The Wooden Sea

by Jonathan Carroll | Science Fiction & Fantasy |
ISBN: 0765300133 Global Overview for this book
Registered by wingSqueakyChuwing of Rockville, Maryland USA on 3/5/2004
Buy from one of these Booksellers:
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101 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by wingSqueakyChuwing from Rockville, Maryland USA on Friday, March 5, 2004
I bought this trade paperback at the Friends of the Library Used Book Store in Wheaton, Maryland.

This is a very hard book to explain other than to say it is so typical Jonathan Carroll. His books are part humor, part mystery, part magic. They contain many admirable quotes. With this book, I had to stop and write lots of them down.

The main character is police chief Frannie McCabe who is called upon to solve the mystery of a couple's disappearance. He finds that some odd things keep showing up in strange places over and over (a feather, a dog, etc.) McCabe lives with his second wife Magda and her teenage daughter Pauline. The cast of characters then turn to the more bizarre. I'll leave the discovery of who they are up to you when you read the book. The end of this book touched me so much.

The author's ideas are wonderful. What I love about Carrol is that, after his story is told, he tells his readers (within the context of the story) the philosophical point he is trying to make. He wants to be sure his strange way of telling a story does not go over his reader's head. For that, I am grateful.

If you're new to this author...welcome to the wonderful and different world of Jonathan Caroll!

Begin International Bookray (05/17/04)
SqueakyChu (Maryland, USA) done
chlokara (Maryland, USA) done
Roadrunner (Texas, USA) done
ndspider (Georgia, USA) done
dhansen1019 (Wisconsin, USA) done
MollyGrue (Washington, USA) done
caligula03 (California, USA) done -- 1 year of travel
AceofHearts (Ontario, Canada) done
BlossomU (Portugal) done
Hero (Ireland) done -- stop # 10
dodau (England, UK) done
catrionamoore (England, UK) done
whitehorsy (Belgium) done
Olifant (Netherlands) done
eMeReS (Netherlands) done -- 2 years of travel
sheepseeker (Germany) done
le7 (Israel) done
graphi (Poland) done
Tessla (Sweden) done
Alvhyttan (Sweden) done -- stop # 20
katayoun (Iran) done
Sherlockfan (New Zealand) done
olered (Oregon, USA) done
istop4books (Minnesota, USA) done
OCcinderella (California, USA) done -- 3 years of travel
krin511 (Maryland, USA) done
blackadder75 (Pennsylvania, USA) done
Rrrcaron (New Hampshire, USA) done
Goddess-Of-Fire (Missouri, USA) done
acountkel (North Carolina, USA) done -- stop # 30
Joanthro (Colorado, USA) done
ruzena (Finland) done
iliotropio (Belgium) done
lunacia (Norway) done -- 4 years of travel
Deepswamp (Sweden) done
WelshHelen (UK) done
katrinat (UK) done
Moonwoolf (Portugal) done
mrbaggins1 (South Africa) done -- 5 years of travel
hyper7 (South Africa) done -- stop # 40
carol888 (Australia) done
FreePages (Australia) done
freelunch (Australia) done
RockDg9 (Australia) done
chirel (Finland) done
Sammaltassu (Finland) done
erpax (Finland) done -- 6 years of travel
polenka (Finland) done
minavain (Finland) done
Chania (Finland) done -- stop # 50
mafarrimond (Wales, UK) done
Ametisti (Finland) done
Niksu (Finland) done
Sfogs (New Zealand) done
ffortsa (New York, USA) done -- 7 years of travel
azuki (Florida, USA) done
WhisperedDreams (California, USA) done
Kally93 (Canada) done -- 8 years of travel
Stoepbrak (South Africa) done
therubycanary (Maine, USA) done -- stop # 60
imuzak12 (Texas, USA) done
eileenmelant (Texas, USA) done
hyphen8 (Hawaii, USA) done
judygreeneyes (California, USA) done
6of8 (Maryland, USA) done ---- 9 years of travel
Mom-Oyster (Maryland, USA) done
KateKinTail (Virginia, USA) done
ResQGeek (Virginia, USA) done ---- 10 years of travel
Basikilos (Pennsylvania, USA)
NancyNova (Pennsylvania, USA) done -- stop # 70
laure69 (France) done
Jotka (Germany) done
ULRK (Germany) done
zappelphilipine (Germany) done
timcorke (England) done
goldenwattle (Australia--Aust) done ---- 12 years of travel-- <--The book was here.

Please check out Post #180 for an updated list of this book's current travels.. Thank you, goldenwattle, for continuing to host this bookray!

Please note that this is a BC Top 100 Most Traveled Book! On 05/21/18, it was listed as #12.

Journal Entry 2 by wingAnonymousFinderwing on Monday, May 24, 2004
I received this book on a book rin on the 8th of May; unfortunately I got ill right after that and have been away from my computer. I am reading the book right now.

Journal Entry 3 by roadrunner from Spring, Texas USA on Tuesday, July 13, 2004
This arrived last week while I was on vacation. I'll get to it asap and then send it on!

Journal Entry 4 by roadrunner from Spring, Texas USA on Saturday, August 28, 2004
This book is my first Jonathan Carroll book and I enjoyed it very much. I'm not sure I completely understood the message but I loved the writing. I had imagined him to be like Charles De Lint but his style strikes me as being more like Neil Gaimen - he even references Gaimen's Sandman in this book. I'll certainly be keeping my eye out for more from this author. This is off via Media Mail to its next stop. Thanks SqueakyChu for sharing.

Journal Entry 5 by ndspider from Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Thursday, October 14, 2004
I will send this wihtin a week!

Journal Entry 6 by dhansen1019 from Cudahy, Wisconsin USA on Monday, November 15, 2004
I just received in the mail today and will read it next.

Journal Entry 7 by dhansen1019 from Cudahy, Wisconsin USA on Monday, December 6, 2004
This was to weird for me. I just did not care for it. I will mail this book today!

Journal Entry 8 by MollyGrue from Tacoma, Washington USA on Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Picked this up today. I have a few other rings in front of this, but I should get to this fairly soon. Thanks!

Journal Entry 9 by MollyGrue from Tacoma, Washington USA on Monday, February 21, 2005
I loved this. There wasn't any resolution, but at the same time I'm happy with the way this book ended. I don't really want to say anything more about this book right now, but it was incredibly fantastic. :)

Journal Entry 10 by MollyGrue at In The Mail in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, February 27, 2005

Released 19 yrs ago (2/27/2005 UTC) at In The Mail in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Sent yesterday to Caligula03. Happy reading!

DC# 03022940000169565240

Journal Entry 11 by caligula03 from Hayward, California USA on Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Book has arrived. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Journal Entry 12 by caligula03 from Hayward, California USA on Saturday, April 2, 2005
If Joseph C. Lincoln had set down to write The Man Who Folded Himself he would have come up with something like what I'm currently reading. Fran, a small town chief of police, has found himself in the middle of a time traveling mystery / conspiracy where the fate of Crane's View rests on his ability to sort things out. The first chapter didn't do much for me but by the second chapter the quirky plot began to surface. By the third chapter I was hooked all the way through the epilogue which seemed like a tidy albeit somewhat ambiguous (as many time travel books are) ending.

Journal Entry 13 by caligula03 at on Friday, April 8, 2005

Released 18 yrs ago (4/16/2005 UTC) at

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Mailing to Aceofhearts to get the ray moving again. :)

Journal Entry 14 by wingAceofHeartswing from Mississauga, Ontario Canada on Friday, May 6, 2005
received in the mail today
TBR

Journal Entry 15 by wingAceofHeartswing from Mississauga, Ontario Canada on Thursday, August 4, 2005
What a wonderful quirky book. Carroll did explain a lot at the end of the book and as I am somewhat clueless I needed that. I enjoyed the strangeness but it did take a while to grow on me. Frannie is a great character who is in love with his wife, step-daughter and town. He is a delight to read about

Journal Entry 16 by wingAceofHeartswing from Mississauga, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, August 10, 2005
mailed today

Journal Entry 17 by BlossomU on Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Just arrived, not too long a time since Canada! The bookmark is gorgeous!

I am finishing some other reads, plus other duties, it might take me a week or two to get this read. Will JE it as soon as I finish it, and will contact hero on the meanwhile.

Journal Entry 18 by BlossomU on Thursday, September 29, 2005
Finally read, this has been a quite slow read for me, maybe because I could not really get into the story. Quirky and eccentric, the story did not work for me, I liked the ending which was what redeemed the book for me.

I got it packed and ready, will be sent to Hero tomorrow.

Journal Entry 19 by BlossomU on Friday, September 30, 2005
shipped to Hero today! Hope you enjoy it.

Journal Entry 20 by Hero from Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Arrived safely while I was away - with a really nice bookmark already in place! Thanks, BlossomU. It'll be a week before I can start, as I've a few books on loan before it, but will get to it soon.

Journal Entry 21 by Hero from Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Saturday, November 12, 2005
I finished this a while ago, and have now posted it to Dodau, but never got a chance to do a JE. I find it hard to say what I thought of it in any kind of succinct way. I certainly found it very readable - engrossing, in fact, and liked the weirdness factor (though one plot point went a bit close to too far even for me), but found that somewhere along the line I lost trust in the author, when I started losing it in the characters. White font to avoid spoilers - just in case anybody has the least bit of interest in a few examples.

One thing which really threw me out of the story was when McCabe was talking to his friend and said he didn't feel fear because you had to care about people or things more than he did to be afraid. Granted, a lot later he 'admitted' that he'd been wrong, when Magda was going to die of the brain tumour, but even at the time it didn't feel right to me, given his relationship with her. And the scene in which 'Gee-Gee' beat up the security guard for nothing and part of (older) McCabe was almost mourning the loss of that part of himself really bothered me. It seemed so unlikely that the younger person could have turned into the older one, mostly from going to Vietnam, as it seemed to be. Though I liked the ending, the part of my mind still worrying about that kind of senseless violence was not too happy about Gee-Gee being left with Magda and Pauline.

Anyway, very entertaining, and I'd been curious about Jonathan Carroll for quite so time, so I'm glad I read it. Thanks again to SqueakyChu and BlossomU for sending it my way.

Journal Entry 22 by dodau from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire United Kingdom on Thursday, November 17, 2005
Arrived yesterday but one of those days and forgot to journal it. Sorry. Will read next.

Journal Entry 23 by dodau from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire United Kingdom on Saturday, November 26, 2005
This was a great book. Funny, sad and very weird. It was quite hard to follow at times but despite the short ending very readable. I'll definatly be looking for more by this author.

Ok apologies for the delay with this. I pmed Miskablue who was next. Her bookshelf said closed but I wanted to make sure she didn't want it. The with Xmas things got forgotten. I've not pmed CatrionaMoore and will post this later this week.

Released 18 yrs ago (1/4/2006 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada

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Journal Entry 25 by wingappletreenwing from Coalville, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Sunday, January 8, 2006
The book arrived safely with me yesterday. Thank you dodau for passing it on, and thank you to SqueakyChu for oraganising the ring.

Journal Entry 26 by wingappletreenwing from Coalville, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Thursday, January 19, 2006
Another enjoyable romp through the mind of Jonathan Carroll, who is fast becoming my favourite author.

