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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
Booky McReady has commented on (4) products
Brooklyn on Fire
by
Lawrence H. Levy
Booky McReady
, February 15, 2016
There's just something I love about historical fiction, and I think it's that authors tend to go the extra step in making the world come alive. The sound of horse-drawn carriages, the muddy streets... Levy wrote a marvelous Brooklyn, and a charming South. Lazlo is a doll, and I would read a series of books with him as a Watson to Mary's Sherlock... only I'm not convinced about Mary. There's something about her, one might say. I would not be friends with her, which is fine. I certainly don't need that to enjoy the story. She's distractingly abrasive, in my opinion. She doesn't have a head for facts, instead she's an obnoxious know-it-all who uses information to sound superior. Sometimes she's able to use it to turn the tables on men who (foolishly) underestimate her, but not always. I understand (because I know my history, but also because the book tells and shows me multiple times) that women had to work ten times as hard to be taken half as seriously, if that. I also understand that having society-at-large as well as your mothers disapproval can really shape a person. Still. Her 'I know more than, and better than, you' attitude was wearing. Otherwise... I did enjoy the story quite a bit, and will be picking up the first book, Second Street Station, which I missed earlier. The mystery was interesting, the bad guys were suitably villainous, and I do like friendships and family woven into the story-at-large. And Lazlo. Recommended it to a mystery book club.
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Salt to the Sea
by
Ruta Sepetys
Booky McReady
, February 14, 2016
I keep saying I don’t usually read WWII fiction, but here is the second in a month. I haven’t read Ruta Sepetys’s other work, but this one was incredible. It could be the author’s more personal connection to the events she writes about, but regardless she has a gift. Four strangers meet trying to escape Germany in 1945, trying to book passage on the Wilhelm Gustloff, and trying to make sense of a world gone mad. During my read-through, I could feel the cold and hear the crack of ice. The book gives enough historical setting and facts to set the scene, but lets the characters and their stories take the lead. We see the good and the bad in humanity, and of course most are in-between. This story is tragically beautiful, which I’m sure won’t come as a surprise to most. I’m done with WWII fiction for the next few months at least, but I’m so grateful the ones I tried were worthwhile and impactful.
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(5 of 6 readers found this comment helpful)
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Anna & the Swallow Man
by
Gavriel Savit
Booky McReady
, January 28, 2016
What starts in Krakow at the dawn of World War II quickly turns from historical fiction into historical fairy-tale. Orphaned during the German invasion of Poland, Anna finds a strange, harsh new life on the road with an unlikely protector – The Swallow Man. His primary skill is survival, and his second is languages, which is where Anna first starts to bond with this strange man. Like any good fairy-tale, it is an epic journey that explores humanity on different levels and in different ways. In the darkest hour there is kindness still to be found… but oh is there darkness. I don’t tend to read WWII fiction, because I know it will depress me and if I’m going to do that I may as well read the non-fiction. Despite that fact, I have still read many middle grade war novels, and have to say this is a unique offering. The writing is magical and by staying on the fringes of the war for the most part, we’re offered a fresh angle. I’m not sure where this book will end up – in middle grade or young adult, but I feel it is important to not underestimate the importance of such a tale, or the value of such to a child. With a language warning (if you believe in such things, for one or two instances), I could easily see this book appropriate for 12 and up. Anna is beautifully portrayed – the hopes, fears, and concerns of a young girl growing into a young woman are treated well. This was an unexpected treasure.
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Illuminae (Illuminae Files #1)
by
Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Booky McReady
, January 22, 2016
Girl breaks up with her boyfriend, planet gets destroyed, and then there’s the viral outbreak… If you aren’t curious yet, then maybe the format will grab your attention. Hacked e-mails, video transcriptions, ship records… You get the idea. Kady and Ezra end up on separate evacuation ships after their mining colony is destroyed by a ruthless enemy. Despite tragic losses, they start to make new lives for themselves on board, moving on without their home and without each other. Things are bad, but there’s hope. Then things get worse. A plague has appeared and starts to turn shipmates into vicious beasts, who brutally savage anyone who get in their path. Oh, and the AI on one of the ships is taking matters into its own hands. I adore the unconventional formatting, but all of that would be wasted if there wasn’t a compelling story behind it. Action, adventure, romance, science, horror… there’s an excellent mix of all these things. Kady is my favorite, with her ambition, tech skills, and grit. I’m thrilled that there are two more books to come. I don’t buy many hardcovers, but I have zero regrets with this one.
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