "brilliant" and "scandalous" and everything in between, this is Nabokov's crowning work. While the subject matter is a bit taboo, even today, the writing is excellent and you'll lose yourself in the book while you're wondering if Lolita is seducing Mr. Humbert, or if Mr. Humbert is seducing Lolita. A must read!
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Outwitting History The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books
by
Aaron Lansky
Jennifer Short
, December 04, 2007
As someone who once rescued a pile of books in a language I don't speak, I had nothing but admiration for Aaron Lansky in his quest to rescue Yiddish literature. The fact I don't read Yiddish didn't dampen my enthusiasm for this book. I often would read passages to others from this as I was so awed by his enormous undertaking of collecting books which eventually became the National Yiddish Book Center. His stories of the people who entrusted their tomes to him made me feel as if I was sitting with him listening to the stories told by the elderly. I got chills when he discovered a book that, when researched, it was said "No copies exist". In fact, I read this passage over the phone to a friend of mine who lives in Russia. I can't recommend this book enough. If you enjoy books, you'll love "Outwitting History".
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Outwitting History The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books
by
Aaron Lansky
Jennifer Short
, December 04, 2007
As someone who once rescued a pile of books in a language I don't speak, I had nothing but admiration for Aaron Lansky in his quest to rescue Yiddish literature. The fact I don't read Yiddish didn't dampen my enthusiasm for this book. I often would read passages to others from this as I was so awed by his enormous undertaking of collecting books which eventually became the National Yiddish Book Center. His stories of the people who entrusted their tomes to him made me feel as if I was sitting with him listening to the stories told by the elderly. I got chills when he discovered a book that, when researched, it was said "No copies exist". In fact, I read this passage over the phone to a friend of mine who lives in Russia. I can't recommend this book enough. If you enjoy books, you'll love "Outwitting History".
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Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by
Robinson, Barbara
Jennifer Short
, November 28, 2007
I discovered this book when I was in elementary school, but I make a point to read it each year. It's a hillarious story about a group of kids who have never heard the Christmas story decide they want to be IN a Christmas pageant. Hillarity ensues as this large family learns about why we celebrate Christmas and about giving to others. The whole Christmas program is turned upside down the year it's taken over by the Herdmans. The mother who was going to offer her baby to play the baby Jesus revokes the offer, and that's just the start of problems. There's the firemen being called for a 'fire' after one of the Herdmans smokes in the bathroom of the church, and so much more! A fast page page turner that will get even the most reluctant reader -- child or adult -- to become a bookworm for an afternoon!
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Mr Willowbys Christmas Tree
by
Robert Barry
Jennifer Short
, November 28, 2007
I received this book for Christmas when I was six years old. It's been read more than any other book I own. Each year, on the day I decorate the tree, out comes "Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree". It's a charming story of a man who lives in a grand house, but his Christmas tree is just a little too large, so the top is clipped. Then the top is taken home by another family, and once again, it's too large, so it gets clipped again. It could be adapted into a lesson as how we shouldn't throw out things others can use, or it can be read as a charming story. It's that time of year once again when I will be reading this cute rhyming book like I have for almost 30 years.
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Girl Meets God On the Path to a Spiritual Life
by
Lauren Winner
Jennifer Short
, November 28, 2007
Lauren Winner has written a "Winner" with "Girl Meets God". She was raised Reform Jewish, but since her mother wasn't Jewish, she wasn't considered Jewish. When she converted she did so to Orthodox Judaism and kept all the commandments -- she observed the Sabbath, even kept kosher, but she felt drawn to Christianity. She eventually converted again -- this time she became Episcopalian. This book is a beautiful spiritual memoir where everyone can learn about religion by reading her journey. It's funny, sad, and very informative. You can't help but wonder if she's going to confess her sexual sins to the priest, how she will handle seeing old friends, and how her friends and family react to her conversions. This book was recommended to me by a friend who is getting her doctorate degree in English, and I have enjoyed every book she has recommended. She's possibly even going to use this book as a part of her dissertation. So it has the highest praises of both my friend and me!
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Recovered, Not Cured: A Journey Through Schizophrenia
by
Richard McLean
Jennifer Short
, November 25, 2007
Richard McLean takes the reader on a facinating journey through his dealing with his schizophrenia. Included in this book are a number of drawings he's done over the years which gives the reader an even better example of what life with schizophrenia is like.
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Hanukkah Lights Stories of the Season from NPRs Annual Holiday Special With CD
by
Npr
Jennifer Short
, November 21, 2007
The stories in this holiday anthology are unforgetable. I read this weeks ago and I'm still thinking about some of them. There's also a cd with more stories on it. This would make a perfect gift or would be great to pick a story each night to read as a family. There's even an amazing story by Elie Wiesel. The stories are as varied as the authors who wrote them, and there's definately one you'll love in this book.
