Customer Comments

Wow! I am so glad that I bought "The Power of One" from Powell's based on a reader-review! Peekay is an English African boy who takes on his challenges with an awesome spirit & desire. He has some great mentors along the way: Hoppie teaches about boxing & that you fight "first with the head, then with your heart"; Geel Piet is an experienced con & a great boxing coach; & Doc who is a German pianist & botanist. They all have something to teach Peekay along his journey to find his power. Good writing, interesting setting, & a memorable character! One of my favorite 'recommend-ables'!

I didn't know what to expect from this author, so I took a chance upon finding it in clearance. I found it to be well-written & a very enjoyable "summer escape" read. If you would enjoy reading a magical-type of story that aptly describes life in early Ireland, while still providing believable characters, then this is one you shouldn't miss!

I purchased this book online & frankly, was a bit turned-off by the cutesy cover. I had it a whole year before I even opened it. Then, the story line was a bit hokey & predictable--BUT--once I stopped being annoyed, I realized that I was still reading AND really enjoying myself! Caring about Joyce & her relationship with her father, her friends, & the mystery man. And laughing out loud! Ms. Ahern has a lovely warm Irish wit about her. This book is a gem.

Hyacinth Blue is my favorite color, for a book! (and may I say, that I also love the cover art & the cute small size.) But, the BEST part is the story! Tracing Netherlands artist, Jan van der Meer's, painting of "The Girl In Hyacinth Blue" backward in time from it's current owner to it's very inception, is an amazing journey that gives us glimpses of "colorful" lives in another place & time.

I LOVED this book! You immediately fall in love with the characters in Leota's life & find yourself reading quickly to see what they will find as they search for roots, a meaning to life & faith. And Leota's brand of faith is a thing of beauty.

This amazing tale spans five centuries of a Jewish family where every generation has but one "Rachel". From the Inquisition in the 1400's in Spain, to Venice, Berlin, Jerusalem, England & finally to America. I was horrified, mesmerized, tantalized & nearly hospitalized. (not really, I got carried away there for a moment) I absolutely love being that entertained while learning a bit of history! Thanks to the compelling writing of this author.

I thought this book had a charming 'down-home' style of writing. Sweet, tender, & funny. I loved it!

Need a good read? 'Go ask Alice' Hoffman! Blackbird House is a delicious & skillfully collected story about a small farm on Cape Cod and it's varied owners as it passes through two centuries. I recommend this book as one that hit all the right notes. Hoffman is in her best form here, using her unique touch of mystery & magic to enchant & entertain her readers.

Life's too short to read bad books! THIS book, however, is very worthwhile. What a pleasure to read such flowing & meaningful prose & enjoy the interesting story of a family in Boston & the unusual circumstances of their intertwined lives. THIS book is what "pleasure reading" is all about!

This was my first reading of Neil Gaiman. I found it to be just what I was looking for! His prose is very likable, even while introducing us to an eerie new world. I found myself looking forward to my late-night reading sessions in the same way I might sneak a cookie after everyone else has gone to bed! Fun & intriguing, I definitely will read more by this talented writer!