Journal Entry 1 by SqueakyChu from Rockville, Maryland USA on Friday, March 05, 2004

I bought this (trade paperback) debut novel at the Friends of the Library Used Book Store in Wheaton, Maryland.

This lovely story almost reads like fairy tale. Two young men being "re-educated" in China learn that a third has possession of books of classic world literature (illegal under Chairman Mao's government). We are taken lightly into the recent history of Chinese government repression and shown how a few people react by watching these
fellows acquire the books and use them with joy.

Light, fun, and a pleasurable reading experience...

Begin International Bookray (03/30/04):
SqueakyChu (Maryland) done
Sidney1220 (Maryland) done
seekmyface (New York) done
Ahythloday (Washington) done
jamesmum (California) done
LGinder (California) done
likesamystery (Hawaii) done
Joanthro (Colorado) done
DinaJ62 (Virginia) done
shpriz1 (New York)done -- Stop #10
affinity4books (Texas) done
doggerham (Texas) done
pjmom8025 (Minnesota) done
ndspider (Georgia) done
octoberskye (Massachusetts) done
KarenZero (New York) done
JeepACV (Maryland) done
MaryZee (Maryland) done
Draginta (Kansas) done <-- Traveled 1 year!
Queensissi (Portugal) done -- Stop #20
anthonybairdis (UK) done
bookmaniac70 (Bulgaria) done
mirp (Ireland) done
chich (France) done
KarinAlyssa (Canada) done
tiatia (Virginia) done
LyekkaMarengo (Pennsylvania) done
librarymousie (New Hampshire) done <--Traveled 2 years!
Karenlea (California) done
ldpaulson (California) done -- Stop #30
Thursday5 (Ohio) done
rebeccaljames (Ohio) done
twinkpuddin (New York) done
kidlitmp (Pennsylvania) done
GateGypsy (Canada) done
totoroandmei (Japan) done <-- Traveled 3 years!
vainilla79 (Spain) done
Necroscope (UK) done
ellie02 (UK) done
Kera (UK) done -- Stop #40
samulli (Germany) done
LESEHEST (Norway) done <-- Traveled 4 years!
Sharky13 (Australia) done
kobie03 (Canada) done
herchelle (Canada) done <-- Traveled 7 years!
mathgirl40 (Canada) done
trex3 (Canada) done - Stop # 47
End International Bookray (5/5/12)

3/15/12: PM from trex3 confirming the shipping of the original book.
3/12/12: This book was never received by LittleDachshund (Bulgaria) who bought her own copy and started another bookray withthe remaining participants from this list.

This book was a 100 Most Traveled BC Book! On 7/15/09, it was listed as #22. If it ever shows up again, let's keep it moving! Just let me know to restart this original bookray. Thanks! (SqueakyChu) 

Journal Entry 2 by Sidney1220 from McLean, Virginia USA on Friday, April 02, 2004

Received this book in the mail today. Will read it as soon as I can and pass it on to the next member in the bookring. 

Journal Entry 3 by Sidney1220 from McLean, Virginia USA on Wednesday, April 07, 2004

An interesting book that gives its readers a pretty good insight into the Cultural Revolution. I was afraid it might be either depressing or melodramatic like so many books with such subjects are, but the author avoided that trap by writing about what happened in a matter-of-fact manner. The book ended a little abruptly as I was expecting the author to tell us what happened to Luo and the narrator, but I'd still recommend this book for it's lyrical prose and occasional splashes of humor.

Will mail to Seekmyface today... 

Journal Entry 4 by Beloved49 from Lynbrook, New York USA on Monday, April 12, 2004

Journal Entry 5 by Beloved49 from Lynbrook, New York USA on Friday, April 16, 2004

Journal Entry 6 by ahythloday from Richmond, Virginia USA on Monday, April 26, 2004

i was very excited to get this book today since my boyfriend and i recently saw the movie at the portland international film festival. i can't wait to get started! 

