Journal Entry 1 by irishajo from Indianapolis, Indiana USA on Tuesday, November 16, 2004

Product Description:

Diego de Godoy sets off for South America in 1518 with Cortes and the Conquistadors. During his travels he falls in love with Ignacia, a native woman who introduces him to the secrets of the most delicious drink he has ever tasted: chocolate. Tragically, their passionate affair is cut short by the chaotic conquest of Mexico.

Diego later discovers that his lover had secretly added the elixir of life to his chocolate. Unable to die, he lives on through history -- Paris during the time of the Revolution, Vienna in the 19th century, late Victorian England, and Hershey, Pennsylvania -- accompanied by his trusty greyhound, Pedro. All the while, he searches to recapture the magic of Ignacia's chocolate -- and to learn to love life just as fully.

Playful and intelligent, this is a romantic story about love and loss inspired by a very enchanting substance.

ISBN: 0060959436
Format: Trade PB
Dimensions: 5 5/16 x 8
Pages: 272
Weight: 7.2 miniscule ounces
 

Journal Entry 2 by irishajo from Indianapolis, Indiana USA on Thursday, November 18, 2004

I read about half of this but it didn't do much for me. I think others might like it though, so I am turning it into a bookray.

HallieK - Texas (US/Can)
lady-sybil - New Brunswick (US/Can)
frybaby - Georgia (Anywhere)
star-light - Australia (Australia)
Lisagt - Australia
celestewa - Western Australia (Anywhere)
QueenSissi - Portugal (Europe)
allbookedup - Austria (Europe)
Amanida - UK (Anywhere)
ldpaulson - California (US Only)
Luintaurien - Nebraska (US Pref)
DinaJ62 - Kansas (US Only)
Draginta - Kansas (Anywhere)
Rrrcaron - New Hampshire (Anywhere)
turtle-flower - Canada (anywhere)
amberC - Australia (Australia only)
RockDg9 - Australia (anywhere)
garnetfairy - Texas (wants to be last) *no longer active*

*BOOKRING COMPLETED!! Thanks all! 

Journal Entry 3 by HallieK from Austin, Texas USA on Monday, November 29, 2004

Received this in the mail today! I'm in the middle of a book right now, but it's a fast read so I'll get to this one as soon as I finish. And as soon as I buy myself some chocolate to eat while reading this one! Thanks! 

Journal Entry 4 by HallieK from Austin, Texas USA on Wednesday, December 08, 2004

What an interesting book. It's a fun way to look at so many events of the past. I'll send it on as soon as I get the next address. 

Journal Entry 5 by lady-sybil from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Thursday, January 20, 2005

This arrived at my doorstep today, thanks HallieK! I will read it as soon as I can pry it away from my husband who propmpty took control of it when I opened the package :-) 

Journal Entry 6 by lady-sybil from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Sunday, January 23, 2005

This was a quick weekend read. The idea behind the story is intersting - young Spanish boy goes on a quest to win the hand of his sweetheart, meets true love in Montezuma's Mexico, promises to always love her, goes back to Spain to win the hand of his Spanish sweetheart with chocolate, goes back to Mexico to discover his true love missing after the Conquestadors razed Mexico City, goes on endless quest to find her/oblivion ...

***** Negative review alert, sorry *****

I kept thinking that I should really enjoy this book, but somehow the story came through as bland and flat except for the mouthwatering chocolate recipes that spiced up the story. I felt no connection with the narrator, which was a bit disappointing because the story had so much potential. I did not like the lightness with wich the author treated the tragedy that the Conquestadors wrought in Mexico, I almost felt as if he wanted me to feel sorry for the Spanish conquerors. The narrator was a foolish, selfish boy who did not really grow up until the last few pages. The book did improve somewhat towards the end, I even felt a twinge of sympathy for Diego when he (foolishly) lost Pedro (who, by the way, seemed to be more mature than his master at times - he was also my favorite character).

If this is your first foray into magical realism, please do not give up on the genre yet! Reserve your judgement until you have tried Laura Esquivel's 'The law of Love' and/or 'Like water for chocolate'.

Mailed to frybaby 11/02/2005 

Journal Entry 7 by frybaby from Savannah, Georgia USA on Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Just got it a couple of days ago. Thanks! 

Journal Entry 8 by frybaby from Savannah, Georgia USA on Saturday, February 26, 2005

I stopped myself from reading lady-sybil's neg review until after I read the book. I feel about the same as she does. I was left wanting and not just for choclate..lol.

