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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
WongKaiWen has commented on (33) products
Twelve Clues of Christmas
by
Rhys Bowen
WongKaiWen
, December 25, 2012
Since Its Christmas, I just couldn't resist the new Rhys Bowen book, The Twelve Clues of Christmas. This is a rather clever installment in the Royal Spyness series. Georgie is back and desperate to find a better place to spend Christmas than with her tight-fisted disapproving sister-in-law. Fortunately, she comes across an ad requesting a lady to help assist in hosting a Christmas party. Unfortunately, once she gets to the charming little town people start dying at the alarming rate of one per day. Of course the book isn't complete without Darcy, her mom and the always entertaining Queenie. This was a very fun way to spend a couple of hours and to kickoff the holiday season
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Far From the Tree Parents Children & the Search for Identity
by
Andrew Solomon
WongKaiWen
, December 25, 2012
When i picked up this massive book, I thought it would take me weeks maybe months to finish, as I'd planned to dip into it now and then between other books with more linear structure. And now I find myself 3 days later having not been able to put it down. Reading in one stretch -- as one chapter lead to another and the histories brought these cases to life. One reason is Andrew Solomon's obvious empathy for his subjects. Having grown up knowing he was gay, Solomon shared a sense of feeling marginalized from an early age. He spent ten years researching and getting to know the families of special children, establishing relationships that in some cases spanned that entire time. This book is beautifully written in clear prose, and even the more technical material is clear for the lay reader. Definitely worth the time, worth the effort
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Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm: A New English Version
by
Pullman, Philip
WongKaiWen
, December 25, 2012
This book is a beautiful collection of fairy tales, from the standards to the oft forgotten. I enjoyed seeing the familiar tropes repeated time and time again: the sets of three, the clever tailors, the shape changers and sheep herders, the princes in disguise, and the happily ever afters. Pullman breaks down each story, alerting to what he has cleaned up, and sharing similar stories from other collections of tales, which gives the reader context as well as enjoyment.
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Help Thanks Wow the Three Essential Prayers
by
Anne Lamott
WongKaiWen
, December 25, 2012
Do you like Anne Lamott's writing? I do, I've read every single thing she's ever written. She is probably the greatest influence on what and how I write; she gives voice to her petty struggling self and I try to do that too, because I secretly know that even you are petty, though no one would ever know that about you, so you are stuck all alone knowing that unless other people 'fess up. I love that about her. When I've been unable to read, at various times in my life, I've always found my way back to reading, and to life, through her books.
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The Black Box: Harry Bosch 16
by
Michael Connelly
WongKaiWen
, December 25, 2012
Connelly has fashioned a seamless but intricate puzzle of a book, and it hits the right notes consistently. From that tiny thread of evidence, he weaves a consistently intriguing tapestry of character, narrative and observation. At first glance, the book is a classic procedural, but Connelly's gift as a storyteller (if you like his work, you'll inhale this in a few big, deep draughts--and be sorry when it's over) enables "The Black Box" to transcend the notion of a genre novel. It is unmistakably great and undeniably compelling. It is also written with a dark and poetic sensibility, which will be familiar to Connelly's fans but seems to me even more distinctive and powerful in this book. Highly recommended.
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A Natural History of the Piano: The Instrument, the Music, the Musicians: From Mozart to Modern Jazz and Everything in Between
by
Stuart Isacoff
WongKaiWen
, December 25, 2012
If you don't know much about the piano, you'll learn a lot, most of it unimportant. If you do know a lot about the piano, you'll learn a lot, all of it unimportant. Heavy on the trivia, grabs for the stereotypes wherever possible, and light on the substance. Lots of illustrations, both modern photographs and 18th/19th century reproductions. And lots of great extended quotations from notable musicians. The quotes and the art were more valuable than the book itself.
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Collateral A Novel
by
Ellen Hopkins
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
Ellen Hopkins hosted a contest a while back for photos of military families. I sent one in of Mike and I, just for the heck of it. I didn't think I'd be one of the winners, but when she contacted me via email, I was so excited. I love Ellen Hopkins. I've read every one of her books, with the exception of Triangles. I'm a huge fan of her writing style.
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Tender Mercy of Roses
by
Anna Michaels
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. My friend, Sonya, sent me an e-mail & said that this book is really good. It was written by another friend of hers (that I also know) who writes romances and funny mysteries under another name. Knowing that, I didn't really expect to like this book because I'm not a big fan of romance, but I was wrong. Sonya predicted that it will be a best seller, and I agree. It would be a shame to miss such a great story.