I couldn't put this book down willingly, only begrudgingly, as it was just so good. It is virtually impossible to say too much without giving the story away. The way the story twist, turns and flips upside down and inside out is fascinating that the ending is so unexpectedly expected.

If I could changing one thing about the book it would be to "get closure" (for want of a better phrase)on Gee-Gee's story.

I have requested whitehorsy's address and will post the book on shortly.

Journal Entry 27 by whitehorsy from Hasselt, Limburg / Limbourg Belgium on Sunday, February 12, 2006
This book arrived last week at my parent's house and I've picked it up this weekend... started reading today and having reached page 114 I must say that I like it. :-) Although I have no idea where the story is leading... it's mysterious and I'm oh so curious to find out the rest!

Thanks for sending it along catrionamoore!

Journal Entry 28 by whitehorsy from Hasselt, Limburg / Limbourg Belgium on Wednesday, February 15, 2006
I don't often read late in bed when I have to work the next day. But I just had to finish those last 20 pages, eventhough it was getting late. It was my first Jonathan Carroll book and I was pleasantly surprised. Sure it's a weird story but not in a bothering way... some things didn't make much sense and I'm sure the big message has been lost on me. But I really like his way of writing, it's very readable and entertaining... and funny.

I decided to join another one of SqueakyChu's bookrings, 'The land of laughs' by Jonathan Carroll, because I really want to read more of this author.

Thanks for sharing SqueakyChu!

I'll be sending this book to Olifant by the end of this week.

On its way since Feb.18

Journal Entry 29 by Olifant from Porthmadog, Wales United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Arrived safely today in Utrecht. Wonderfully packed! Pictures from a magazine: one of a wide, lonely plain and one with a castle on a steep mountain. Thanks whitehorsy, also for the card.

I've got three bookrings to go before I can start with this one. But maybe it's one of those books that squeezes itself to the top of the TBR-pile.

Journal Entry 30 by Olifant from Porthmadog, Wales United Kingdom on Thursday, April 20, 2006
Sorry for keeping this book for so long. Real life caught up with me. Will send it on to eMeReS as soon as possible.

Journal Entry 31 by eMeReS from Leiden, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Saturday, April 22, 2006
The book arrived today, loved the pictures on the envelope. I opened it carefully so that it can be reused, it would be a waste to throw it out.
This is the second book by Jonathan Carroll tyhat I will read. I was not totally taken by my first encounter (White Apples), but sufficiently intigued to give Carroll a second try.

Journal Entry 32 by eMeReS from Leiden, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Sunday, May 21, 2006
I did not like this book at all. It was the second book I have read by Jonathan Carroll and probably the last.

I find it hard to pinpoint exactly what it is, but something in his style of writing bugs me immensly. The language is laced with metaphores and images and for me it was just too much. I kept reading on hoping that the story would somehow reward me at the end, but that didn't happen. Too many loose ends for that and some very corny insights from the main character.

Probably a matter of taste, I see some very positive reviews here as well, so maybe I have missed out on something, or wasn't in the right mood to read it.
The book is in the mail now to Germany for its next stop.

Journal Entry 33 by Sheepseeker from Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Friday, May 26, 2006
The book arrived today - thanks for sending!
--> TBR

---
Edited 10. July 2006

I'm sorry, I just found out today, that I had not jet made my journal entry after reading the book.

I liked it very much, the characters are drawn very vividly and the story itself is witty, only a bit confusing at times..

Thanks for sharing, SqueakyChu!

Journal Entry 34 by le7 from efrat, gush eztiyon Israel on Monday, July 10, 2006
its here and its next up on my list!

thank you!


Journal Entry 35 by le7 from efrat, gush eztiyon Israel on Tuesday, July 25, 2006
this is my first carrol book and i didnt really know what to expect. thank you so much for introducing me to him!
I enjoyed the first 180 pp. very much. some really great quotes and characters!

but for some reason starting there (and Barry the Paramedic was the last straw there) i got turned off. it took me a while to get back into it. i was fine walking into a Dali reality until then, but that twist was too much for me. oh well. i was also not happy with the end.

it was a good read and i will be on the lookout for more carrol books.

waiting for graphi to send me her new address and then it will be on its way!
thanks fo sharing!!!

Journal Entry 36 by le7 from efrat, gush eztiyon Israel on Wednesday, August 2, 2006
sent to graphi today!
hope you enjoy it while enjoying your new place!

Journal Entry 37 by graphi from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Kota Kinabalu) Malaysia on Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Got it :D Thanks le7!

Journal Entry 38 by graphi from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Kota Kinabalu) Malaysia on Monday, October 23, 2006
I've just finished reading... and I don't know what to think! Definately it is not an ordinary book! you can feel the magic while reading it :) you can't forsee the ending, as there're many possible solutions.. and ANYTHING is possible... BUT on the other hand I was a little bit disappointed by the ending.. I thought everything would be clear at the end.. but nothing is! I finished reading and I want more! maybe that was the authour's aim :) anyway, the book is definately worth recommending to everyone! enjoy!

Released 17 yrs ago (10/23/2006 UTC) at Mailed from Post Office in N/A, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

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Journal Entry 40 by Tessla from Mörbylånga, Öland Sweden on Saturday, November 25, 2006
I got the book for quite some time ago but didnt read until know and as always is Jonathan carroll very mysterious but oh so lovely...
I should have written this earlier but times do fly by sometimes. Anyway i really have to find more of Jonathan Carrolls books. And as i understand this book is sort of member of a kind of serie of books.. I think that White appels is one of those.

will be finding out the next persons adress and ship it as soon as possible.

/ tessla

Journal Entry 41 by Tessla from Mörbylånga, Öland Sweden on Tuesday, December 5, 2006
I have sent the book to Alvhyttan.
enjoy!

Journal Entry 42 by Alvhyttan from Nora, Västmanland Sweden on Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Got this book in my mail today.
Thanks Tessla for sending it to me and thanks SquekyChu for organizing this ring!
I have read Carroll's book "The Land of Laughs" and loved that book, so I am really looking forward to read this book and hope it will be almost as good. :)

Journal Entry 43 by Alvhyttan from Nora, Västmanland Sweden on Saturday, December 16, 2006
I like it! :)
I think SqueakyChu’s JE say a lot of what I feel and think about this book.

The really crazy parts in this book trigged my brain and I like that, I think this book can be an easy and fun read, but it can also be brainstorming.

Just some very personal thoughts I got (with white font to avoid spoilers) :
Lately I have been thinking a lot about my father and about that he must have been a very different father for my 21 year older half-brother, our father changed a lot during those 21 years because of things happening in his life and I think this book have helped me a little bit with this issue.
And to take part in a war, as the main character in this book did, that can really change a person and yet it’s the same person.
The main issue for me in this book is: Can I accept and like the person I have been, the person I am and the person I will be?


Thanks again SqueakyChu for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Now this book will travel to katayoun, I will send it on Monday Dec. 18.

Journal Entry 44 by katayoun from Tehran, Tehran Iran on Tuesday, January 16, 2007
thank you, the book is here, with a companion also! wow, will start reading in a week and update then.

Journal Entry 45 by katayoun from Tehran, Tehran Iran on Monday, February 5, 2007
sorry, forgot to update. have started reading the book and would hopefully be mailing it next week.

Journal Entry 46 by katayoun from Tehran, Tehran Iran on Thursday, February 22, 2007
sorry for being a bit late, got this terrible cold. the book is finished and on it's way to sherlockfan.
and about the book, well it's different and i like carroll, but i think in a way you like to touch a loose tooth, you can't help it but it's also hurts a bit, i want to read because he goes a way i can't ever guess and got strange twists, and yet after each reading i feel down and black and moody!! thanks squeakychu for the ring and Alvhyttan for sending it. (and waving to hero and blossomu)

Journal Entry 47 by Sherlockfan from Upper Hutt, Wellington Province New Zealand on Friday, March 9, 2007
This book was waiting in our mail box when we returned from a week away from home; the return trip by car that should have taken 9 hours, allowing for a one hour stop on the way, actually took 11 hours because of road works slowing things down mightily and the added effect of an accident.

By the time we arrived home, hot and cross, and found the book waiting I was really ready to slide into bed and enjoy it - and enjoy it I certainly did. What a great book. I found it completely riveting which is not in line with a lot of previous readers of this copy. I reluctantly turned out the light much later than was sensible and then snatched the book up first thing when I woke. So, less than 13 hours and I'd finished it. Now I need to go back and re-read some passages, and specially ensure that I did get the message.

This was my introduction to Jonathan Carroll and I'm delighted to meet him. Yes, it was a little weird but in a strange way realistically weird. While part of me knew that these things couldn't actually happen in the way described I suspended that sort of thinking and really approved of the way the story was put together. I found Frannie a very believable sort of character and really liked young Gee-Gee.

Certainly not everyone's "cup of tea" but for me it was a change from my favourite whodunnit genre and a rare venture into the Sci-Fi genre.

I've pm-ed SqueakyChu to join "The Land of Laughs" and certainly hope to find more of Carroll's works.

Don't remember where I first read about this Bookring but am certainly glad that I did. Thank you to all concerned.

Journal Entry 48 by Sherlockfan from Upper Hutt, Wellington Province New Zealand on Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Posted to olered today by Surface Mail.
Hope it arrives before too long, and safely.

Journal Entry 49 by olered from Salem, Oregon USA on Friday, March 23, 2007
Acoss the sea...across the sea...oh how happy we'll be!.........
This book arrived very quickly,especially for surface mail. Thank you very much Sherlockfan. Am reading two others so I won't be able to start right away! Am anxious...have read this author before and was delighted!

Journal Entry 50 by olered from Salem, Oregon USA on Friday, April 27, 2007
This one was very strange - even for Jonathan Carroll......enjoyable?? Interesting yes. It did keep you wondering what next. Have emailed istop4books for the address to let this book travel on.
And mailed on 4-30-07

Journal Entry 51 by istop4books from Castle Rock, Colorado USA on Saturday, May 5, 2007
Arrived safely in Minnesota. Will be next on my list and after reading all the previous journal entries and never having read anything by Jonathan Carroll, I'm excited to see what all the hoopla is about!!!

Journal Entry 52 by istop4books from Castle Rock, Colorado USA on Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Not only have I never read Jonathan Carroll, I don't think I've ever read this genre - although I'm not quite sure I know which genre it is. Sci-fi? Fantasy? Metaphysical something or other?
Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed Carroll's writing. I found his main character Frannie, at all ages, totally engaging and believable. I wish the relationship with his wife had been further developed, but loved the relationship with the stepdaughter as well.
I felt like I was a participant in someone's bizarre dream and read the book with that in mind. I tried not to figure anything out and just go along for the ride (partially because I just couldn't find the meaning behind the twists and turns in the plot). So I finished this last night and went on to have my own bizarre dreams!! :-)
I too felt unsatisfied with the ending.

Mailing on to Occinderella today.

Journal Entry 53 by OCbelle from Newport Beach, California USA on Thursday, May 24, 2007
Just got it :)

5/30
It just keeps geting weider, I love it!

Released 16 yrs ago (6/2/2007 UTC) at A Bookcrosser in A BookCrosser, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

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sent to krin511

Journal Entry 55 by krin511 from Olney, Maryland USA on Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Arrived yesterday - will probably start reading it later today.

