Journal Entry 1 by bookwormteacher from Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Thursday, February 26, 2004

I absolutely loved this book! Shameful to say because its so concerned with image but hey its a blimmin' good book!

I am not very good at giving descriptions without giving too much away so here is a lttle something from Amazon.co.uk!

"An enchanting novel brimming with poignancy, humour, enchantment and insight, this is a stunning debut. Imagine an Audrey Hepburn film in the present day... When Louise discovers an old book called Elegance in a second-hand bookshop, it's a blessing from above. She has long been experiencing the rumblings of discontent; her marriage is in tatters, she's become a middle-aged frump and her self-esteem is at an all-time low. So the book, an A-Z of how to be elegant and stylish by a renowned Parisian socialite, is just the boost she'd been searching for. Read a letter a time, Louise finds the life lessons she needs to restore her self-esteem and the courage to leave her unhappy marriage and move on."

This is truly a great feel-good novel, not too soppy and can make you take a little more notice of your accessories!

I am interested in doing a book ring with this book so PM if you are interested- I just want to share a good book!  

Journal Entry 2 by bookwormteacher at ... by mail :) in Sent to a fellow BookCrosser, Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, March 01, 2004

Released on Monday, March 01, 2004 at ... by mail :) in Sent to a fellow BookCrosser, Bookring Controlled Releases.

Sent by post to Lady-Mondegreen!

Bookring order

Those involved

Lady-Mondegreen, UK-
quizgirl, UK
Moondreamer, UK
ShelaghG, UK-
Honeyy, UK- book is currently with
minabomb, Portugal
lechatnoir27, UK

 

Journal Entry 3 by Lady-Mondegreen from Eastleigh, Hampshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 02, 2004

Wow, two books hit the hall mat this morning. Both of them rings and I am first on the list for both! I think I will be doing a bit of reading! Plus I have my reading group book to get through, maybe I should take some time off work, lol.

This one looks a useful and fun read. I need some help in the elegance stakes.

BTW, who is next in the ring? 

Journal Entry 4 by Lady-Mondegreen from Eastleigh, Hampshire United Kingdom on Sunday, March 14, 2004

I found Elegance to be amusing, undemanding, sometimes inspiring and overall enjoyable reading. I must admit it has set me thinking about my own style, or complete lack of it!! But I am sure that will wear off quite quickly! I recognised elements of me in the heroine’s character at the beginning of the book (i.e. bit of a slob) but didn’t recognise her at all after she had transformed herself!

Part of a book’s appeal to me is believable characters and situations. And whilst there were certainly elements of recognition involved which kept me reading and enjoying it to the end,I found some of the characters less realistic. I was a bit disappointed by the token gay best friend, and the stereotypical English upper-class gels and hooray henrys. I consider myself to be a fairly typical Brit and have never met these kind of people in my life! Maybe it’s just me but I don't think so! Have pm'd quizgirl so it should soon be on it's way to her. Thanks for organising this ring rainbowandrain! 

Journal Entry 5 by quizgirl from Chesterfield, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 16, 2004

Received today. I have read the first thirty pages and, oh dear, Louise's wardrobe sounds just like mine! 

Journal Entry 6 by quizgirl from Chesterfield, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Friday, March 26, 2004

This book is not to my taste and so I will forward it to the next person in the ring. 

Journal Entry 7 by Moondreamer from Sandhurst, Berkshire United Kingdom on Saturday, March 27, 2004

Received safely this morning in the post - thank you, quizgirl, and thank you, rainbowandrain, for ringing it. I've just read the first page, and already it sounds intriguing; looking forward to starting it properly. 

Journal Entry 8 by Moondreamer from Sandhurst, Berkshire United Kingdom on Sunday, April 04, 2004

I read this in more or less one sitting - I was surprised to find I did end up caring about Louise, the main character, and what happened to her. I found it an anjoyable and amusing read. I also found that the light writing style disguised the seriousness of some of the events, and the book seems to have more depth now that I'm thinking back over it, than while I was actually reading it.

I enjoyed the (modified) excerpts from the book that inspired this - very much a picture of times gone by, and I'd be interested in reading the book itself.

I too recognised much of my wardrobe contents in Louise's initial one - I'll be interested to see if I do much about it!
 

Journal Entry 9 by Moondreamer from Sandhurst, Berkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 06, 2004

Posted to ShelaghG today. 

Journal Entry 10 by ShelaghG from Rotherham, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, April 08, 2004

Arrived safely this morning. 

Journal Entry 11 by ShelaghG from Rotherham, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 20, 2004

My first impression when I started this book was typical chick-lit - light fluff. I was surprised to get as involved in this book as I did. In some ways it's fairly typical of its type, self-absorbed woman agonising over what to wear and how best to get shagged but I identified with the heroine in a way I didn't expect to.

Louise is a colourless person barely visible to even those closest to her. When she is noticed she is shocked by what others see. She embarks on a journey to discover herself with the help of an old book written by a former model. Louise wants to be noticed, she desires to be elegant. It's not an easy journey and is sometimes painful.

I thought this book was a notch (or several) above the usual pap that is targeted at women. The characters are engaging, it is well-written and moves along at a good pace. The issues about self-image and self-esteem are explored and presented well.

This will be on its way to the next reader tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 12 by Honeyy from London , Greater London United Kingdom on Saturday, April 24, 2004

Received yesterday from ShelaghG. Looking forward to reading it :) 

Journal Entry 13 by AnonymousFinder on Monday, August 23, 2004

hi....i've received the book today, i'll start reading it as soon as possible...maybe today... :)
in the end i'll make a review...the possible review since my english is not that great

thank you all for sending it

CAUGHT IN CARCAVELOS - LISBOA PORTUGAL 

Journal Entry 14 by minabomb from Estoril, Lisboa (distrito) Portugal on Monday, August 23, 2004

sorry about that..i'm the annonymous finder...i forgot to register

the book is safe with me 

Journal Entry 15 by minabomb from Estoril, Lisboa (distrito) Portugal on Wednesday, September 08, 2004

i've finished it...i liked it....it's a simple book with a love story in the middle, and somehow a reminder for the women who have lost her self-estime and dress only to cover their body....it's a reminder that we have to take care of yourselfs and dress nice...

appearence is very important...the first impressions are based on appearence...

is it a crime to look nice and elegant in the world today?
we don't have to be thin, tall or with long legs...we only have to be yourselves and be proud of it...
i recommend the reading..it's a light one

my wardrobe is nice...:-) by the way

i've contacted lechatnoir27...i'm waiting from a reply 

Journal Entry 16 by bookwormteacher from Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Saturday, October 23, 2004

This has returned home safe and sound! Thanks everyone for taking part:)