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Republic of Wine
by
Yan Mo, Howard Goldblatt
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
A wonderful book, rich with shimmering poetry, stories interwoven within other stories as we follow a detective investigating the rumors of delicious babies being served at banquets. A roller coaster ride through contemporary China, surreal scenes evocative of Chinese mythology and subversive stories and relationships written with great irony and wit. Totally needs to be in your to-read list.
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Cloud Atlas A Novel
by
David Mitchell
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
This book is one of the most incredible books that I have had the pleasure of reading. David Mitchell not only managed to write 6 unique and fantastic stories that I would love to read on there own, but he managed to connected them almost seamlessly making one mind-blowing story. Like I said I would love to read each story as an individual for each one is so dynamic in itself. It is almost hard to believe that the same author wrote each story since each has its own unique writing style. You go from a sailing journal, to comedy, to mystery, to science fiction, and even a post apocalyptic world. He threw in all of my favorite genres and the best elements of each. I totally recommend this book.
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The Edge of Nowhere
by
George, Elizabeth
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
The Edge of Nowhere is an absolute page-turner. An interesting and well written story about a young girl who suffers greatly with the troubling gift--or curse--she inherited, of being able to hear other people's thoughts. It's also a very emotional story, where every single character has a purpose and you feel their emotional scars and pain. Not to mention the mystery at the heart of it all, as everyone struggles to find out what really happened to Derric. Or the paranomal touch to everything.
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This Moose Belongs to Me
by
Jeffers, Oliver
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
Oliver Jeffers never lets me down. Wildfred names his moose Marcel and teaches him how to be a pet. But does he really belong to a little old lady who claims his name is Rodrigo? Read this awesome, beautifully illustrated picture book by Jeffers to find out. Perfect for boys or girls who love animals and funny stories!
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Flavor
by
Rocco Dispirito
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
Of course DiSpirito is a poofy goofy gigolo with too many TV shows. But that's not the point. And no, these recipes will not change your life. But they might if you consider the driving idea behind them. DiSpirito organizes the recipes around four flavors: salty, sweet, sour, bitter and that strange, earthy fifth taste: umami. If you apply the same approach to anything you make, you will understand cooking. It is that simple.
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American Girl Julie 03 Happy New Year Julie 1974
by
Megan McDonald
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
I loved reading this with Annabelle. We especially loved the parts about Chinese culture and the scenes in San Francisco's Chinatown. We've been there so many times! It was also a great reminder that Chinese New Year is about putting aside disagreements and focusing on the new year, our blessings, and wishing others good things. A truly enjoyable book!
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Hallucinations
by
Sacks, Oliver
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
Really interesting book. An account of various forms of hallucinations from delirium to self-induced altered states. It not only reports on visual forms, but also delves into auditory hallucinations and phantom smells. It felt very complete and covered many common misconceptions about the variety of hallucinations. Not deeply scientific as to the specifics of how and why these things occur, but a relatively complete account of experiences nonetheless. He shares his findings with enough of an explanation that I felt both informed and consistently entertained, while not having to be a schooled in neuroscience to understand him. It gave a sound history and clarification of various hallucinatory occurrences without overwhelming me with jargon. Oliver Sacks has a way of writing in a way that feels very conversational, but doesn't underestimate his reader either. I really enjoyed this book.
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Spectrums
by
David Blatner, Scott Citron
WongKaiWen
, December 24, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. The author's engaging prose and ability to convey difficult scientific topics in an accessible way will win over the general audience. One really does get a better grasp of how infinitesimal and how enormous our universe truly is. This is the perfect book for the layperson interested in learning some of the basics of physics without sacrificing too much time. The book covers a narrow "spectrum" of science but what it covers it does so very well. I recommend it!
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100 Tricks Every Boy Can Do a Memoir
by
Stafford, Kim
WongKaiWen
, December 23, 2012
It is rare to read a book and find yourself knowing a friend so much better than you had before. I can divide my experience of reading 100 Tricks into two parts: appreciating the book and writer, and learning about my friend. I will always be grateful to Kim Stafford for writing this book. All of his books are about humanity in general and specificly about people with whom he has exchanged an understanding, maybe even love.
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Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza
by
Ken Forkish
WongKaiWen
, December 23, 2012
Awesome bread book! It doesn't have a ton of recipes, but it does have a ton of technique information. Changed my bread baking, for the better. The recipes make 2 loaves of bread, so I prepped my neighbors for random bread gifts, but we've been finishing every bite. And there's only 2 of us!