Journal Entry 7 by ahythloday from Richmond, Virginia USA on Thursday, May 13, 2004

what a wonderful book! as i mentioned before, we had seen the movie at the international film festival but i was looking forward more to the book! its a wonderful tale of ironic "re-education" during a time in thrall to the cult of personality. amazing! dave and i read this one aloud at night before bed. it just seemed fitting......

autumn 

Journal Entry 8 by jamesmum from Richmond, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, June 02, 2004

Received in the mail today. The packaging was torn, but the book survived. I will read it and release it within a few days. Thanks!

UPDATED 6/04/04

This is a lovely little novel! It's quite short (184 pages), but the author makes every page count. It's a story about the power of literature as experienced by two teenaged boys during their 're-education' in Mao's China.

"Picture, if you will, a boy of nineteen, still slumbering in the limbo of adolescence, having heard nothing but revolutionary blather about patriotism, Communism, ideology and propaganda all his life, falling headlong into a story of awakening desire, passion, impulsive action, love, of all the subjects that had, until then, been hidden from me."

The tradition of oral story-telling is also brought into the spotlight, although the narrator feels its days are numbered.

"The only thing that Lao was really good at was stelling stories. A pleasing talent to be sure, but a marginal one, with little future in it. Modern man has moved beyond the Thousand-and-One Nights, and modern societies everywhere, whether socialist or capitalist, have done away with the old storytellers - more's the pity."

This short tale of a half dozen characters, a remote locale, and the power of a good book is a gem. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 9 by LGinder on Saturday, June 12, 2004

Got the book in the mail today. Will read soon and pass on! 

Journal Entry 10 by LGinder on Monday, June 14, 2004

Short, easy to read little novel of two young boys being re-educated in China. Hard to envision that happening so recently in history. I enjoyed the book thou I thought the ending was to abrupt - left me with a "what now?" feeling.

I've PM'd likesamystery and will mail it just as soon as I get his/her address. Thanks for sharing! 

Journal Entry 11 by LGinder on Tuesday, June 15, 2004

In the mail today to likesamystery ; ) 

Journal Entry 12 by likesamystery from Waipahu, Hawaii USA on Friday, July 02, 2004

I recieved the book today and have started reading it. 

Journal Entry 13 by Joanthro from Denver, Colorado USA on Friday, July 30, 2004

Received this book in yesterday's mail - can't wait to read it! 

Journal Entry 14 by Joanthro from Denver, Colorado USA on Wednesday, August 04, 2004

I opened this book on Sunday, and couldn't put it down. Overall, it was a fun, quick read. Yet it also ably combined the historical reality of the Cultural Revolution with enduring human traits (perseverance, survival, power, greed, love, etc.), and two very endearing young men. The story of how they find creative ways to survive their "re-education" and the "power of literature to free the mind" is charming and funny despite the dark and grim setting. The Little Seamstress herself is a wonderful character, and the unintended consequences of the power of literature in her life is as thought provoking as it is funny.

mailed 08/07/04 

Journal Entry 15 by DinaJ62 from Chesapeake, Virginia USA on Saturday, August 14, 2004

Received in mail today. Will start in the next few days. 

Journal Entry 16 by DinaJ62 from Chesapeake, Virginia USA on Monday, August 16, 2004

I really enjoyd this book. I would have never picked it up to read if I hadn't seen the ring for it. Thanks for sharing. Sending on to the next person today. 

Journal Entry 17 by shpriz1 from Brooklyn, New York USA on Sunday, August 22, 2004

Received in the mail this weekend. Will read it and pass it on to the next member on the list. 

Journal Entry 18 by shpriz1 from Brooklyn, New York USA on Tuesday, August 24, 2004

This was a great read. What a delight! I remember the feeling of reading banned books when I was growing up in another Communist country. For me and for my friends it was an adventure. We never even thought how dangerous this reading was, that we were putting ourselves and our families in great jeopardy if we were to be discovered.
I am disappointed by such abrupt ending. I wish he would tell us what happened to everyone in the book, did they ever came back to town? Or were they stuck on that mountain for all eternity? And what happened to the Little Seamstress?

Thank you, SqueakyChu, for your bookring.

Mailing it to affinity4books 

Journal Entry 19 by affinity4books from Bryan, Texas USA on Monday, August 30, 2004

Received today!!! Hopefully will start it tonight. 

