The Starter Marriage
21 journalers for this copy...
I bought this after reading and enjoying Kate's first novel Old School Ties
I thought the novel was well written and quite fun despite the subject matter! Well worth reading - and set in Birmingham, so at the end of the ring this is where it will be wild released!
From the cover:
Tess believed matrimany was for life - until her husband decided that their marriage was the relationship equivalent of a starte home: cramped, claustrophobic and something he's definitely outgrown...
I thought the novel was well written and quite fun despite the subject matter! Well worth reading - and set in Birmingham, so at the end of the ring this is where it will be wild released!
From the cover:
Tess believed matrimany was for life - until her husband decided that their marriage was the relationship equivalent of a starte home: cramped, claustrophobic and something he's definitely outgrown...
BookRingKatweeble
Weebly
Lyzzybee
Mochagirl
Katybean
Wyldetwo
Inver
Katisha50
Stormlilly
LindyLouMac (Italy)
purplerosebud
tiggerboing
calalilly
Kazbag
collectorkerri(USA)
Journal Entry 3 by Katweeble from Towcester, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, December 27, 2005
I enjoyed this and could recognise myself in some of the story. I do not agree that you need to find another partner to enjoy life after separation though I am enjoying the freedom to do what I want to do at the moment. Passed to Weebly before Christmas, only just got around to posting though. Merry Christmas and a successful 2006.
Journal Entry 4 by weebly from Hartwell, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, December 27, 2005
I stole this book from Katweeble on our family trip away and read it on the run up to christmas. It was a great book - I really enjoyed it despite it's slightly depressing subject of Marriage break-ups. What I really liked was all the refernces from places I know in Birmingham- Harborne, Hudsons, 5 ways, and my personal favourite, Bobby Browns and the dance floors on different levels.
I will save this book to pass to Lyzzybee at the Salcey Forest meet in January unless some other people join the bookray before then.
I will save this book to pass to Lyzzybee at the Salcey Forest meet in January unless some other people join the bookray before then.
Journal Entry 5 by weebly from Hartwell, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Saturday, January 21, 2006
It is the Forest meet and Lyzzybee's Birthday today - so I will pass the book on. It is such an exciting day the TV cameras are coming to film it!
Journal Entry 6 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, January 22, 2006
And after a lovely and slightly over-exciting day yesterday, time to go through the pile of books journalling away! Will put this in BookRing place in the TBR (ie first) and look out for whether I need to pass it on or (hopefully) release in good old Hudsons!
Thanks for adding me to the ring, girls, even though I'd forgotten I'd joined!!
Thanks for adding me to the ring, girls, even though I'd forgotten I'd joined!!
Journal Entry 7 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Friday, January 27, 2006
Pm'd Mochagirl for address to send on to, as I have nearly finished this. A bit confused as I was sure nice-cup-of-tea was after me and I can't see her on the list at all...
Anyway, nearly done, review to follow, probably tomorrow.
Anyway, nearly done, review to follow, probably tomorrow.
Journal Entry 8 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, January 28, 2006
I say I'm not one for the chicklit - but I like my Maeve Binchy, Cathy Kelly and Marian Keyes, and this came up to standard. A touch of the Wendy Perriams in there too, I felt. It had the chick-lit themes - pastel cover, woman character overcoming adversity, amusing friends etc, and I have to admit I wasn't hugely into the *idea* of the book - but it was actually very good, well written, exciting and well done in general. You could care for the characters. And for me, it was absolutely lovely to see my home city, Birmingham, written about so well and accurately. So excited when they went to Kings Heath - where I live! And Hudsons was in it too (I'm thinking of making sure a copy is always in the Hudsons OBCZ - even though it's "old" Hudsons that's in the book!)
I will look out for a copy of her other book, "Old School Ties", when I have a less mountainous TBR. Another triumph for BookCrossing!
I have mochagirl's address so will send on today.
I will look out for a copy of her other book, "Old School Ties", when I have a less mountainous TBR. Another triumph for BookCrossing!
I have mochagirl's address so will send on today.
Released 18 yrs ago (1/31/2006 UTC) at
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Posting to Mochagirl on Tuesday.
Posting to Mochagirl on Tuesday.
Journal Entry 10 by Mochagirl from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, February 4, 2006
I received this book on Thursday, but didn't get the chance to journal it. I did, however, get the chance to read it...
I'm not usually one for the chicklit, except as pure escapism (and even then, I often feel slightly disturbed after reading books in which all the main characters are gorgeous and every girl gets her perfect man by the end). I found this a lot more realistic - much more bittersweet than the usual - and I really enjoyed it!
Thanks very much for starting the bookring, Molyneux!
I'll send it off to katybean soon. It might take a week or so for me to get around to it, though, so apologies for any delay...