Journal Entry 56 by krin511 from Olney, Maryland USA on Wednesday, June 13, 2007
I too found this book funny, weird and overall engaging. I liked the characters, especially Frannie, Gee Gee and George.

Journal Entry 57 by blackadder75 from Lebanon, Pennsylvania USA on Wednesday, June 20, 2007
I received this in today's mail. I will be reading it after I finish the book I'm currently reading.

Journal Entry 58 by blackadder75 from Lebanon, Pennsylvania USA on Friday, June 22, 2007
Excellent read! This story had so many plot twist and turns that it kept me guessing. It reminded me of a David Lynch movie. I thought it was a great book but I really didn;t like the ending. What exactly if Frannie looking for and why. It never really gets explained. I will be PMing Rrrcaron fir their address.

Released 16 yrs ago (6/23/2007 UTC) at -- By Hand or Post, Ray/ring, Rabck in Lebanon, Pennsylvania USA

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Send book to Rrrcaron in tomorrow's mail.

Journal Entry 60 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Received this in the mail today. Have a few to read beforehand, but it shouldn't take long.
Ruth

Journal Entry 61 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Sunday, July 29, 2007
I loved this book! Although the plot was quite far fetched- I was enhanced and read the book in one sitting. I grew to admire McCabe and what he laerned about himself (himselves maybe I should say) in that all of who you are, from a child through adulthood, mistakes and tribulations, make up your entire self. I guess you have to read the book to understand what I just tried to say, lol. Anyways, thanks for sharing, it made for a very enjoyable Sunday, and I'm contacting the next in line and getting the book moving again.
Ruth

Journal Entry 62 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Thursday, August 2, 2007
For some reason I had the order mixed up. I contacted Gategypsy for an address, and she asked to be skipped. When I went back to see who was the next in line- it was Goddess-Of-Fire. I have contacted her and am waiting for an address. I guess you may want to remove Gategypsy from the list. Sorry about that. It will get moving soon- promise!
Ruth

Journal Entry 63 by Goddess-Of-Fire from Springfield, Missouri USA on Monday, August 13, 2007
This came in the mail this morning. I''m looking forward to reading it.
Thanks!

Journal Entry 64 by Goddess-Of-Fire from Springfield, Missouri USA on Tuesday, August 21, 2007
I'm really not that sure what I thought of this book.
On the one hand I enjoyed it a lot, it was interesting and funny in some parts and it was a fairly fast read.
On the other I thought it was a bit hard to follow in places, and I really didn't think the ending was that great.
It was my first Carroll book, and I thought it was pleasant enough, but I'm not in any big hurry to read any more of his books.
Thanks for sharing though! :)

Mailed 9-04-07.

Journal Entry 65 by acountkel from Charlotte, North Carolina USA on Monday, September 10, 2007
Received today.
Will get to it soon!
Thank you SqueakyChu for including me.

Journal Entry 66 by acountkel from Charlotte, North Carolina USA on Wednesday, October 17, 2007
This was a very odd book and not a book I would normally pick up and read. I was captured by the humor and the idea of this very strange plot. It’s unique qualities kept my interest. The story is about McCabe. He is a cop in the town he grew up in. He is on his second marriage to a woman he really loves and a step father to Pauline. It was nice to see a good relationship between the step-parent and step-child for a change. One day a strange, crippled dog wanders into town and McCabe adopts him. Only to see him die shortly after. This is the catalyst that triggers the start of a bunch of surrealistic events. I think I understood one of the lessons this book was trying to teach and that was, every part of your life is important and helps build you into the man or woman you will become. However, I think there was more to this book, a deeper meaning that I just didn’t get. And of course, the ending made me scratch my head and try and figure out all the loose ends. I can’t say I really loved this book but it was so odd, I know I will never forget it.

Thank you for including me in this ring.
Sending on to Joanthro tomorrow.

Journal Entry 67 by Joanthro from Denver, Colorado USA on Monday, October 22, 2007
The book arrived safely in Saturday's mail and I received it late last night. It looks interesting....

Journal Entry 68 by Joanthro from Denver, Colorado USA on Wednesday, November 7, 2007
I had never heard of this author, but since I have had so much enjoyment from SqueakyChu's other rings, I dove right in.

I am very glad I read this book. I was hooked in the first chapter by Carroll's writing style and how he slips in wry observations on life. I enjoyed sitting back and letting the characters and the story emerge as they wove through the mystery and the magic. I realize that is vague, but I don't want to ruin this for anyone who hasn't read it yet. Thanks so much, SqueakyChu, for including me in this ring!

Mailed to ruzena yesterday.

Journal Entry 69 by wingruzenawing on Thursday, November 15, 2007
The book arrived today.

Journal Entry 70 by wingruzenawing on Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Sorry about the delay in this bookring. I forgot I have this book. Perhaps I’ll ask my doctor for a prescription for Tapsodil (see p. 123)...

Now I have read it, and I loved it. The principal character is Police Chief Frannie McCabe whose "life turned into a Salvador Dali painting"; he lives parallel lives, he meets his young him and his old him; his wife is both living and dead. And so on. Carroll’s imagination is inexhaustible.

I found this text funny - perhaps even a bit more mischievous than other novels by Carroll.
Yet it’s not just humour, nor just fantasy. The text gets close to one’s real life and serious things. It often occurred to me how important it is to accept all one’s ages; you are different and yet the same.
Also, Carroll makes his characters grow more humane and more loving in the course of the story. These are the beautiful features in Carroll’s novels that I have read before.

And of course! There is the dog! He always has the dog. (Just out of curiosity: in Finnish we say "there is a dog buried" when we mean "there is something fishy about it". It holds good that Carroll has "a dog buried" in his surrealist plots, and even to the letter in this case!)

Thanks a lot, SqueakyChu, for sharing the book. Looks like well traveled already but still going strong!

-ruzena

Journal Entry 71 by iliotropio from Bruxelles / Brussel, Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium on Friday, February 8, 2008
And the book is now in Brussels. Thank you ruzena!
I've just had a look at the JEs and I'm really intrigued...

Journal Entry 72 by iliotropio from Bruxelles / Brussel, Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium on Sunday, April 6, 2008
Deliciously strange!
Happy reading lunacia!

Journal Entry 73 by winglunaciawing from Fredrikstad, Østfold fylke Norway on Wednesday, April 9, 2008
I was much surprised when I got a PM about this book, which arrived by mail today. I really didn't remember I joined up for this. To be read hen I'm done with the other bookring/-ray I'm reading.

Journal Entry 74 by winglunaciawing from Fredrikstad, Østfold fylke Norway on Saturday, April 12, 2008
Right - I'm going to start reading this now. The last couple of books I have read lately have been rather disappointing, I even gave up on one of them. I'm looking forward to read this, and hope it'll turn out somewhat better than the previous ones.

Journal Entry 75 by winglunaciawing from Fredrikstad, Østfold fylke Norway on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
This was an absolute wonderful read! In some ways it reminded me of the books of my favourite author, Neil Gaiman, at the same time as it was different. I really liked how the elements of science fiction and fantasy was blended in to the story.

Thank you so much for letting me read this!

Journal Entry 76 by winglunaciawing from Fredrikstad, Østfold fylke Norway on Monday, May 12, 2008
Due to all the public hollidays in May, I haven't been able to get to the post office to get an envelope yet. This book only just doesn't fit into the one I already have, so I'll have to buy a new one. :( Will send it as soon as I can get to the post office to get one!

Journal Entry 77 by winglunaciawing at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, June 12, 2008

Released 15 yrs ago (6/13/2008 UTC) at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

After trying several post offices, I finally managed to get the right size envelope. I will post the book to the wonderful Deepswamp in Sweden tomorrow. I hope she'll enjoy the book as much as I did! Sorry about the delay.

Thank you for letting me read this!

Journal Entry 78 by wingDeepswampwing from Björkhagen, Stockholm Sweden on Monday, June 16, 2008
OH! I am excited. A top 100 most traveled book!
Looking forward to read!

Journal Entry 79 by wingDeepswampwing from Björkhagen, Stockholm Sweden on Friday, August 8, 2008
A fantastic book, you are in a different world for some hours!
Thanks!
When I get WelshHelen adress it will travel.

Journal Entry 80 by WelshHelen from Ponthenri, Wales United Kingdom on Sunday, August 24, 2008
Arrived some time over the last two weeks - thank you, Deepswamp. Wow, this book certainly has travelled! I'm not getting much of a changce to read at the moment and, of course, three ring books landed while I was away, but I will get to it as soon as I can.

Journal Entry 81 by WelshHelen from Ponthenri, Wales United Kingdom on Monday, October 6, 2008
What a great book! Carroll is a new author to me but I'm now on the lookout for his other books. I loved his writing style and though some parts of the story lost me for a while, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I found the book funny, sad, inspiring and downright weird in equal measures :-) I loved the characters, especially Frannie and Gee-Gee - not surprising that I liked *both of them :-) and Carroll kept me guessing to the end. Great work!

I have katrinat's address and will post to this afternoon. Thank you so much, SqueakyChu, for organising the ring and very many apologies that I've had it so long.

Journal Entry 82 by katrinat from Southend-on-Sea, Essex United Kingdom on Thursday, October 9, 2008
Arrived today, I have just started a new book, so should get to this one next week

Released 15 yrs ago (10/21/2008 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

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sent saturday

Journal Entry 84 by Moonwoolf from Azambuja, Lisboa (distrito) Portugal on Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thank you very much to share this book with me. I'm looking forward to read it, although i have several ones to read before this one. But i try to put it travelling as soon as possible.


12-02-2009 => I'm so sory for keepng this book so long... I'm finishing one book, this will be next. Thank you for your patience.

03-03-2009=> Thank you for this opportunity, an excelent reading. This will keep traveling very soon to South Africa.

Journal Entry 85 by Moonwoolf at Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Thursday, May 7, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (5/8/2009 UTC) at Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal

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Finally, on the way to South Africa. Have an excellent travel. :D

Journal Entry 86 by mrbaggins1 from Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa on Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Arrived in South Africa today after a long journey crisscrossing the globe - Thanks for sharing. I have got a couple to read before this but will get around to it as soon as possible


This book features amongst the top 100 most traveled books on Bookcrossing and I have calculated that the distance covered is 104 000 kilometers to date which equals 2.6 times around the equator. It is still in pretty good condition and I plan to make a livejournal posting about the book once I'm done with it

Journal Entry 87 by mrbaggins1 from Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa on Saturday, July 18, 2009
I absolutely loved this book and read a sort of review for it on my Livejournal where I also posted a photo of the book and what it looks like after its extensive travels.

http://mrbaggins1.livejournal.com/27306.html

Thanks for sharing and its going to hyper7 early next week.

Journal Entry 88 by mrbaggins1 at Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa on Monday, July 20, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (7/20/2009 UTC) at Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa

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Releasing it to hyper7 in Secunda South Africa today who is next on the list. I got one of my staff to give it an additional covering of contact plastic (we do this as part of a service to school libraries)as more protection to safeguard it on its onward journey. I hope that it will have a lot more readers on its journey.

Enjoy - It really is a very special read.

Journal Entry 89 by hyper7 from Secunda, Mpumalanga South Africa on Thursday, July 30, 2009

How awesome is that? This book has been traveling around the planet for more than 5 years!
I have one book to read before this one, but it shouldn't take long.
Thanks Mrbaggins and SqueakyChu!