Journal Entry 20 by affinity4books from Bryan, Texas USA on Thursday, September 02, 2004

I really enjoyed this one, although I would have been happy for it to have gone on twice as long. I felt I could really picture the house on stilts and the old man eating pebbles. I was suprised when a few chapters by other characters were thrown in- it seemed a little random. Maybe it should have nbeen done at the end instead? I recently read Red Azalea by Anchee Min, which is an excellent memoir about her experience with "re-education"- I highly recommend it if you liked this book.
Thanks for the chance to read this, Squeaky Chu! 

Journal Entry 21 by affinity4books at Controlled Release- by mail in Bryan, Texas USA on Thursday, September 02, 2004

Released 7 yrs ago (9/2/2004 UTC) at Controlled Release- by mail in Bryan, Texas USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

mailed to another Texan who was next on the list 

Journal Entry 22 by doggerham from Houston, Texas USA on Monday, September 13, 2004

This was part of a book ring received Thursday just as I finished another book -- good timing!

I enjoyed this "fable" set in China's cultural revolution, and it gave me some feel for how that must have been. I was only 8 in 1971, so don't really have any first hand knowledge (if any Westerners really did) of what was occurring to re-educate the "intellectuals". I dont' think I would have lasted 5 minutes in their situation!

I'll send this on as soon as I get the next address. 

Journal Entry 23 by ID20080001 on Friday, September 17, 2004

I got this in the mail today along with a rabck from Doggerham(Gorky Park). I will be reading this soon as I have finish the two ahead of it. 

Journal Entry 24 by ID20080001 at Controlled Postal Release in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota USA on Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Released 7 yrs ago (9/21/2004 UTC) at Controlled Postal Release in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Sending this off today to the next bookring participant.

DC#0304 1070 0000 6181 5406 

Journal Entry 25 by ID20080001 on Tuesday, September 21, 2004

This was a quick read. I enjoyed the story. It was interesting to see what re-education was like in China in the 1970's.

Shipping off this morning to ndspider 

Journal Entry 26 by ndspider from Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Thursday, October 14, 2004

I am sorry for the people on the bookray! I moved and my email expired. If it wasn't for another bookcrosser sending an email you would have lost me! I will send Balzac ASAP to the next person. Ciao 

Journal Entry 27 by octoberskye from Norwood, Massachusetts USA on Friday, November 19, 2004

Just received it in the mail. It is number 2 on my TBR shelf. Thank you-it looks great! 

Journal Entry 28 by octoberskye from Norwood, Massachusetts USA on Wednesday, December 29, 2004

This book was very easy to read in a couple of days, much different from the huge books I've been tackling lately so I appreciated it. Like someone above said, it's very hard to believe this story was set in China in the 1970s and not in some far distant time and place. It had a nice, dreamlike quality and I really felt for the two main characters. I'll send it off to the next person tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 29 by KarenZero from Brooklyn, New York USA on Saturday, January 08, 2005

The book has arrived and I'm looking forward to starting it!
Thanks for sharing the book! 

Journal Entry 30 by KarenZero from Brooklyn, New York USA on Monday, January 17, 2005

This was a great book! I found it to be truly interesting and a unique perspective on the power of literature. Very very good. Thanks so much for sharing the book! 

Journal Entry 31 by KarenZero at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Released 7 yrs ago (1/19/2005 UTC) at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES: on its way to Jeep!
 

Journal Entry 32 by JeepACV from Baltimore, Maryland USA on Friday, February 04, 2005

Actually showed up yesterday, but I didn't get a chance to log it in.

Looks great - thanks for sharing this! 

Journal Entry 33 by JeepACV from Baltimore, Maryland USA on Sunday, February 06, 2005

I enjoyed this book, but I thought it ended rather abruptly. There seems to be so much more to the story.
I will be mailing on to the next participant shortly.

Thanks for sharing this little gem of a book. 

