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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
Lisa Combs has commented on (35) products
Best Cook in the World Tales from My Mommas Table
by
Rick Bragg
Lisa Combs
, June 12, 2018
Oh, Rick Bragg evokes your own memories of family traditions and favorite kitchen aromas as he takes you on a journey through his own. He strings words and sentences together to feed your soul just as his mother stirred simple ingredients to nurture her family. He makes me wonder about the kids of today and what their memories will structure their memories. Fast food smells, and text messages? Here Bragg will give them a smattering of real memories and perhaps make them ponder what it must have been like. Reading Bragg is to wrap oneself in a wash of southern spring sunshine as first blooms appear or the comfort of the first fire of winter. Things that matter always were revealed in the kitchen or around the table, chopping, stirring or collecting from the garden. Embrace your memories as Rick Bragg shares his. Write in the margins of what his stories cause heartstrings to reverberate and then buy copies for friends and family members. It’ll be fun to swap copies to read each other’s margin notes. The Best Cook in the World has something for everyone. He stops the clock. Unplug and enjoy. Mmmmm, wonder what you might put the book down to cook!
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A Piece of the World
by
Christina Baker Kline
Lisa Combs
, April 01, 2018
Christina Kline has done it again! Here in her novel, A Piece of the World, Kline weaves a tapestry of lives entertwined while giving the reader all the hues of a master piece painting. I have admired this painting since it appeared in my high school literature book. Enough so, I researched the artist a bit. So, Kline’s exquisite creation of the subject and artist was a must for me. To my delight, it brought to life in new degrees that I was right to admire the art. For readers who enjoyed her novel, Orphan Train, be ready to be enthralled again by her deft literary articulation bringing provoking characters to populate thoughts long after the last page is turned.
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Setting Free the Kites
by
Alex George
Lisa Combs
, November 16, 2017
Friendship, summer enchantments of youth, connections of family relationships of admiration, yearning and revelation are woven with such emotion in this poignant tale by Alex George. The first paragraphs grab the reader and don't let go till the last page. Oh, there will be passages that tug at the heart but the need to know where they lead keep the pages turning. Specific comments seem to reveal spoilers and that isn't okay. I read reviews stating "its the best book Ive read in ages" but I don't know the reviewer so howmuch value does the comment have? I have been a voracious reader across genres since childhood. (Yikes, now in my 60's), I read books for all ages, from all over. There are so many wonderful books out there to stick to just one kind... children', picture books, action/adventure/sci-fi, fantasy, young adult... from the top ten list to obscure literary titles, I read them all. From my reading experience I offer my recommendation of Setting the Kites Free with five stars because the author makes the reader laugh and for some may evoke a tear or two. That is a measure of honesty and connectivity the author, Alex George, creates between the characters in the story as well as with the characters and the readers. Don't miss this story or the works of this writer. Get it, read it and have your friends read it. George will evoke many talking points for conversations, book discussions and a couple of lines may even stick with you in the trials of life eventsandrelationshiopsalongyourjourney.Forgivethelackofspaces...keyboardfailureasIwishtopublish...Grrrrrr.
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A Confederacy of Dunces Cookbook: Recipes from Ignatius J. Reilly's New Orleans
by
Cynthia Lejeune Nobles
Lisa Combs
, August 22, 2017
Ignatius Reilly is the main character of an '80's novel, Confederacy of Dunces. He is an observationist of people and the food culture of his world, New Orleans. The author of the cookbook diligently combed through the leaves of the novel for his favorite foods and eateries. She then researched the recipes, their origins, the restaurants, and places serving up eats! The narrative of this cookbook entertains, explains and illustrates so many of the fabulous food reasons masses visit New Orleans each year and is punctuated throughout with quotes from the one and only, Ignatius! For Confederacy fans, this is a must for your kitchen antics. For others just discovering Ignatius, get both and double your pleasure. I will purchase them in pairs for Christmas gifts for foodie friends and you should, too! At least until we can meet beneath the clock at the statue of Ignatius. (Yes, there really is a statute and a clock).
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Kitchens of the Great Midwest
by
J Ryan Stradal
Lisa Combs
, January 11, 2017
The author brings you into the lives of his characters a layer at a time as you stroll through a culinary discovery. Like flavors and textures from the kitchen you can devour this well crafted tale of the intricacies of decisions and impacts. Bright and crisp as the tastes Stradal describes, his is a story of refreshing presentation. I await his next while munching on some of the recipes that form the structure of this 5 star 5 course meal of a novel!