Journal Entry 90 by hyper7 from Secunda, Mpumalanga South Africa on Thursday, August 6, 2009
Finished it last night, and it is a very interesting book. It tapers off a bit toward the end, but there are some really special quotations in there!


Journal Entry 91 by hyper7 at -- Controlled Releases --, Western Australia Australia on Thursday, August 6, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (8/6/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Releases --, Western Australia Australia

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Off it goes to Australia, have a nice journey, little book!



Journal Entry 92 by Carole888 from Perth City, Western Australia Australia on Friday, August 14, 2009
The book has arrived safely!! Thank you to hyper7 and SqueakyChu ..... I am in the middle of another book but will get on to it soon ........ Wow! Its been travelling for 5 years!! I love the colourful stamps of the package, hyper7 ......I will be saving them ......... :)

Journal Entry 93 by Carole888 at book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (8/25/2009 UTC) at book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases

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This is my very first Jonathan Carroll book and I must say that I have never read anything like it before. I quite enjoyed the trip into the surreal ...... never knowing what unexpected thing was to be around the corner! The book is now leaving the West and travelling to the other side of Australia. Thanks so much to everyone who has helped it travel (so good to read all your journals, including mrbaggins1's calculations!) and a huge thank you to SqueakyChu for starting it off on this journey and including me on the ride.

Journal Entry 94 by FreePages from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, August 31, 2009
"The Wooden Sea" has arrived in Canberra! Capital of Australia!
What a trip this book has been on. It looks like it has been just about everywhere else, but here ;-)
Thanks to Carole888 for posting it from the other side of the country. Thanks also Carole888, for the wonderful Murdoch Uni, Salty Wetlands bookmark :-)

This was one of the first bookrays that I signed up for when I joined bookcrossing back in 2007!

I'm looking forward to the book, but it is one of 11 bookrings/rays that have arrived at my doorstep in August! Not to fear, I've read 7 of them already so the book joins a short-ish queue and I should be able to read it in September, if I can keep to my "best laid" plans. :-)


Journal Entry 95 by FreePages from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, September 18, 2009
My husband, who was recovering from the flu, and I spent a lovely Spring morning sitting in the sun while I read the first 30 pages of this book, and he grinned in all the right places. We had to stop for lunch and were inspired to have a BLT sandwich like Frannie in the book.
The next week I thought, I’ll just take this to work and get a picture of it in front of The Lake or somewhere around Canberra. Then I promptly lost it! I thought great, this book goes the equivalent of twice around the world comes to me and I lose it! I NEVER lose books! To cut a long story short it eventually turned up again a week later in the boot of my car. Sort of, appropriate if you know the plot.
I quickly took a photo of it the next day near the lake and if you look closely just beside the sailing ship on the front cover, I think I managed to get Parliament House in the picture, really all you can see is a small looking flag that sprouts out of a space ship like structure above the trees.
Then took a few days to finish the book. This story is quite a ride. I found Frannie to be a bit like a male Stephanie Plum in this Magical Realism type of plot. Very original!
Thanks SqueakyChu for sharing it, and thanks to everyone else before me who has sent it on its way.
Now to continue it’s travels. Next week the book is going off to Freelunch. The Bookcrosser who introduced me to the phrase “Outside of a dog a book is a man’s best friend, Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read” Groucho Marx.

Journal Entry 96 by FreePages at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, October 5, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (10/5/2009 UTC) at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia

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The Wooden Sea is, finally, off in the post to Freelunch!

Sorry for the delay, hubby also wanted to finish it and he did over the long weekend.

Thanks Squeaky for sharing this book and it has been great fun being part of a book that is on the 100 most traveled book list. Currently it is 28th on the list.
Happy further journey to North East Australia, such a shame I can't deliver it personally.

Enjoy
:-)

Journal Entry 97 by freelunch from Cairns, Queensland Australia on Monday, October 12, 2009
received today, thanks FreePages - and thanks to everyone else who preceded me in this ring.

I enjoyed the first two books in Jonathan Carroll's Crane's View Trilogy and I'm looking forward to this one. I imagine I'll get to it in a week or two.

Journal Entry 98 by freelunch from Cairns, Queensland Australia on Tuesday, October 27, 2009
I really enjoyed this book - I'm glad I was able to read the complete trilogy in order as the first two books helped set the scene and further rounded out the character of Frannie McCabe. I'm sure it would have been quite enjoyable if read on its own though.

Jonathan Carroll certainly has a way with words, this book was full of clever/insightful passages I would have written down if I was the type to ever go back to such things.

I have RockDg9's address and will be posting this book on by the end of the week. Thanks again to all who have come before me in this 'ring

Journal Entry 99 by RockDg9 from Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Monday, November 2, 2009
Arrived here today - thanks freelunch and squeekychu.

Journal Entry 100 by RockDg9 from Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Saturday, November 7, 2009
This is one of those books where if you try to describe the plot too much, you ruin the book for someone else. So I'll just say that it's fantastic. The characters are fantastic, the situations are fantastic, the plot is fantastic. I loved it.

Journal Entry 101 by RockDg9 at Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Monday, November 16, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (11/16/2009 UTC) at Toowoomba, Queensland Australia

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I posted this book out last week.

Journal Entry 102 by chirel from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wow, this book has traveled! Welcome to Finland. I just recieved another book last week so this book is on the top of my mount-TBR.

Journal Entry 103 by chirel from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Tuesday, February 23, 2010
It's been a while since i read this book. I think it was either the very last book I read last year, or the first book of this year (or both). I remember thinking that finally I got to read a book with a good ending. Last year it seemed like a theme to me: an otherwise excellent book with a horrible ending.

So about this book: Strange. Easy to follow. Thought provoking. Surprising. Enchanting.

There were only two moments in the story that felt too stupid or out of place to be in the book. (I'm not going to spoil the book by telling what they were.) But after few pages the story got hold of me again and all the pieces seemed to fit together again. I really loved the ending: it was beatyful and full of meaning. It perfectly summed up the theme/main idea of the story, for me at least.
I might come back to edit this entry with a functioning brain some day. I really had a lot to say about this book.

Amd why I only just found out that this was the third book of a trilogy! Must get the other books!

Journal Entry 104 by Sammaltassu from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I'm chirel's husband, so excuse me for squeezing into this huge, globetrotting bookray. Yes, I'm to blame for this rather lengthy stop at our bookshelf, but hey! A book as well-traveled as this needs its rest.

This was my first Jonathan Carroll. I had high expectations, which weren't quite met. Although I absolutely loved the twists and turns of the outrageous plot and the surreal atmosphere, I wasn't thrilled by Carroll's language, which I found a turn-off for me. I can't pinpoint what it is that bugs me in his writing style, but I find it somehow distasteful. Also, a lot of spelling errors and/or typos.

The main character, Frannie, was another turn-off. I couldn't grow to like him at all and the whole small-town cop thing was blah. (BTW what's with the name Frannie? It took a while before I realized he's not a she. I actually thought (s)he was in a same-sex marriage when the wife was mentioned.)

Unlike many, I didn't really see the greatness of the ending and it left just a bit too much open, not much but still too much for me. There was closure for the plot but not quite enough for the characters (IMHO).

Despite all this, it was a refreshingly different book and I'll look forward to trying something else by Jonathan Carroll.

I'm handing over the book to erpax today.

Journal Entry 105 by wingerpaxwing from Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Many thanks to Sammaltassu and all the other participants in this awesome ray! Special thanks to ruzena who kindly recommended for this book/ray. This book may also rest at my place for some time, since this is not the only ray I'm in...

Journal Entry 106 by wingerpaxwing from Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
*

Journal Entry 107 by wingerpaxwing at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Released 13 yrs ago (4/13/2010 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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The Wooden Sea is travelling again.

Journal Entry 108 by polenka from Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo / Norra Savolax Finland on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thanks a lot for the book Erpax! I have read a few Carrolls before and loved them. Looking forward reading this one.

Journal Entry 109 by polenka from Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo / Norra Savolax Finland on Friday, May 7, 2010
I love Carroll, because he interwines so beautifully every day life and fantasy. This book did not let me down. It was a real page-turner, the plot had enough mystery and weirdness and the characters were nice. I although find the ending a little too open, I am having hard time piecing everything together. I feel kind of stupid, actually, because I can't figure out what this book is all about; enjoyed reading it, though. Thanks a lot for the ring!

I'll mail the book forward as soon as I get the address.

Edit 9.6.2010.
I am sorry I forgot to mail the book, I'll do it today!!

Journal Entry 110 by minavain at Kokkola, Keski-Pohjanmaa / Mellersta Österbotten Finland on Friday, June 11, 2010
The Book arrived today. Thanks Polenka and SquekyChu.

Journal Entry 111 by Chania at Kokkola, Keski-Pohjanmaa / Mellersta Österbotten Finland on Monday, June 28, 2010
I got this today, thanks a lot! I will start tomorrow, after finishing my current book.

Journal Entry 112 by Chania at Kokkola, Keski-Pohjanmaa / Mellersta Österbotten Finland on Sunday, July 4, 2010
Oh, what a breathtaking book! There was almost too much happening, but still wasn't as the story was easy to follow and it really kept me captivated! I am so glad I joined this ring, and I am happy to know that there is another Jonathan Carroll waiting in my bookshelf!

And now sending this to England!

Journal Entry 113 by mafarrimond at Hawarden, Wales United Kingdom on Thursday, July 8, 2010
The book has arrived safely> I will read asap.

Journal Entry 114 by mafarrimond at Hawarden, Wales United Kingdom on Saturday, August 7, 2010
A strange story but completely gripping. It is the first book of Jonathan Carroll's that I have read and if this is typical of his writing. I will be reading more.

Thank you for sharing it with me.

Journal Entry 115 by mafarrimond at Nurmijärvi, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Monday, August 9, 2010

Released 13 yrs ago (8/9/2010 UTC) at Nurmijärvi, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland

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Posted on to Ametisti. Enjoy!

Journal Entry 116 by Ametisti at Nurmijärvi, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Sunday, August 15, 2010
The book arrived to Finland on Friday August 13th, 2010 :)
Thank you for the BookRay, SqueakyChu! I look forward to reading the book.
Y'all have a wonderful autumn!

Journal Entry 117 by Ametisti at Nurmijärvi, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Darlings, sorry for stalling this bookray. I promise to read the book and get the ray back on track by the end of the year. Our home suffered a massive water damage in July and we're hoping to move back to our renovated and clean home in the end of November.

Wishing y'all a wonderful winter!

Journal Entry 118 by Ametisti at Nurmijärvi, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Sunday, January 9, 2011
I finally got through this book which started off as very promising but ended disappointing. I loved some details and characters but all the time I thought that the author was preparing the story for a movie or a sequel. Like watching Indiana Jones 4: love the characters but the story takes a weird turn and you struggle to watch it til the end...

I'm happy and honored to be part of this amazing book ray that has been going on for 6 years! Thank you for sharing the book, SqueakyChu ;) and I'm sorry for stalling the ray for months. Now the book is ready to go to the next reader, Niksu, whom I'm going to meet at the monthly Helsinki BC-meeting next week.

I wish y'all a happy year 2011!