Journal Entry 34 by JeepACV at Bookring in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Released 7 yrs ago (2/8/2005 UTC) at Bookring in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

released yesterday via media mail

DC # 0302 2940 0001 6586 7065 

Journal Entry 35 by MaryZee from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Friday, February 11, 2005

Came in the mail today. I have one other bookring ahead of this one, and will update here when I start on this.

2/16/05 - Starting on this now. 

Journal Entry 36 by MaryZee from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Thursday, February 17, 2005

Beautifully written tale of a very different time and place. I've read very little about China, esp. during Communist times.

Thanks for sharing, SqueakyChu. Grover3d has already read this, so this will soon be sent on to Draginta. Mailed 2/22. 

Journal Entry 37 by Draginta from Lawrence, Kansas USA on Thursday, March 03, 2005

Wow. A very entertaining and quick read. I never realized how dangerous books can be until I read this one. 

Journal Entry 38 by QueenSissi from Gouveia, Guarda Portugal on Monday, July 25, 2005

Got it today and coming with me on vacations. 

Journal Entry 39 by QueenSissi from Gouveia, Guarda Portugal on Thursday, August 11, 2005

I thought it was an extremely well written novel, filled with delicious irony, leaving an open question about who was re-educated after-all.

I really liked this book and I think I'll try to read something else by this author...

Atenea-Nike didn't answer so I'll send it to anthonybairdis. 

Journal Entry 40 by anthonybairdis from Hebburn, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Recieved yesterday in the post as part of the bookring. Looking forward to reading it and I'll start as soon as I finish the bookray book I'm reading at the moment. 

Journal Entry 41 by anthonybairdis from Hebburn, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Sunday, September 11, 2005

What a lovely book this was! The writing was beautiful - not a word was wasted or superfluous. Also the story itself was great, showing the power that books and literature can have over people. I was wondering if the story was at all autobiographical in anyway as I noticed that the author went through a period of re-education.

I will PM Avonlea-1 and post it onto them as soon as I get their address.

It has been more than a week since I PMed Avonlea-1 and since I have had no reply I will ask the next person in the ring for their address and send them the book instead.

Sent to bookmaniac70 today. Hope you enjoy it! 

Journal Entry 42 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Saturday, October 08, 2005

Got the book yesterday.I`m just finishing a reading for another bookring and I hope this is going to be a quick read.Thanks for sending! 

Journal Entry 43 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Started reading.It seems like a very good story. 

Journal Entry 44 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Thursday, October 13, 2005

It was a lovely book! I enjoyed it so much! Such purity of emotions and delicate humour! I couldn`t help to make a comparison with "Reading Lolita in Tehran",as in both memoirs books occupy a central place. However, I think that literature was much better integrated into the canvas of "Balzac and the little chinese seamstress". I liked very much the friendship of the two boys. They are always together and help each other in a unique way.Their efforts to educate the village girl and catch her attention, result in losing her forever. The village becomes too small for her dreams inspired by the forbidden novels. The friends stay together not only in everyday life but also in this moment of betrayal and disappointment. As the narrator says,he was not so upset of her leaving,than of her not telling him about her plans.

Once again,a delightful novel written in a beautiful delicate way, to bring once more to readers` attention eternal values such as knowledge,loyalty,love and sacrifice. 

Journal Entry 45 by bookmaniac70 at by mail in sent by post, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, October 15, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (10/15/2005 UTC) at by mail in sent by post, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to next participant. 

Journal Entry 46 by mirp from Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Monday, October 24, 2005

Received today from Bulgaria. I'm really looking forward to this book. I should have it read in a few days. Thanks for including me in this ring SqueakyChu! 

Journal Entry 47 by mirp from Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Tuesday, November 01, 2005

I really loved this book. I was just so taken with it from the first page. Such a gifted storyteller. Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful book.

I got a real kick out of the little notes that reminded you where or when something has previously happened in the story. I felt like he was sitting beside me like a grandparent, reading me a story. 

Journal Entry 48 by mirp from Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Thursday, December 08, 2005

posted yesterday 7/12/05. So sorry for delay in sending this on it's way. 

Journal Entry 49 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Friday, December 09, 2005

Book received today, thanks mirp for sending it to me & thanks SqueakyChu for sharing!