I'm not usually one for the chicklit, except as pure escapism (and even then, I often feel slightly disturbed after reading books in which all the main characters are gorgeous and every girl gets her perfect man by the end). I found this a lot more realistic - much more bittersweet than the usual - and I really enjoyed it!
Thanks very much for starting the bookring, Molyneux!
I'll send it off to katybean soon. It might take a week or so for me to get around to it, though, so apologies for any delay...
Journal Entry 11 by Mochagirl at Post Office, St Aldates in Oxford, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Saturday, February 18, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (2/18/2006 UTC) at Post Office, St Aldates in Oxford, Oxfordshire United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
To be posted to katybean.
To be posted to katybean.
Journal Entry 12 by katybean from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Just to say that the book arrived safely from Mochagirl today - with a lovely postcard of Oxford (I have actually only visited Oxford once, but keep meaning to go again :o) ).
I will update again when I have read it!
Katybean
I will update again when I have read it!
Katybean
Journal Entry 13 by katybean from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Friday, March 3, 2006
I enjoyed this book a lot (much prefered it to Old School Ties), and although it was a sad(as in unhappy) situation to base a story on I found myself to be really entertained and laughing out loud in places! I was cringing with Tess when she went back to Aarons!!
I will look out for the new book 'Brown Owl's Guide To Life' when it is released!
I have Wyldetwo's address, so will mail it out on Monday, thanks for sharing Molyneux!
Katybean
I will look out for the new book 'Brown Owl's Guide To Life' when it is released!
I have Wyldetwo's address, so will mail it out on Monday, thanks for sharing Molyneux!
Katybean
Journal Entry 14 by wyldetwo from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, March 9, 2006
Received from Katybean yesterday morning, thanks for sharing. Will put it next on my TBR pile.
Journal Entry 15 by wyldetwo from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, March 18, 2006
Just finished this and have PMed Iver for their address.
I enjoyed the book, chicklit but fairly believable on the whole, not of the completely escapist variety.
But where is St Gabriel's (if it exists at all)?
I enjoyed the book, chicklit but fairly believable on the whole, not of the completely escapist variety.
But where is St Gabriel's (if it exists at all)?
Book arrived this morning (27/3/06). Thank you for the card and lovely little butterfly bookmark Wyldetwo. I'll use it with this book. Will start the book soon to keep it moving along. Amazing how the book is looking so well looked after despite all its travelling around. Looks like this is its only trip to Scotland.
Almost half way through it at the moment (31/3/06)......3/4 way through, should finish it soon (2/4/06. Finished (5/4/06).
I enjoyed it. Liked all the characters, especially Carole Ann, she made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions. They all had their stories to tell and all completely different but share the one experience of divorce. Opens you eyes how this can affect a person in all different kinds of ways. Glad the book had a reasonable happy ending. Thanks for sharing it. It will be leaving its trip to Scotland soon.
Almost half way through it at the moment (31/3/06)......3/4 way through, should finish it soon (2/4/06. Finished (5/4/06).
I enjoyed it. Liked all the characters, especially Carole Ann, she made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions. They all had their stories to tell and all completely different but share the one experience of divorce. Opens you eyes how this can affect a person in all different kinds of ways. Glad the book had a reasonable happy ending. Thanks for sharing it. It will be leaving its trip to Scotland soon.
The book is departing from its Scottish visit to Aberdeen. Posted it today to Katisha50.
Happy Reading.......... :+)
Happy Reading.......... :+)
Journal Entry 18 by Katisha50 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, April 8, 2006
Arrived yesterday, 7th. Thanks, Inver. Will get to it when I've read my current ring book.
Journal Entry 19 by Katisha50 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, April 29, 2006
Enjoyed this book. Loved all the Birmingham references.
On its way to stormlilly today.
On its way to stormlilly today.
Journal Entry 20 by stormlilly from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, June 4, 2006
I receiived this book in the post via a bookring- the first I've done- it was lovely like getting a present. It has inspired me to get on with registering a few more books!! Its quite a good book- a nice easy relatively funny read....and set in Birmingham!
Journal Entry 21 by stormlilly from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, June 21, 2006
I have finally sent this book to the next but one person on the list. Huge apologies for the delays - first of all i didn't relise it was supposed to be within 2 weeks- then I got ill- then I couldn't get the next persons address...all excuses I know but I do feel really bad about it and will perform a RABCK as penance!
Journal Entry 22 by calalilly from Waterlooville, Hampshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Sorry, had this passed onto me and I forgot to do the journal entry to say I'd received it. Although I did have other book rings that I'd received earlier I started on this one and am nearly 2/3rds of the way through it.
Will email kazbag for her address now so that I can get it off to her as soon as I've finished it.
Will email kazbag for her address now so that I can get it off to her as soon as I've finished it.