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One Thousand White Women The Journals of May Dodd
by
Jim Fergus
Lisa Combs
, December 08, 2014
Stories in our early American History seldom told are riveting. That is the case with Jim Fergus's story of the 1000 White Women Ulyesses Grant used as a means to assimilate the Cheyenne Indians. In a time when women could be locked away in an asylum for the slightest of reasons, May Dodd volunteered to particiapte in Brides for Indians to gain her release. Fergus researched the Cheyenne, the land, the times and customs in order to weave a jouney that plunges the reader into at the gritiest of details. Read here about May Dodd, her group of women bound for a different life, Little Wolf and Grant. Fergus does a compelling job settign the stage, and wrapping the reader in a wonderful read. He researched to write on Little Wolf, non-fiction when he learned he had requested women for brides. Fergus pondered the outcomes of the request being met or not. He went with the story of what it was like for the women. Who assimilated whom? Fact blended with Fergus's imagination turns into a read one will recommend to others again and again. Turn the page . . .
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A Discovery of Witches: All Souls 1
by
Deborah Harkness
Lisa Combs
, December 07, 2014
Author Deborah Harkness got me! I have not been a reader of witchery and such. Time and money invested in reading material is costly on both counts. I tend to get recommendations before plunking down my cash or giving up my time. Harkness was recomended to me by a reading friend with which whom I have shared many a great title. At her recommendation, Harkness plunged me into the the archives of history, research and witches. Certainly surprised at how quick and completely she set the hook that lead me on a great journey. I am happy to find a new (to me) author who captures and holds my attention. Now the bonus with this find is that it is book one of a trilogy! Score a big win as a reader! Characters, plot, action, and intrigue, Harkness has supplied all the necessary ingredients a reader searches for in exchange for the money invested for the sake of a 'possible' good read. Drop your cash on Harkness and enjoy your reading time turning pages. A discovery, indeed!
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The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
by
Michael Pollan
Lisa Combs
, October 24, 2014
Michael Pollan's THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA holds a bit of a mirror up to us reflecting the food-ish nature of people. In a time when few have participated in the planting, harvesting, and animal husbandry as a means of food, Pollan gives us a look at how we make food choices. Diet this, fast food that mixrd with organics, he serves it all up with a liberal dressing of big business. Reading THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA, I longed for the days of my youth on a small family farm where we knew exactly where our food came from, what it ate, how much sweat went into keeping the garden primed for the growth of the best vegetable. That is a sweet memory I appreciate having conjured. His story is all inclusive of the corporate foodchain (pun intended) and how agriculture became agribusiness. Not very food oriented term or process for that matter. With the obsession of food in today's media, entertainment and moment by moment life in the digital social circles Pollan redirects one's focus. He brings to light serious issues while bringing entertainment in THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA. Be sure you have the appropriate snack near while chowing down on his story. It's a great read for those in any part of the food industry from the corporates all the way down to the fast food drive through-ers. Engaging, instructional, entertaining. Time to plan my next Ominvore Dinner party for a book chat as well. A complete multi course serving, by Chef Pollan, I mean author!
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Grapes of Math How Life Reflects Numbers & Numbers Reflect Life
by
Alex Bellos
Lisa Combs
, July 15, 2014
I have read Alex Bellos' column in the Guardian paper online now for some time. His quirky perspecitive of numbers in the world and our lives entertains and enlightens. He has traveled in his search for the connections of numbers and their mysticism across the cultures. Here in Grapes of Math, you will have those "Oh, I've heard that" all the way to "No way" moments. It is a fun romp. You'll snare bits you can't wait to work into conversation. Math geeks, ( we know who we are) and mathaphobes alike will find Bellos easy to understand. GO on, I dare you, to read something different. You will be glad you did and then you'll be looking for other titles by Bellos. Have fun and share the wonder of numbers, how we think about them and refer to them all the time, even those who abhor math... you to are guilty. Let Bellos explain and be entertained.
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Flora and Ulysses
by
Kate DiCamillo
Lisa Combs
, October 09, 2013
DiCamillo has done it again. Within the pages of Flora and Ulysses, she takes you into the realm of tender emotion, angst and self reliance. A super squirrel? Yes, you want to read about this super squirrel and his friend. Young readers through adults will turn the pages in delight as adventures unfurl and revelations come to light. Don't let this be the only DiCamillo book you read.
