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BOOK REVIEWS

Early March 2018

3/4/2018

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Hey book lovers! Here's another installment of our monthly book review blog. For those that are new here, there are the top picks of our staff and customers alike for the month of March. Read about these awesome books and then come on in to our charming bookstore and see for yourselves! 
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The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers

This is an improbable story. It's about a young man growing up in a rough neighborhood in San Francisco of Yemeni heritage who has a particularly impressive dream. Mokhtar Alkhanshali believes he can bring the coffee of Yemen to the world and in doing so, can better the lives of the Yemeni people. It's a story of survival that will have you on the edge of your seat! You will never drink a cup of coffee again without thinking of this story. This is indeed "coffee worth risking your life for"!

Review by Dave (Customer)
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 Apollo 8 by Jeffrey Kluger

NASA and the Apollo program have always fascinated me and this book tells us the whole story of the historic Apollo 8 mission. Told from the different points of view- from the astronauts, their families, and mission control operaters. Through their eyes we see just how important this mission was to everyone- including the United States! The space race was on and no one knew who would finish first! Would recommend this book!

Review by Maria (Staff)
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The Battle of the Atlantic by Jonathan Dimbleby

Excellent one volume history of the World War Two battle between the German U-Boats trying to starve Britain and the Allie Navies seeking to keep the shipping lanes open. With different tactics the Allies could have won a year earlier, and with more U-Boats the Germans could have done the same. Fascinating topic, excellent history.

Review by Dave (Customer)
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The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley

This enchanting series now has Flavia de Luce being so grown-up and adult-like! Her young life has gone through a major upheaval. Her father has died, her mother has left her the estate, but all control seems to be too much and very much not in Flavia's hands. Off on a short vacation to ease the tension because of a sister's delayed wedding, Flavia once again finds death. Every page has so much information about poisons (her specialty) and phrases that only she can speak. Not sure how Bradley manages to write so cleverly! Spoiler alert: could this be the last of the series? Please, Bradley! Continue this sweet, clever, and endearing series starring Flavia de Luce.

Review by Susan (Staff)
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Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore

A quick read that you can't put down! This novel is a TRIP. A compelling combination of SciFi and Fiction- this book teleports you from the distant past to far into the future. We follow Milo, a human who has been reincarnated almost 10,000 times, and Suzie, the charming and enigmatic Death Incarnate, on a whirlwind adventure as Milo tries to get one of his lives just right. This book stuck with me for weeks! Five Stars!

Review by Abbey (Staff)
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The Forever Summer by Jamie Brenner

An intruiging premise about family and loved ones and what you believe to be true may not in fact be so. Well written, great story! A novel set in summer, it will have you thinking about summer long after it's over. Poignant and a great read!

Review by Christine (Staff)
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February 2018

2/17/2018

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All right, ladies and gentlemen, here's some of our staff and customer's favorite books of February 2018!
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White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht

This story details the hardships of the South Korean women during the Japanese Occupation. Older sister, Hana (16), is taken from her family and home to become a "comfort woman" for the Japanese army. What she and the other girls/women must endure is worse than torture. Korean women today are still trying to get the Japanese government to admit and apologize for their war crimes. DISCLAIMER: Some parts are for mature audiences only.

Review by Caryn (Staff)
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Capital Gaines- Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gaines

Just like their hit TV show, Fixer Upper, the author has a fresh approach to telling his story that is both entertaining and inspiring. He shares his early stumbles in running his own businesses and how his optimism and faith have combined to produce success even after some major failures. 
It is written at a turning point in his life as he and Joanna, his wife, are taping their last year of Fixer Upper on HGTV...at least for now. The show does not make their priority cut today, but one sense that they may return after several years building their current business.
He shares a vision for the future that is far beyond their current business and enlists the reader's support in that vision!

Review by LWR (Customer)
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The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

In 1974, a POW veteran, Ernt, and his family move to Alaska for a new start. Ernt is unable to escape his trauma from the war. The lack of sunshine and drinking triggers his anger, which leads to an abusive life for his wife, Cora. Thirteen-year-old Leni is left helpless and afraid. They are surrounded by a supportive community, but it seems no one can save them from the demons that haunt Ernt. 
This book highlights how the war changes our loved ones. The families are left to pick up the pieces. As a child of the 70's, I've known lots of family and friends that were affected by the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, PTSD wasn't recognized back then and veterans were not provided with the necessary mental stability to lead productive lives after the war. I'm glad to see somebody writing about the turmoil some families experienced when when the war was over and the lack of assistance available to return back to civilian life. ​

Review by Gina (Staff)
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​I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O'Farrell

From one of my favorite novelists come a work of nonfiction- a gripping memoir of seventeen times in which O'Farrell's life brushed up against the chilling experience that almost resulted in her death. O'Farell's unique ability to describe such emotional moments of her life (broken down into chapters labeled by body parts) will transfix you. Maggie O'Farrell's strength of character and her beautiful ability and tenacity instead of despair will astonish you.
I could not put this book down!

Review by Christine (Staff)









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Rise and Kill First by Ronen Bergman

If you appreciate investigative reporting from a person who has been in the business for a lot of years, Bergman might just be the person to be writing this "no sides" piece. When it comes to LIFE or DEATH, what would you do to survive?? This book will make you rethink what you "know" about Israel and the Middle East. Not an easy read but well worth the effort and time

Review by Susan (Staff)
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Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks

This collection of stories by Tom Hanks is wonderful! Full of wit and delight, you'll love Hanks' characters and dialogue. The subjects and time periods are all varied by all contain a typewriter (or at least a photo of one). Hank has talent beyond the big screen! Enjoy!!!

Review by Christine (Staff)
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The Midnight Line by Lee Child

Reacher takes a different journey when he decides to find the owner of a 2005 West Point class ring. The search leads him to two sisters: one breathtakingly beautiful and the other hooked on drugs after surviving an IED explosion. Unlike his usual tales, Child teams Reacher with a retired FBI agent to solve this mystery.

​Review by Susan (Staff)
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End of 2017- Beginning of 2018

1/22/2018

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Our Book Review Blog is back and better than ever! If you don't know what to read next or you're just looking for a guaranteed great read- we have for you a haul of recent book reviews written by both our staff and our lovely customers! 
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Martin Luther by Eric Metaxas

If you have read Metaxas' Bonhoeffer, you already know that there is a special skill that Metaxas has at writing Bios! You will not be disappointed with this book on Martin Luther...from the intro to the last page, I was held captive at this well-researched telling of a man who literally changed history. Myths and stories of Luther's life are corrected with facts and humor! Example: do you know where Martin Luther King, Jr. got his name? Or that Martin Luther grew up as a normal kid in a normal family and had no intention of causing such a ruckus with the 95 Theses? Wonderful! 

Review by Susan (Staff)
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​#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso

#Girlboss is a witty, adviced-filled commentary on what it's like to be a business woman. It retells the stories and challenges Sophia, a business and fashion mogul, faced as a young woman. Sophia gives her two cents on how to be a woman in the business world and be good at what you do. An excellent choice for women of all ages who need a little push to be the #girlboss of their own lives!

Review by Chiara (Customer)
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​Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

I was drawn to this book by its unconventional cover- a woman whose face is obscured. Eleanor thinks she is completely fine- but she is lonely in her isolated, rigid life, and is haunted by "mummy's" weekly phone calls. You will not be able to tear yourself away as Eleanor faces her fears and grief.

Review by Connie (Customer)
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​The Stars are Fire by Anita Shreve

Based in part on true events, this young wife's life is turned upside down by a devastating fire. Her strength and hope through months of hardships and unpredictable turns is admirable. A really good read, you won't be disappointed. Anita Shreve, you have been missed!

​Review by Gina (Staff)
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​The Thirst by Jo Nesbø

Harry Hole has a wonderful life...at last! He has the woman he loves, a step-son at the police academy, and a professor's teaching position...but...oh, what a large BUT! What is missing for him is the thrill of the hunt for bad guys. Nesbø's The Thirst gives Harry that hunt and much, much more. This may turn you off of dating sites! Beware!

Review by Susan (Staff)
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The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

This is not an easy book to read- gripping in its reality and pitiless in style but nearly impossible to put down for these very reasons. Set in occupied France in World War II, it is the story of very brave women performing incredibly selfless acts under the most trying of circumstances. A tale of courage and character!
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Review by Richard (Customer)
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​Hue 1968 by Mark Bowden 

Gritty history of the Tet Offensive in Hue, Vietnam. A historical narrative told through the characters actually involved- valiant marines and other military. Reads like a thriller- can't put it down! Excellent!

Review by Bob W. (Customer)
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​Artemis by Andy Weir

​Another witty, fast-paced, action-packed and scientifically accurate hit from the author of "The Martian"! Jazz Basura lives in a colony on the moon- Artemis- in the near-future. She works as a porter and part-time smuggler, biding her time until she can make it big. When the opportunity finally arises, it turns out to be more than she bargained for! This book is SO MUCH FUN! Read it in one sitting! Check it out!

​Review by Abbey (Staff)
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Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

1/30/2016

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"This well-researched and surprisingly insightful book uses sarcasm and humor to accurately describe the world of dating today. It was written by NYU sociologist Eric Klinenberg and is totally smart and unique. Not only did I LOL, I learned a lot from this book :)"

​VERY RELATABLE - FOUR STARS

- Denisse
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Rules for a Knight by Ethan Hawke

12/10/2015

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"A quick, but thought provoking read made up of ancient principles still important today. A dash of history and a dose of wisdom - perfect for you or any knight or lady in your life."

- Jennette
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Plumdog by Emma Chichester Clark

11/24/2015

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"Plumdog is a darling little dog that lives in London. Follow plumdog through the "blog" style entries of her owner, Emma. A humorous, Charming, sweet story!  Very enjoyable!"

- Christine
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Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

10/28/2015

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"In "Why Not Me?," Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, wheather it's falling in love at work or seeking new friendships in lonely places. Mindy turns the anxieties, the glamour into a laught-out-loud funny collection of essays that anyone can relate to!

READ & LAUGH - 5 STARS!"

- Chloe
[Find out more about our Staff and their Favorites HERE.] 
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CHIME by Franny Billingsley

10/14/2015

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"Briony has a secret that could get her killed - like all the women in her family. You will not be able to stop turning the pages in this mysterious, romantic tale! Just in time for the spooky season." FOUR STARS!
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- Connie
[Customer Review - View other Customer Reviews HERE]

"Part mystery, part fantasy, this beautifully-written page turner explores guilt, mercy, and love."
-Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of Tithe and Ironside
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The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

10/6/2015

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"One of the BEST Historical fiction books I have read! Being a tomboy in rural Texas at the turn of the century was difficult even with 6 brothers... the conflict between being a "lady" or a naturalist like her beloved Grandfather rings true. 5 STARS!"

- Connie
​ [Customer Review - View other Customer Reviews HERE]
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The Alphabet House by Jussi Adler-Olsen

9/23/2015

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"If you read the Author's note this recommendation may be only a tease and not necessary! After completing this historical novel, I keep recalling the quote..."If you don't know history you are doomed to repeat it." WWII...Nazi high ranking soldiers who find themselves mentally challenged/who are at the end of their rope/who are avoiding service or even darker...who are out to enrich their purse, find themselves in a mental ward at a Nazi hospital. "Drop" in two English pilots who do know who/where/what they need to do to return to England! Absolutely WONDERFUL... this book will stay with you... bother you and make you ask questions!"

- Susan
[Find out more about Susan and her Favorites HERE.]
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