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Quite Enough of Calvin Trillin Forty Years of Funny Stuff
by
Calvin Trillin
WongKaiWen
, December 23, 2012
Calvin Trillin is a wonderfully funny storyteller, whether or not his stories are true or fictional. He's a quintessential New Yorker, but his appeal is universal, if more than a little ethnic. I'd read previously many of the essays included in this new compilation, but re-reading them was just as funny the second time around. The essays, some of which are more than thirty years old, remain funny today; many that were written in the Reagan era could have been written last week. The included essays are short enough and filled with enough gems of humor that they simply cry out to be read aloud, and in this instance my husband was the happy recipient.
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Moranthology
by
Caitlin Moran
WongKaiWen
, December 23, 2012
Why do I love her so much? Quite simply because she's hilarious. She makes excellent observations, which make you laugh, and at the same time consider often serious topics from a new light. You learn something, you feel entertained. What's not to love?
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Cozy Classics Moby Dick
by
Jack Wang, Holman Wang, Herman Melville
WongKaiWen
, December 23, 2012
As an English teacher, I love reading classic literature, so when I discovered the Cozy Classics series, I was thrilled. These books are designed for infants and toddlers and summarize lengthy works such as Moby Dick, Pride and Prejudice, and Les Miserables with a few simple words. The best part, however, is the art. Each series of pages features a felted character or image as the illustration, giving the book an almost 3-D feel, and making each page enticing. The rich colors and unique take on the classics is absolutely perfect for a little one.
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Fifty Shades of Chicken A Parody in a Cookbook
by
FL Fowler
WongKaiWen
, December 23, 2012
Fifty Shades of Chicken: A Parody in a Cookbook opens with the genius dedication, "For chicken lovers everywhere," and just gets lewder from there. In addition to being a parody of "Fifty Shades of Grey"-style erotica written from the perspective of a young hen, "Fifty Shades of Chicken" is also a lavishly illustrated cookbook in its own right. With titles like "Plain Vanilla Chicken" and "Steamy White Meat," the recipes are what makes this book more than a one-note joke or gag gift (pun intended). If only more cookbooks were this profane.
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Coco Chanel
by
Lisa Chaney
WongKaiWen
, December 23, 2012
I've always wanted to know more about Coco Chanel because she's always seemed very interesting, as well as influential. Lisa Chaney does a great job of relating the ups and downs of Chanel's life, although I'm sure this was a tough task. Chanel's early life is shrouded in mystery, but Chaney still helps the reader see the effects of a difficult childhood. Of course the book is filled with tales about life in Paris in the first 6 decades of the twentieth century. There is plenty of mystery in this book, but for readers interested in history, fashion, or both, it's a good read.
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Hobbit Card Game
by
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
Pleasantly surprised! I was expecting something like LOTR-The Duel, a bit ‘meh!’ but was delighted to find a simple game with a simple strategy that has a ‘one more go’ factor. It’s quick to play, set up and explain to non-gamers. It’s compact and can fit into a pocket (bear in mind that this was not the FFG version though) and it’s a game I will quite happily bring to my next Games Club night to win over a few fans.
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Days of Blood & Starlight
by
Taylor, Laini
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
If Daughter of Smoke and Bone was a dream, a mirage, a masterpiece of writing and phrases and words, overlapped and edited and fine-tuned to create a perfection of romance, snark, and pulsating chemistry, all tinged with a palpable undertone of bittersweet, Days of Blood and Starlight is like a hard slap, the cold splash of water, and the startled opening of ones eyes into the bleak, war-ridden, fragile, and bloody reality of life. Unlike most trilogies which follow in a steady rhythm of romance or action or paranormal mystery, Laini Taylor breaks all imaginary constraints and reveals to us the completely unexpected, for Days of Blood and Starlight is as far removed from its predecessor, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, as any novel could possibly be. In fact, the only similarities between the two lie in Taylor's atmospheric writing, her distinct characterizations, and the general plot continuation. In all other aspects though, Laini Taylor has surpassed my wildest expectations and written a novel that I can claim, in full confidence, that is far, far better than its predecessor. I gave Daughter of Smoke and Bone 5 Stars, just as I did Days of Blood and Starlight, but in reality, this novel deserves 500 Stars.
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Unbored The Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun
by
Joshua Glenn
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
It's a smart book and I expect I'll be buying tons of these this fall as gifts. Don't try to navigate a school break or a summer without this book. Don't tell my cousin Sarah, but I'm going to give her my now dog-eared edition of Unbored
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Dodger
by
Pratchett, Terry
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
The language of the book is a surprise to me. To be completely honest (and I'm really embarrassed to admit this.) when I started reading the book, I thought that Terry's Alzheimer's had finally progressed to such a degree that it had *really* damaged his ability to write at the sentence-level. About two pages in, I realized he was actually mimicking Victorian prose, which is a lot different than his usual breezy style of writing. Once I realized that, it only took about three pages to get used to the new style and enjoy it. After that I didn't find the language clunky at all. In brief, all Pratchett's usual wit, cleverness, and humor is here. There's also the added benefit of seeing Victorian London through Dodger's eyes, and while Pratchett romanticizes it somewhat, he obviously knows the time period well.
