Cart
|
|
my account
|
wish list
|
help
|
800-878-7323
Hello, |
Login
MENU
Browse
See All Subjects
New Arrivals
Bestsellers
Featured Preorders
Award Winners
Audio Books
Used
Staff Picks
Staff Picks
Picks of the Month
25 Best 21st Century Sci-Fi & Fantasy
25 Books to Read Before You Die
25 PNW Books to Read Before You Die
25 Women to Read Before You Die
50 Books for 50 Years
Gifts
Gift Cards & eGift Cards
Powell's Souvenirs
Journals and Notebooks
Games
Sell Books
Events
Find A Store
Don't Miss
Creatives on Creating Sale
Comfort Me With Novels Sale
Welcome to the Chapterverse Sale
Powell's Author Events
Oregon Battle of the Books
Audio Books
Get the Powell's newsletter
Visit Our Stores
Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
(0 comment)
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...
Read More
»
Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
(0 comment)
Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
(0 comment)
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
Customer Comments
NicholasK has commented on (23) products
Place of Yes 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want Out of Life
by
Bethenny Frankel, Eve Adamson
NicholasK
, July 20, 2015
I've always been a fan of The "Real Housewives" franchise, and Bethenny has by far been my favorite cast member. I love her blunt honesty, that she exhibits so easily; especially when concerning her own actions, and her own life. This book helped me to realize that no one is going to give me the things I want out of life; I have to work really hard for the goals that I set for myself, on my own terms. My failures, all my various life experiences, and all my relationships can help put me in better alignment toward having everything I'd like out of my life...on my own terms!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
by
Elizabeth Kolbert
NicholasK
, July 06, 2015
I urge everyone who is able, to read this book. The importance of Kolbert's work in creating this bible of environmental sorts, is not easily overstated. Having just recently taken a class on paleoanthropology, I was surprised by how little I actually know/have learned regarding human evolution's impact on the earth. I was quite disturbed by many of Kolbert's studies (the results of which paint a very gloomy possible future for planet earth,) while simultaneously feeling an overall sense of awe in her ability to associate herself, and learn from, so many world experts regarding the material covered, and her ability to so eloquently relay what she learned into a format that can reach readers of all walks of life. Now more than ever is this work so important. If we are to create a better planet tomorrow, we must learn from past mistakes today.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(5 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
God Help the Child
by
Toni Morrison
NicholasK
, July 06, 2015
There really is no stopping Toni Morrison; a true literary genius, someone our generation should seek out in an effort to better understand the human experience. This novel, which centers around the cycles of abuses children endure, which permeate all other realms of their lives as they grow and develop, is a testament to the power of learned conditions, and the power of agency in one's own aging experience. Morrison delivers characters so matter-of-fact, so real, that one cannot help but identify with them on levels not forced, and not easily forgettable. The main character (though many of the characters shared a relatively similar amount of backdrop characterization,) Bride, comes to terms with very deep and moving life experiences in an authentic way, and upon reading her story, I felt touched by her perseverance and achievements, while all the while questioning the ways in which I myself have been shaped by the decisions of my parents.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Gigantic Beard That Was Evil
by
Stephen Collins
NicholasK
, March 20, 2015
Realizing this book's hidden messages and themes was a challenge, but it was very fun. Upon finishing it, I feel like the overall message is one of reflection; a reflection on modern society and the ways in which we create scapegoats victims to suit our own purposes, and villainize them in an effort to avoid facing the real roots to society's problems. The man who grows an enormous beard, in a society that values the status-quo and tidiness, is eventually the reason the society starts to fracture.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Love
by
Toni Morrison
NicholasK
, March 20, 2015
At first, this book was a bit confusing to get into, as the narration changes from present to past quite a bit. Once I was able to discern which chapters were reflections on the past, and which were set in the present, I was able to enjoy the beautiful ways in which Morrison is able to create this intricate web of relationships that essentially are all based on one past event, revolving around one man. At times, this book felt like a mystery, and other times, it was a coming-of-age story. It was beautiful to read.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Mrs Dalloway
by
Virginia Woolf
NicholasK
, March 20, 2015
This classic piece of modern literature is a bit of a challenge to get into for someone who is not familiar with Woolf's writing style. Stream of Consciousness is tricky, but once one becomes familiar with the sentence structure, the depth of Woolf's characters, and their interconnectedness, can be appreciated.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(3 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Bulb Expert
by
D G Hessayon
NicholasK
, March 18, 2015
Spring is just about here, and gardeners everywhere will need to think about how best to care for their plants. I personally love the wonders of bulb gardening, and this book was very helpful in my past issues regarding bulb garden maintenance and species-specific problems. Perhaps the most beautiful of all spring flowers come from bulbs, so this book will surely help in creating the perfect spring garden!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
The Empathy Exams: Essays
by
Leslie Jamison
NicholasK
, March 18, 2015