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Flora and Ulysses
by
Kate DiCamillo
Lisa Combs
, October 09, 2013
DiCamillo has done it again. Within the pages of Flora and Ulysses she takes you into the realm of tender emotion, angst and self reliance. A super squirrel? Yes, you want to read about this super squirrel and his friend. Young readers through adults will turn the pages in delight as adventures unfurl and revelations come to light. Don't let this be the only DiCamillo book you read.
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Bringing Nature Home How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants
by
Douglas Tallamy
Lisa Combs
, September 13, 2013
This is THE book for those who love nature, gardening, birds, butterflies, insects and care about the future of the environment. As man has made the world a smaller place, the environmental changes have increased. We love those ornamental beauties in our yards, parks and thoroughfares. But at what cost? Tallamy enlightens us as to the impact of non native plants. Have you been to a park or green space that was quiet of birds? Why? Look around and be aware there are no insects to feed the birds. Many 'alien' plants don't have their usual insects pestertring them. That is why gardeners like those plants. But if we don't have plants attracting insects, our birds and other wild life have less to eat and we have less to enjoy. Each tiny postage stamp yard makes a difference. Beautiful photographs, well presented information with locale plant guides to he;p the home owner be able to go NATIVE.
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Language of Flowers
by
Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Lisa Combs
, January 15, 2013
In Language of Flowers you learn what flowers have to say in name and lore. And as this floral language unfurls itself you are caught up in the tale of Victoria, abandoned at birth, the trials and tribulations of surviving other devasting ordeals. Words curl in flora and fauna as you take the emotional plunge thorugh survival with Victoria witnessing as she overcomes obstacles, meets challenges, and makes it through it all. This is a vital story of a young woman and how she speaks the language of flowers because words are sometimes not enough.
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The Last Storyteller: A Novel of Ireland
by
Frank Delaney
Lisa Combs
, January 01, 2013
Stories within the novel make this a great read in the truest sense of Delaney. Heed the many warnings and messages within and come to understand the importance of STORIES imparted by tellers rather than upon the silver screen. Oh, I like a good movie but I treasure a well told tale. Delaney skillfully returns us to the days of tellers. Discover the intrigue and capture of storytelling as he unfurls a layered plot that moves along through the encounters of the characters for love lost and found again. Read it as a novel by a world reknowned author, keep it bedside for the stories he craftily uses to do the job.
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Among Others
by
Jo Walton
Lisa Combs
, May 24, 2012
Okay, confessions here... I have been a science fiction reader since childhood (eons ago). I avoided the fantasy aspect for various reasons. Jo Walton came to my reading shelf via Patrick Rothfuss actually. Now, I admit I am a fan of Walton and the fantasy aspect of the science fiction genre. In Among Others I rediscovered the child like wonder of how reading came to be a passion. Gobbling up her other stories only enriched my senses of good storytelling, good connection with characters that live among other characters from other reading experiences in my head if I am caught between books! A fellow Welsh-ite at that.... Jo Walton gives a vivid in-the-action moment kind of reading I love. The benefit of coming to the science fiction fantasy genre a little later than many others is I have so many wonderful books to look forward to reading, when I have read all of Walton's.
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Long Train Passing
by
Steven W Wise
Lisa Combs
, April 21, 2012
Steven Wise paints with words. He paints the lives of four people intertwined. Annabelle, deals with her own obstacles, reaches out to Jewel, a troubled boy. You meet a grizzly codger of a father and Emmett, a painfully shy man. Wise plops the reader down in the midst of this drama. As it develops, one gets tangled in the events turning the pages to see what happens. Prediction doesn't work here. Appreciate a good story? Appreciate impeccable writing? Read Steven Wise's Long Train Passing.
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Wise Mans Fear The Kingkiller Chronicle Day Two
by
Patrick Rothfuss
Lisa Combs
, January 01, 2012
Rothfuss serves up a tasty read of magic, mystery, legend, lore and coming of age. Each chapter opening and ending keeps you turning the page. This is a masterful storyteller delivering excellent craft gripping the audience with details of Kvothe and his travels.