Journal Entry 119 by Ametisti at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Sunday, January 9, 2011

Released 13 yrs ago (1/11/2011 UTC) at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland

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I'll give the book to the next reader in the ray, Niksu. I'll meet her at the monthly BC-meeting in Helsinki. It's been a while since I was at a meeting, it'll be fun :)

Happy reading, Niksu!


Journal Entry 120 by Niksu at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Got this today from Ametisti at our monthly BC-meetup. It was lovely to see you!

I’m very excited to read the book, I have really liked Carroll's other books. I’ll get busy with this right away.


Journal Entry 121 by Niksu at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Sunday, January 16, 2011
Thanks for sharing such a good reading. This was my fifth book by Jonathan Carroll, I love his storytelling voice and vivid imagination.
But still I must say this is not his best work. I have loved the female characters in his books, but in this book I missed them as there is only males. It's an interesting read but still doesn't compete with The White Apples.

I've already contacted the next in line on Thuesday when I got the book but haven't got any reply yet. I'll try again and wait a bit and then I'll PM the next.

Thanks SqueakyChu for this great ray!


***Edit 26.1.2011: Ok, so no luck with Nice-Find-Books, I'll try Sfogs next.

Journal Entry 122 by Niksu at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland on Saturday, January 29, 2011

Released 13 yrs ago (1/29/2011 UTC) at Helsinki, Uusimaa / Nyland Finland

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Since I didn't get any reply for my contacts to Nice-Find-Books, I'll send the book to next in line Sfogs. Book starts travelling on monday.

Read and Release at BookCrossing.com...

Journal Entry 123 by Sfogs at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Monday, February 7, 2011
Thank you! It has arrived safely! I have one book ahead of it, so I'll get onto it as soon as I can!

Journal Entry 124 by Sfogs at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Thursday, February 10, 2011
This was a good if confusing book! and a quick read! :D
I'll get it in the post as soon as ffortsa messages me back with their postal address.

Journal Entry 125 by Sfogs at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Friday, February 11, 2011

Released 13 yrs ago (2/11/2011 UTC) at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand

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On it's way to the USA!

Journal Entry 126 by ffortsa at New York City, New York USA on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
This just arrived from Christchurch, NZ. I hope the sender is ok.

Journal Entry 127 by wingAzukiwing at Miami, Florida USA on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
This little book is on the move again! It has just arrived in Miami, Florida.
Probably won't be able to start on it till after the new year, but don't worry, it's in good hands. : )
Happy Holidays to you all!

ETA: Feb 2 - just want to update that I have started on this already. Sorry but I have been slow in my reading lately. Will update as soon as I finish.

Journal Entry 128 by wingAzukiwing at Miami, Florida USA on Thursday, February 9, 2012
I am glad to be part of this well travelled book. It looks pretty good for the mileage.

The book is an easy and entertaining read, with some tender, very humanistic moments to balance the weirdness. However, for most of the book, it feels like nobody has a clue to what's going on... not the protagonist, although he's supposed to be close, nor his friends, nor the "bad guys", nor the other characters... nor does it sound like the author himself. So it feels like the plot and characters are being quirky and unpredictable without a justification, and that leaves me not entirely satisfied. I can enjoy an open ending to ruminate on, but this book is like those movies where they put in dazzling special effects just because they can.

This is now heading on to the next reader. I wish this little book a smooth sailing on the wooden sea from now on!

Journal Entry 129 by WhisperedDreams at Roseville, California USA on Thursday, March 1, 2012
It's humbling, in a way, to hold a book that has been to so many places and in so many hands and hearts. When I received this in the mail I was struck by its history, and I'm putting it at the top of my list to read. So thank you to everyone who has read this before me; it's an honor to be a part of such a well-traveled book's journey!

Journal Entry 130 by WhisperedDreams at Roseville, California USA on Monday, March 12, 2012

Released 12 yrs ago (3/12/2012 UTC) at Roseville, California USA

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Hm, I don't know quite what to think of this book! One of the quotes on the back sums it up quite well: "sunlit surrealism." It's not one of my favorites, but it was intriguing and worth the read. I also loved Carroll's many metaphors about daily life - they are so easy to relate to!

I'm sending this off today, and I hope Kally93 finds it as much of a quirky, entertaining read as I did.

Journal Entry 131 by Kally93 at Brantford, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Book arrived yesterday. Thank you WhisperedDreams for sending it to me and thank you SqueakyChu for sharing.

Journal Entry 132 by Kally93 at Brantford, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
When it rains, it pours! I had a few bookray/ring books hit me all at once so it was a while before I could get to this book.

It is certainly different from what I was reading before. Lots of twists and turns. Weird with some quirky humour. Very different.

Thank you for sharing the experience with me. I will contact the next person and send it on.

Journal Entry 133 by Kally93 at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Sunday, May 20, 2012

Released 11 yrs ago (5/19/2012 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada

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Journal Entry 134 by Kally93 at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Thursday, May 24, 2012

Released 11 yrs ago (5/22/2012 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada

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I am releasing this book for the second time. lol

I took it to the post office four days ago and released it.
When I got home and went to make release notes, I realized I had send it to the wrong person!!! (That's why the release notes are blank.) I had mailed it to someone from another book ring!
Thank goodness the post office is located at the pharmacy my husband works at and that it was the Victoria Day long weekend, so mail had not been picked up. I was able to retrieve the package, readdress it and release it again. I don't know what I would have done if it had arrived to the wrong person. :$

The book is now on it's way to Stoepbrak. chich had asked to be skipped.

Journal Entry 135 by Stoepbrak at Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Saturday, June 9, 2012

The book arrived safely in Cape Town, on its second visit to South Africa. What a pleasure to receive such a well-travelled book! And look at all the colourful Canadian stamps!

Thanks for shipping the book, Kally93, and thanks to SqueakyChu for registering the book and hosting the ray.

I've got two to read ahead of this one, but will get to it as soon as I can.

Journal Entry 136 by Stoepbrak at Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Monday, June 18, 2012

Mmm.. that didn't quite work for me. It was good enough entertainment, though, and I'm happy to have been a part of this bookray.

Just waiting for the address and the book will be off to Nr 60!

Journal Entry 137 by Stoepbrak at Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Released 11 yrs ago (6/20/2012 UTC) at Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

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The book is on its way to therubycanary in the USA. I posted it this morning, opting for surface mail. Quite often a registered package like this gets lucky and is included with items dispatched by airmail. Only time will tell.

International tracking number: RJ009655717ZA
http://tracking.postoffice.co.za
http://www.track-trace.com/post

Journal Entry 138 by therubycanary at Portland, Maine USA on Monday, July 2, 2012
Yeah, this well travelled book has arrived safe and sound! Thank you for the SA bookmark, and for sending this book overseas Stoepbrak!

Looking forward to reading right away and letting it continue on its journey.

Journal Entry 139 by therubycanary at Portland, Maine USA on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Book mailed to Imuzak today.

I am very glad to have been apart of this huge bookray. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the book that much. I felt like the plot line was grasping at straws to make ends meet, and that it could have been developed more. The characters were interesting, but I never understood why the world was going to end if this character didn't figure out whatever it was he was supposed to figure out.

Journal Entry 140 by imuzak12 at Corpus Christi, Texas USA on Sunday, September 16, 2012
I received this well-traveled, read, and loved book in mail. I am looking forward to reading it.

ETA -10.7.12.
I'm sorry for taking long time to read this book. I try finish reading it by the end of October.

Journal Entry 141 by imuzak12 at Corpus Christi, Texas USA on Thursday, November 1, 2012
First of all, I thank SquekyChu to host this bookring. I signed up this bookring simply because I wanted to be a part of this long-traveled bookring. While I was waiting for this book, I became curious about Jonathan Caroll. I found that The Wooden Sea was the third book of the Crain's View trilogy, and I also found the Marriage of Stick, the second of this trilogy, was available at my local library. So, I decided to read the Marriage of Stick first and instantly became a fan of Jonathan Carroll! His book was so unique, bizarre, and interesting! I had never read the book like his before.

The Wooden Sea didn't betray my expectations. It was more bizarre than the Marriage of Stick. Every time there was a new development, the story turned to a different direction I had never thought it could go that often made me feel dizzy. When the story got close to its end, though, there was a message that was similar to the Marriage of Stick appeared. Then I thought, "yeah, everything is alright, no matter what." If you like a straightforward story, you would be frustrated reading this book. If you like the story that everything will eventually settle where they should be, you may feel upset with this book. Things in our lives does not always have answers or solutions; some things, such as life and future, remain mysteries, and it is okay; also, some things, such as myself, yourself and love, remain unchanged.

Journal Entry 142 by imuzak12 at Corpus Christi, Texas USA on Thursday, November 1, 2012

Released 11 yrs ago (11/1/2012 UTC) at Corpus Christi, Texas USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Mail to eileenmelant, the next reader of this bookring, by Media Mail.
DC# 0312 0860 0000 0065 7651

Journal Entry 143 by eileenmelant at Austin, Texas USA on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Just got it in the mail yesterday, already halfway through. Joined this booking just for fun, didn't know much about the book or author, but what a pleasant surprise, this is a great book so far!

Journal Entry 144 by eileenmelant at Austin, Texas USA on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Finished the book and sent it on its way today. I enjoyed it, though the ending does go off the deep end (even more so than the rest of the book) and was not as satisfying as I had hoped.... Still, quite an interesting read that I would never have checked out without joining this bookray!

Journal Entry 145 by winghyphen8wing at Honolulu, Hawaii USA on Saturday, December 1, 2012
Received today - thank you!

I've never read anything by this author before, so this should be an interesting experience.

(For some reason this journal entry showed up twice, so I deleted the duplicate.)

Journal Entry 146 by winghyphen8wing at Honolulu, Hawaii USA on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Just a note to say I've started reading...and it certainly is, um, different.

So far I'm enjoying it. :)

@Sammaltassu, I know of a married couple named Francis (he is usually called Frank) and Frances. In this case, the character's name Frannie sounds like a childhood nickname he never grew out of...and it's better than Gee-Gee! :)

Journal Entry 147 by winghyphen8wing at Honolulu, Hawaii USA on Saturday, December 22, 2012
What a wild ride. I think the crazy ending fit right in with the overall tone of the book even if it didn't actually explain much.

Thank you SqueakyChu for introducing me to a new author. If another book by Jonathan Carroll comes my way I'll probably give it a try.

Journal Entry 148 by winghyphen8wing at Honolulu, Hawaii USA on Saturday, December 22, 2012

Released 11 yrs ago (12/22/2012 UTC) at Honolulu, Hawaii USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

And it's off to California for the next reader!

Note: this went via media mail, which generally takes about 3 weeks.

Journal Entry 149 by wingjudygreeneyeswing at San Diego, California USA on Thursday, January 10, 2013
This book has arrived in San Diego, California!! I'm excited to read it.

Journal Entry 150 by wingjudygreeneyeswing at San Diego, California USA on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
I loved this book! Frannie McCabe, the main character, is the town Chief of Police. He is a believable man, a good man, and a happy man, facing a crisis from out of nowhere. He's a great character, as are all the others, and the writing is just the style I like -- both realistic and magical, with well-developed and likeable characters. The plot moves from ordinary to odd to surreal-and-strange rather speedily. I read this book quickly, and then immediately loaded the first Crane's View book onto my Kindle and finished reading it ("Kissing the Beehive"). It was also excellent. Now I'm moving onto the 3rd one (2nd in the series). it really doesn't matter which book you read first, which is nice -- the author focuses on different characters while still keeping some of the familiar ones in the story. While there is definitely magic/sf and mystery here, the overall theme is existentialist -- the story is about the puzzle of our existence and the effect we have on those around us.

