Journal Entry 1 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Received from kittiwake through Titletrader.com. Review will follow shortly. 

Journal Entry 2 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Read it in one sitting. In this little book we follow the life of Plectrude-an exceptional gifted and charming girl.Amelie Nothomb writes with great skill about the child`s world and inner feelings.At the same time,she directs the circumstances of Plectrude`s life like an absurd theatrical play.The end sounded like that of a cheap movie; perhaps this was her intention. For me it lacked the miniature perfection of "The Character of Rain" and "Fear and Trembling" but is nevertheless a good reading for her fans. 

Journal Entry 3 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Sunday, September 04, 2005

Reserved for SqueakyChu. 

Journal Entry 4 by bookmaniac70 at www.titletrader.com in Mailed to another BookCrosser, A Book Swap! -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (9/7/2005 UTC) at www.titletrader.com in Mailed to another BookCrosser, A Book Swap! -- Controlled Releases

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Sent to SqueakyChu.
 

Journal Entry 5 by SqueakyChu from Rockville, Maryland USA on Thursday, September 15, 2005

I'm so excited!! The book arrived today. I love this author PLUS I've never received a package from Bulgaria before. How much fun! I hope it won't take me too long to to finish the book you wanted in trade. Thank you SO VERY MUCH, bookmaniac70. 

Journal Entry 6 by SqueakyChu from Rockville, Maryland USA on Sunday, November 12, 2006

I'm reading this book now and then plan to send it off as an international bookray. I hope to make more readers fans of this very entertaining author!

Anyone may join this bookray at any time by sending me a PM with mailing preferences. Be aware, though, that the order of the list participants may be changed at any time due to geography, mailing preferences, or originator's whim.

Begin International Bookray 11/12/06:
SqueakyChu (Maryland, USA) done
azuki (Florida, USA) done
bartonz (Washington , USA) done
mallary (France) done
061019alexandra (Netherlands) done
wuermli (Switzerland) done
sudokugirl (Bosnia-Herzegovia) done
okyrhoe (Greece) done - 1 year of travel
bybee (South Korea) done
VeganMedusa (New Zealand) done -- stop #10
OCcinderella (California, USA) done
guinaveve (Ohio, USA) done
debnance (Texas, USA) done
GateGypsy (Canada) done - 2 years of travel
Cassiopeia22 (Germany) done
madnad (Spain) done
Rossella05 (UK) done
wanderingstar8 (UK) done
lucy-lemon (UK) done
sunlightbub (UK) done -- stop #20
Tinina67 (Australia) done
MarysGirl (New York, USA) done
Natgirl101 (Canada) done
ETMadrid (UK) done
mafarrimond (UK) done - 3 years of travel
franaloe (Netherlands) done
Fremmedordbok (Norway) done
lukutuoli (Finland) done
dancingdance (Australia) done
Dancesports (Australia) done -- stop #30
peggypostcard (Australia) done
Mahinaarangi (New Zealand) done
elstaplador (UK) done - 4 years of travel
Ossiefry (Portugal) done
bookguide (Netherlands) done - 5 years of travel
Pam99 (Scotland) done
mysteriousmummy (UK) done
Jo_an_a (Finland) done
KiwiinEngland (New Zealand--New Zealand/Australia/int'l) <--The book is here.
travellingharp (Australia--int'l)
lamelemon (Romania--Europe/in't)
<--Your name can be added.

If your name was deleted from the participant list, it was because you either did not respond to a PM or declined the book at the time it was offered. You may re-apply to join by sending a request with your mailing preferences to SqueakyChu.

While reading this book, I wanted to learn more about the link between ballet dancers and anorexia. I found the following informative article online. Perhaps you'll enjoy this reading this as well.

Hooray! On 04/12/12, this book was listed as #49 on the list of BookCrossing's 100 Most Traveled Books. 

Journal Entry 7 by SqueakyChu from Rockville, Maryland USA on Sunday, November 12, 2006

This book was a gem! I so love the writing of this author. What an absurd ending to this story. So imaginative!

Thanks for sharing this book with me, bookmaniac70. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I, too, read it in one day ... although it took me a whole year to get to it. :-)
 

Journal Entry 8 by SqueakyChu from Rockville, Maryland USA on Friday, November 17, 2006

The book is in the mail to azuki in Florida. 