This collection is so beautifully written, so eloquently worded, that I was brought to tears several times. Purchasing the book was a very smart decision my part, as I plan on reading it over and over again; it was worth every single penny. The overall message is this: we can all improve the ways in which we relate to one another. The world would be a much better place if we learned to feel one another's pain.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(3 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
501 Must Visit Destinations
by
Emma Beare
NicholasK
, March 18, 2015
I plan on traveling a lot someday, and this book is a great mode of aspiration and idea formation. There are really interesting bits and pieces of historical fact, cultural details, and beautifully stunning photographs. Even if one does not plan on traveling, this book would make a wonderful coffee table piece, as guests will love to flip through it and take in the great scenery!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Vampires in the Lemon Grove
by
Karen Russell
NicholasK
, March 18, 2015
I absolutely love the way Russell is able to incorporate bits and pieces of surrealism and fantasy into the scope of everyday life and the human experience. I especially loved the story, "Reeling for the Empire," and have been in awe of the imagery Russell was able to capture within it. Each story is so incredibly unique and different, not just from the others within the collection, but from any story I've ever read, that this book deserves a spot in any book lover's collection.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(3 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Travesti Sex Gender & Culture Among Brazilian Transgendered Prostitutes
by
Don Kulick
NicholasK
, March 18, 2015
I had to read this book for a Culture&Ethnography class, and I learned a lot about the world of travestis, or transgender people in Brazil. I love delving into the worlds of sex and gender, and the ways in which the travestis of Brazil access their agency, and see themselves in the greater sphere of society is very interesting. Anyone who loves culture, sexuality&gender, would find this ethnography extremely interesting.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Hidden World of Birthdays
by
Judith Turner
NicholasK
, March 18, 2015
I love this book! I use it as a party subject. My guests always love to have their birthday details read to them. This book's contents also make great conversation starters and ice-breakers for conversation. Even for those who do not necessarily believe in this sort of thing, the readings are very interesting and fun!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Old Friend from Far Away The Practice of Writing Memoir
by
Natalie Goldberg
NicholasK
, March 18, 2015
This book helped me to better understand my specific voice when writing. Anyone who would like to improve their ability to write, whether it be for professional aspirations, or simply for the joy of writing better, should give this book a try, as it would be beneficial to growing as a writer, and person.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Malaysia & the Original People A Case Study of the Impact of Development on Indigenous Peoples Part of the Cultural Survival Studies in Ethnicit
by
Robert Knox Dentan
NicholasK
, March 04, 2015
It is easy to forget that progress and modernization often come at the expense of ethnic minorities worldwide. This ethnographic text, focusing on the Orang Asli of Malaysia, demonstrates the importance of recognizing the prices paid by ethnic minorities as national governments attempt to exploit resources and, often times, human differences. Upon reading this book, I felt angry, very sad, and at times, hopeful for change. I found myself comparing the plight of the Orang Asli in Malaysia to the various treatments of Native American tribes by the American government. The similarities are striking, and it seems that no matter where you go in the world, peoples who do not have access to political power are marginalized and abused for the gains of the "greater good."
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Blasphemy New & Selected Stories
by
Sherman Alexie
NicholasK
, March 02, 2015
Alexie is a proficient writer in various forms of writing; most notably skilled in the art of the short story. In this collection of stories, Alexie details the lives of many characters, most of whom Native American in ethnicity, in a way that can only truly be described as literary art. Each character is so well developed, in such a short allotment of page space, that one can truly recognize the talent level of Alexie as a writer. His stories speak to the most human of levels in the reader, allowing the gauntlet of emotions felt to at once captivate the reader, and move the reader into challenging preconceived notions of how the world works. At times, I had to remind myself that these were fictional stories, rather than essays of nonfiction or memoir.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Mermaid
by
Carolyn Turgeon
NicholasK
, February 25, 2015
It was so refreshing to read a re-take on the classic mermaid tale. Turgeon did not stray so far away from the original tale that the reader cannot associate the main characters with their childhood memories, but did take the story into a darker, more adult direction. In Turgeon's version of the fairytale, the mermaid is not the only character to suffer in the inability to love freely, and must overcome her own conscious in her pursuit of her prince. Turgeon is able to create a beautiful setting, relying on poetic imagery to absorb the reader. The clash of worlds that is so characteristic of the classic mermaid fairytales pervasively carries through all the subplots. This is not the typical childhood mermaid tale; this is for adults who love magic and whimsy.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The Book of Life
by
Deborah Harkness
NicholasK
, February 25, 2015
