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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
Suzanne Oxford has commented on (16) products
Time To Kill
by
John Grisham
Suzanne Oxford
, May 04, 2014
This is a powerful drama of life in the Deep South. John Grisham starts with a violent and gruesome rape of a little 10-year-old Black girl by 2 drug-dealing white thugs. This sets off controversy and racial tension as the community struggles to deal with what happened. Carl Lee Hailey, who is the little girl's father decides to take matters into his own hands when he shoots the 2 white thugs. Grisham was born and raised in MIssissippi, so is very knowledgeable about issues such as racial inequality when it comes to justice in the South. Jake Brigance is the lawyer who takes on defense of Carl Lee. The story itself would be suspenseful and riveting, but Grisham gives it an authentic touch with his colorful characters. Ozzie Walls is a Black sheriff who is very popular with both races. Jake Brigance is an idealistic lawyer who believes that Blacks should be treated equally under the law. Then there is Rufus Buckley, very egotistical prosecutor and rival against Jake. Omar Noose is the presiding judge over the Carl Lee Hailey case. He is over-all fair, but will not tolerate anything underhanded in his courtroom. Then there is Harry Vonner, Jake's best friend, who is described as a "big slob" in the book due to his voracious appetite. The dialog is true to the characters with profanity and crude language as is customary in the South. This story kept my interest to the very end. I would recommend this to anyone, although there are some issues which may be offensive to some readers. This is not a politically correct book according to today's standards.
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Tattoos on the Heart The Power of Boundless Compassion
by
Gregory Boyle
Suzanne Oxford
, May 01, 2014
This book was well worth reading. Father G, as he is affectionately known by the gang members, could be compared to Mother Teresa or Ghandi. He has devoted his life to helping the poor, who turn out to be homies from many different gangs who mainly live in the housing projects of Boyle Heights. He is the founder of Homeboy Industries which provides jobs for gang members who want to change. They must be willing to make the change, removing their tattoos, refraining from their former gang banging, etc. This is such an inspirational Christian book. The message here is love and compassion. Father Gregg preaches a message that God loves you no matter what. He is totally involved in helping these young homies. When they are shot, he races to the hospitals, if they die, he performs the ceremony at the funerals. He even takes one young man to JC Penney's when he needs clothing. I highly recommend reading this book. It is full of humor, laughs, but also very sad and will make you cry. Father G is truly remarkable. Do not miss this one.
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Midnight Is a Lonely Place
by
Barbara Erskine
Suzanne Oxford
, October 28, 2013
I was given this book by a good friend who highly recommended it. Upon reading the first few pages, it did not catch my interest and almost seemed boring. He reassured me that I needed to stay with it, as it gets much better. He was right. This book takes place in Essex on the Eastern coast of England. The setting and stormy weather lend themselves well for a haunted tale. Erskine is excellent with her characterizations. Kate Kelly, Diana, Roger, Greg and Allison all seem very real and believable. I almost never read ghost stories about graves, but this was different and very intriguing. The suspense builds and builds with each event creating more mystery. Each character slowly comes under a spell cast by something buried in the dunes. The fierce storms and deadly cold winds only add to the somber mood. It seems as though no one is safe from the ghostly encounter. The only problem with reading this book is trying to put it down.
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Weight Of Water
by
Anita Shreve
Suzanne Oxford
, September 21, 2013
This book explores the lives of 2 different women. Jean is a modern-day photographer and journalist who goes to Smuttynose Island to do research on a crime of murder which took place more than 100 years ago. Upon discovering some new material in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, there are more questions than answers as to what really happened on the island many years ago. Shreve does an excellent job of exploring the lives of these two women, as only she can. Through subtle language and descriptions, she examines themes of jealousy, adultery, betrayal and loss. We are taken back to Norway in the mid-1800's, when Maren and Evan are just children, how she grew into a young woman, married John Hontvedt and traveled to live in America. For all the ensuing disappointment with her life, she believes that she and Evan would have been better off if they had both drowned at Hakon's Inlet near their home. Jean too has had her share of disappointment with her life and thus can relate to Maren. This is a fascinating story full of twists and turns. Just when the reader thinks he has figured out the outcome, Shreve throws them a curve. Don't start this book unless you have plenty of time to read. I was haunted and mesmerized by the ending long after I read the last page.
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A Descent Into Hell: The True Story of an Altar Boy, a Cheerleader, and a Twisted Texas Murder
by
Kathryn Casey
Suzanne Oxford
, July 13, 2013
This is a very tragic story of young college students who could have been very successful in life. They were special in many ways with great intelligence, outstanding scholastic achievement in their respective schools and from good families. But this was not to be. Colton Pitonyak and Jennifer Cave both came to Austin, Texas with dreams of a great future. But somewhere along the way, he got caught up in the underworld of drugs. He soon started skipping classes, not doing his class work and then failing many classes. Jennifer too found the drug crowd and would eventually meet up with Colton. This would prove ill-fated and have disastrous repercussions for her family. Jennifer knew early on that Colton was a dangerous person and someone she should avoid, but there was a strong attraction on both sides. Jennifer had become addicted to methamphetamines and Colton was a good source and what she thought of as a safe haven. Then Laura Hall comes into the picture. She too is a gifted and exceptional student wanting to be a lawyer. She found Colton at a party and was instantly in love. This would prove to have deadly consequences for Jennifer as Laura was insanely jealous and made it known. Then came August of 2005. Jennifer had landed a great job with a law firm and was due to start work on a Monday in August. She called her mother and good friends bubbling over with excitement. This may be the beginning of a new life for her. Then Monday morning and Jennifer did not show up for work. What happened? From here the case of a missing college student would evolve into a murder mystery. This would prove to be one of the worst, most gruesome and horrific crimes UT West Campus of Austin, Texas had ever seen. Kathryn Casey has a well-known reputation for being an excellent true crime writer. She painstakingly does extensive research, interviewing of subjects and reviews court documents and transcripts before writing her book. The reader can go back in time to see how each character lived his life, what was his family like, childhood friends and teachers, so he is familiar with all aspects of this person'a life. Colton's former teachers at the Catholic high school he attended were shocked to hear that he was arrested and convicted on murder charges. Could this be the same promising, exceptionally bright student they taught years ago? Jennifer's family would go through an emotional upheaval, trying to understand what happened and why. These families would be torn apart and their lives would never be the same. This novel is fascinating. It is very sad too. To think that Colton could have been a CEO on Wall Street and Laura too would have been very successful. Jennifer was just beginning to change her life. She had such high hopes. So what happened to them? Kathryn Casey tries to answer this question, but there are still areas which will remain unanswered. I recommend reading this book. You will not be disappointed.
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Death Sentence True Story Of Velma Barfi
by
Jerry Bledsoe
Suzanne Oxford
, May 04, 2013
I have read most of Bledsoe's books. I really enjoy them as he is very thorough in doing research on all of the characters and history. This greatly adds to the reader's understanding of events in Velma Barfield's life and how her childhood may have influenced her crimes life. She grows up in abject poverty and abuse from her father. They live in a home with no electricity, no running water, etc. As of this was not bad enough, she must help in household chores and farm chores, plus help her mother with the younger children. Unfortunately she is the only older girl with mostly brothers until 10 years later, another girl is born. She only has freedom when she is married to Thomas Burke. Her life is somewhat peaceful and happy for about 10 years until she is 32, when she must have surgery. This seems to have changed her personality, as she was no longer the patient and loving mother to her children as before. After this her life seems to go downhill with her husband dying when their house burns up. Also having severe back pain and other problems from the hysterectomy, she gets started on pain pills and other prescription drugs. This would prove to be her undoing as she became addicted to and had to have large amounts of medicine. This would also put a strain on her children and their relationship with her. Subsequently, those who were closest to Velma started dying mysteriously of stomach flu. Her mother would die, along with some elderly patients she was taking care of. Also they would start noticing things disappearing including their money and checks being forged with their names. This pattern continues until Stuart Taylor, Velma's boyfriend dies of stomach flu shortly after Velma moves to live with him. Upon closer investigation by the Sheriff and other law enforcement, they begin to suspect arsenic poison as the cause of death. It would be her own son who has her arrested and put in jail. This was a fascinating book. I suppose reading about a woman serial killer is going to be very interesting, as most of us are not ready to accept that women are capable of such cold and callous crimes. with Velma it is all the more startling, because she is a loving mother and grandmother. She appears to be a born-again Christian, who is very kind and caring to her friends and family. They are all truly shocked and have a hard time reconciling the truth with the woman they think they know. How could Velma be capable of such horrible crimes? This is the question which Bledsoe tries to answer, but even her psychiatrist and other professionals would have a hard time answering this. Some thought drugs had changed her; others that her childhood was to blame. Probably even Velma does not understand why she did this.