I'm really proud of being part of this BookRay, listed in BookCrossing's 100 Most Traveled Books!
 

Journal Entry 50 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Monday, December 19, 2005

This book is absolutely enchanting! The writing is fluid, poetic and funny at the same time. I loved the way it pictures the power of litterature and how it changes the characters's lives. The oral tradition of story-telling is also very present throughout the novel and makes you want to read it aloud!

Thanks a lot for sharing this lovely book SqueakyChu!

Book sent today to KarinAlyssa in Canada, enjoy! 

Journal Entry 51 by KarinAlyssa on Friday, December 23, 2005

Received today from Chich, merci Sarah pour la jolie carte ! I have 2 other rings at home, but I'll probably mail all of them around January 15th. Thank you SqueakyChu for including me in this ray and respecting my shipping preferences. 

Journal Entry 52 by KarinAlyssa on Tuesday, January 10, 2006

With the Christmas holidays and all those festivities, I fell behind on rings/rays, so I apologize in advance about any delay that will derive from that.

This is one of the books that make you stop. When I first started it, I thought this is a slim book, so I should be able to finish it fast and move up on the other rings. I was so wrong ! In a few words, Dai Sijie have the abilities to bring his reader to another world. I knew about the cultural revolution and I had heard about the reducation of youngsters, but never I would have understood what it was like without Sijie's words. For me, Balzac meant tedious, long and boring books. With those two teens, I re-discovered the pleasure of Balzac's words. This was truly a magical novel although short in pages, long in imagination and provoked thoughts.

Thanks SqueakyChu for making this book travel so much ! It will be mailed on January 20 to TiaTia. 

Journal Entry 53 by tiatia from Springfield, Virginia USA on Wednesday, February 08, 2006

A book of unintended consequences. Banning the books made them more of the forbidden fruit..and twice as tasty. The desire to "citify" the little seamstress for his benefit resulted in Luo losing her. A great read that I wizzed through once I started. On to Texas via Washington, where I am working for a week. 

Journal Entry 54 by LyekkaMarengo from Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania USA on Tuesday, February 14, 2006

OK guys, I have the book now. I didn't think it sounded like a title I have signed up for but at my age the mind goes. Looks like an interesting book, I might have a look-see while I get the correct address and make my way to the post office. Now I wonder what bookring I was supposed to get?

Susan 

Journal Entry 55 by librarymousie from Portsmouth, New Hampshire USA on Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Picked up with today's mail. Thanks so much for including me in this well-traveled ring! 

Journal Entry 56 by librarymousie from Portsmouth, New Hampshire USA on Friday, March 24, 2006

Oh, SqueakyChu, thank you so much for including me in this wonderful ray! My comments echo many made by previous readers--the book was simply a lovely experience. The discovery of the cache of banned books and the experiences of all who were touched by the stories--whether it was through direct reading, or through having the stories read out loud or narrated in storytelling form really touches on the vitality and necessity of literature (and the broader arts) in our lives. No matter what the government may surpress, that desire exists, though it may lie dormant, in many of us. Though set in Communist China during the "re-education" period, one can certainly draw parallels to situations in other countries today where much literature enjoys "forbidden" status.

I'm off to PM Karenlea for her address and to get this moving again as soon as I can. Thanks again for sharing!

 

Journal Entry 57 by Karenlea from Glendale, California USA on Monday, April 03, 2006

Caught!!! I should be able to start this by tomorrow. Thank you!!! 

Journal Entry 58 by Karenlea from Glendale, California USA on Friday, April 07, 2006

A very sweet little story. It ended too quickly. The ending was a pretty big surprise, but it completely brought the story full circle. We actually discussed this book in my English class, with my professor reading portions of it. She unfortunately gave a little too much of the story away. I still enjoyed it very much.

I will be mailing this off either tomorrow or Saturday.

Thank you for sharing this book with me!!! 

Journal Entry 59 by ldpaulson from Ventura, California USA on Saturday, April 15, 2006

Arrived today. Will be added to the growing number of book rings and rays yet to be read. I'll start as soon as practical. When that will be ... ??? Feeling just a tad overwhelmed. 