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A Dance with Dragons: Song of Ice and Fire 5
by
George R R Martin
Lisa Combs
, September 12, 2011
First, I have to admit I have not been a fantasy reader. Now that has changed and George RR Martin is responsible! His Saga was recommended and I put it off reading other titles. Then one evening having completed my most recent book and in need of a new reading focus, I reached for the stack my friend shared. I read. I read till the wee hours of the morning. I read while I stirred the soup at the stove, I read while I was on automated phone menu hold for jury duty, I read through all the visceral parts, the eerie parts, the tender parts and and the mean parts. Martin now has a new die-hard fan. I recommend his series to all my reading friends. Historical fiction and science fiction is my usual fare as is my spouse's. But with Martin's storytelling, even my spouse is captured in this fantasy turning pages frantically to learn the 'what next' of Maritn's saga. I hear there is TV series and am told by other Martin fans I encountered at the bookstore that it is well done. I have to finish the series before I watch. MMmmmmmm, maybe a DVD set will be under the tree come the holidays...... Mmmmmmmmm..... George RR Matin, thanks for the good read! Hours of entertainment and conversation for the cost of the books.... a great gift indeed. Had to buy my own set.
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River of Smoke
by
Amitav Ghosh
Lisa Combs
, September 01, 2011
Amitav Ghosh brings the second in a trilogy to his readers with the apt pen we have learned to love. Read River of Smoke for a journey via ship through the mishaps of characters he mixes with trade between India and China in tumultuous times. The events he conjures give readers a near first hand experience of the time, its challenges, the hardship, and the wonder of cultures. Ghosh does not disappoint after his wonderful first volume, Sea of Poppies, sets the course for the this epic. Ghosh employs words for more than a sentence; he weaves more than a tapestry of the tale. Ghosh's love of words become the reader's own vessel of adventure.
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Under the Mercy Trees
by
Newton, Heather
Lisa Combs
, August 16, 2011
Think Southern, southern locale, southern dialect, southern folks. Heather Newton spins a tale which will engulf you in all. The main character is lured back to his southern roots from New York City to seek his missing brother. On this journey the reader experiences all of the angst of why he left the farm and the challenge of returning. Newton provides the reader all we expect from a good book, people, emotion, heartache, consolation. Read Heather Newton's Under the Mercy Trees. There is a hint of a southern breeze, the cling-a-cling of an ice tea spoon swirling in the tall glass and honeysuckle wafting in as the curtains dance at the window. Newton wraps you in her story.
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Bread Bakers Apprentice Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread
by
Reinhart, Peter
Lisa Combs
, July 19, 2011
Bread bakers around the globe are discovering the genius of Peter Reinhart once again in this beautiful volume of breads. The photos are inspiration and motivation to turn the dough and knead. The baked result fills the home with the aroma of pure love ('n) from the oven, to turn a commercial phrase. Peter guides the baker in you through the steps for the creation of artisan breads from your own oven that will become staples of your kitchen, requested by friends and douse you in the limelight of culinary success. Please yourself, please your family and friends. Add this volume to your kitchen library and prepare for crusty endeavors of the best kind. Vienna is the one I bake most often but the seasoned crackers are the hit of gatherings with a smear of home made humus, pimento goat cheese spread or just a tad of the ultimate partner for breads, BUTTER! Peter teaches us how we can have homemade yeast breads on a regular basis... daily or weekly and fit it all into your busy schedule. Happy baking, happier munching.
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
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Bread Bakers Apprentice Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread
by
Reinhart, Peter
Lisa Combs
, July 19, 2011
Bread bakers around the globe are discovering the genius of Peter Reinhart once again in this beautiful volume of breads. The photos are inspiration and motivation to turn the dough and knead. The baked result fills the home with the aroma of pure love ('n) from the oven, to turn a commercial phrase. Peter guides the baker in you through the steps for the creation of artisan breads from your own oven that will become staples of your kitchen, requested by friends and douse you in the limelight of culinary success. Please yourself, please your family and friends. Add this volume to your kitchen library and prepare for crusty endeavors of the best kind. Vienna is the one I bake most often but the seasoned crackers are the hit of gatherings with a smear of home made humus, pimento goat cheese spread or just a tad of the ultimate partner for breads, BUTTER! Peter teaches us how we can have homemade yeast breads on a regular basis... daily or weekly and fit it all into your busy schedule. Happy baking, happier munching.