Here is part of a review I found by Rich Horton on SFsite.com (he had read something previously by Jonathan Carroll):
"I had an idea what to expect: a contemporary setting, veering off into very strange territory at some time; an ordinary person, deeply in love, faced with an unexpected and unexplainable threat to those he loves; and fine writing with a mixture of almost goofy humour and wrenching tragedy. And that's what we get here. (Writers who come to mind as comparison points are William Browning Spencer, Jonathan Lethem, and Bradley Denton.)

Now this book is headed by mail to 6of8. Enjoy!

This is #23 out of 26 releases in memory of the 26 children and adults who died at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012.

Journal Entry 151 by wing6of8wing at Silver Spring, Maryland USA on Sunday, February 17, 2013
So exciting to have this book in my hands! One of the first books I added to my wishlist after joining BC was "The Wooden Sea (SqueakyChu's Book Ray)". I had no idea at that time what a Book Ray was and I had never heard of a SqueakyChu. Since that time, I have become much more BC savvy and have participated in a number of book rays, rings, boxes, and virtual boxes. And SqueakyChu is one of my dear friends in BCinDC that I look forward to seeing at meet-up (where she has been absent twice -- hope to see you soon, Squeaky!).

I will try to get this read before the next meet-up, since the note says I should look into passing it around the BCinDC group before it goes off to NancyNova.

Journal Entry 152 by wing6of8wing at Silver Spring, Maryland USA on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I cannot decide if I liked this book or not -- it was definitely outside my comfort zone with the surrealism. There's a part of me still trying to figure out what the point of the whole thing is, although I think I know.

I wasn't sure I was going to like the character of Frannie -- but I really did, and I came to admire his efforts as a husband and a step-father. And his clear (or seemingly clear) understanding of how good his life is despite the more grand plans he had for himself. He was also a good friend and one who appreciated the aspects of other people that drove many others crazy.

The vision of the future -- and the alleged driving force of the book -- was quite different. I think the most believable aspect was that some of the things were the same that you thought would be different and vice versa. I did not care for the use of the "f-word" all too frequently. But I did kind of enjoy Frannie's reaction to learning a secret about his late father -- not what I would have expected, but a genuine reaction shaped by understanding and affection and loss.

I think the character of George was my favorite -- particularly the passage with him sitting on the roof of his house trying to imagine what it would be to be an antenna, in order to better write the instruction book for assembly and installation of the antenna. I think his instruction books would be superior to the ones I usually try to decipher for stuff.

Will pass this book along to Mom-Oyster to read next.

Journal Entry 153 by wing6of8wing at -- Mail or by hand - rings, RABCK, meetings, District of Columbia USA on Thursday, March 21, 2013

Released 11 yrs ago (3/21/2013 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand - rings, RABCK, meetings, District of Columbia USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

In the mail now to Mom-Oyster, since our vacation schedules prevent us from encountering each other at a local meet-up.

Journal Entry 154 by mom-oyster at Gaithersburg, Maryland USA on Tuesday, March 26, 2013
This is one of 2 books that are part of SqueakyChu bookrays that arrived today. Thanks 6of8. It'll be perfect for the April Ultimate Challenge which is led by NancyNova who might be the next person to get the book.

Journal Entry 155 by mom-oyster at Gaithersburg, Maryland USA on Friday, May 17, 2013
Just finished reading this book. Would you like to meet a younger or older you? I'll bring this to the book festival tomorrow to see if anyone wants it. If not, I'll send it on to the next person on the list.

Journal Entry 156 by wingKateKintailwing at Burke, Virginia USA on Sunday, August 18, 2013
I was handed this book at the Gaithersburg Book Festival because I love giving well-travelled BookCrossing books a try. And I like quirky, strange books. I also adore time travel and non-linear storytelling. So I thought that this would be right up my alley.

I've been trying to read it since early June without much success at all. I'm on page 234 of 302 and I have NO idea what's going on. Something about a dog that gets unburried magically and may be his friend, a feather, a company, the main character as a child... or something? I really am not following it. I love quirky and time travel, but I am not really a fan of magical realism because I have a hard time suspending disbelief. I also realized yesterday that this is a book with characters who are introduced in other books first. That could be why I was having trouble understanding the characters from the beginning. I probably read the first chapter over twice trying to figure out who they were.

I have a problem giving up on books, but I'm going to be brave and declare this adventure over. Sorry, Frannie, you were just too strange for me. I hope that you can stop the end of the world or whatever it is you're attempting to do.

NOTE: I'll bring this to the BCinDC meetup tomorrow-er-today (it's past midnight) so others in BCinDC can get a chance to read it before it heads far away.

Journal Entry 157 by wingKateKintailwing at Rockville, Virginia USA on Sunday, August 18, 2013

Released 10 yrs ago (8/18/2013 UTC) at Rockville, Virginia USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Taking this to the BCinDC meetup so it can find a new reader before it heads out again.

EDIT: Here's a photo of SqueakyChu (who started this book on its journey) and the book!

Journal Entry 158 by ResQgeek at Alexandria, Virginia USA on Monday, August 19, 2013
Whoa! The stories about this being a well-traveled book certainly weren't exaggerated! I'm not sure if this is something I'll like or not, but I'll give it a shot, if only to be part of this impressive collection of readers...

Journal Entry 159 by ResQgeek at Alexandria, Virginia USA on Sunday, January 11, 2015
I've had this book for quite a while now, and I don't think it is going to rise to the top of my TBR pile anytime soon. SqueakyChu sent me a message to see if I still had it, so I'll bring it to today's BC-in-DC meeting to give to her.

Journal Entry 160 by ResQgeek at Alexandria, Virginia USA on Monday, January 12, 2015
SqueakyChu was unable to attend yesterday's BC-in-DC meeting, so I wasn't able to return this book to her.

It wasn't until after I made the previous entry, yesterday, that I realized that I've been sitting on and delaying an impressively old and well traveled bookray. Somehow this completely slipped off my radar, and I offer my sincerest apologies for the long wait for this book. I am about to send a message out to the next reader for mailing instructions, and I'll try to get this bookray moving again soon.

Journal Entry 161 by ResQgeek at Alexandria, Virginia USA on Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Released 9 yrs ago (1/13/2015 UTC) at Alexandria, Virginia USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Dropping this book off at the post office to send it on to the next reader.

Journal Entry 162 by Basikilos at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania USA on Sunday, January 18, 2015
Just received the book in the mail!

Journal Entry 163 by Basikilos at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania USA on Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Wow. What can I say? I opened the book this morning, and I couldn't put it down. The writing style was just mesmerizing and though it's a very different genre from what I normally read, I really appreciated it. I'll be passing it on to the next reader, now.

Journal Entry 164 by wingNancyNovawing at Lansdale, Pennsylvania USA on Saturday, January 24, 2015
The book is now at my house. Yes, it looks well traveled.

Bumping to the top of the TBR pile. Will probably carry it in a large Ziplock bag for commute reading to make sure it holds up.

PM'g the next in line, to get an address.

Journal Entry 165 by wingNancyNovawing at Lansdale, Pennsylvania USA on Thursday, February 5, 2015
Wow. From the 15th most traveled bookray on bookcrossing. Suspend disbelief and just go along for the ride. Frannie is a 47yo police chief in calm Crane's View. But things are not as orderly as they seem. First, there's a homeless dog that Frannie takes in, and when it dies, refuses to stay buried. Then a feather keeps appearing and disappearing. Then things start happening - Frannie's younger hoodlum self appears, the town goes backwards and forwards, but only he can see it - and another being appears that says Frannie must find the fourth thing - whatever that is - to save the world. "How do you cross a wooden sea? I still do not know the answer.....nothing is more important than keeping every one of our individual selves alive.....Not know thyself, but know thy self." Interestingly, when I logged the book on librarything, it's the third book in a trilogy. It doesn't read like part of a series. Now off to France for the next reader!

Journal Entry 166 by wingNancyNovawing at Paris, Ile-de-France France on Saturday, February 7, 2015

Released 9 yrs ago (2/7/2015 UTC) at Paris, Ile-de-France France

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Keeping the ray moving along!

Journal Entry 167 by wingNancyNovawing at Paris, Ile-de-France France on Saturday, February 7, 2015

Released 9 yrs ago (2/7/2015 UTC) at Paris, Ile-de-France France

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Keeping the ray moving along!

Journal Entry 168 by laure69 at Paris, Ile-de-France France on Sunday, February 15, 2015
I've got it. Thank you.

Journal Entry 169 by laure69 at Paris, Ile-de-France France on Sunday, February 22, 2015
Do it ! What ? Find yourself ! But... Do it and you have only a week. Why ? Let's try a guess : to save the world ? No, let's be ambitious, the universe ! Exactly the kind of stuff that usually puts my nerves on edge and this one did the job perfectly. We'll never know what was to be done eventually and for the better because I suspect I would have been horribly disappointed. And the world is still spinning round, so ? But we were taught a great lesson : we must lean to know ourselves. I'm not against a little fantastic now and then but was it really necessary to involve time travelling and alliens for such a revelation ?

A good book indeed : after 70 readers, the pages are still holding together.
It's leaving for Jotka tomorrow.

Journal Entry 170 by Jotka at Cottbus, Brandenburg Germany on Wednesday, February 25, 2015
It's here and tomorrow I will start to read. Thank you very much for sending it!

28.04.2015
I'm sorry it took so long but sometimes I share books (even those from bookcrossing) with one friend who is not - yet - a bookcrosser.
To the book: I really enjoyed it. It's a little bit like Douglas Adams (Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency for example), Terry Pratchett (The Dark Side of the Sun) or Neil Gaiman. It was strange and even stranger but... Like some others before me at the end I was disappointed. This ending looks like from a different book. But altogether it's worth of reading.

Journal Entry 171 by Jotka at Cottbus, Brandenburg Germany on Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Released 8 yrs ago (4/28/2015 UTC) at Cottbus, Brandenburg Germany

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sent today to ULRK. Enjoy!

Journal Entry 172 by wingULRKwing at Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Sunday, May 10, 2015
The book arrived safely some days ago and will no gow with me on vacation.

Edit 29.05.2015: The story travelled with me to Iceland, where I did not find time to finish it. So now we travel on to Switzerland.

Journal Entry 173 by wingULRKwing at București, Wallachia Romania on Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Released 8 yrs ago (6/9/2015 UTC) at București, Wallachia Romania

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Traveling now from Bucharest back to Germany

Journal Entry 174 by zappelphilipine at Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Tuesday, June 16, 2015
I just come from vacation and the book is here. Thanks!

Journal Entry 175 by zappelphilipine at Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Monday, July 13, 2015
I love books which start in the "normal" world and with every page a little magic comes along. So I started to love this book as well. However, I was really really dissapointed about the ending. It is too open. No conclusion... At least not for the questions I had...Is this always the case with this author?