Journal Entry 60 by ldpaulson from Ventura, California USA on Friday, May 05, 2006

Intriguing short novel set in the Cultural Revolution that asks the question: does great literature truly have the power to change lives?

Lyrical. 

Journal Entry 61 by ldpaulson from Ventura, California USA on Tuesday, May 16, 2006

En route to the next reader. 

Journal Entry 62 by Thursday5 from Columbus, Ohio USA on Monday, May 22, 2006

Book arrived today in the mail safe and sound. It is always so exciting to find a Bookcrossing package in the mail! I was amazed to see from the journal what a well travelled book it is. I will start it as soon as I finish reading another bookring book that I am in the middle of at the moment. 

Journal Entry 63 by Thursday5 from Columbus, Ohio USA on Saturday, May 27, 2006

Wow-there is a lot squeezed into this little book.

I was sobered by the fact that at the same time these two young men were being "re-educated", I was being well educated. Makes me feel so very fortunate.

The effects of western literature/ideas in a culture of repression raised in this book are thought provoking. Thoughts about how individual freedom carries with it choices whose consequences will play out in human lives in some ways differently, and in some ways the same, across cultures lingers in my mind.

Thaks for sharing the book SqueakyChu. Sending on to rebeccaljames. 

Journal Entry 64 by rebeccaljames from Cincinnati, Ohio USA on Wednesday, June 07, 2006

I just got this book today. I have three books to finish before it. I should start reading this in a couple of weeks. 

Journal Entry 65 by rebeccaljames from Cincinnati, Ohio USA on Tuesday, July 18, 2006

I have just finished this book. It was a very quick read once I got to it. I liked it very much. I will be sending the book to twinpuddin sometime this week. 

Journal Entry 66 by twinkpuddin from Venice, California USA on Friday, July 28, 2006

Safely arrived. This is up next after I finish the book I'm in the middle of. Thanks! 

Journal Entry 67 by twinkpuddin from Venice, California USA on Sunday, July 30, 2006

Enjoyable.

I thought best summed up by ldpaulson, "does great literature truly have the power to change lives?"

I really like how it ended.

Have kidlitmp's address and will get the book into the mail asap. Thanks for sharing! 

Journal Entry 68 by twinkpuddin from Venice, California USA on Sunday, August 06, 2006

Dropped into the mailbox for kidlitmp - enjoy! 

Journal Entry 69 by kidlitmp from Greencastle, Pennsylvania USA on Friday, August 11, 2006

Just got in the mail today. Have just finished another book, so I will try to finish this weekend! 

Journal Entry 70 by kidlitmp from Greencastle, Pennsylvania USA on Tuesday, September 12, 2006

I am sad to say I am passing it along without reading it! It came the day I went back to school to get my classroom ready. I have not had more than about 10 spare minutes since then to read for pleasure! :( I do not want to hold up those waiting for it any longer! I will have to add it to my wishlist. 

Journal Entry 71 by GateGypsy from Whitehorse, Yukon Canada on Tuesday, November 28, 2006

arrived in the mail today in a large box from my mother. I suspect it has been waiting patiently in a pile of "things to be sent to my daughter" for much of the last two months, since I up and moved from British Columbia to the Yukon Territory to be with the man I love -- it's a long story.

Anyways, there were 6 books in the box, but not all of them were rings. There are still a few ahead of this, but I'll get to it ASAP. It's amazing to be part of such a huge ring!

*****************************************************************************

I liked this book quite a bit. Little bits of it still stick with me, like "Mozart is Thinking of Chairman Mao." I know very little about that time in China, so it was interesting to pick it up through the plot. I had waited so long to get a chance at this book, and am very glad to have finally gotten it. It was a very quick and easy read -- I read it all in two days once I started it... (it was just a matter of getting started!)

I have totoroandmei's address, and will send it along on the next payday. It's still got so very far to go! 