Enjoyed this book, it was well written, showing how some can emerge out of the tunnel after a divorce. It was good to read it after the uncon so that I knew a few of the places they mentioned. I will look out for other books by this writer.
Just waiting to hear back from kazbag with her address.
Just waiting to hear back from kazbag with her address.
Kazbag apparently wanted to be skipped, so the book came to me. Have 4 bookring books ahead of it, so will read as soon as I can.
It took me the entire month, but I finally got to this one (at one time I had 7 bookrings in the house!). I'm glad I was the last one to read this book. Anyway, despite having divorce as its theme, this was a heartwarming story of a likable character's triumph over a lousy life situation. I liked how the other characters were fairly well fleshed out and realistic.
Sending back to Molyneux today.
Sending back to Molyneux today.
Arrived back home safely today - thank you collectorkerri for posting it back to me. I must say it's in remarkably good condition considering all of the travelling it's done!
Thank you all for playing and taking such good care of the book which I'm now reserving to release at the Charleston Convention in April.
Thank you all for playing and taking such good care of the book which I'm now reserving to release at the Charleston Convention in April.
Released 17 yrs ago (4/20/2007 UTC) at
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES: Taking this well travelled book to the convention in Charleston to enable it to continue on its travels...have fun, little book! :)
Woo Hoo!!! Look what I caught at the Charleston Convention! Since I read mostly before falling asleep, you all will be cuddled up with me in bed while I read this. Hmmmm...I need a bigger bed.
Read this in a day while up at our cabin in the mountains of Georgia. I thought it was well told and thoughtful in the writing. I certainly don't know how I'd do if shoved out into the world of single-dom again. Harrison has given depth to her characters, letting them evolve and grow. Glimpses of all the different marriages that touched the story only made me more grateful for the wonderful relationship I am in. No doubt about it-- marriage is work but it is definitely worth it (IMHO).
one of the things I particularly liked about this book was the glimpse of Birmingham-- a city I've not yet been to in actuality in England, though my spirit has soared there over the years to join my BookCrossing friends at some of the UnConventions held there. It was great to read about Hudsons, which I know as a BC hot spot. Andit made me wonder...was Kate Harrison one of the authors who has done workshops at previous UnCons?
I will take this back to Charleston rather than release it here in Georgia, as I want it to be sure to find a new reader, and not get lost in the land of lost releases.
one of the things I particularly liked about this book was the glimpse of Birmingham-- a city I've not yet been to in actuality in England, though my spirit has soared there over the years to join my BookCrossing friends at some of the UnConventions held there. It was great to read about Hudsons, which I know as a BC hot spot. Andit made me wonder...was Kate Harrison one of the authors who has done workshops at previous UnCons?
I will take this back to Charleston rather than release it here in Georgia, as I want it to be sure to find a new reader, and not get lost in the land of lost releases.
Journal Entry 30 by 
bookczuk
at Madra Rua Irish Pub 1034 E Montague in North Charleston, South Carolina USA on Saturday, July 14, 2007
bookczuk at Madra Rua Irish Pub 1034 E Montague in North Charleston, South Carolina USA on Saturday, July 14, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (7/14/2007 UTC) at Madra Rua Irish Pub 1034 E Montague in North Charleston, South Carolina USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Bringing this well traveled book to meetup with me today. If no one claims it, I'll take it home and RABCK it as it's had a lot of readers already. While that would be fun to find as a wild release, I'd hate to have it sink into the land of the unjournaled on my watch!
Today's gathering is at Madra Rua-- my favorite local Irish Pub.
Bringing this well traveled book to meetup with me today. If no one claims it, I'll take it home and RABCK it as it's had a lot of readers already. While that would be fun to find as a wild release, I'd hate to have it sink into the land of the unjournaled on my watch!
Today's gathering is at Madra Rua-- my favorite local Irish Pub.
Wasn't claimed at meetup so I have offered it up in the forum for a US taker.
I offered this up in the Wish List forum and got a reply from michyj, who lives in Australia, but will be visiting the US for a month (thus fulfilling my "US only" mailing request.) I'll be mailing it off to her US addy this coming week. I particularly like that michyj was the first to respond, as last year we did a trade of some labels while she was in the US. Her family is in graphic arts/design, if I remember rightly, and her dad has done some great BC labels. I've stolen the picture from her shelf to illustrate this entry, but it is one of the Ballycumber designs they've done. Cute, huh?