Journal Entry 9 by azuki from Miami, Florida USA on Monday, November 27, 2006

Received just after Thanksgiving, thanks. I finished one book over the weekend and three came in! Hopefully it won't be too long before I get to this one. Looks like an interesting book! 

Journal Entry 10 by azuki from Miami, Florida USA on Friday, December 29, 2006

This book reminds me a lot of the movie Amelie. The French seems to have a magical wand that can put a whimsical spin on any tale. Moreover, Amelie in the movie has large, expressive eyes, a notable feature of Plectrude.

At times a fairy tale, at times a heart-wrenching growing-up memoir, this little book is totally enjoyable. Thanks for introducing me to Amelie Nothomb and I definitely look forward to more of her books.

Sending this on to Bartonz. Happy New Year everybody!
 

Journal Entry 11 by bartonz from Bellevue, Washington USA on Thursday, January 04, 2007

It's here! I got it today and have 2 other short book rings to read first, but will get to it shortly! 

Journal Entry 12 by bartonz from Bellevue, Washington USA on Saturday, January 27, 2007

"Vision is the art of seeing things invisible."
Jonathan Swift

Since the end of 2005, I have been participating in a reading challenge whereby the participants are attempting to read a book by an author (or if there isn’t one translated into English, about the country) for each of the 200+ countries participating in the 2008 Summer Olympics. We have until the end of the Beijing Games to finish our reading, and I will apparently need every minute of that time as I’ve only read books representing 25 countries so far. The twenty fifth of these is “The Book of Proper Names” by Belgian author, Amelie Nothomb.

Amelie Nothomb is being hailed as a bright new voice in French literature.

“The Book of Proper Names” is set in France and is a twisty tale of a little girl who starts out very wrongly. Lucette was 19, 8 months pregnant, living off her parents’ money when she realized that she’d married a mediocre man who would drag her exceptional unborn child down to his level of mediocrity. In order to save her unborn daughter she murders the average Joe, gives birth in prison and bestows (against the wishes of all concerned) upon her child the hideous name “Plectrude before hanging herself with bed sheets. Providentially, Lucette has an older sister who graciously adopts her niece as her own daughter.

Plectrude finds her way in the world despite many obstacles until she stumbles upon the details of her birth. It is a block that may do her in prematurely.

This is a brilliant story told by turns in fantastical wit and then stark reality and absurd conclusion. I recommend this funny tale especially to mothers of girls as a cautionary one.

I've sent it on to Rrrcaron. 

Journal Entry 13 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Sunday, February 04, 2007

Received this in the mail yesterday. I have a book in progress at the moment, but this will be next in line!
Ruth 

Journal Entry 14 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Saturday, February 10, 2007

This was one of the strangest books I've ever read, but I was entranced none the less and read it in one sitting last night. Thanks so much for sharing this disturbing yet well written book. Sending on to mallary as soon as I receive an address.
Ruth 

Journal Entry 15 by Mallary from Ginestas, Languedoc-Roussillon France on Saturday, February 17, 2007

Arrived today in France, many thanks!
I will read this as soon as I can and send it on. 

Journal Entry 16 by Mallary from Ginestas, Languedoc-Roussillon France on Monday, February 26, 2007

This book reminded me of the French films I watch....
They always seem to have that "Huh?!?" factor at the end!
Great book though, I shall be looking out for more by this Belgian author.
Pming for 061019alexandra's address. 

Journal Entry 17 by Mallary from Ginestas, Languedoc-Roussillon France on Saturday, March 03, 2007

Mailed yesterday to 061019alexandra in Holland. 

Journal Entry 18 by 061019alexandra from Schoonhoven, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Sunday, March 11, 2007

This book arrived yesterday 

Journal Entry 19 by 061019alexandra from Schoonhoven, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Wednesday, May 30, 2007

nice book but very diffilcult to read because my english is not so good 

Journal Entry 20 by 061019alexandra at To another Bookcrossing member in By Post, By Post -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Released 4 yrs ago (5/30/2007 UTC) at To another Bookcrossing member in By Post, By Post -- Controlled Releases

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Journal Entry 21 by wuermli from Aarau, Aargau Switzerland on Monday, June 25, 2007

received about a week ago. forgot to journal. sorry.
almost done though :) 

Journal Entry 22 by sudokugirl from Sarajevo, Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina on Monday, September 03, 2007

Arrived safely this morning. 

Journal Entry 23 by sudokugirl from Sarajevo, Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday, September 28, 2007

Finished this in one sitting and thought it was probably one of the strangest books I've ever read. Like SqueakyChu, I found the ballet-anorexia part of the plot particularly interesting and will now go and read that article she provided.