Journal Entry 176 by timcorke at Bursledon, Hampshire United Kingdom on Friday, February 19, 2016
Just arrived today - I'm just in the middle of another book but will get round to it asap

Journal Entry 177 by timcorke at Bursledon, Hampshire United Kingdom on Thursday, June 2, 2016
A strange book that I wasnt quite sure about. It's strangely compelling though and before you know you've read 100+ pages and you'll be drawn to find out more. Not one that I would automatically thought of reading but glad that I have.

I've contacted the next few people on the list but haven't heard anything to date. goldenwattle will be the next person on the list once she has returned from a trip in August.

Journal Entry 178 by winggoldenwattlewing at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, September 13, 2016
I came home, weary after a walk through pine forest, up a steep hill and along an escarpment and then down again, geocaching, and was thrilled to find this very well travelled book waiting snug in my letterbox. I don't think I have had such a well travelled book before. Thank you timcorke for posting it and SqueakyChu for starting this bookray back in 2004; way before I had found the wild BC book which introduced me to BC.
I see that there is only one person left on the list after me, so SqueakyChu would it be okay to see if anyone else in my local BC meet-up group would like to read this and be part of this book's history before it is posted on?
I am reading a book at present, but this goes next in line after that.

Journal Entry 179 by winggoldenwattlewing at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Thursday, September 22, 2016
A quick, easy, enjoyable read. I found the concept original. The writing was not my favourite style, but that's all I can fault with it.

I didn't get a reply to my suggestion I take this to my next local BC meet and see if I can find more readers. There is only one person on the list after me and it would be a shame if such a well travelled book stalled. It's still in reasonable condition, despite 76 readers. So, unless told not to I'll take this to my BC meet.

Journal Entry 180 by winggoldenwattlewing at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, September 23, 2016
This book needs more readers, so I advertised it in 'Bookrings, Bookrays, and Bookboxes'

LIST:
Hotfrog
RosieCanberra
beli-jg
davemurray101
marmee463
Edwardstreet
penelopewanders
Spartaca (Skipped - didn't reply)
Delphi_Reader
Lindasaurus
CathrineB
minesayn
rhythmbiscuit
CanticleLost (Skipped - didn't reply)
JudySlump612
iiwi
kiki66
Lizzy-stardust
Billbooks (Skipped - didn't reply)
elizardbreath (Asked to be missed)
mcsar
Spatial
Thank you Spatial for making a new list and continuing this.<-- HERE

Journal Entry 181 by winggoldenwattlewing at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Saturday, September 24, 2016

Released 7 yrs ago (9/24/2016 UTC) at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Taking to the Canberra BC meet-up at Floriade, ACT, to attempt to find a new reader for this book.

The book found a new reader, Hotfrog.

Floriade 2016 2

Journal Entry 182 by Hotfrog at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Saturday, October 8, 2016
I received this book from Golden Wattle at our meetup at Floriade.
I enjoyed reading it just to find out what could possibly happen next. I was also glad when I finished it, fantasy isn't really my thing.
I will either return it to Golden Wattle or post to davemurray101

Instead, as we agreed I took it to our fun Christmas gathering on 11th December and gave it to RosieCanberra to continue its journey.

Journal Entry 183 by RosieCanberra at Monash, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, December 12, 2016
This book was brought to me yesterday, at the Canberra Bookcrossers Christmas lunch. Always a great time seeing everyone.

My this book has had a lot of readers, I shall read over the holidays and pass it on to BeliG who I believe is waiting for it.

Journal Entry 184 by RosieCanberra at Monash, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, December 21, 2016
I loved this quirky funny book, if found it difficult to put down. Goldenwattle and Hotfrog passed this in to me, I believe BeliG is next, then will be sent up to Dave?

Journal Entry 185 by beli-jg at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, March 24, 2017
strange but enjoyable

Journal Entry 186 by beli-jg at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, March 24, 2017

Released 7 yrs ago (3/25/2017 UTC) at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

at regular Canberra bookcrossing meeting. Not sure where it is going next

Journal Entry 187 by RosieCanberra at Monash, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Sunday, March 26, 2017
This book is back with me, will be sent to the next reader.

Journal Entry 188 by RosieCanberra at Granville, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, March 26, 2017

Released 7 yrs ago (3/27/2017 UTC) at Granville, New South Wales Australia

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

On it's way to davemurray101 in Sydney. Enjoy!

Journal Entry 189 by davemurray101 at Granville, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, March 30, 2017
Just arrived today after its 13th bday!

Journal Entry 190 by davemurray101 at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Released 6 yrs ago (5/2/2017 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

posted to Marmee

Journal Entry 191 by wingmarmee463wing at Templestowe, Victoria Australia on Friday, May 5, 2017
Received today from davemurray, thank-you for this well travelled book, starting to show the ravages of so much travel but still in reasonable condition. I will read it shortly then send it on it's way.

Journal Entry 192 by wingmarmee463wing at Templestowe, Victoria Australia on Sunday, May 21, 2017
This is a strange story and although fantasy is not a genre I would normally read, this story captured me, it is both poignant and haunting. It is my first experience reading a Jonathan Carroll but definitely not my last, I will be looking for more of his work. Recommended reading. I will post it on to edwardstreet shortly.

Journal Entry 193 by wingmarmee463wing at Templestowe, Victoria Australia on Friday, June 2, 2017

Released 6 yrs ago (5/22/2017 UTC) at Templestowe, Victoria Australia

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Oops posted this off to Edwardstreet 12 days ago, forgot to journal it, hopefully it is almost there...

Journal Entry 194 by wingEdwardstreetwing at Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Saturday, June 3, 2017
A letter box surprise. Will read asap and post on to Switzerland.

Released 6 yrs ago (6/8/2017 UTC) at —- by hand, post, or courier in Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Posted to Switzerland

Journal Entry 196 by wingpenelopewanderswing at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Thursday, June 15, 2017
Oh my, this one has been around the block quite a few times! I think I saw it was much read at some point, but forgot all about that. When I opened the parcel I was thinking of what to write here, and was thinking I'd comment on the fact that it looks well-travelled- so now I realize, very rightly so!! I have a trip to the UK planned at the beginning of July, so perhaps I'll read and send this from there, as I see that's its next port of call. Meanwhile thank you to everyone who has read and shared this book. It is now safely in the Swiss Alps, just in from New Zealand.

Journal Entry 197 by wingpenelopewanderswing at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Tuesday, July 4, 2017
I actually read this on the train to and fro Oban from Glasgow...
It appears this is the third in a series, but that did not affect my pleasure at all. Interestingly, some of the wackiness of this reminded me of another book I read recently (one or two, actually), but as opposed to those, I felt it worked in this one.
This may be partly because of the main character, who despite his wild past (which we encounter repeatedly) is nonetheless an endearing character.
I appreciated the whole reflection on our past selves comprising our present and empowering us to be more than we would be otherwise... and found the book very moving.
It is here as a very much travelled bookcrossing ring and I'm glad to have rowed along with it. Perhaps you row with a pogo stick on a wooden sea? (At first I was thinking "broom", but you'd get no traction. A rubber tipped pogo stick might be more effective?)

Journal Entry 198 by wingpenelopewanderswing at Glasgow, Scotland United Kingdom on Monday, July 10, 2017

Released 6 yrs ago (7/10/2017 UTC) at Glasgow, Scotland United Kingdom

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

As I never did hear back from Spartaca, I've skipped to the next in line and this long travelling book now heads from Glasgow to Greece. (Although with the screen name of the bookcrosser it initially was intended to head to, it seems Greece was on the cards all along. Thanks so much for making this available, and thank you lovely bookcrossers all, for keeping this travelling so long and so far!

Journal Entry 199 by wingDelphi_Readerwing at Delphi - Δελφοί , Fokida Greece on Wednesday, July 19, 2017

<---Delphi, Greece


The book arrived here in Delphi yesterday, along with a nice postcard.
Thank You! I'll read it asap and pass it on pretty soon.

Journal Entry 200 by wingDelphi_Readerwing at Delphi - Δελφοί , Fokida Greece on Thursday, July 27, 2017
The Wooden Sea is an old-ish fantasy book by an author I've never read before. While it was not extremely original on some aspects, it was quite original on others. Some themes and plot elements we 've seen before, but the way things unfolded was quirky and surrealistic in a nice way.

I guess some people might not appreciate the choice of language or the writting style or the main protagonists, but I found those pretty "refreshing". The rather unusual choice for this kind of books, of a small New York town setting and its local characters as the main characters, added some unique quality to the book and the prose used by the author made it a fast and enjoyable read.

I have to notice that as a non-native English speaker, I found the book quite easy to comprehend and read it effortlessly too.

All that said, my main pet peeve here is the one I often have with fantasy books: No decent ending. Why authors think it's fine to do that? Creating whole worlds, introducing some mystery and various plot lines, have weird mysterious otherworldly/alien characters interfering, giving hints for alternative theories or conspiracies or whatever, but later never coming to a decent conclusion and/or with an explanation?

I'd had to write many spoilers to analyze this further and I don't want to do that! I'll just say that albeit its weak points, I found the book an easy and refreshing book and I 'd like to read something else by Jonathan Carroll. But still I feel it could be so much better if there was some more attention to detail and some kind of decent finish...

By the way, this is part of a trilogy, but it stands alone just fine.

Thank you SqueakyChu for sharing and everyone for making this book's journey so interesting. The book seems to be pretty "tired" after all those travels, but hopefully it will last some more readers as far as it's handled carefully...

I have Lindasaurus' address, so this book will leave Delphi today or tomorrow .

Enjoy!


Released 6 yrs ago (7/28/2017 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Off to Austria! Happy Reading!

Journal Entry 202 by wingLindasauruswing at Wien Bezirk 10 - Favoriten, Wien Austria on Thursday, August 10, 2017
I returned form my honeymoon today and found this book at home! thanks for sending!

Edit 16.09.2017:
Finished reading today and really don't know what to say. It's a fantastic book - I love Carroll's writing style. And although I don't usually like fiction, I liked the story and almost couldn't put it down. The last part of the book was a little too crazy for me...

Journal Entry 203 by wingLindasauruswing at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Monday, September 18, 2017

Released 6 yrs ago (9/18/2017 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

The book travels on to the next reader. A friend of mine took it to Germany this morning on the plane to mail from there, because it is waaay cheaper than to send it from Austria.

Enjoy!

Journal Entry 204 by CathrineB at Hønefoss, Buskerud fylke Norway on Tuesday, October 3, 2017
This book arrived in my mailbox today!

I'm currently reading a book that I have to finish before reading this book.

Journal Entry 205 by wingSqueakyChuwing at Rockville, Maryland USA on Sunday, November 19, 2017
I know Spatial! I would be sooo excited to see that book again after 13 years. Imagine!!

I just checked in on this book's Bookcrossing journal after several years because I'm finally reading another book by Jonathan Carroll. I forgot how much fun his books are to read. I'm reading a book called [At the Dog Museum] which I still have to register here on Bookcrossing. I'm no longer doing bookrays, but it sure is fun to look back on the notes from those I've started in the past...and especially this one!! :D

Thank you, everyone, for making this such a very special and long-lasting bookray!

Journal Entry 206 by CathrineB at Hønefoss, Buskerud fylke Norway on Monday, November 20, 2017
I just realized how long I've had this book already! I've read some of it already. Will try to get it finished soon and sent on.