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Girl Meets God A Memoir
by
Lauren Winner
Jennifer Short
, November 16, 2007
Lauren Winner writes a beautiful spiritual autobiography in "Girl Meets God". I found it to be a fast moving book, one difficult to put down. I wanted to find out how she went from Orthodox Jew to Episcopalian, if she confessed her sexual sins to the priest, and how she celebrated holidays. Winner has an extensive knowledge of both Judaism and Christianity, and the different beliefs therein. Not only does this book give you a slice of Winner's life, but it helps to explain some of the differences between different types of Christians. Wonderfully written, as well. A friend recommended this book to me, and I was not disappointed!
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Better Than Homemade Amazing Food That Changed the Way We Eat
by
Carolyn Wyman
Jennifer Short
, October 24, 2007
Clamato with beer? You betcha! What food is used by technitions when preforming MRIs as a marker because it doesn't melt? How do you make the perfect Cool Whip dollop? Why did Tang become the drink of astronauts? All these questions and so much more are answered in this book. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down because there were so many amazing facts about everyday foods. Why did Swanson produce a "banana flavored" fried chicken? Why did the Pillsbury Doughboy not participate in the "Got Milk" campaign? Did you know there was celery flavored Jell-o? This is a great book for anyone who remembers Kool-Aid Man bursting through walls or who has ever wondered what is in Spam.
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Dont You Dare Read This Mrs Dunphrey
by
Haddix, Margaret Peterson
Jennifer Short
, October 21, 2007
Tish appears to be a normal 10th grader, but what no one knows is what is going on at home. Her dad moves back home, then leaves. Her mother tries to find her dad, leaving Tish alone to try to support herself and her little brother. Mrs. Dunphrey has assigned keeping a journal for her class. Tish writes about what is going on at home with "Don't read this Mrs. Dunphrey" at the top of each entry. Does her teacher read her journal? How does Tish support herself and her brother? Can she stay in school and keep food on the table?
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The Cross by Day, the Mezuzzah by Night
by
Deborah Spector Siegel
Jennifer Short
, October 14, 2007
Isabel's 13th birthday has just passed and she's found out she's a Marrano -- a secret Jew -- in 15th century Spain that is expelling all Jews from their land. Isabel's parents are making arrangements to leave the country, but no one knows they are Jews, and it's a very risky journey to leave the country. As Isabel says goodbye to all she knows and loves, the unthinkable happens. . . Will she be able to escape or will she be killed for being Jewish?
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Dear America One Eye Laughing the Other Weeping the Diary of Julie Weiss Vienna Austria to New York 1938
by
Barry Denenberg
Jennifer Short
, October 14, 2007
I think the "Dear America" series is one of the best series I've ever discovered. In this book Julie Weiss has to leave Austria because she's Jewish. This book shows the horror and fear she has to live with before she's able to escape to New York. But the horror replays continually in her mind, even once Europe is behind her. Will she ever laugh again? She doesn't think it is possible after all she has seen.
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Day The Voices Stopped A Memoir Of Madness
by
Ken Steele
Jennifer Short
, October 14, 2007
Steele's journey is one of sadness and hope. He spent years lost in the system of the mentally ill. He started hearing voices when he was a teenager, and even though he spent years in institutions, he didn't receive real help for a long time. The Day The Voices stopped is a book that would give hope to any schizophrenic or anyone who loves someone who has this disease. After "the voices stopped" Steele founded the newsletter "Voices" to bring public awareness to mental illness. His story was one I couldn't put down, not only is it an amazing story, but it is also well written!
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The Great Gatsby
by
F Scott Fitzgerald
Jennifer Short
, August 19, 2007
The 1920s were roaring with excitement, and this book captures it. Fitzgerald has a writing style that is captivating. Nick Carraway moves to New York from Minnesota, and lives next door to a man named Gatsby who has the most lavish parties. As I was reading this, I wished I could have attended one of these parties with the socialites of New York in the 1920s! Gatsby is in love with another man's wife, Daisy, and enlists Nick's help in arranging meetings, but the fun ends when Daisy's husband begins to realize she's having an affair!
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Satan In Goray
by
Isaac Bashev Singer
Jennifer Short
, August 19, 2007
Singer was the 1978 winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. This classic was originally written in Yiddish, and it is an excellent example of Singer's work. The town of Goray has been destroyed once, but the Jews are starting to come back and inhabit the town once again. Rechele survived the destruction of Goray as an infant, only to have a childhood of abuse, but the worst for her is yet to come, even though she is thought to be a prophetess in Goray since the Messiah has arrived -- or so they think. This book had me captivated, and I kept pondering what may have happened if someone -- anyone -- had done something even slightly different through the novel.
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Pi
by
Jennifer Short
, June 14, 2007
Max is onto something big. He's sure that unlocking the secret of Pi is going to reveal the mysteries of the universe, that all of life can be explained in numbers. He's working the stock market with it. He meets a religious Jew in a coffee shop who is sure that the number Max is working with is the true name of G-d. Repeated throughout this movie is a "Personal Note" about how when Max was six he stared directly into the sun. Is Max currently staring directly into the center of all life? As he studies this, he starts to lose his mind. This movie leaves you wondering if he's on to something or if he was crazy from the beginning, but if he was crazy, why are people doing most anything to get the number from him? An excellent movie I've watched repeatedly and each time leaves me with a different interpretation of the movie.
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