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The Name of the Wind
by
Patrick Rothfuss
Lisa Combs
, June 12, 2011
Patrick Rothfuss submerges the reader in a time of mystery and magic. His characters are so three dimensional you almost hear them breathe and smell their presence. This is the tale of a journey of a boy with much to learn and discover of his world. His world and people are so well crafted in precise imagery the reader all but has a part in the story. Now with the next part out, this is a must read as you won't have to wait for what comes next. Buy them both and turn off the phone, stock up on snacks for a great undisturbed read.
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Crooked Tree
by
Robert Charles Wilson
Lisa Combs
, January 03, 2011
The Indian Lore of North Michigan delivers the tingle in the spine as you read this riveting tale. Stories set in familiar places with the essence of legend history is the best. But whether or not you are familiar with N Mich. this tale will prickle the skin, make you keep the light on, and your cell phone close by! Wison delivers a great tale. Who needs vampires with Wison's tale on the brink? Take the plunge into a modern time driven by old Indian lore.
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Help
by
Kathryn Stockett
Lisa Combs
, January 02, 2011
Cheers for Stockett for portraying the Mississippi black women as PEOPLE. Yes, there is social morality as a character in this 'got to read the next page' of a book. There is also entertainment. So many have read The Help, talked about it, shared it and loved it. A book that shares with so many speaks for itself as the book of the year. I do not know another title read by so many so openly discussed. I vote for The Help as the Book Of The Year...
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61 Hours: Jack Reacher 14
by
Lee Child
Lisa Combs
, October 11, 2010
Lee Child has done it again. I read reviews by readers saying "it's the best book I've ever read" and I wonder what they have read to make a delcaration of that magnitude. I have read Michner, Stephen Hunter, Greg Bear and Ben Bova for science fiction, Outlander series by Gabaldon. I read and enjoyed Follett's Pillars and World Without End. I read Harry Potter and a long list of classics. I read a wide range of genres and auathors. I picked up the first Lee Child novel while waiting for the next Stephen Hunter. Both my husband Ihave read all of Lee Child since. This is one not to be missed. Here, Lee Child puts his reader into the situation of his characters complete with the need of covering cold feet (in Florida) becasue the stroy takes place in a blizzard in Dakota. The protagonist is pushed in his skills by strong antagonists. Treacher has to beat the clock in this episode to be sure a witness is not compromised. Go on this wild time bomb of a thriller with Treacher and when you think you know what happens be prepared....
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Bitter in the Mouth
by
Monique Truong
Lisa Combs
, September 30, 2010
The story is in the details. And this story speaks to the reader through the sense of taste bringing into clarity the experiences of the main character like no other book I have read. We each have food aroma memories or memory evoking special dishes from our youth. The author plays on the memories of the reader as the story unfolds with each turn of the page. This is a great read.
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Tree Is Nice
by
Janice May Udry
Lisa Combs
, September 26, 2010
Janice Udry tells a good story and it is so much more than that. I received this book from a student at the end of the year. He had done well through the school year but had been challenged in a couple of areas, math and self confidence. He worked hard, and achieved. He was proud. Fourth grade is a vital time for nurturing self confidence and the budding of student's individuality. The inscription he wrote,"Thank you for making me a tree and you will always be in my heart," tells how Udry can speak to kids. I think he related with the tree because this school year, he came to know he came to feel empowered. He read his writings to a class which he had never done before and he made great gains in math. He had a surge in his self-confidence. He searched a good long while to settle on this book for my end of year gift. A Tree is Nice says it all for the school year he had with me, and how self confidence can empower a young child. This is a great story and tool for teachers and parents to help kids see their self value in all aspects of life. Thank you to a boy named Stone for such a wonderful inscription and sentiment. This book sits on my desk always and inspires me daily, a gift from Janice Udry and my student, Stone.
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Dog Heaven
by
Cynthia Rylant
Lisa Combs
, September 25, 2010
Our pet family members nest in our hearts for years entertaining us, consoling us, loving us, giving us all they have. When a pet dies, we are devastated as much as when our human family members pass. I remember when my Long Haired Dachshund died while I was away to college, it took a long time to get Mom to breathe and explain why she was sobbing on the phone. My mom was not a crier, I knew it was something awful. I wish she had had Dog Heaven by Rylant. When I lost my adorable Lhasa of 16 years, friends rallied knowing I would be a basket case. My sister sent me this book with a photo of me with my nephew and my Lhasa. He always thought it was his dog and he just lived far away with me. Rylant's book has given me solace, peace and hope. I have gifted it to others at the time of loss. This is not only a great book, it is heart mending when our heart is broken (beyond repair). It helps the knitting of healing to begin allowing the fond memories to surface again. For this, Cynthia Rylant is a hero. She has the Cat Heaven, also. Follow the paw prints of your heart, gift these books. It is what your pup would do if he could.