Journal Entry 72 by GateGypsy at controlled release: bookring in Whitehorse, Yukon Canada on Thursday, January 25, 2007

Released 5 yrs ago (1/25/2007 UTC) at controlled release: bookring in Whitehorse, Yukon Canada

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Dropped in the mail this morning, and I'm pretty sure it's on it's way to totoroandmei in a fastish-manner.... Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 73 by totoroandmei from Fukuoka / 福岡市, Fukuoka-ken Japan on Friday, February 02, 2007

What a well traveled book! Thanks for sharing SqueakyChu and GateGypsy.

Update: Finally got an address after having to skip some BCers. Mailing on 3/1. Going surface mail to Spain. 

Journal Entry 74 by vainilla79 from Pinto, Madrid Spain on Wednesday, March 14, 2007

I received the book yesterday! Thank you! I will read it as soon as possible!:) 

Journal Entry 75 by vainilla79 from Pinto, Madrid Spain on Sunday, April 22, 2007

This is what I wrote about this book in my blog: "Personally, I think it makes you think about how lucky we are to be able to read the books we want, to see the films we want, to express our opinions, etc without fear (Is this still so? Lately sometimes I think some people don't seem to to want those little (but so important!) freedoms for everydody over here, in my own country... sometimes it feels a bit scary... freedom to express their opinions, but not to allow people to have different ones and to express them... isn't it sad? and dangerous?), although of course, it is not that way all over the world, but when we have enjoyed these freedoms/rights for a while over here, we relax, we take them for granted and we think we will enjoy them forever... are we sure it will be that way forever?!"
Really nice book!
 

Journal Entry 76 by vainilla79 from Pinto, Madrid Spain on Thursday, May 10, 2007

Sent to the following bookcrosser a few days ago! Sorry for my delay:( 

Journal Entry 77 by Necroscope from Paraparaumu, Wellington Province New Zealand on Tuesday, May 15, 2007

This is my next book to read.....thank you soo much 

Journal Entry 78 by Necroscope from Paraparaumu, Wellington Province New Zealand on Thursday, May 17, 2007

Wow - what can i say, a sweet hauntingly beautiful novel that lifted my heart with its message of the wonders of literature, and saddened me to the cruelty inflicted upon the Chinese nation by the cultural revolution.
the story told from the point of two sweet naive boys, is a gem. Thank you so much for sharing.
What a wonderful book 

Journal Entry 79 by ellie02 from Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom on Saturday, October 20, 2007

Received this today. Will read as soon as I can its next on my list! Thanks for including me 

Journal Entry 80 by ellie02 from Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Really enjoyed this book Made me realise how woefully ignorant I am about something which happened a relatively short time ago. It is beautifully written. Many thanks for sharing. I will PM Kera for their address and post it as soon as I have it! 

Journal Entry 81 by Kera from Brixham, Devon United Kingdom on Monday, November 12, 2007

Have received this book in the post and will get started on it this morning. 

Journal Entry 82 by Kera from Brixham, Devon United Kingdom on Monday, November 12, 2007

Have just finished this quick read and will send onto the next person as soon as I receive their address. Thanks for letting me take part in this ring :)

13/11/2007

the next person on this ring has already read the book so I am contacting the next person in the ring to send onto. 

Journal Entry 83 by samulli from Weimar, Thüringen Germany on Friday, December 07, 2007

I just received this well-traveled little book in the mail. I am just in the middle of another book, but this one looks intruiging and seems to be a quick read, so I hope I will be able to have it traveling again in no time.
Thanks for this bookring, SqueakyChu, and thanks to everyone else for actually keeping the book traveling for such a long time. 

Journal Entry 84 by samulli from Weimar, Thüringen Germany on Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Well, well, once again I realized this is a bookring I shouldn't have signed up for in the first place.
I am sure this is a charming little book, but I just couldn't get into it. It is very well written and I can't say anything bad about it, the problem was just that I wasn't interested in the story. At. All.
Don't know why, maybe China is just not an interesting place for me.
Anyway, since I was at least clever enough to get Lesehest's address right away I can send it off to Norway tomorrow morning on my way to work. So at least I am not gonna hold up the ring for long. ;-) Thanks for including me anyway. 