Journal Entry 207 by CathrineB at Hønefoss, Buskerud fylke Norway on Thursday, December 28, 2017
I'm so sorry for keeping this book for such a long time. Although the story made me curious about what was going on, I also found it a bit, eh, annoying in a way. So I wanted to read the entire book and see how it ended. But then I lacked the motivation to pick it up. Recently, I forced myself to read for at least 10 minutes every day, which made me get through the book.

It was kind of a strange story. And somehow, I had expected something slightly different to happen at the end.

Journal Entry 208 by CathrineB at Hønefoss, Buskerud fylke Norway on Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Released 6 yrs ago (1/9/2018 UTC) at Hønefoss, Buskerud fylke Norway

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to minesayn. Hopefully it will arrive fast.

Journal Entry 209 by wingminesaynwing at Huron, Ohio USA on Friday, January 19, 2018
Arrived in my mailbox today, thanks to CatherineB. Appreciate that you sent it across the pond. Look forward to reading it.

Journal Entry 210 by winggoldenwattlewing at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, February 7, 2018
For interest, this book is now the 12th 'Most Travelled' BC Book, and some of the books above it on the list are handed from person to person. This book is still part of a Bookray. Wonderful I thought :)

Journal Entry 211 by wingminesaynwing at Northglenn, Colorado USA on Friday, April 6, 2018

Released 5 yrs ago (4/6/2018 UTC) at Northglenn, Colorado USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

"No two persons ever read the same book."--Edmund Wilson

Sharing this book with the wider world--enjoy!
I have either registered it, or received it from another person who is willing to share it, too. Consider logging onto www.bookcrossing.com and letting us know where it is been and where it is going next. It can be done anonymously or join the site as a member.

Surreal, absolutely surreal. This novel has everything: a three-legged dog, time travel, a character with a real-life counterpart to my cousin's husband named Al Salvato, and so much more. There are some gems of wisdom scattered throughout this one. My apologies for the length of time it was in my possession.

Now it is on its way via media mail to the next person in the ray/ring. Enjoy.

Journal Entry 212 by rhythmbiscuit at Northglenn, Colorado USA on Wednesday, April 11, 2018
I’m pleased to be the latest reader for this book! Thanks for sharing.

Journal Entry 213 by rhythmbiscuit at Northglenn, Colorado USA on Saturday, April 28, 2018
This book is unlike anything I've ever read, and that was why I loved it. So bizarre, so unexpected. I still giggle at the description of the dog as a three-legged marble cake.

I'll have to check out other works by Jonathan Carroll.

Journal Entry 214 by JudySlump612 at Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Arrived in Minneapolis, MN, USA, safely today.

Journal Entry 215 by JudySlump612 at Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Thursday, June 21, 2018
The book only arrived on May 30, so I must have read it within the last three weeks. And yet when I picked it up now to write a journal entry, I found I could hardly remember anything about it. It had gone through my brain leaving almost no trace behind. What different people enjoy in books is so much a matter of personal taste, and clearly this book doesn't match up very well with mine.

However, I do feel proud to be part of such a long a prestigious collection of BookCrossing readers. And I admire whoever did such a good repair job on the cover, and on gluing pages back into the binding. Thank you!

Journal Entry 216 by JudySlump612 at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, June 21, 2018

Released 5 yrs ago (6/21/2018 UTC) at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed to iiwi for SqueakyChu's well-travelled book ray.

Journal Entry 217 by wingiiwiwing at Zeist, Utrecht Netherlands on Thursday, July 5, 2018
I'm reader number 90!

Journal Entry 218 by wingiiwiwing at Zeist, Utrecht Netherlands on Friday, September 7, 2018
"There are no rules, man. Get used to it."

This sums up this book quite nicely I think, and therefore it reminded me of Dirk Gently. I struggled with the fact that there seems to be no consequences to the time travel paradoxes, like killing your older self, or changing yourself in the now seeming to have no affect on the you in the future. But it was a nice read. Some quotes I enjoyed:

"Blame is always convenient because it is so decisive: My fault. Your fault. But marriage is never that clear-cut. He pisses you off here, you piss hime off there. Sometimes you end up with a toiletbowl so full neither of you can flush it."


"How am I hearing this? How does this work?"
Gus announced authoritatively, "Linear matrix Tubing."
"Say what?"
"Linear matrix tubing. There's a deliberated fiber-optic conduit bleached through an open-end ekistics feed -"


I will contact kiki66 to sent the book further.

Journal Entry 219 by wingkiki66wing at Gauting, Bayern Germany on Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Well well, after some years of travelling it is back in Germany again..
Would love to draw a map with all the places it's been :-)

Will start reading quite soon I guess, just one book before..

Journal Entry 220 by wingkiki66wing at Gauting, Bayern Germany on Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Well, what to say?
I did like the book, I liked the style.. it was crazy but it was also fun to read..
there were a great many sentences in there I want to remember.
And I really liked Frannie! guess that's why I was disappointed by the ending.
Probably the romantic in me but I hoped for a different end.

I already have the next address so the book will be on its way soon.

Journal Entry 221 by Lizzy-stardust at Salford, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Friday, October 19, 2018
Received in today's post. Will read it when I finish my current book. Thank you soooo much for sharing this remarkably well-travelled book with me!

Journal Entry 222 by Lizzy-stardust at Salford, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Thursday, November 8, 2018
It was a fun read and worth reading if only for the experience of sharing in this particular copy's epic journey, but what could have been excellent magical realism akin to Garcia Marquez felt more like the literary version of the author laughing at his own jokes. Though I did appreciate the excessive amount of swearing in it.

Journal Entry 223 by mcsar at Richmond, British Columbia Canada on Saturday, December 8, 2018
The book arrived in Canada. I will put it at the top of my TBR and pass it along to the next reader.

Journal Entry 224 by winggoldenwattlewing at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Sunday, December 9, 2018
I had an explanation from Lizzy-stardust. (Thank you :) ) She contacted Billbooks 3 times regarding the book and didn't hear back. Then the next person asked to be skipped. So all is fine and list continues as before. I will delete the log with the (now wrong) updated list to save confusion.
Continuing list is:
mcsar – USA
Spatial - USA. (I recently joined the BCinDC group which the original journaler, SqueakyChu, is a member! So it might get another quick reunion!) <- Here

Back to SqueakyChu.

Journal Entry 225 by mcsar at Richmond, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Glad it gets sorted out. Will start reading soon and get it going again.

---------------------------------
Updated December 28, 2018

What a blast! I had great fun reading this fantastical book. This is my first time reading Jonathan Carroll and I loved it. I loved the narrative voice of the book and the characters and the intrigue drew me in. I will not say too much because I think the book is best enjoyed when one goes in blind. It reminded me a bit of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the same kind of amazing imagination to create a bizzare universe that totally makes sense when enjoyed with a suspension of disbelief.

Journal Entry 226 by mcsar at Next Reader, Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Released 5 yrs ago (1/8/2019 UTC) at Next Reader, Bookray -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

On its way to Spatial, the next reader on the list.

Journal Entry 227 by wingSpatialwing at Arlington, Virginia USA on Thursday, January 17, 2019
Book arrived today! Thanks for sending, mcsar!

Later (Updated January 26, 2019):
Meh. The book was so-so for me.
I’m hoping to take this book to the local BC meet up next month (February) where it will get a reunion with it’s original register, SqueakyChu. I’ll see if anyone in the group, who hasn’t already read it, wants to read it. Then I’ll send on to Femke85 (then it’ll go on to LysMibo).

Journal Entry 228 by wingSpatialwing at Gaithersburg, Maryland USA on Friday, May 17, 2019

Released 4 yrs ago (5/18/2019 UTC) at Gaithersburg, Maryland USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

Releasing to other members of the BCinDC group at the Gaithersburg Book Festival who would like to read the book. Also, a visit back with SqueakyChu!

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩


Ended up not attending the festival due to personal reasons. I’ll pass this book on at a later time.

Journal Entry 229 by wingSpatialwing at Arlington, Virginia USA on Saturday, June 15, 2019

Released 4 yrs ago (6/16/2019 UTC) at Arlington, Virginia USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

Releasing at the BCinDC meeting. Hoping to get more journalers before the book heads off traveling again!

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

Journal Entry 230 by Ixion at Alexandria, Virginia USA on Sunday, June 16, 2019
Held this book at the BC in DC meetup. Hope to see where else it goes.

Journal Entry 231 by wingSpatialwing at Arlington, Virginia USA on Monday, June 17, 2019
Will send the book on to the next person signed up on the forum sometime soon.

Current list:
CanticleLost (ship International)
Lorelei03 (ship International)
LysMibo (Europe only)
gillsil (ship International)
Femke85

Also, sent a tweet to the author. See the tweet and his response here.

Journal Entry 232 by winggoldenwattlewing at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Great this book is still travelling :) The states mentioned in the tweet; are those only American states (you didn't say), or all states?
The book has been to four states and one territory in Australia.

Journal Entry 233 by wingSpatialwing at Arlington, Virginia USA on Friday, June 21, 2019
Book went out today to CanticleLost! For some reason I didn’t receive a tracking number (which it was eligible for) but the postal worker said it should arrive by Wednesday the 26th. Mail always takes longer from this area to arrive at its destination (mailed from Moneta, VA).

Journal Entry 234 by wingSqNutZipswing at Arlington, Virginia USA on Saturday, July 6, 2019
I picked up this book at our BCinDC June monthly meeting. I heard this book has been well traveled and wanted to see it's travel log. I left the book there for someone else to capture and read.

Journal Entry 235 by CanticleLost at Clearwater, Florida USA on Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Have begun this globe trotter!

Journal Entry 236 by CanticleLost at -- BookRing, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Saturday, August 3, 2019

Released 4 yrs ago (8/3/2019 UTC) at -- BookRing, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I enjoyed this strange little story-- more supernatural-ish than fantasy, I'd say. Safe travels, on to NY! Lorelei03 was messaged the tracking info.

Journal Entry 237 by Lorelei03 at Queens, New York USA on Friday, August 16, 2019
Ahhhh! It has arrived! This great book was waiting for me when I got back from a trip to London. Coincidence that it has a bookmark picturing a London phone booth? I think not.


Journal Entry 238 by LysMibo at Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Sunday, September 22, 2019
Apologies for the delay but I have received the book at my home. Thanks for sharing!

Journal Entry 239 by LysMibo at Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Tuesday, October 22, 2019
I have to say that I loved this book! It was the first book I read from this author but it will not be last for sure. His writing is fantastic and the story is very captivating. Thank you very much for sharing this book!

Journal Entry 240 by winggillsilwing at Norwich, Norfolk United Kingdom on Wednesday, November 13, 2019
I feel very honoured to now be in temporary possession of this book which has been in circulation for more than 15 years. Thank you very much to LysMibo for sending it on to me and apologies for not making a journal entry straight away on receiving it.
I will be on a couple of long train journeys over the next two days so this will be the perfect companion - I’m looking forward to beginning it!

Also I noticed I’m the 100th journaller!

Journal Entry 241 by wingPaulanniwing at Riihimäki, Kanta-Häme / Egentliga Tavastland Finland on Friday, October 28, 2022
The book has arrived in Finland. I am the journaller #101, and the book is today (Oct 28) the #11 of the most travelled books of BC! Wow!

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