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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
Ms. B. has commented on (15) products
Christmas Carol
by
Charles Dickens
Ms. B.
, March 09, 2023
I’d seen so many movie and TV versions, I realized it was high time for the original ;) . It was more witty and thought-provoking than I’d expected. The narration, and a few scenes I don’t recall seeing in movies added to it. That bit about ‘dead as a doornail’ alone was worth it, some must- love British humor :D ! My only criticism is that I could’ve done without one comment from the narrator about young pretty girls. I would’ve also liked more info about Scrooge’s dad’s miraculous Christmastime transformation. It was of course heartwarming, and there were a few historical words I need to look up to know what it was refering to. Enjoyed it greatly!
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Finding Miracles
by
Julia Alvarez
Ms. B.
, March 09, 2023
Complex characters that feel real, an exciting plot, and a lot of heart (with mild swearing and suggestive language when discussing people most likely to be main character’s birth parents). I appreciate that it shows a country recovering from horrors, and mentions that even bad peoples’ families lost a son / brother / etc. This book is all about (mostly family) relationships, and its captivating how they change so much over the book. I admire how this author creates such a full sense of culture in the second part- without ever setting it in a specific Latin American country. I really enjoy the inspirational messages about our duty to bring more light to the world (even in small ways), and to honor people of the past by not letting their stories die.
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Emily Makes a Difference A Time of Progress & Problems
by
Joann A Grote
Ms. B.
, March 08, 2023
I really enjoyed learning so much about the era, the 1893 World’s Fair, and Midwestern and US history. Esp. railroads and the origin of US time zones. I’m gonna have to look up some of those fair attractions (esp. the ‘water train’). Though I do feel that some of the dialogue that gave this info isn’t really how people talk/ed, even back then. I liked that the main characters were caring people, eager to learn about the world, and realistically imperfect. I think its funny given this is a “Sisters” book with “Emily” as the title character, that her cousin Ted is narrator nearly as much. But Emily (due to her dad’s job) is richer, Ted (due to his dad’s job) is more humble, soy they think about different things in the same settings. I’m pleasantly surprised that they managed to find a 3rd solution to Emily’s ‘flaw’ of not being enough of a lady. I thought they’d either have to be a little sexist about it, or unrealistically modern and feminist. But there was another way. I’m glad to hear that the charitable project at the end of this story abntually happened thanks to real schoolkids back then. Overall an enjoyable, educational, and exciting read :) .
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My Brother Sam Is Dead
by
James Lincoln Collier
Ms. B.
, March 08, 2023
I appreciate that it is based on real history, towns, and people from the American Revolution. It is interesting to learn so much, esp. how the war affected civilians, regardless of which ‘side’ they were on. And because it’s based on real events, it has a true to life ending. I like the main character and his family. The story is also very exciting, hard to put down. I was unpleasantly surprised by some mild cursing, and a couple scenes and mentions of graphic violence. However, I appreciate that these were put here to realistically demonstrate the true human cost of war instead of glorifying violence. These negative aspects were mild compared to recent movies and tv shows. They also made the teenage main character and his brother seem more true to life. Overall a good read for someone okay with a PG 13 drama. Oh, and despite the descriptions that say otherwise, at no point does their veteran father fight for either side of this war.
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Betsys River Adventure The Journey Westward
by
Veda Boyd Jones
Ms. B.
, March 08, 2023
This is the first book I've read in this 'Sister in Time' series, and is quite good. Fascinating (esp the bit about kidnapped American sailors during War of 1812 era), exciting travel story, and with a lesson about frustrating family members that I needed a teeny reminder about ;) . It was also funny and heartwarming. Hoping the others are as good :) . Despite being set largely in Ohio, if you enjoy westerns, and/or Little House on the Prairie, this might be right up your alley.
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Patmos Deception
by
Davis Bunn
Ms. B.
, March 08, 2023
I liked the unpredictable nature of both the mystery and personal parts of this book. It was suspenseful and exciting. I enjoyed learning about ancient and modern Greek history, and ancient history about Christians. I really loved the main characters, and the kind people they knew- especially Carey’s kind grandfather, and that sweet and hilarious family in Athens :D ! This book would make a great (action adventure romcom) movie. My only criticism is that we hear about Carey’s amazing forensic skills, but the skills we witness her use are her research skills.
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Nory Ryan's Song
by
Patricia Reilly Giff
Ms. B.
, March 08, 2023
It was nice to read a book where I felt fully immersed in Irish culture and history. There were several amazingly heartwarming moments. I enjoyed the way relationships evolved between Nory and her sister Celia, and also with her ‘scary’ neighbor Anna (partly due to that charming dog of their mutual neighbor who got evicted). It reminded me of Boo Radley from ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’.
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Royal Diaries Elisabeth The Princess Bride Austria Hungary 1853
by
Barry Denenberg
Ms. B.
