Carry Me Down

by Maria Hyland | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 1841959065 Global Overview for this book
Registered by fushmush of Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on 2/3/2009
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5 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by fushmush from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Ireland, 1971, John Egan is a misfit, 'a twelve year old in the body of a grown man with the voice of a giant who insists on the ridiculous truth'. With an obsession for the Guinness Book of Records and faith in his ability to detect when adults are lying, John remains hopeful despite the unfortunate cards life deals him. During one year in John's life, from his voice breaking, through the breaking-up of his home life, to the near collapse of his sanity, we witness the gradual unsticking of John's mind, and the trouble that creates for him and his family.

Journal Entry 2 by fushmush from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The book covers one year in the life of John, an abnormally tall 12-year old in Ireland who believes that he has a special power, the ability to tell when people are telling lies. Although he can tell when his parents and friends lie to him, he doesn’t understand why they tell lies.

In the course of the book he has to deal with bullying at school, moving from his grandmothers to a council estate, and the collapse of his parent’s marriage, domestic violence, adultery and poverty. Because the novel is told from John’s perspective, all of these things which should be horrible and dramatic seem muted. I guess I’m supposed to explore my own reaction to these things. But it just didn’t seem to have much of an impact on me. Even the horrible descriptions of the council estate. Maybe it’s because I didn’t like John. He’s kind of needy and annoying. These traits even make his parents struggle to deal with him.

There is a biggish event at the end but its resolution is strange. After this, John’s family return - full circle - to his Grandmother’s house and to happy families. But because this is seen from John’s perspective we don’t really know if it’s the truth, or what will happen.

Meh, this book didn’t leave much of an impression on me. I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it. Another 1001 book ticked off the list though. Yay!



International Bookray:
EmgeeNL (Netherlands, Europe preferred)
Jujuks (Portugal, Europe preferred)
Danielle23 (UK, UK preferred)
mafarrimond (UK, UK preferred)
bookray, rabck or wild release as you wish

Journal Entry 3 by fushmush at sent to the the next bookcrosser, Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, October 10, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (10/10/2009 UTC) at sent to the the next bookcrosser, Bookray -- Controlled Releases

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Mailed to the first bookcrosser on the ray.

Journal Entry 4 by EmgeeNL from Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The book arrived today

24th October: Just finished reading this book. The book is quite easy to read. It's about a twelve year old boy who is a bit strange. I'm still not sure if I like the main character or not. The way he acts and thinks about stuff makes me wonder how he would be like when he is 30 years old. I just PM'ed the next person on the list for the address.

Journal Entry 5 by EmgeeNL at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, October 25, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (10/25/2009 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

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The book is on it's way to the next reader.

Journal Entry 6 by Jujuks on Sunday, November 15, 2009
This book arrived friday with another bookring. I'll start reading it as soon as I can.

Journal Entry 7 by Jujuks on Saturday, November 28, 2009
I didn't really like this book. It was a slow read and pretty boring. The relationship between John and his mom is weird and John himself is a weird character. Also, the scene with John's teacher was quite creepy but I did like one of the comments he made, that it was bullies that made killers, madmen and whatnot because while not entirely true people like that have to have a pretty bad childhood to turn out so twisted. I guess, what his teacher was trying to do is prevent John from being one of those twisted people.

I'll send this book out on Monday.

Released 14 yrs ago (11/30/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

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Sent to Danielle23. Hope you enjoy it more than I did!

Journal Entry 9 by Danielle23 from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Thursday, December 3, 2009
The book has arrived safely. I have a few before it and a busy holiday period ahead but I will get to it as soon as possible xx

Journal Entry 10 by Danielle23 from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Friday, December 11, 2009
I knew by page 12 that I was not going to enjoy this book. When you read this you'll know why! The remainder of the book was quite easy to read although I did think John was one of the strangest characters and I did not like him. Th entire book was strange and all of the characters were unlikeable in my opinion.

I am pleased to have read it however as it's another of the 1001 books to be crossed off my list.

Journal Entry 11 by Danielle23 at Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Monday, December 14, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (12/14/2009 UTC) at Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom

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Off to the next in line in the Christmas rush. Hope it gets there soon xx

Journal Entry 12 by mafarrimond from Hawarden, Wales United Kingdom on Saturday, December 19, 2009
Book arrived safely today. I will enjoy reading it. THank you for sharing.

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