Journal Entry 85 by LESEHEST from Trondheim, Sør-Trøndelag fylke Norway on Saturday, December 22, 2007

I saw the film a few months ago; and I really liked it. Hope I'll like the book just as much...
Am so happy for taking part in this bookray.
Thanks for sharing!! 

Journal Entry 86 by LESEHEST from Trondheim, Sør-Trøndelag fylke Norway on Friday, December 28, 2007

Almost done with the book; and I LOVE IT!!!

PMd Sharky13 for address... 

Journal Entry 87 by LESEHEST from Trondheim, Sør-Trøndelag fylke Norway on Friday, January 11, 2008

One of my favorite books of 2007.

Thanks so much for sharing!!

Sent to next on the list yesterday 

Journal Entry 88 by Sharky13 from Devonport, Tasmania Australia on Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Book has arrived & I have begun reading it. 

Journal Entry 89 by Sharky13 at Devonport, Tasmania Australia on Friday, June 24, 2011

I sincerely apologize to everyone that has read or wanted to read & be a part of this book ring.
The book is now available for further travel so please contact SqueakyChu if you would like to be added to the list & I will then post it to you. 

Journal Entry 90 by Sharky13 at Devonport, Tasmania Australia on Wednesday, August 03, 2011

This book is now FINALLY on the travel again.
I posted it this morning to Kobie03 in Canada.

As for my long overdue review...for some reason I had trouble getting into this book so I admit to never actually finishing it....must be the bio/true crime nut in me.lol

Happy journey little book, & once again sincerest apologies to all for the LONG hold of this book. 

Journal Entry 91 by kobie03 at Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Thursday, August 18, 2011

Book arrived today . Thanks. 

Journal Entry 92 by kobie03 at Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Sunday, August 28, 2011

Thank you squeakyChu for including me in this book ring.I loved this little gem of a book. great story telling, the prose flowed so easily and the humor had me laughing out loud as I imagined the scenes. A story that captures the power of books and how they change lives.Also made me savor the freedoms we often take for granted.
Waiting for herchelle's address to send this book travelling again.  

Journal Entry 93 by kobie03 at Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Monday, September 05, 2011

Released 8 mos ago (9/6/2011 UTC) at Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

mailed to herchelle. 

Journal Entry 94 by herchelle at Calgary, Alberta Canada on Monday, September 12, 2011

OH MAH GOSH! This book has had 44 journallers??!!
I am so excited to be a part of this bookring, thank you everyone and thank you Kobie03, I am proud to keep this moving. PMing mathgirl40 now. 

Journal Entry 95 by herchelle at Calgary, Alberta Canada on Thursday, September 15, 2011

That was a very fast read, and once again, thanks to Bookcrossers, I had the opportunity to read a bood that I would have NEVER read on my own. I think because I have heard so much about Balzac from my dear hubby who studied at the University of Paris and loved Balzac, it should be great, but I just couldn't get into his work.

This was a great story of life in 1970's China, the two teenaged boys found amazing ways to survive and the suitcase of the forbidden books gave them meaning to their lives. I really enjoyed the experience...even the ending, I just had to read the last chapter a few times to understand.

On its way to Mathgirl40
 

Journal Entry 96 by mathgirl40 at Waterloo, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

This book arrived in the mail today. Thank you, Herchelle! I've heard good things about it and am looking forward to reading it. 

Journal Entry 97 by mathgirl40 at Waterloo, Ontario Canada on Thursday, October 06, 2011

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It exposed the misguided ideas and sad consequences of the Cultural Revolution but was funny and charming at the same time. I will be sending it across Canada to trex3 shortly. 

Journal Entry 98 by mathgirl40 at Waterloo, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Released 7 mos ago (10/19/2011 UTC) at Waterloo, Ontario Canada

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I sent this book off to trex3 in Newfoundland about a week ago but forgot to add the release notes until now. Hopefully, it will arrive soon! 

Journal Entry 99 by trex3 at Flatrock, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Monday, October 24, 2011

book arrived today thanks  

Journal Entry 100 by trex3 at Flatrock, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Monday, November 14, 2011

Love this read can't imagine a world with out books En route to the next reader. I mailed the book on Nov. 15 2011 to LittleDachshund