Journal Entry 1 by figarofigaro1 from South Burlington, Vermont USA on Friday, June 14, 2002

Oh, what to say about this book? It changed my life. It sounds trite and cliche, but that is the honest truth; it changed my life.

This book returned me to the possibility of spirit and spirituality and a sense of purpose for living. It did not provide any answers or guidance...but just made me start thinking about these things again after having ignored them for a very long time.

Lest you are reading this and thinking, "I don't want to read this book," let me say that as a piece of fiction, it is flawless. There is not one wasted word or gesture, with everything building toward a final beautiful and difficult ending.

Of all of Irving, this is my favorite. Of all books, this is probably my second favorite, and a close second at that. It made me cry, it made me laugh out loud, it made me think -- and even now 10 years later writing this and preparing to release this book has done all of those things again.

May reading this book bring you joy. 

Journal Entry 2 by figarofigaro1 at Trade in Trade, Trade -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Released 6 yrs ago (2/21/2006 UTC) at Trade in Trade, Trade -- Controlled Releases

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RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed to k00kaburra as a trade. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 3 by k00kaburra from San Jose, California USA on Sunday, March 05, 2006

There's such a cute li'l armadillo on the cover. Not that it's the point of the book! I have been greatly looking forward to reading this book; I finally managed to get a copy of it! :) 

Journal Entry 4 by k00kaburra from San Jose, California USA on Wednesday, March 29, 2006

I really enjoyed reading John's story about growing up with Owen Meany, but every time he transitioned from the past to the present, from adventures in Gravesend to his diary in Toronto, I got lost. Well, not lost - it is more like, I got interrupted. Distracted. The story's spell was snapped.

But wow. What a story. What an engrossing, confusing character Owen Meany is. His devotion to the Wheelwright family was touching, but also sad; it seemed he abandoned his own family to surround himself in a new one. Given Owen's beliefs about himself and his family, there is little surprise that he was so deeply religious, but his distaste for his family seemed out of place to the rest of his character. His spiritual devotion is something I admire in him, and so he becomes inspirational, because to have faith that strong is something I ought to strive for with greater dedication.

Owen's certainty and sense of purpose are an excellent contrast to the narrator John, who lacks both. John's just as memorable as Owen, because he is just so normal that anyone could recognize tan aspect of him within themselves.

The plot twists and turns, with little mysteries that pop up again and again; all is resolved by the end of the book, but not often as you would expect. Great book. 

Journal Entry 5 by k00kaburra from San Jose, California USA on Saturday, April 01, 2006

This is book no. 196 on the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" list.

Journal Entry 6 by k00kaburra at Mailed out in Snail Mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, April 06, 2006

Released 6 yrs ago (4/7/2006 UTC) at Mailed out in Snail Mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Journal Entry 7 by babykittysmama from Redondo Beach, California USA on Saturday, April 15, 2006

Received a few days ago and forgot to journal -- I've already begun reading. 

Journal Entry 8 by babykittysmama from Redondo Beach, California USA on Saturday, April 29, 2006

I can't say this book "changed my life", nor can I say I loved it so much to be in my 'top 10'. I loved the development of characters - the conviction that Owen possessed about his own life & spirituality. Thank you for sharing this book. 

Journal Entry 9 by rooshill from Foresthill, California USA on Sunday, May 14, 2006

Received Thursday, but no chance to journal until tonight - sorry!
And...
Sadly, this book will be moving on without me getting to read it. I'm absolutely swamped with work right now, and a big part of it is reading that I have to bring home with me because I can't get to it in the office with the constant interruptions...though at home with a toddler is much better! :)
Oh well, I'm sure I'll find another copy when I'm ready for it.
(k00kaburra - PM coming your way re: other rings) 

Journal Entry 10 by bartonz from Bellevue, Washington USA on Tuesday, May 23, 2006

I just got this from the book ring and will get on it this week. 

Journal Entry 11 by bartonz from Bellevue, Washington USA on Saturday, August 05, 2006

I'm sending this on to KansasKiwi. I can't finish it right now because the writing is as dense and delicious as a rich chocolate torte and I can only eat one bite at a time. In order to get the ring going again, I'll send it along and get a copy for myself later. 

Journal Entry 12 by KansasKiwi on Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Received today. Thanks, bartonz, for sending it via Priority Mail.

A lot happening on the home front at this time which cuts into my reading time. All the same, I'll do my best to keep this book no longer than 3-4 weeks.

------------------

August 15
Address received from glitterspank, the next recipient.
 

Journal Entry 13 by KansasKiwi on Saturday, August 19, 2006

A taxing ongoing family crisis at the moment. Very little time for reading, so rather than hold up the ring I'll mail this to glitterspank, probably today.

USPS Media Mail. Delivery Confirmation number: 0305 2200 0000 8095 7182

Thanks, k00kaburra, for including me in the ring. 

Journal Entry 14 by glitterspank from Indianapolis, Indiana USA on Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Just received. Wow, this is a big one, but I will try to read it as quickly as possible and pass it along! 

Journal Entry 15 by glitterspank from Indianapolis, Indiana USA on Tuesday, September 19, 2006

I am going to contact Psyche...seeing as I have had this book for about 3 weeks now and have only made it to the low 100s pages, I should just pass it on along and get my own copy later when time isn't an issue. It's okay so far, I am just way too busy to tackle it right now. thanks anyway, kookaburra! 

Journal Entry 16 by -Psyche- on Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Arrived! I will read and pass along shortly. 

Journal Entry 17 by -Psyche- at to a bookcrosser in sent by mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, October 12, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (10/12/2006 UTC) at to a bookcrosser in sent by mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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This book is coming home! Thanks for sharing! 

Journal Entry 18 by k00kaburra from San Jose, California USA on Sunday, October 22, 2006

And the book is home, guys! Thank you for the delightful book ring - it's really a bummer that no-one was able to finish the book, but it is terribly long so I know that wouldn't have been easy.

Thanks again guys! 

Journal Entry 19 by k00kaburra at Through the mail in To a Moocher, BookMooch -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (11/7/2006 UTC) at Through the mail in To a Moocher, BookMooch -- Controlled Releases

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RELEASE NOTES:

sent to Sue Nagale of Hatfield, PA to fulfill a request on Bookmooch.com.