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Through The Window
by
Diane Fanning
Suzanne Oxford
, May 04, 2013
I found this novel very disturbing to read. However I am a long-time fan of Diane Fanning. I do enjoy reading her books as she is a very talented writer. She does deal with some very horrific and tragic stories though. Tommy Lynn Sells is truly one of the worst serial killer in our history and he seems to be proud of this fact. He preys on young women, teenagers and children who cannot defend themselves. He seems to have no remorse and no regret as he gives the Texas Rangers and other law enforcement an account of his crimes. He relates this as though he is talking about what he ate for dinner that day. I have never read about such young children being cruelly and cold-bloodedlly strangled or having their necks cut, as with Krystal Surles and her friend Katy. Fortunately, this man is where he belongs on death row. The author tries to find out why and what led him to do these horrible crimes. He seems to blame it on taking drugs and being intoxicated at the time. He did grow up neglected by his mother and left to live with a child molester during that time. Probably we will never know for sure why and what led Tommy on his cross-country crime spree. His aunt wanted to raise him as her own and regrets she never got the chance. Would he have been different if that had happened? Of course we will never know. I do recommend reading this book, but if you are squeamish about such violence, probably you should not read this book.
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Shattered: The True Story of a Mother's Love, a Husband's Betrayal, and a Cold-Blooded Texas Murder
by
Kathryn Casey
Suzanne Oxford
, March 21, 2013
The story of Belinda Temple is very tragic and heart-wrenching. She seemed to have a charmed life, being very popular, beautiful, athletic and having a wonderful family. Then her life would take a dramatic turn when she meets David Temple, the handsome, All-American football star of Katy, Texas. Of course she knew all about him, before they even met -- his poster was on display all over Katy and Stephen Foster Austin University. Her friends did not like him at first and tried to warn Belinda that something was not right about him. Unfortunately all in vain, as she had fallen in love with the popular and charming athlete. This is only the beginning of her life as Mrs. David Temple. If she knew what lie ahead, would she have run for her life? Of course this is mere speculation and no one could ever guess what the future held for her. Kathryn Case is a superb true crime writer. She does a tremendous amount of research and investigation in order to give a thorough and fair portrayal of both sides in this story, David Temple's and the victim, Belinda and his unborn child. You hear from their family, friends, neighbors and teachers and coaches, who all have their own opinions and beliefs about what happened and why. It is interesting to note that some former friends and neighbors, who David considered to be his closest friends, would later have to move away in order to protect themselves from his wrath and revenge. Sadly, this was a pattern of behavior with him to deny and lie his way through any and all situations. After all his parents had protected and defended him all his life. They would continue to do so, even when evidence all pointed to him as the killer. Ultimately, David would pay the price for this cold-blooded crime. Yet his actions devastated both families, who would have to deal with this for a long time. The Lucas family had lost not only their beloved daughter, but also their unborn grandchild To add to their misery and grief, the Temple family kept them from seeing Evan, Belinda's son and their only link to her. In view of how badly the Temple family treated Brenda Lucas and her parents, Tom and Carol, it is no surprise where David learned his arrogance and lack of empathy towards others. Again I would highly recommend reading this book. Casey is at the top of her genre and truly one of the best.
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What She Always Wanted: A True Story of Marriage, Greed, and Murder
by
Camille Kimball
Suzanne Oxford
, March 21, 2013
Before reading this book by Camille Kimball, I did see Diary of a Showgirl sometime earlier. Marjorie Orbin is very convincing in her denial of killing Jay, her husband. But after reading this book, I am inclined to believe she belongs in prison and is totally guilt of the crime of which she was convicted. This was very well written and it kept me up late at night. The crime is truly horrific in nature and the author acknowledges this at the end. She expresses great sympathy for their son, Noah and Jay's family. Still she explains as a good writer, she must cover all aspects of the murder, gruesome though it may be. (This is definitely one of the most gruesome crimes I have ever read). Do not read this book if you are easily upset by gory details of blood and guts. It just amazes me that this woman, who had lived with her husband for so many years and had slept with him and supposedly at one time she did love him and yet she is still capable of such gruesome acts as described in the book. I refuse to elaborate on the details of her crime. Kimball has done an outstanding job in covering this crime. I hope she will continue writing as I look forward to reading more of her books.