, March 08, 2023
This caught my eye because it takes place in 1850s Bavaria and Austria. I liked the peek at how much daily life and rules back then truly varied, even among the upper class. Without this book, I’d likely have never heard of these people. I appreciate the factual epilogue discussing their connection to WWI, and that (contrary to some movies) marrying a royal bachelor didn’t mean a fairytale ending. It wasn’t as enjoyable as some other entries in the series, largely because of the inter-related marriage. I like the fictional version of the main character, a humble but determined tomboy who loves stories and animals far more than parties or dressing up. But I'm not sure how well she matches the real woman in the epilogue- the 'most beautiful woman in Europe' with her Barbie doll like waistline.
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The Emperor Jones
by
Eugene O'Neill
Ms. B.
, March 08, 2023
Clearly a reflection of the more racist times it was created during, and has a particularly offensive word at least 20 times. On a brighter note, it was very suspenseful! As a Floridian- I could relate to its depictions of stifling heat and thick vegetation taking over anywhere it can. This edition's author bio also had some cool insights on his impact on American theater.
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Count the Nights by Stars
by
Michelle Shocklee
Ms. B.
, February 28, 2023
Sorta like Frozen: kind heiress with golddigger fiance and nice guy who loves HER, life-changing secret between siblings, and unconditional sibling love. I didn't see plot twists coming. Especially Lucas, Kentons, and 1960s mystery woman. Tennessee fair and the hotel sound fun and gorgeous! Through its romance and prostitution storylines, this remains a clean, PG-ish read. I adore these realistically imperfect people and their growth. How ALL Priscilla's relationships change as she discovers love, purpose, self-confidence, and determination. I like Audrey's respectful nosiness about Miss Nichols. Poor Emmett. Shocking that so recently, mentally challenged kids could be banned from school. Powerfully inspirational characters- looking for life's bright parts, and valued forgiving enemies AND yourself. I'd love a sequel with Audrey, Jason, and Grace. I hope future editions tell charities some proceeds go to (its Samaritan's Purse and A21 Campaign). My copy was free, but with no obligations. The opinions here are mine.
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Bold Beauty
by
Dandi Daley Mackall
Ms. B.
, February 28, 2023
While this isn't my favorite in the series, it's a great story with likeable characters and cool info about animals. I enjoyed the powerful and thoughtful abortion debate speech, especially when that boy shares why this topic matters to him. Personal problems Winnie faces in this one are a touch awkward for me to read, but realistic and full of faith and growth.
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Let Me Hold You Longer
by
Karen Kingsbury
Ms. B.
, February 28, 2023
What a sweet and charming way to let teens know how much they mean to and will be missed by loving parents! You can tell the author put a lot of heart and memories into this easy-to-relate-with book (and I don't even have kids). Also, the dog is adorable.
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Wild Thing
by
Dandi Daley Mackall
Ms. B.
, February 05, 2023
For animal lovers, with lots of heart, excitement, and family relationships. I loved this introduction to a great group of likeable quirky people (like Catman and his family), and that you learn about horses themselves. I appreciate that its willing to contain deeper subjects, like Winnie surviving her mom's fatal accident and how her family goes forward. Great series' start!
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Dead Wrong
by
Vannetta Chapman
Ms. B.
, August 07, 2022
Just adding this to my previous review (word count ran out): I received a free copy of this book, but with no obligations. The opinions above are my own.
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Dead Wrong
by
Vannetta Chapman
Ms. B.
, February 16, 2022
Addictive & inspiring. I was unsure what to expect when it said a main character had lost family. This book did not make me feel uncomfortable or depressed. It stayed lighthearted (but not shallow) on the subject, with occasional fond memories, or inspirational thoughts. I appreciated that. *_* I liked most characters. Lovable Agatha is my favorite. She's a positive person with a big heart, hardworking, smart, has faith-powered strength, & her inner thoughts are relatable & hilarious. Police station ones had me laughing out loud! Glad to see an older woman who isn't romance-obsessed or a busybody. That said, I did enjoy Gina, who is sort of a busybody. She's funny, fearless, determined, & a good friend. Tony is smart, brave, & a good person & neighbor. Having his more pragmatic thoughts was a nice balance with Agatha's. Tony's law enforcement facts were cool, as were Agatha's Amish ones. They didn't delay plot, & there weren't too many at once to absorb. While many characters are devout, it never comes across as preachy or too perfect. Just decent people being fair & kind. *_* I suspected everyone except Agatha & the baby, but was left guessing until around the murderer reveal. I enjoyed the additional mysteries of what suspects innocent of murder were hiding. It was realistic when our perspective on some characters changed as we got to know them more. Good setting descriptions. I'm eager to continue series, & find out more about people's pasts & loved ones.
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