Just arrived to town (Minneapolis) and was excited to be greeted by a bookcrossing book! I'm not sure if I can wait to read this until I get home or if I'll start it while on vacation, but I will definitely bring it home with me to release in Australia. Thanks bookczuk! You are right about the labels, my dad has been busy making labels for everyone in Australia!PM ME IF YOU WANT TO JOIN BOOKRING (Australia only)
michyj - QLD
FreePages - ACT
sarahbear - TAS
catsalive - NSW
scrapaholic - NT
trystja - NSW
erinoc - QLD
back to michyj - QLD
Yes this is chick lit, but it goes a bit deeper than your average chick lit fluff. I liked how the author dealt with the subject of divorce and dealing with it through a group therapy situation. Funny situations, realistic emotions and a recap of life after divorce. All in all a good read. I'm trying to get more Aussies to sign up for this bookring, so will wait another week before sending it on.
POSTED TO FreePages AUGUST 24TH, 2007
POSTED TO FreePages AUGUST 24TH, 2007
Journal Entry 35 by FreePages from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, August 27, 2007
The Starter Marriage arrived safe and sound and this is my Starter bookring (yes, I'm a first timer).
thanks for sending it Michyj. I started to read this witty little book last night and it looks like it shouldn't take me too long to finish....
:-)
thanks for sending it Michyj. I started to read this witty little book last night and it looks like it shouldn't take me too long to finish....
:-)
Journal Entry 36 by FreePages from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Thursday, August 30, 2007
I don’t know when I have enjoyed a chicklit book more. The main character “Tip Top Tess” is not quite feeling quite Tip Top, thanks to her feeble husband. Her journey is told from her view point and the Divorce Survival Therapy sessions told through the Organisers “Williams” character. They both meet a number of characters in and around Birmingham where the book is based. It is full of fun and has the occasional bit of gentle wisdom. I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I did, it has been a great bookring book to start bookrings with!
Sending it on to sarahbear today, to her address on her profile page.
Sending it on to sarahbear today, to her address on her profile page.
Yah thank you. I have been looking forward to this book. Thank you also very much for the bookmark - its gorgeous. This is just the distraction I need from my....wait for the groan...numeracy text books.
Journal Entry 38 by Molyneux from Oxford, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Sorry for butting in here....but just been reading through the JEs and noticed bookczuk's question about the author!
Yes Kate is a supporter of BookCrossing and came along to the Uncon a few years ago and did writers workshop - I'd already read Old School Ties and after meeting her went out and bought her second book.
Yes Kate is a supporter of BookCrossing and came along to the Uncon a few years ago and did writers workshop - I'd already read Old School Ties and after meeting her went out and bought her second book.
Well I must admit I struggled with this one a bit too much. To me it was like it was waffling and I couldn't get my interest grabbed at all. I liked the general story line but for me there was too much going on to follow it clearly.
Posting to catsalive as soon as I have her address.
Posting to catsalive as soon as I have her address.
Posting to catsalive in the morning.
Thanks sarahbear. Nice to see you in Melbourne.
Journal Entry 42 by 
catsalive
from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, October 10, 2007
catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Fluffy, fluffy fluff! but I enjoyed it. I knew things were going to work out well in the end & I wasn't disappointed. I could see it coming, but I'm glad Barney turned out to be such a useless arsehole. Good fun.
Thanks, michyj. I now await scrapaholic's address.
Thanks, michyj. I now await scrapaholic's address.
Journal Entry 43 by catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, October 14, 2007
catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, October 14, 2007
Dropped in the post today.
Journal Entry 44 by scrapaholic from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Sunday, October 28, 2007
arrived safe and well.
Journal Entry 45 by scrapaholic from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Saturday, November 24, 2007
I enjoyed this book - even though the theme was divorce. The characters - well they could all be people you know.
Will post to trystja soon.
Will post to trystja soon.
Hello! I just realised that I have completely forgotten to say I have received this. I meant to write a little message as well to say thanks. I have started this and should be finished soon :) It arrived on the same day as a storm and I've been busy at work since (working for the SES) :(
Thanks Scrapaholic!
Thanks Scrapaholic!
Just a note to say that the author, Kate Harrison will be speaking at the BookCrossing Convention in London in April.
(Book is still with trystia in Australia!)
(Book is still with trystia in Australia!)
I'm half way through, should be finished early next week and then on to erinoc in QLD :)
Wow! How lovely to have found such a well travelled book in my letter box. Thanks to all involved - it is such a treat when you get to scroll through and read about the life of a book like this one!
I have a few reading commitments but will attempt to get through this one ASAP.
I have a few reading commitments but will attempt to get through this one ASAP.
Ok, yes, it is fluff :) but I enjoyed it and had no problems getting through it. The ideas and characters were simple and familiar but it was good "fluff" - which is worlds better than bad fluff.
Will arrange to get back to michyj.
Thanks to molyneux for starting this book's journeys.
Will arrange to get back to michyj.
Thanks to molyneux for starting this book's journeys.
Had to pass this on I'm afraid. I've just got no time to read it but I wanted it to keep travelling.
CAUGHT IN BRISBANE QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA
CAUGHT IN BRISBANE QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA