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Mila 18
by
Leon Uris
Suzanne Oxford
, February 14, 2013
Leon Uris ranks at the top in my opinion as a brilliantly gifted writer. He captures the historical drama of WWII and Nazi Germany, along with the torment and never-ending struggle of being Jewish in Warsaw, Poland. This is indeed a fictionalized account of that time period, but his characters probably do have counterparts in real life. Upon reading this book, one has to admire the courage, determination, endurance and raw guts of these people. You may have read about life in the Warsaw ghettos, but this book takes you into their homes, introduces you to people who face poverty, starvation, sickness, and terror on a daily basis. The author gives a first-hand account of Jews in the ghetto being constantly intimidated and threatened by the Nazis and how they manage to survive in such horrible conditions. Reading this will horrify you one minute, then make you cringe and then touch your heart as no other book you may have read in a long time. I highly recommend this as Leon Uris always delivers fascinating and emotionally charged books, leaving you spell-bound and unable to put the book down.
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Bitter Blood A True Story of Southern Family Pride Madness & Multiple Murder
by
Jerry Bledsoe
Suzanne Oxford
, December 24, 2012
This is a well-written and investigated work based on a true story. Jerry Bledsoe is certainly a talented and gifted writer. He examines all aspects of this story, from the main characters, their background and lives to those who were in charge of investigating the crimes. The fact that the people involved were affluent, socially prominent, well educated and well known adds to the mystery. They were basically good Christians, who cared about the welfare of others and certainly did not deserve to die in such a horrific manner, being mutilated and stabbed. The plot centers around the Sharp, Newsom and Lynch families whose common thread is the marriage of Susie Sharp Newsom to Thomas Lynch. Their marriage lasts 10 years, but proves to be full of conflict and antagonism, with both parties fighting for custody of their sons. Ultimately this will lead to disastrous results as Susie loses her grip on reality and descends into a world of madness. Along with Fritz, they plan the murders of their family members. I have read many fiction mystery and suspense crime books, but none have had the deep effect of this book. It will haunt your dreams and the images of death will stay with you long after you have read the last page. I encourage others to read this book.
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Gold Coast
by
Nelson Demille
Suzanne Oxford
, November 14, 2012
I have read several novels by Nelson DeMille, most of which were full of adventure and suspense. So reading about Bluebloods and aristocratic people from the Gold Coast was a far cry from DeMillle's usual subject matter. I almost put this book down as John Sutter, a Wall Street lawyer, struck me as very boring. Still I kept on reading to discover his new neighbor, Frank Bellarosa, definitely not boring. So John's traditionally conservative life is turned upside down as his association with Frank Bellarosa becomes more complicated. DeMille explores Long Island society, its culture, the have's and havenot's who are not welcome and the possible outcome for those who do not follow the rules of their society. John Sutter's life is never the same after the arrival of Frank Bellarosa, yet he probably does not regret this. Nelson DeMille keeps his characters interesting and hilarious. Any other author would probably not be able write about the rich, aristocratic residents in this way. At first they are pompous and respectable and then they appear ridiculous and foolish, as DeMille deliberately makes fun of their lifestyle and values. If you want a good laugh -- better yet to laugh at the rick on the Gold Coast.
