I didn't intend to buy any books today, but MrPloppy wanted to go into Liberty to see if they had a book he's been looking for, so of course I had to have a quick browse while he was searching for it. End result: add another couple of books to Mt TBR.

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I think I commented in my review of another Jodi Picoult book that her writing technique seems to be to ask difficult questions of her characters. The question in this book is the big one: "What would you do for love?" And as always, the answers the characters give take the readers on a fascinating (though often distressing - there were a few points where I was close to tears) voyage.

I found the character of Andrew was particularly interesting. At first, his actions in jail seemed out of character to me - surely such an upright member of society wouldn't adapt that easily? But then, as the book progressed, I saw that what seemed out of character was in fact totally in character, that he had the strength to do whatever he saw as necessary to deal with an otherwise impossible situation.

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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Given to another bookcrosser at this afternoon's meetup.

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I was delighted to meet with Christchurch bookcrossers, and a visiting BXer from Scotland, at the Beach Cafe by Waimairi Beach and have a chance for some book talk. Although I'd taken a couple of bags of books down with me to be ready for the Convention, I was not intending to catch any. Couldn't resist another Jodi Picoult as her books have always really captivated. I'm already up to page 245 and thoroughly enjoying it.
Must say I am finding the too vivid descriptions of life in jail upsetting but also thought-provoking. How are we, as a humane society, ever hope to influence prisoners' lives toward rehabilitation if that is what life is really like inside? I like to think that we don't have quite the same number and mix of gangs here in NZ but feel sure our prisons are somewhat like that.
How will I catch up on a week's washing, and Live Journal while this book is waiting to be read? So pleased you brought it though FC.

I actually finished this book the very day after my last JE but for some reason the BC site wouldn't let me make any entries.
I enjoyed the basic theme of this book very much indeed. There were similarities with something that happened here in NZ a short while ago - local readers will pick this up I'm sure.
There were times when I felt that the scenes 'inside' were perhaps a little fuller than needed to get the real message across. Otherwise it was just great.
I'm taking it to a BC meet-up this evening as there are sure to be aficionados there. If not we have two excellent OBCZs here so it will head that way.

Taken from the meetup. I've already read it, but figured I could find a way to link it to 'The Reader' for the competition!

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Dear Reader. Thank you for picking up this book! Please make a journal entry here to let me know that this book has found a good home with you. You may choose to remain anonymous or to join (its free). If you join, please consider indicating that you were referred by Discoverylover. I hope you enjoy the book. You can make another journal entry with your comments when you’ve finished reading. Whenever you’re ready to send it on its way, make a journal entry if you are giving or sending this book to a known person, or release notes if you are leaving it "in the wild" again for anyone to catch. Then watch its journey. You’ll be alerted by e-mail each time someone makes another journal entry. It’s all confidential (you’re known only by your screen name and no one is ever given your e-mail address), free, and spam-free.

This book is a part of the BookCrossing "The Reader" Challenge: to find and release books that somehow relate to the award winning book “The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink. The movie based on the book opens January, 2009 (in the U.S.). Be sure to check your local theatres for listings.

As an added bonus, if you have found this book before February 22 and join BookCrossing, you can enter our The Reader movie contest. Simply attend a screening of "The Reader" and save your ticket stub. Print your screen name on the back of the stub and send it to BookCrossing: The Reader Contest at 323 Pine Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864. We will hold a drawing shortly after February 22, 2009 to determine the winners and you will be notified by email if you have won. One more reason to sign up for BookCrossing today! (Full details available online at www.bookcrossing.com. )

Would you like to meet Wellington BookCrossers? We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at Macs Brewery (opposite Te Papa) at 5.30 and would love to meet you!

Did you know that the next World Convention is going to be held right here in Christchurch, New Zealand in April 2009! We would love to welcome you along :D Check out our website!