Sending to star-light 

Journal Entry 9 by star-light from Melbourne, Victoria Australia on Friday, April 22, 2005

Book arrived safely yesterday. I'm going to settle down with a big block of chocolate and start reading this today. 

Journal Entry 10 by star-light from Melbourne, Victoria Australia on Thursday, May 05, 2005

I finished this book a few days ago and have been trying to work out why I was disappointed by it.

I think it's because I expected Diego to grow and mature as a person as he lived his long life, but he didn't change much throughout the book. Also, the plot seemed to shift very quickly and thus not develop. Perhaps this is why the book was rather bland.

Having said that, there were parts that I enjoyed. I liked how various famous people were woven into the story, and it's always fun to read about chocolate!

6 May 05 - mailed to Lisagt. 

Journal Entry 11 by Lisagt from Holsworthy, New South Wales Australia on Monday, May 09, 2005

Yum! This is the first of three bookrings starring chocolate that I have joined. (I'll let you make of that whatever you like). Needless to say, looks interesting so thanx irishajo for sharing and star-light for sending. 

Journal Entry 12 by Lisagt from Holsworthy, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, May 18, 2005

This book is the Forrest Gump of the chocolate world! The story was ok but the fun bit was working out who all the 'names' are that he encounters through history, chocolate related or otherwise.
Posting to celestewa next. 

Journal Entry 13 by celestewa from Perth, Western Australia Australia on Wednesday, June 01, 2005

This book has arrived in Perth. I have a few rings in front of it, but will get to it soon.

By the way the book arrived with some lovely Lindt chocolates. Yum! Thanks Lisa 

Journal Entry 14 by celestewa from Perth, Western Australia Australia on Tuesday, June 07, 2005

The book was easy to read but annoyed me a bit at times. The part I didnt like was how he suddenly moved from one time to the next. Was he time travelling or just aging very slowly? The author seems to change his mind about this half way through.

I was quite happy to link Sacher, Fry and Hershey in the story, but really saw no need to introduce Sade or Freud or to storm the Bastille. Good Grief!

Posted Airmail to QueenSisi on the 10th June 2005 

Journal Entry 15 by QueenSissi from Gouveia, Guarda Portugal on Thursday, June 16, 2005

Got here safe and sound... Thank'you all!!! 

Journal Entry 16 by QueenSissi from Gouveia, Guarda Portugal on Sunday, July 24, 2005

A wonderful story well told though it could have some other kind of explanation for the time lags... Specially liked the Sachertorte story...

Thanks for this oportunity and moving it along to allbookedup. 

Journal Entry 17 by allbookedup from Wien Bezirk 21 - Floridsdorf, Wien Austria on Friday, July 29, 2005

The book arrived today, thanks for sending it to Austria, QueenSissi.
I am really looking forard to reading this, I will get to it asap, I have 1 other bookring to read before it, though.
 

Journal Entry 18 by allbookedup from Wien Bezirk 21 - Floridsdorf, Wien Austria on Thursday, August 11, 2005

I finished the book yesterday, it is not a great piece of literature, but there were some parts I enjoyed. The author describes the food really well and two parts I enjoyed a lot were the women in the church (page 84/85) who say they can't live without chocolate even for a couple of hours and their maids need bring them hot chocolate even during mass and the priest doesn't approve *lol*
The other part was about the Sachertorte :-) But maybe because I am Viennese... but the descriptions of the chocolate cake were great.
I also agree that the dog was the most likeable character! :-)
I will go to Germany now for a long weekend (yay! fun fun!) and I will post the book from there, because it is cheaper than in Austria!
The book will probably be sent off to Amanida on Saturday, the 14th! Enjoy!
 

Journal Entry 19 by allbookedup from Wien Bezirk 21 - Floridsdorf, Wien Austria on Monday, August 15, 2005

Sent off today! 

Journal Entry 20 by Amanida from Chertsey, Surrey United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Arrived safely today, thanks, everyone! Looks intriguing...... 

Journal Entry 21 by Amanida from Chertsey, Surrey United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 31, 2005

What I like about this book is that it's a simple story told from start to finish in one go, without flashbacks or subplots. As mentioned already, it's not a great work of literature, but a nice mix of fact and fiction - a bit of fun. Probably enjoyed more while tucking into a few bars of the elixir.
It visited Barcelona with me this week and is now off to ldpaulson in California. 

Journal Entry 22 by ldpaulson from Ventura, California USA on Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Arrived today via post from the U.K.! 

Journal Entry 23 by ldpaulson from Ventura, California USA on Wednesday, September 21, 2005

With a plot that portends something approaching the picaresque -- I mean, wouldn't you expect someone who has taken The Elixir of Life to have those sorts of wanderings? --, THE DISCOVERY OF CHOCOLATE falls flat with its bent toward the melodramatic. It's a thin book that inexplicably crams Freud, deSade, and Gertrude Stein into what could have other wise been a good novella. There isn't really enough material here for more than that. Runcie should have stopped while he was ahead -- probably shortly after Diego return to Spain -- instead of lurching ahead, creating a thin literary Zelig. Readers can almost see the gears turning. "Hey! It's about the turn of the century. I know! Let's put Diego on The Mauritania!"

I still love chocolate. I'm still waiting for a great novel about chocolate. 

Journal Entry 24 by Luintaurien from York, Nebraska USA on Thursday, October 27, 2005

Got it today. Thank you. 

Journal Entry 25 by Luintaurien from York, Nebraska USA on Thursday, January 26, 2006

Can't get into it so passing it on 

Journal Entry 26 by Luintaurien at Bookring in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Released 7 yrs ago (2/7/2006 UTC) at Bookring in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

 

Journal Entry 27 by DinaJ62 from Chesapeake, Virginia USA on Saturday, February 11, 2006

Received today. I'll start it today. 

Journal Entry 28 by DinaJ62 from Chesapeake, Virginia USA on Sunday, February 12, 2006

A quick read. I didn't love it but enjoyed the unique historical perspective. Loved Pedro! Awaiting address for next participant. 

Journal Entry 29 by DinaJ62 from Chesapeake, Virginia USA on Thursday, February 23, 2006

Sending on to Draginta in Monday's mail (2/27). 

Journal Entry 30 by Draginta from Lawrence, Kansas USA on Saturday, March 04, 2006

Just got this book in the mail. I'm looking forward to reading it. 

Journal Entry 31 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Tuesday, June 20, 2006

I received this in the mail today. Will get to it as soon as I can!
Ruth 

Journal Entry 32 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Wednesday, November 15, 2006

I loved this mixture of fiction and chocolate facts! The journey through centuries of chocolate fact and lore had me in tune from start to finish. Chocolate lovers everywhere can get their fix with this read! Sending on to turtle-flower in Canada tomorrow! Thanks for sharing this great read!
Ruth 

Journal Entry 33 by turtle-flower on Monday, December 04, 2006

got this in the mail just a few days ago, just in time too, since i just finished another really good book. cant wait to read it, it looks so yummy! 

Journal Entry 34 by amberC from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Monday, March 19, 2007

Arrived safely today. I have a few other bookrings before it. 

Journal Entry 35 by amberC from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Saturday, March 24, 2007

I enjoyed this book, mainly I think for the desciptions of chocolate and Pedro. Diego wasn't a particularly likeable character but he was believable.

posting to RockDg9 tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 36 by RockDg9 from Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Thursday, March 29, 2007

Arrived here today. 

Journal Entry 37 by RockDg9 from Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Friday, April 06, 2007

I started off really enjoying this - it was witty, and the characters so alive. But that didn't last long ... after a couple of chapters it had a really uneven pace. I found parts terribly boring (like the lists of ingredients, and going on and on about love) then other parts were good (in the Bastille).

The continuity was shockingly bad, if I was reading it correctly, which I'm not sure I was, because it just didn't make sense!

My favourite character was Pedro the dog! The narrator Diego was inconsistently written.

As a piece of faction, I found it lacking - very "nudge nudge wink wink guess where I am in history".

Oh, and I don't like the cover!

But I guess I could say I mildly enjoyed this story, and I'm glad I have read it. Thanks irishajo and amberc. 

Journal Entry 38 by RockDg9 from Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Friday, April 06, 2007

Hi irishajo, I PMd garnetfairy, but they are no longer an active bookcrosser, so I was wondering what your plans were for this book. If you would like me to, I can try and get some interest in continuing the ray on.

Sorry about making this a jounral entry ... PMs are not working at the moment (at least, at my end!) 

Journal Entry 39 by irishajo from Indianapolis, Indiana USA on Saturday, April 07, 2007

Since garnetfairy is MIA, this bookray has officially completed. RockDg9 - the book is now yours to do with as you wish.

Wow! 17 readers over 2 1/2 years - definitely my longest and most successful bookray. Thanks everyone for helping this ray to stay alive for so long! 

Journal Entry 40 by RockDg9 from Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Sunday, April 08, 2007

I'll continue this on for a short ray in Australia.

Participants so far:
franigpani08
erinoc
HINERANGI
silvermoonwyrm
 

Journal Entry 41 by RockDg9 from Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Saturday, April 14, 2007

Posted on to frangipani08 as the start of a mini-Aussie ray. 

Journal Entry 42 by frangipani08 from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Monday, April 16, 2007

Lovely surprise to receive this book today with a block of chocolate! A couple of books in front of it but won't take long. Thanks Rockdg9! 

Journal Entry 43 by frangipani08 from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Starting to read this today but I finished eating the accompanying chocolate a week ago! Does that mean I should buy more chocolate to eat with it!! 

Journal Entry 44 by frangipani08 from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Journal Entry 45 by frangipani08 from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Friday, April 27, 2007

Left in erinoc's letterbox today with a sweet treat!
 

Journal Entry 46 by erinoc from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Monday, April 30, 2007

woo hoo! Found this one in my letter box last Friday with a blockof chocolate! Sorry for the delayed journal - have almost no access to the internet at the moment.

Thanks frangipani08 for passing this one on. Shouldn't take me too long to read!
 

Journal Entry 47 by erinoc from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Well! What a pleasure to read a book that has had such a long bookcrossing history!!

I have to agree with some of the previous journals - this novel jumped around too much and didn't explain enough of the mechanics behind Diego's lifespan. I liked the semi-historical approach and have tried the Sachertorte in Austria so that was fun...but just like a lot of readers, I found that the plot didn't really develop. I also would argue that the ending seemed a little thrown together.

Overall I find the idea really interesting but I think it was too much thrown into a novel that was too short to properly explore the concepts.

Will send on to the next reader in the coming week. 

Journal Entry 48 by HINERANGI from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Just arrived in the mail today. What a long, long history it's had: must be something to do with the magnetic attraction of chocolate, perhaps!
I'll read, then pass to silvermoonwyrm. 

Journal Entry 49 by HINERANGI from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Monday, May 14, 2007

On the whole, a disappointment - the author missed so many opportunities. It's episodic and jerky, and lacks narrative cohesion - a pity, because the picaresque is always a fascinating topic. I thought the writer lacked the plot skills to create a convincing linking theme: his character just has queer dreams, then wakes up in another era - all very unsatisfactory, and very unconvincing. I thought his *Forrest Gump style* name dropping was also unnecessarily contrived.

Not to worry - just being part of this enormously long Ring was fun - theis book has been travelling around the world for TWO and a Half YEARS, and its still got a way to go.
I'm about to send it tosomeone in Victoria (Australia) and I'm putting another book in with it - 'My First 2000 Years': the tale of that Grandaddy of all undying travellers, The Wandering Jew. 

Journal Entry 50 by silvermoonwyrm from Corio, Victoria Australia on Friday, May 25, 2007

Received yesterday, along with some Guylians...this books seems to have a history of travelling with chocolate! What generous bc'ers you all are! 

Journal Entry 51 by silvermoonwyrm from Corio, Victoria Australia on Friday, June 08, 2007

I was slack in getting to read this, as I was the last in line, I knew no one was waiting for me ;) But after a mammoth Mt TBR clearing in the last two days, I finally got around to reading this. My guylians were long gone, and I'd finished the last of the chocolate in the house a mere 5 or 6 hours before starting to read this. BIG mistake. This book should be read with chocolate. It is an integral part of the story line, and as such, is continually mentioned. And it just makes you want some, especially if you don't have any.

One of my dreams has been for a long time to make my own chocolate from beans, and the delicious descriptions (they were to vague to call them recipes) in this book has just furthered that. I do have a bookmarked recipe for Mayan Chocolate Chicken, which sounds much like one dish that appears frequently in the book.

This was just a light fluffy read, which only took me a few hours.I know nothing about any of the historical references, so it didn't bother me that they (from all accounts) were wrong.

But now I see why this book always travel with chocolate, and I won't be the one to break that tradition. 

Journal Entry 52 by silvermoonwyrm at Kmart in Footscray, Victoria Australia on Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Released 6 yrs ago (6/19/2007 UTC) at Kmart in Footscray, Victoria Australia

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Located on the chocolate shelf in the confectionary section. (Where else?)