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Poisonwood Bible
by
Barbara Kingsolver
Suzanne Oxford
, November 14, 2012
This book is a portrait of a missionary family who leave their middle-American home in Bethlehem, Georgia for the dark and fobidding rainforest of deepest Africa. The Price family led by their Hell and brimstone Evangelical minister, Nathan Price, are dragged into a life which they are totally unprepared for, bringing along their Betty Crocker cake mixes, packets of seeds for Big Boy tomatoes and gardening tools. The story is told from 5 different points of view, as we hear from the mother, Orleanna and 4 daughters. This definitely adds a greater dimension of depth to an otherwise beautifully told story. With dramatic imagery, you enter the jungles of Africa and can hear the sounds, feel the heavy humid air on your skin and see the magnificent greenery of the jungle. I see some reviewers here were not impressed with this book, which I really do not understand. From the beginning, Kingsolver casts a spell on the reader and you are swept up into her world of Africa. She gives authentic characterizations of the land, its people, the conflicts and struggles for survival in day-to-day life in the Congo. I believe this struggle for survival is the main theme of the book and how people are changed by their surroundings. For example, Orleanna has been sheltered most of her life in Mississippi until she marries Nathan. Soon after she finds she has entered a loveless union with a broken man who is not able to show any compassion or even kindness to his wife. After having 4 children, she can only blindly follow his lead, ending up in Africa. Later on Kingsolver shows how events in Africa, including some of the worst possible disasters, make a change in Orleanna. However, with Nathan and Rachel, the oldest daughter, there is little that changes in their basic characters. I really enjoyed this novel with all the adventure and drama that only Africa could provide. At times it is even humorous with the native men in Africa wearing red trousers with holes in the bottom or when the women danced at the tribal celebration being naked to the waist, much to Nathan Price's chagrin.
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Criminal Seduction
by
Darian North
Suzanne Oxford
, November 14, 2012
This is my first time to read Darian North. I was pleasantly surprised and drawn into his convoluted tale. At first it started as dull and almost boring. Thankfully, I kept on reading. This is one of the best suspense and legal thrillers I have ever read. I had never heard of this author before and almost did not read the book. What got my interest was seeing that Nelson DeMille gave his novel a great review. I love DeMille's work so why not get going here. Owen Byrne is a farmer from Kansas, a want-to-be-writer who is down on his luck. But then the call comes through from his agent, Bernie which is a turning point in his life. This puts into motion a trip to New York and onto a sensational murder trial of an exotic mysterious woman. He is intrigued by this woman and in his desire to learn more about the famous artist, Bram who was murdered, he is swept into the private and surreal world of Bram Serian. From there the plot twists and turns, with the reader never knowing exactly who Lenore is and where did she come from. The author is very talented and skilled at creating characters who keep your interest. Along with the main characters, he throws in reporters and local natives who give their uptake on the events. North describes the court room, Manhattan, Grand Central Station and Arcadia, so we know exactly what these places look like. Owen is probably shocked to find out why Bram left his home in Kansas and the fact that he even changed his identity, cutting all ties with his former life. This is truly a thrilling and suspenseful novel. It is hard to put it down as you watch Owen following the clues, trying to put this puzzle together.
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Shutter Island Graphic Novel
by
Dennis Lehane and Christian De Metter
Suzanne Oxford
, November 04, 2012
This is truly a mesmerizing story with psychological suspense. In 1954 US Marshall Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule have come to Ashecliffe Hospital, Home for the Criminally Insane. Their mission is to find a missing patient and also to investigate who is murdering patients there. This seems to be a clear-cut case, but nothing is what it seems to be. As Teddy begins exploring the island, a hurricane creates massive destruction. As he digs deeper, darkness descends and sinister forces send his investigation spiraling out of control. From the depths of the prison, answers will come forth, none of which Teddy is willing to accept. The reader will be haunted by this journey into the world of paranoia, deception and mental illness. I highly recommend this novel as Lehane is a master of suspense.
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The Black Ice: Harry Bosch 2
by
Michael Connelly
Suzanne Oxford
, November 04, 2012
I have read several of Michael Connelly's books and feel this is one of his best. LAPD detective Harry Bosch is assigned to the case of Cal Moore, who is found in a sleazy motel room, an apparent suicide. From the very beginning, Bosch has a bad feeling about this case -- things just do not add up and he seriously doubts this is a suicide. His investigation leads him to the dark underbelly of Hollywood, which few visitors ever see. Since Cal Moore was working with undercover agents on the Narcotics Squad, Bosch must explore the drug culture and why some dealers have mysteriously been found dead. This investigation will take him to Calexico and Mexicali where he tracks down some corrupt and shady business enterprises, which are really transporting drugs into the US. This is truly a complicated and tangled mystery, leading Harry to very dangerous territories, even threatening his own life. The conclusion will surely shock the reader, as you never suspect it to end this way. If you are tired of the same old crime novel with the same worn out endings, definitely read this novel. You will not be disappointed.
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