Pixel Juice
11 journalers for this copy...
Picked this up at the secondhand bookstore together with "Nymphomation" by the same author. The bright covers caught my eye actually.
This is a collection of short stories, so I'll probably read it between other things and let it go afterwards. I was not too impressed by the other book, hope this will be better.
The blurb:
"From the breakdown zones of the mediasphere and the margins of dance culture comes a selection of fifty stories, each one strange, telling, disturbing, or sometimes just plain weird: urban fairytales, instructions for lost machines, true confessions, word-dizzy roller-coasters, product recalls, adverts for mad gadgets, dub cut prose remixes. Throughout them all, Jeff Noon delights in the magical possibilities of language, creating a wholly new kind of storytelling."
This is a collection of short stories, so I'll probably read it between other things and let it go afterwards. I was not too impressed by the other book, hope this will be better.
The blurb:
"From the breakdown zones of the mediasphere and the margins of dance culture comes a selection of fifty stories, each one strange, telling, disturbing, or sometimes just plain weird: urban fairytales, instructions for lost machines, true confessions, word-dizzy roller-coasters, product recalls, adverts for mad gadgets, dub cut prose remixes. Throughout them all, Jeff Noon delights in the magical possibilities of language, creating a wholly new kind of storytelling."
It took a long time before I got round to reading this. In the mean time I have also read "Vurt", which was a book that did impress me. Some of these stories really grabbed me like "Vurt" did, others annoyed me like the end of "Nymphomation" (especially part four).
Many stories deal with the excesses of a culture that is driven by image and technology, some already seem to be bordering on non-fiction. Pretty far out there, but still convincing and the language really sucks you into this weird world, part fantasy, part future.
I would recommend it to all that are looking for a first taste of Noon or those that have already read some of his work and would like to read more. If there is enough interest I will turn this into a ring.
Many stories deal with the excesses of a culture that is driven by image and technology, some already seem to be bordering on non-fiction. Pretty far out there, but still convincing and the language really sucks you into this weird world, part fantasy, part future.
I would recommend it to all that are looking for a first taste of Noon or those that have already read some of his work and would like to read more. If there is enough interest I will turn this into a ring.
This is an international ring, after a first successful round it has been offered on the forum for a second time. If you would like to join, please PM me and state your shipping preferences.
Participants in the first round:
1. Lpree - US (Intl)
2. thistlechick73- US (Intl)
3. Pluisje - New Zealand (Intl)
4. Aubriel - United Kingdom (Intl)
5. Olifant - Netherlands (prefer EU)
6. xtra - Norway (will be last in line, pending reply)
Participants in the second round(order can be changed to accommodate shipping preferences:
1. Lorelei03 - US (prefers US)
2. blackadder75 - US (prefers US/Canada)
3. stubee - UK (Intl)
4. bigcurlyloz - UK
5. lwpallett - UK
Now ready for a third round:
(order may change to accommodate shipping preferences)
1. Bug2004 - US (US only)
2. bindibooks - US (prefers US)
3. you?
4. ...
5. back to me
Ring etiquette (aka common sense and courtesy) :-)
-Make a journal entry when you receive the book
- Try to read it within 4-6 weeks. If, for whatever reason, you need more time, no problem. But do take a minute to make a brief journal entry and PM the next in line, so we all know the ring is not lost or stalled.
- When you are finished, make a journal entry with your thoughts about the book (as short, or long as you like).
- PM the next in line to get the address and send the book on.
- The last in line is free to keep the book, offer it to others, or wild release it
Participants in the first round:
1. Lpree - US (Intl)
2. thistlechick73- US (Intl)
3. Pluisje - New Zealand (Intl)
4. Aubriel - United Kingdom (Intl)
5. Olifant - Netherlands (prefer EU)
6. xtra - Norway (will be last in line, pending reply)
Participants in the second round(order can be changed to accommodate shipping preferences:
1. Lorelei03 - US (prefers US)
2. blackadder75 - US (prefers US/Canada)
3. stubee - UK (Intl)
4. bigcurlyloz - UK
5. lwpallett - UK
Now ready for a third round:
(order may change to accommodate shipping preferences)
1. Bug2004 - US (US only)
2. bindibooks - US (prefers US)
3. you?
4. ...
5. back to me
Ring etiquette (aka common sense and courtesy) :-)
-Make a journal entry when you receive the book
- Try to read it within 4-6 weeks. If, for whatever reason, you need more time, no problem. But do take a minute to make a brief journal entry and PM the next in line, so we all know the ring is not lost or stalled.
- When you are finished, make a journal entry with your thoughts about the book (as short, or long as you like).
- PM the next in line to get the address and send the book on.
- The last in line is free to keep the book, offer it to others, or wild release it
This arrived in today's mail. I have some other bookrings ahead of it, but will read it as soon as I can.
The title alone was enough to draw me in, so I'm really looking forward to checking out this book.
The title alone was enough to draw me in, so I'm really looking forward to checking out this book.
Oops! Sorry, it looks like I've had it more than a month. I hadn't realized that, sorry.