In this, the final book to the All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness, we finally discover just how truly connected Diana and Matthew are. The faction of mythical beings that Diana has assembled, including family and friends, goes up against the oldest rule of order in history, and attempt to solve the mysteries of The Book of Life, and each distinct species' place within the world. Harkness has developed a very large fan base, as she uses her vast knowledge of history to create an intelligent world of myth and fantasy, that exists in present-day so seamlessly, it makes the reader wonder if there might just be a history of non-human creatures in this world. I finished the book in one day, as the pages practically turned themselves. The entire series is fast-moving magic, and even readers who are not crazy about vampire stories or fantasy will love the author's ability to rewrite history in a way that both makes sense, and is believable.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Leave Myself Behind
by
Bart Yates
NicholasK
, February 23, 2015
This novel is pure poetry. Bart Yates is really good at creating a beautiful setting, in which the reader can easily imagine being involved. Noah, the narrator of the story (and all around sarcastic, witty, and aching to belong, but also afraid to express that need, guy) meets JD after Noah's mother (affluent and respected poet,) decides to move from Chicago to a very small New England picturesque town. Quickly, Noah develops feelings for JD, which are reciprocated, however hesitantly. Shortly after, we meet JD's abusive mother, and discover strange things buried within the walls of Noah's house as his mother frantically attempts to recover the mysteries of the past homeowners'. This novel is beautiful, in that it demonstrates the powerful bond between anyone who loves another person, and the lengths we all go through to support our loved ones when they really need it most.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(0 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
The Bluest Eye
by
Toni Morrison
NicholasK
, February 22, 2015
This is perhaps one of my all-time favorite books ever. Toni Morrison writes so magically, so eloquently, that each and every page feels like a small piece to a very large poem. Morrison's characters are so well developed, that you feel their pain, and you hope that they pull through their darkest periods and overcome all the adversity that they face. Pecola, one of the main characters, and the character in which the main plot revolves around, is a testament to humanity's potential to hate, to ostracize, to malign. I fell in love with her character, and felt very protective of her as she suffered time and time again (this is why I elected to name my newly adopted cat Pecola.) Morrison delves into the world of American history that was and is still so full of racism. She is able to transcend simply writing a novel about the African-American experience, or the experience of a young girl, or the experience of suffering, and creates a world that each and every reader can relate to.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(6 of 6 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Small Wonder Essays
by
Kingsolver, Barbara
NicholasK
, February 22, 2015
I had been waiting forever to find a collection of essays completely dedicated to the love of the natural world, and humanity's place within it! Kingsolver is known for her proficient writing, and each one of these varied essays captures her skill. As the reader, I was never bored, and upon finishing each essay felt like I learned a very important lesson, without having felt preached to. Kingsolver leads by example, the advice she gives is based upon the choices she has made, after years and years of research and soul-searching; she knows what she's talking about. I would recommend this book to anyone, whether or not they are familiar with the creative essay genre.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Will Grayson Will Grayson
by
John Green, David Levithan
NicholasK
, February 22, 2015
Although this book may be presumed to be fit for young adults, rather than a more adult audience, I was refreshed to find a novel that depicted gay characters in a relatively happy and secure life. Usually gay fiction depicts a very sad, potentially dangerous plot where the characters are constantly overcoming adversity, or attempting to find shreds of acceptance somewhere in their otherwise pathetic lives. John Green has always been good at casting his gay characters in a positive light, allowing the overarching themes of the human experience to shine through. "Will Grayson, Will Grayson," chronicles the lives of two high school boys, who are very different, but find value in the difference of the other. The friendship portrayed in the novel fosters hope for the reader. If you're looking for a very happy ending, and characters you can't help but become attached to, this is definitely a book to read.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Euphoria
by
Lily King
NicholasK
, February 22, 2015
Lily King captures the magic of another, unknown culture in "Euphoria," detailing the lives of three anthropologists conducting separate, but similar field studies. The novel's plot does not move slowly, and the characters' desires, fears, jealousy, and lust forces the story into precarious situations, with a very surprising ending. King is able to write a novel that captures what seems to be an accurate depiction of anthropological field studies in the 1930s. Overall, this novel was fun, exciting, and engaging. After reading "Euphoria," I was excited to look into what else Lily King has written!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
report this comment
Family Life in a Northern Thai Village A Study in the Structural Significance of Women
by
Sulamith Hei Potter
NicholasK
, February 21, 2015
Although outdated, the cultural study, and subsequent results delve into the gender dynamics and implications of being a woman in a society where women are given many responsibilities in terms of family and finance. The language used by Potter helps any reader, whether or not they have a background in anthropology, to understand the dimensions of the research. I also valued the attention to detail given by Potter in regards to the dynamics of the family studied. It was nice to get the chance to feel as if you know a little bit about the real family that Potter studied, as opposed to feeling as if the family is simply a study sample. Anyone who is interested in Thailand specifically, or Southeast Asia in general, should read this book, as it offers a glimpse, however small, into the gendered culture of beautiful culture.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment