Morrieson's Motel
by Edited by Gordon McLauchlan | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 1877178721 Global Overview for this book
ISBN: 1877178721 Global Overview for this book
Registered by libragirl of Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on 2/5/2004
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
11 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by libragirl from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Thursday, February 5, 2004
Twelve of New Zealand's best-known ficton writers combine to tell the story of what happened on an eventful weekend in March 1999 when Morrieson's Motel, a humble twelve-unit establishment in a small South Taranaki town, is fully occupied. The wild assemblage of guests create three days of drama, romance, sex and mystery.
Authors:
Barbara Anderson, Catherine Chidgey, Tessa Duder, Maurice Gee, Kevin Ireland, Stephanie Johnson, Graeme Lay, Sue McCauley, Gordon McLauchlan, Owen Marshall, Vincent O'Sullivan, Sarah Quigley and Elizabeth Smither.
Authors:
Barbara Anderson, Catherine Chidgey, Tessa Duder, Maurice Gee, Kevin Ireland, Stephanie Johnson, Graeme Lay, Sue McCauley, Gordon McLauchlan, Owen Marshall, Vincent O'Sullivan, Sarah Quigley and Elizabeth Smither.
Journal Entry 2 by libragirl from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Thursday, February 5, 2004
What an interesting book, to see how the story develops - the authors are listed alphabetically and not in the order their chapters appear in the book - leaving the reader to try and decide who wrote which chapter.
Gordon McLauchlan provided each author the names and rudimentary descriptoins of the moteliers and some staff, and the authors have seized these poor people, fed them through their imaginations and transformed them and their guests into genuine Kiwi characters.
Gordon McLauchlan provided each author the names and rudimentary descriptoins of the moteliers and some staff, and the authors have seized these poor people, fed them through their imaginations and transformed them and their guests into genuine Kiwi characters.
interested parties for this Bookring:
1. FutureCat *** (NZ)
2. Samulli *** (Germany)
3. LeighBCD *** (UK)
4. merenwen (Canada)
5. kellyonhiatus *** (Canada)
6. monast *** (Malaysia)
7. RoryG *** (Finland)
8. spaceystacey *** (USA)
9. butlin *** (USA)
10. mysteryfan03 *** (USA)
11. carlynlee (Australia)
12. back to me......libragirl (NZ)
*** will post internationally
1. FutureCat *** (NZ)
2. Samulli *** (Germany)
3. LeighBCD *** (UK)
4. merenwen (Canada)
5. kellyonhiatus *** (Canada)
6. monast *** (Malaysia)
7. RoryG *** (Finland)
8. spaceystacey *** (USA)
9. butlin *** (USA)
10. mysteryfan03 *** (USA)
11. carlynlee (Australia)
12. back to me......libragirl (NZ)
*** will post internationally
Releasing to FutureCat today (9 Feb 2004 - NZ time)
Appeared mysteriously :-) in my letter box today. Thanks, libragirl - it looks really interesting. I'll get it read and off to the next person asap.
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Really enjoyed this book - thanks libragirl!
I recently read another book using the same concept of each author writing their own chapter (http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1191220), and didn't enjoy it all that much, because the authors seemed more interested in trying to outdo each other, instead of concentrating on writing a good story. This book didn't have that problem (perhaps because the authors aren't identified, so there was not much scope for competitiveness) - there was some really great storytelling going on, and some skillful writing. Of course, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, but none were really disappointing.
And I'm not even going to attempt to guess who wrote what!
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I recently read another book using the same concept of each author writing their own chapter (http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1191220), and didn't enjoy it all that much, because the authors seemed more interested in trying to outdo each other, instead of concentrating on writing a good story. This book didn't have that problem (perhaps because the authors aren't identified, so there was not much scope for competitiveness) - there was some really great storytelling going on, and some skillful writing. Of course, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, but none were really disappointing.
And I'm not even going to attempt to guess who wrote what!
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The book arrived here today. Thanks Futurecat!
I've already read the first 4 stories and I like them a lot: I hope the rest of the book is just as good.
I've already read the first 4 stories and I like them a lot: I hope the rest of the book is just as good.
I really enjoyed this book. Normally I'm not so much into short stories, but these were exceptionally good. I especially liked the way they were interwoven at some points. Really nice book.
It is already in the mail on its way to LeighBCD.
It is already in the mail on its way to LeighBCD.
Thanks so much samulli... I received the book last night. I liked the sound of this book when I heard about the bookring and I am looking forward to reading it - it sounds intriguing, and I always like to read things by Australian and NZ authors. I will move this to the peak of Mount TBR and will journal again when I have finished the book. Thanks very much!
I wasn't really sure what to expect of this book. I think the idea is a great one and the idea of 12 authors writing the story of one weekend really worked. I had fun trying to decide whether each story was written by a man or a woman... some were more obvious than others! I also liked the New Zealand setting. I am not sure if I have ever visited South Taranaki - I will keep a look out for the motel next time I am in the area!
I have the address details for the next person in the ring so the book will be sent over the next few days. Thanks very much libragirl for starting the ring - I really enjoyed being part of it.
I have the address details for the next person in the ring so the book will be sent over the next few days. Thanks very much libragirl for starting the ring - I really enjoyed being part of it.
Released on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at to Merenwen in Edmonton, Alberta Controlled Releases.
I hope you enjoy this slice of Antipodean life!
I hope you enjoy this slice of Antipodean life!
I just received this in the mail today from LeighBCD, thanks. And thank you Libragirl for doing the bookring!
I had just started a book last night, but it's one that I can put down, on hold, for a while and get to this one right away.
Stay Tuned...
I had just started a book last night, but it's one that I can put down, on hold, for a while and get to this one right away.
Stay Tuned...
First, I'll say that this is a cool concept and has inticed me to search out the book that inspired it all: Finbar's Hotel. Oh, and I'll say that this book hasn't turned me off of New Zealand writers; I'm just not impressed with these particular writer's short stories.
Well, I'm gald that you all seemed to like it because I certainly didn't. I just finished it and that last story almost made me give it 2 stars, I was so mad (as a new Mom I just go insane seeing such irresponsibility--9 hours, couldn't the author say Betty checked in at breakfast!)
It's too bad I didn't keep a written record of my thoughts or I could be more detailed in my viewpoint here. Some of the writing styles irritated the heck out of me and the others I simply found uninspiring. At least half the stories begged the question: "What was the point?" I also found that many of the stories had a stilted flow as if they were done in a rush and weren't really edited well. Yikes, I hope I'm not offending anyone!
Instead of going on, especially since I'm in the minority here, I'll cut it off here. I've PMed kellyonhiatus twice and am still waiting for a reply, but will get it off as soon as I can so others can see what they think!
Oh! I thought I'd reveal the list of authors matched up with their stories, heehee, for those who would be interested. These are not guesses (I haven't even heard of any of the authors before now), so be for warned. I'm typing them in white so use your mouse to highlight the following text to read it:
‘On Teevee’, Sue McCauley
‘Dawson Falls’, Sarah Quigley
‘The Killing Fields’, Graeme Lay
‘Heartbreak Hotel’, Kevin Ireland
‘A Bad Business’, Gordon McLauchlan
‘Little Things’, Catherine Chidgey
‘Family Unit’, Vincent O'Sullivan
‘Spring with the Sumerbottoms’, Owen Marshall
‘The Best Man’, Elizabeth Smither
‘Spineless’, Stephanie Johnson
‘Tact’, Maurice Gee
‘Home Town’, Barbara Anderson
‘How to Bring Down the Government’, Tessa Duder
This list is from Tandem Press http://www.tandempress.co.nz/inprint/book.cfm?bookid=102
Thanks!!!
Well, I'm gald that you all seemed to like it because I certainly didn't. I just finished it and that last story almost made me give it 2 stars, I was so mad (as a new Mom I just go insane seeing such irresponsibility--9 hours, couldn't the author say Betty checked in at breakfast!)
It's too bad I didn't keep a written record of my thoughts or I could be more detailed in my viewpoint here. Some of the writing styles irritated the heck out of me and the others I simply found uninspiring. At least half the stories begged the question: "What was the point?" I also found that many of the stories had a stilted flow as if they were done in a rush and weren't really edited well. Yikes, I hope I'm not offending anyone!
Instead of going on, especially since I'm in the minority here, I'll cut it off here. I've PMed kellyonhiatus twice and am still waiting for a reply, but will get it off as soon as I can so others can see what they think!