The good news is I finished this book this afternoon and really liked it. In fact, I think I will pick up a copy of this for my personal collection - that way my husband can read this too. I'm sure he'll enjoy this. Some of the stories intrigued me more than others. I like the way some of the stories continued on in later stories. I'm sure I missed a lot of connecting stories. I think this is one of those books you could read several times and still discover something new. I will certainly check out other books by this author.
Anyway, sorry I've kept it so long and I'll get it back on the road this week. Thanks very much for sharing this!
The good news is I finished this book this afternoon and really liked it. In fact, I think I will pick up a copy of this for my personal collection - that way my husband can read this too. I'm sure he'll enjoy this. Some of the stories intrigued me more than others. I like the way some of the stories continued on in later stories. I'm sure I missed a lot of connecting stories. I think this is one of those books you could read several times and still discover something new. I will certainly check out other books by this author.
Anyway, sorry I've kept it so long and I'll get it back on the road this week. Thanks very much for sharing this!
Just recieved this in the mail... I'll do my best to read it as quick as I can, but I do have one other bookring book I'm reading right now... Thanks for including me =)
Sorry to be slow in finishing this book... but it is now on its way to New Zealand =)
Some of the stories in this collection were fabulous and some seemed like they were practice writings from some of his novels that didn't make the cut... though some of these could easily be developed into full length novels *hopes*
My favorites were Charisma Engine, Crawl Town, and Tweedles.
Some of the stories in this collection were fabulous and some seemed like they were practice writings from some of his novels that didn't make the cut... though some of these could easily be developed into full length novels *hopes*
My favorites were Charisma Engine, Crawl Town, and Tweedles.
Arrived safely in Ngatea. Thank you for sending it all the way to New Zealand thistlechick73!
eMeReS has mentioned Noon a few times to me, so it is very appropriate I'm reading one of her books now.
I've already had a peek and read the first 2 stories in my lunchbreak, I'll try and read this book this week and then pass on before I go on holiday!
eMeReS has mentioned Noon a few times to me, so it is very appropriate I'm reading one of her books now.
I've already had a peek and read the first 2 stories in my lunchbreak, I'll try and read this book this week and then pass on before I go on holiday!
Journal Entry 9 by Pluisje at Post Office in Avarua, Rarotonga Cook Islands on Thursday, August 3, 2006
Released 17 yrs ago (8/2/2006 UTC) at Post Office in Avarua, Rarotonga Cook Islands
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
I usually don't "officially release" in rings or rays but I thought I would make an exception because this release is on the Cook Islands, probably the only bookcrossing book I will ever release here!
I loved the unpredictability of many of the stories, and the links between some of them. Some deal with the same characters and other common elements as the previous story but in a completely different perspective. Some appealed to me more than others, I definitely had a few favourites!
The most amazing to me was the writing itself. I thought it was really special how Jeff Noon makes little things that would be impossible in "our" world appear almost entirely natural.
"In the first shop they bought a packet of dogseed, because Doreen had always wanted to grow her own dog. In the second, a pair of bird shoes, which fluttered slightly as Matthew put them on."
This book definitely triggered my curiosity, I would like to read another Noon book.
I usually don't "officially release" in rings or rays but I thought I would make an exception because this release is on the Cook Islands, probably the only bookcrossing book I will ever release here!
I loved the unpredictability of many of the stories, and the links between some of them. Some deal with the same characters and other common elements as the previous story but in a completely different perspective. Some appealed to me more than others, I definitely had a few favourites!
The most amazing to me was the writing itself. I thought it was really special how Jeff Noon makes little things that would be impossible in "our" world appear almost entirely natural.
"In the first shop they bought a packet of dogseed, because Doreen had always wanted to grow her own dog. In the second, a pair of bird shoes, which fluttered slightly as Matthew put them on."
This book definitely triggered my curiosity, I would like to read another Noon book.
Journal Entry 10 by aubriel from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, August 17, 2006
arrived safely.
Many thanks
Many thanks
Journal Entry 11 by aubriel from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, September 14, 2006
Overall, I enjoyed this one, some of the stories didn't work for me, whilst others left me wanting more. At times it felt you had been parachuted into an alien country and by the time you got the lay of the land the story was over. I got the impression of these being ideas churned out by Noon looking for the idea for his next story.
Posted off to Olifant on Tuesday.
Posted off to Olifant on Tuesday.
Book is back in The Netherlands, in Utrecht city. Thanks for sending and ringing.
Nothing new to add. Enjoyed most of the stories. Thanks for introducing a new writer, eMeReS, will read more of his work.
Love this first sentence from the story The Shoppers: In the first shop they bought a packet of dogseed, because Doreen had always wanted to grow her own dog.
Waiting for xtra's address.
Love this first sentence from the story The Shoppers: In the first shop they bought a packet of dogseed, because Doreen had always wanted to grow her own dog.
Waiting for xtra's address.
Pending a reply from Xtra the book is back home.