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Tinkers
by
Harding, Paul
Lisa Combs
, September 20, 2010
Who wants to read about a dying man? Not the blurb that ususally makes me pick up a book. But when I turned to the first page and began to read there was no way I wasn't taking this book with me. I read in the car, I read while waiting for my coffee to brew, I read instead of walking my poor pups. I read until I had to turn on lthe lights, I read until I got to the end and flipped through the book to see where I had jotted all sorts of notes and comments along the way. This is a gift of a book one reads for ones' self. Breathe in and know you are alive, that it is a beautiful finite journey and what is to come is yet another gift. Book cards make great gifts for all my reader friends, but this year, no card. Instead, I will give the reading pleasure I cherished, Tinkers by Paul Harding.
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Order In Chaos: Templar 3
by
Jack Whyte
Lisa Combs
, September 15, 2010
Jack Whyte completes a trilogy of Templar Knights in this third book. Back in the company of the knights the reader experiences the turn about of the focus. Here the Knights templar become the doomed, the hunted. First reviews negate the oomph of this third book due to lack of action. Sometimes the story goes beyond action and deals with the epic urgency of situation. This one takes the reader through the angst of falling from glory, a hidden treasure. It is the story of Templars that has now found its way back into the limelight of today's interest of peak. I appreciate Whyte's effort to paint the picture of the demise of the templar Knights. Various groups are still looking for evidence of treasure yet today. Whyte brings the reader to the edge where the fascination hundreds of years later still keep Templars in the forefront as an interest point, part of history connecting dots still being discovered. It is told as fiction with the golden thread of truth that makes me pick up this book, and recommend this to others. I will read everything Jack Whyte writes.
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The Skystone: Camulod 1
by
Jack Whyte
Lisa Combs
, April 17, 2009
With Skystone, Whyte creates the origins of the legendary Excalibur sword generations before King Arthur arrives on the scene. The exquisite storytelling holds the reader throughout the series weaving a tapestry of military history, legend, fiction into a journey of Arthurian Roots, if you will. You won't stop at the end of this volume but will go about seeking the other eight. For an adventure and lesson in fortitude, Jack Whyte is my author. Roman military tactics, the history of forging ironworks, specifically swords and shields, early apothecary, and yes some romance. Whyte creates and reveals all the details with precision. How does he keep all the lineages in order? Expertly, indeed. A great read.
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World Without End
by
Follett, Ken
Lisa Combs
, August 20, 2008
Ken Follett sweeps you away into the time of the old English township of Knightsbridge and throws you into the lives there. Follett spins a tale of people and events that keep the pages turning. At just over 1000 pages the reader gets a great value in great story telling. Gather your favorite snack, beverage, and a reading light because you won't put this down. Bridge design, architecture, the church, battle skills of opposing armies of knights, social challenges during a plague, possible murder and thievery, Ken Follett pack it all in this great tale.
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Shack
by
William P Young
Lisa Combs
, August 17, 2008
Murder stories fill bookstores. Shocking events jolt readers from page to page. The SHACK and author William Young do more. From the emotion wrenched father of a murdered girl to his encounter with God, you will turn page after page. Young delivers his readers to a new height of perception of God in this fiction but more than fiction tale. Read, think, share and read again. This will imprint on your heart as you make your way along the path of belief and faith.
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(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
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Tale of Despereaux Being the Story of a Mouse a Princess Some Soup & a Spool of Thread
by
Kate Dicamillo
Lisa Combs
, July 16, 2008
Rarely authors make the reader part of the story but in Despereaux it is a quintessential element. Reading this tale is a journey into universal themes of forgiveness, love, the delight of fairy tales and the symbolism is beautiful. DiCamillo exposes young readers to literary elements and wonderful words. This is a treasure for readers of all ages to read, read aloud, share and revisit again. Make memories and read The Tale of Despereaux with someone special.
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(4 of 17 readers found this comment helpful)
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