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Phantom
by
Jo Nesbo
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
I thought this book was brilliant and couldnt't put it down. I've read all the Harry Hole books and enjoyed them all but I blasted through this one in about 48 hours! I thought that I had it all worked out, but Jo Nesbo continues to surprise and lay red herrings to trick you! I found the general story about drug users and the whole importing/exporting/selling thing very interesting and liked how some of the narrative was from a dead character! This is a book that will haunt you for a long time after you read it; the ending is powerful and totally surprised me. I can't stop thinking about the book! If you're a fan of the Harry Hole series then I can strongly recommend this book.
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Hydrogen Sonata
by
Iain M Banks
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
It is clear that Iain Banks is one of our generations' greatest science fiction authors, a peer of Asimov for the new century, and one of last keepers of Asimov-style SF (that being both high concept and soft science). It's too bad that (failing an unlikely pop adaptation into another format like film) the soft-ish nature of the SF (mostly abandoned for hard SF, like Karl Schroeder or outright Sci-Fi Fantasy of the Star Wars variety), the extensive length of most works and the regular slower-than-average start to his narrative arcs will keep his work from gaining the mainstream acceptance it deserves.
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Twelve
by
Justin Cronin
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
This sequel reveals answers to questions I never asked in reading the first book and raised others that I suppose will be answered in the third volume. Well-written and imaginative with well-developed and interesting characters both from the first novel and greater development of characters that were barely mentioned in the first book or entirely new in this volume. There is far less emphasis on the virals but that did not make the story less compelling; if anything it appeals to readers who may not necessarily care for horror or sci-fi. There are - to me - surprising plot developments that I didn't see coming, not that I am one of those readers who consciously guess what happens next unless the foreshadowing is so obvious or the telling of the story less than first rate. Like all good stories, I was engaged with the characters; I want to know what happens to them (in the next volume) or what happened to them (not yet told in the first two). To say more might take away from the reader's joy of discovering it for him/herself.
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Angelmaker
by
Nick Harkaway
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
If you enjoy the way words can roll around and reassemble in marvelous and unexpected ways, read Angelmaker. Harkaway makes me happy to read. So few people write sentences that make me stop in wonder at their beauty. Just watching the phrases, feeling pleasure at the way the words are coming off the page and floating in my head. The story is good, if occasionally lost in the meandering of words well used. When you enjoy the use of words, it's probably best not to use a non-linear time line. The reader is apt to get lost watching the lights on the wall and miss the turning. Still, the lights on the wall are well worth being distracted by and the path can always be found on the next page or chapter. The characters, especially Edie Bannister, are lovely. The evil neer-do-well, is truly despicable, but it's his truly horrifying henchmen that work best. These side characters that seem to be the bogey men under beds, make you fear that they won't be comfortably ended when the book ends and will always sneak out of corners unseen. Harkaway makes us a truly bizarre and unsettling set of bogies and that is nice treat. I loved the book. I can see already its a book I will read again and again, just because it will be fun to visit.
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Frontera: Margaritas, Guacamoles and Snacks
by
Bayless, Rick
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
The book title describes exactly what's in the book - guacamole, margaritas, and a small selection of snacks. The real focus of the book is on a variety of cocktails, with a nice section on dessert drinks. The recipes are very complex but super tasty!
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House of Leaves
by
Mark Z. Danielewski
WongKaiWen
, December 22, 2012
This is without a doubt one of the most engrossing books I've ever read in my life. I'm almost embarrassed to admit the amount of notes I've scrawled in various notebooks while reading it. You can call this book a horror story, but you can also call it a love story. You might call it the reinvention of the novel, or at the very least it's a book that makes you question your ideas about what a novel could or should be. About where the line is between fact and fiction, author and creation, about investing ourselves in a story we know isn't real. But more than all the surface elements I talked about, this book is an exploration of the human psyche, about characters who are dealing with issues of identity, sorrow, loss, regret, obsession. And those things more than anything about this book is why months after reading it I'll get random flashes from the book and an irresistible urge to pick it up. It haunts you, but in a way that makes you want more. Read it. If only just for novelty of the reading experience. As an added bonus, those readers who are truly obsessive will undoubtedly realize how much more is going on in this book and spend many a sleepless night trying to solve a riddle with no answer and reach the end of a path only to realize they've been walking in a circle.
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