I have okyrhoe's address and will send the book her way tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 24 by sudokugirl at to the next participant in sent by mail, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Monday, October 01, 2007

Released 4 yrs ago (10/1/2007 UTC) at to the next participant in sent by mail, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

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Sent to okyrhoe. 

Journal Entry 25 by okyrhoe from Athens, Attica Greece on Friday, October 19, 2007

I found this in my p.o. box today. Thanks SqueakyChu for including me in the ray, and sudokugirl for posting it to me! 

Journal Entry 26 by okyrhoe from Athens, Attica Greece on Friday, November 30, 2007

The simple storybook narrative style of this piece is somewhat misleading. On the surface this is a post-modern interpretation of Cinderella & other 'princess' tales, but there's also more. There are snippets of feminist critique (on motherhood, on ideals of beauty, etc), there are pointed comments on the process of learning and the limitations of the educational system, as well as lighthearted yet profound insights into anorexia. On top of it all, there is Amelie Nothomb toying with her readers' expectations!

Overall an enjoyable read, even though this work isn't as tightly executed as her other piece I prefer, Fear and Trembling. But the ending here is priceless! (the question "What should we do with the body?") 

Journal Entry 27 by bybee on Thursday, December 13, 2007

The book arrived yesterday...looks great. I'm looking forward to reading it very soon!

January 8, 2008: Finished this book,and am more than ready to send it on. I'm glad I had the chance to read this author, but The Book Of Proper Names is not my cup of tea. I hope the next person enjoys it more. 

Journal Entry 28 by bybee on Tuesday, January 15, 2008

January 15: This book is in the mail, winging its way to VeganMedusa. Enjoy... 

Journal Entry 29 by VeganMedusa from Invercargill, Southland New Zealand on Friday, January 18, 2008

Thanks SqueakyChu for offering this as a ray, and thanks bybee for sending it (and for the postcard and address)!
I'm glad I didn't miss out on this book, as it's an unusual one. I find that magical, fairy-tale, whimsical-type books very rarely work for me, but this one did. Funny and touching at the same time. It's one that will stay with me for a long time. Plus I have to add this author's other books to my wishlist!
A very quick read - it arrived this morning and I had it finished a couple of hours later so I could post it.
On its way to OCcinderella. 

Journal Entry 30 by capriciouselle from Newport Beach, California USA on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

it's here

2/24
I liked how this made ordinary but tragic lives seem like fairy tales. The very end seemed a bit off though. 

Journal Entry 31 by capriciouselle from Newport Beach, California USA on Tuesday, February 26, 2008

sent to guinaveve today 

Journal Entry 32 by guinaveve from Mason, Ohio USA on Friday, February 29, 2008

The book arrived today. I am finishing up Fingersmith by Sarah Waters and then will start this. It sounds interesting and looks like it will be a quick read.
I am going to go ahead and PM the next participant so that I have her address when I am ready to mail this along.
Thanks for including me in the ray. 

Journal Entry 33 by guinaveve from Mason, Ohio USA on Thursday, March 06, 2008

Journal Entry 34 by guinaveve at by postal services in Sent by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Released 4 yrs ago (3/10/2008 UTC) at by postal services in Sent by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

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I sent this first class. It was cheaper than media. 

Journal Entry 35 by debnance from Alvin, Texas USA on Saturday, March 15, 2008

The Book of Proper Names arrived today! What great timing! This is the start of spring break! 

Journal Entry 36 by debnance from Alvin, Texas USA on Monday, March 17, 2008

I like books that surprise me, but I prefer books that sneak up on me unexpectedly. The author seemed determined to surprise me, to jolt me, rather than simply letting the story tell itself in an unexpected way.

Plectrude was a character I liked, at least until the ending. She seemed genuine. Her mother was less so. Could murder be so easily evoked?

It also seems unlikely that a dance company would deny their dancers the calcium that is so necessary, even at the expense of adding a little weight.

The ending seemed very strained, twisted to provoke a response from the reader. 

Journal Entry 37 by debnance at U.S. Mail in Alvin, Texas USA on Monday, March 17, 2008

Released 4 yrs ago (3/17/2008 UTC) at U.S. Mail in Alvin, Texas USA

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Off to Canada! 

Journal Entry 38 by GateGypsy from Whitehorse, Yukon Canada on Thursday, April 03, 2008

The book arrived safely in yesterday's post! Thanks for sharing Squeekychu. I'll get to this as quickly as I can. With exams over at the end of April, I will be moving more quickly through my reading for sure! 

Journal Entry 39 by GateGypsy from Whitehorse, Yukon Canada on Sunday, November 30, 2008

Hello Squeekychu Et Al!

thanks for messaging me to remind me about this book! I just finished reading my last school-required novel for this semester, so I'll start on this one tonight and have it mailed off before Christmas! Sorry so much for the delay, and I really appreciate all your patience with me!

(Nov 30: pm'ed Cassiopeia22 for her address)

Dec 14th
I just finished this book, which honestly read very quickly once I actually applied my mind to it. It was an easy, quickly flowing, short novel. Things were, indeed, rather whimsical and fantastical, but not nearly as out-of-left-field as I have found other novels from countries other than my own to be. That's not to say I didn't like it! This whimsy makes for a very interesting experience. The end did give me a bit of a turn -- it certainly wasn't what I had expected. I found Nothomb's voice in childhood and adolescence quite insightful, and am very pleased to have been given the chance to read this book (even if it did take me virtually forever to get to it!)

The book will be in the post to Cassiopeia22 on Monday. Thank you again! 

Journal Entry 40 by Cassiopeia22 from Hamburg, Hamburg Germany on Friday, January 09, 2009

The book arrived today, thank you very much! I´m so excited, so many people already read this book and it has been to so many countries! The cover looks... strange, but I´m looking forward to reading it very much. 

Journal Entry 41 by Cassiopeia22 from Hamburg, Hamburg Germany on Thursday, January 22, 2009

I liked this book, still I´m glad that I didn´t read this at night time for I thought it was quite disturbing and creepy. I like the strangeness and the twists of the story. I read most of the book during a train ride yesterday and I think I always read this in public. Oh, and it went with me to a peotry slam. I always tried not to show the cover, so that other people think I´m reading some fluffy love novel - which the cover suggests. Also, I learnes another German word which is used in English too: leitmotif.

I´m going to pm madnad right away, so I can send this book on. 

Journal Entry 42 by madnad from Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Monday, January 26, 2009

Received today with many thanks! I have several other rings/rays to read but will do my best to read this one asap. 

Journal Entry 43 by madnad from Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Friday, February 06, 2009

What an interesting little book! I thoroughly enjoyed the story line, which was weird and yet enchanting. Plectrude is such a strange character, and at times I didn't know whether to loathe her or love her, and that's exactly what I liked about the novel. Towards the end I couldn't help but love her - how cruel of her Clémence to dismiss her like this. The ending was very strange, though!
I'd really like to read more by this writer. Thanks so much for sharing this! 

Journal Entry 44 by Rossella05 on Friday, February 13, 2009

It's here, thank you madnad and squeakychu. Has my favourite bookplate inside (Turtle Woman Interrupted).
 

Journal Entry 45 by Rossella05 on Wednesday, February 18, 2009

I finished the book yesterday, I enjoyed reading your JE's. It seemed like the characters were on meth, the insomnia, the violent behavior (easily evoked as debnance said), the malnutrition, the delusions, all the elements are there, even the writing style is fast with strong, finite sentences that can be understood separately or as part of the story, events unfold quickly and emotions have very little depth. I'd say it's a dark fairy tale, perhaps about escapism, obsession and the addictions of modern society. I thought the ending was perfect. A big thank you for sharing the book and your thoughts on it, I'll PM the next participant for their address. 

Journal Entry 46 by Rossella05 at to the next participant, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, February 19, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (2/21/2009 UTC) at to the next participant, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

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I'll be going to the post office this Saturday.

FYI: I have Amelie Nothomb's THE CHARACTER OF RAIN, if any of you would like to read it please PM me. 

Journal Entry 47 by wanderingstar8 from London , Greater London United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Just arrived - unfortunately in the same post as several other bookring books, but I'll get to it as soon as possible... 

Journal Entry 48 by wanderingstar8 from London , Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 03, 2009

A strange little book about a young girl and her mother, who loves her dearly but who is also seeking to live through her. Nothomb is a sort of surrealistic, francophone Banana Yoshimoto or Yoko Ogawa - the same sort of deadpan and slightly disconnected style, and the same unemotional girl lead. Not quite to my taste, but if you like those other two, you'll probably like this as well... 