The journals I have been getting are positive, I'm glad you all enjoyed it. Maybe I can find another set of interested readers so that the book can continue its travels.
The journals I have been getting are positive, I'm glad you all enjoyed it. Maybe I can find another set of interested readers so that the book can continue its travels.
The book is off for a second round and it has had a wonderful start. It turned out that the first interested reader was travelling from Africa to New York and had some hours to spend in Amsterdam. I had a combined visit planned as well there and our hours turned out to be a perfect match for a short meet-up at Amsterdam Central Station.
Well, if that isn't bookcrossing karma I don't know what is. :-)It was very nice to meet you Lorelei03, hope you will enjoy the book!
Well, if that isn't bookcrossing karma I don't know what is. :-)It was very nice to meet you Lorelei03, hope you will enjoy the book!
Oh, I just suck. I got this book from the wonderful eMeReS about a whole month ago and I left it in the bottom of my suitcase by mistake. Anyway, many thanks (great to have coffee with you!) and I'l read and pass on to teh next in line asap.
Happy holidays all.
Happy holidays all.
I got the book in the mail today. I have one other bookray to read before starting this one.
I enjoyed this collection of short stories. This not my usual book but I'm glad to have read it. I'm going to be mailing book to stubee tomorrow.
Arrived today! I’ve got a couple of bookrings to get through before I start this but I’m half way through one so it shouldn’t be held up too much, I’ve heard a lot of great things about Jeff Noon and have a couple of his books on my TBR list which I haven’t had a chance to read yet. I’m looking forward to these short stories! Thanks eMeReS for staring this ring!
Journal Entry 20 by stubee from Bury, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Thursday, February 15, 2007
Wow, what a wonderful collection of short stories, I haven't read anything by Noon before although I do have a few of his novels in my TBR pile. I'm not really sure what to say, Noon's warped view of the world is somewhat intoxicating and his verse takes you into the unknown. I like the way most of his stories are set in Manchester as it's a very familiar place to me.
I really enjoy this collection and look forward to reading some more of Noon's work shortly.
Not sure what's going to happen with this book now as I'm last in the person in the ring, eMeReS let me know if you have any ideas? or if you'd like me to return it to you.
Cheers,
:-]
EDIT 20.02.07: Will be sent to bigcurlyloz shortly.
I really enjoy this collection and look forward to reading some more of Noon's work shortly.
Not sure what's going to happen with this book now as I'm last in the person in the ring, eMeReS let me know if you have any ideas? or if you'd like me to return it to you.
Cheers,
:-]
EDIT 20.02.07: Will be sent to bigcurlyloz shortly.
Journal Entry 21 by bigcurlyloz from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire United Kingdom on Friday, March 2, 2007
This arrived today - thanks!!
Journal Entry 22 by bigcurlyloz from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire United Kingdom on Sunday, March 25, 2007
Perhaps not as satisfying as a complete package as some of his novels, but brilliant all the same! I love seeing different ideas based on themes and ideas he also used in Vurt and Needle in the Groove. And it has inspired me to read Nymphomation (the first Noon book I read years ago) again.
I think my favourites were:
The Cabinet of Night Unlocked (imagine if it were true...)
Cloudwalkers
The Charisma Engine
Specimens
Hands of the DJ
My bf will probably want to read this, and as there's no-one else currently in the ring, I hope that's ok?
I think my favourites were:
The Cabinet of Night Unlocked (imagine if it were true...)
Cloudwalkers
The Charisma Engine
Specimens
Hands of the DJ
My bf will probably want to read this, and as there's no-one else currently in the ring, I hope that's ok?
erm, yes, I did read it. at least I was quick!
I liked the fact it gives some background to many of Noon's other novels, but I really wasn't a fan of the choppy style of the short stories. This may have been because I know he can string together a longer narrative in his other books, or it could just be that I found many of them unsatisfying. In addition, some of the style grates when concentrated so. It can appear at times like he's trying too hard...it may be his vision of what language and life will evolve to in the future but at the same time it feels like the revisiting of an old treadmill (P.K. Dick in particular) that many have trod in the past, or perhaps just forcing a derivative concept that grates on me. Anyhow, I enjoyed it in some senses and not in others...fair enough.
I liked the fact it gives some background to many of Noon's other novels, but I really wasn't a fan of the choppy style of the short stories. This may have been because I know he can string together a longer narrative in his other books, or it could just be that I found many of them unsatisfying. In addition, some of the style grates when concentrated so. It can appear at times like he's trying too hard...it may be his vision of what language and life will evolve to in the future but at the same time it feels like the revisiting of an old treadmill (P.K. Dick in particular) that many have trod in the past, or perhaps just forcing a derivative concept that grates on me. Anyhow, I enjoyed it in some senses and not in others...fair enough.
After a period of inactivity as far as Bookcrossing is concerned I am trying to reorganise my shelf. See that this book came back home but I apparently forgot to journal it back then.
Will see if I can find some more interested readers for it, or at least one, so that this book can travel some more.
Will see if I can find some more interested readers for it, or at least one, so that this book can travel some more.