Oh! I thought I'd reveal the list of authors matched up with their stories, heehee, for those who would be interested. These are not guesses (I haven't even heard of any of the authors before now), so be for warned. I'm typing them in white so use your mouse to highlight the following text to read it:
‘On Teevee’, Sue McCauley
‘Dawson Falls’, Sarah Quigley
‘The Killing Fields’, Graeme Lay
‘Heartbreak Hotel’, Kevin Ireland
‘A Bad Business’, Gordon McLauchlan
‘Little Things’, Catherine Chidgey
‘Family Unit’, Vincent O'Sullivan
‘Spring with the Sumerbottoms’, Owen Marshall
‘The Best Man’, Elizabeth Smither
‘Spineless’, Stephanie Johnson
‘Tact’, Maurice Gee
‘Home Town’, Barbara Anderson
‘How to Bring Down the Government’, Tessa Duder
This list is from Tandem Press http://www.tandempress.co.nz/inprint/book.cfm?bookid=102
Thanks!!!
I have kellyonhiatus' address now, she was extremely prompt--the first PM didn't reach her :(
I'll get this on its way as soon as I can get to the post office!
Just letting everyone know that I have posted the book off to kellyonhiatus who should receive it before April 26, for sure.
Happy Reading!
I'll get this on its way as soon as I can get to the post office!
Just letting everyone know that I have posted the book off to kellyonhiatus who should receive it before April 26, for sure.
Happy Reading!
i received the book today. and unfortunately, i am going to post it to the next person on the list as soon as i receive the address. i have been on long waitlists at my public library and i have finally received a pile of books at once, and since i only get three weeks to read all of them, i figure i should focus on them, and not slow this ring down... thank you for sending it to me though!! i will read what i can until i receive the next person's address! thanks again!!
Journal Entry 16 by 
AnonymousFinder
at To a bookcrosser in By mail / post / courier, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Monday, April 26, 2004
AnonymousFinder at To a bookcrosser in By mail / post / courier, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Monday, April 26, 2004
Released on Monday, April 26, 2004 at To another Bookcrossing member in By Post, By Post Controlled Releases.
sent to monast. airmail.
sent to monast. airmail.
I didn't manage to enjoy this book.Couldn't get past the first few chapters. Am sending it off on its way so as not to hold it up any longer.
PM next participant for addie.
PM next participant for addie.
Got it! Thanks libragirl for organizing the ring and monast for sending the book all the way to Finland.
I had a hard time starting this book, but once I got going I quite liked it. It wasn't one those I-can't-put-this-down books, but I think that was because every chapter was different story and by a different writer, so the style kept changing. My favorite one was Dawson Falls. I just liked the writing style and the idea of the story. I hadn't heard of any of these writers before, but now I think that I will check their books out if I come across one.
I'll mail this to spaceystacey as soon as I get the address.
I'll mail this to spaceystacey as soon as I get the address.
Chapters being written by different authors is new to me. I enjoyed this one and have it ready to send out to the next reader, butlin, as soon as I have the address.
A big thank you to libragirl for starting this ring. And to RoryG, asking about whether or not I had received it. Received, read and ready to send but I had failed to journal it.
First novel that I have read written by this many authors as well as the first novel by New Zealand authors.
I have the address for butlin and will be posting this novel to her this weekend.
Update: Mailed out on 5/11/05 to butlin. Due to death in family mailing was not timely as planned.
A big thank you to libragirl for starting this ring. And to RoryG, asking about whether or not I had received it. Received, read and ready to send but I had failed to journal it.
First novel that I have read written by this many authors as well as the first novel by New Zealand authors.
I have the address for butlin and will be posting this novel to her this weekend.
Update: Mailed out on 5/11/05 to butlin. Due to death in family mailing was not timely as planned.
Received with thanks. Once bookray ahead of this one.
I really enjoyed this book. As I was reading I got so into the book I actually forgot that it was written by different authors. There was just one chapter I didn't finish - didn't like the writing style. Will send along as soon as I receive the next address
this has been sent along to the next person
this has been sent along to the next person
Got this in the mail yesterday! Thanks
What a fun concept! I want to look for Finbar's Hotel also! I really liked all the stories, especially when they intersected.
I do agree with Merenwen that the last story left a sour taste in my mouth.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the characters and the short pieces of their lives that we were allowed to see. Thanks for sharing this book with us, libragirl!
I have not been able to get Carlynlee by PMs, but will try the forum and PM one more time. If I can't find her, I will PM libragirl.
I will mail this soon, one way or another:+)
I do agree with Merenwen that the last story left a sour taste in my mouth.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the characters and the short pieces of their lives that we were allowed to see. Thanks for sharing this book with us, libragirl!
I have not been able to get Carlynlee by PMs, but will try the forum and PM one more time. If I can't find her, I will PM libragirl.
I will mail this soon, one way or another:+)
