This is an extremely powerful novel. The first section in which Cheryl speaks didn't really appeal to me, I found it odd and I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue, but I am glad I did. As the novel progresses through Jason and Heather's story it explores the impact of the Delbrook Massacre and shows in all its heartbreaking glory how bad the human race can be, not only in the fallout from the massacre but the phoney pyschic and religious nutcase that is Reg.

I thought at the beginning that I knew what Reg's section would be like, an outpouring of religious clap-trap and justification for misery in this lifetime, but it surprised me by being the most moving chapter I have read in fiction - it made me completely breakdown in tears until I could not read any more.

When viewed from a certain light this is a depressing tale, with few sparks of hope, I'm not sure that it could have been anything but. Despite that (and the breakdown) I enjoyed the book, it surprised me and I am still thinking about the characters weeks afterwards.

This is heading out on a mini bookray. My only requests are that you journal the book to say you've received it and again to tell us what you thought of it. Hope you enjoy it!

The Players:
Glasgowgal
Hexa
Squirk

Received in the mail on Thursday 17.02.05

I was away this weekend and decided to take this book with me to read in place of the current book I'm currently struggling with a little bit. Overall this is an "okay" read. I found it a bit confusing to begin with, and didn't realise all the "Dear god" bits were written by different people (note to future readers!), and found the last part was a little unsatisfying. However the sections written "by" Jason and Heather were the most interesting, and definitely lent the most to the book.

I can't say I'll rush out and read more Coupland, but I did enjoy this one while I was reading it. Will pass it on to Hexa ASAP.

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to Hexa today.

Received safely - I have one ring book ahead of this, but will get to it soon.

I enjoyed this - it was quite bleak but very moving, and I liked the depth added by the differing points of view. It was a powerful exploration of how one day, one tragedy, can affect so many lives. There were points where I had to put it down and go do something else for a while, because it made me quite emotional. But I read the whole thing in a day, and its ages since I've made time to do that.

Sending on to Squirk this week.

Arrived safe and sound today. I've got one ring book to read before this, so it won't be long in the reading.

Many thanks!

Good grief! I've just realized (27/8/05) that I haven't journalled my thoughts on this book. I'm a very bad bookcrosser! Life must have got in the way somewhere - sorry.

This was a good read, though it lost me a bit towards the end - I think I was more interested in the teenage character of Cheryl than that of her boyfriend.

Thank you to Starry-starry for sharing. The book's going on its way to niccijl today.

Received today from Squirk as RABCK - thank you.