Journal Entry 49 by lucy-lemon from Llandudno, Wales United Kingdom on Monday, March 09, 2009

Arrived over the weekend. I will try to read it asap, but have a couple of rings ahead of it. I love the cover! 

Journal Entry 50 by lucy-lemon from Llandudno, Wales United Kingdom on Monday, March 09, 2009

Wow, I loved this book! I read it in one sitting, like most people seem to have done, and was just amazed by it. I loved the descriptions of Plectrude, and thought the parts set in and after the dancing school were heartbreaking, especially the part with the chocolate in Clemence's room.

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful book. 

Journal Entry 51 by lucy-lemon at by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Friday, March 13, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (3/11/2009 UTC) at by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

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sent to sunlightbub 

Journal Entry 52 by sunlightbub from Wallasey, Merseyside United Kingdom on Saturday, March 14, 2009

Really looking forward to this!! 

Journal Entry 53 by sunlightbub from Wallasey, Merseyside United Kingdom on Thursday, April 02, 2009

I so enjoyed this book.
Nothomb's style reminds me a little of Angela Carter - A fairytale sprinkled into the everyday with just a smattering of surrealism. Fantastic!
Also lovely to hear news from Bangor!
Will check who is next up and get this moving asap 

Journal Entry 54 by Tinina67 from Seissan, Midi-Pyrénées France on Sunday, April 26, 2009

Arrived safe and sound. Next on my TBR stack. Thanks for sharing this. 

Journal Entry 55 by Tinina67 from Seissan, Midi-Pyrénées France on Monday, April 27, 2009

What a strange little book. I read it in about one hour, so it is readable. I am not sure if I enjoyed it though. It seemed a bit clinical and detached if you think about the tragic life of the heroine. But that the heroine kills the author at the end was a surprising finish. So I must admit I enjoyed the last two pages of the book. Just because of this I give 4 stars. 

Journal Entry 56 by MarysGirl from Brooklyn, New York USA on Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Arrived yesterday from Tinina67 in Australia. This book has had quite a journey! I'm half way through another ray book, then will start this one. Thanks for setting this up SqueakyChu! 

Journal Entry 57 by MarysGirl from Brooklyn, New York USA on Monday, May 18, 2009

I finished this in one subway round trip plus 5 minutes - a lovely little book! I'm rapidly becoming a fan of Nothomb. I find her style whimsical but profoundly insightful. Like Amelie this is a pointed critique of a culture - in this case western girlhood and its relentless emphasis on beauty and romance. Luckily Plectrude has an inner strength which allows her to recognize the threats (most of the time) and survive. I didn't care much for the ending, but that's the point - I'm a western woman and didn't like that the story's ending marred the "happily ever after" I yearned for.

I'll PM the next person today and get the book on it's way. Thanks for sharing SqueakChu! 

Journal Entry 58 by MarysGirl from Brooklyn, New York USA on Thursday, May 21, 2009

On its way to Natgirl101 today!

Journal Entry 59 by Natgirl101 from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Saturday, May 30, 2009

just recieved i will send it out when im done, 

Journal Entry 60 by Natgirl101 from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, June 17, 2009

very good book i really enjoyed it. 

Journal Entry 61 by ETMadrid from London , Greater London United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Natgirl101 you've sent me the wrong book... I was hoping for "People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks from you, but heard from Tinina67 that it was sent to solskinn instead (journaling books does help to keep tabs). Not a problem, hopefully the right one will at some stage make it here. I've read two books by Nothomb, neither of them this one, but I'd rather read it in the original French, so unfortunately this is a wasted stopover. SqueakyChu I've posted on the forum but would appreciate your help, as ideally there might be someone in the UK who would like this next...

09/11 Update: mafarrimond would like to read this and is happy to then reset the book on its initial course, so it'll be off again shortly. 

Journal Entry 62 by ETMadrid at Southwark, Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (11/10/2009 UTC) at Southwark, Greater London United Kingdom

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I just made it back to the Post Office this evening before it closed, so off it goes towards Wales. 

Journal Entry 63 by mafarrimond from Hawarden, Wales United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Book arrived safely today. Will start reading tonight. 

Journal Entry 64 by mafarrimond at Hawarden, Wales United Kingdom on Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (11/25/2009 UTC) at Hawarden, Wales United Kingdom

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Posted to franaloe as next in line for the bookring. 

Journal Entry 65 by franaloe from Zürich, Zürich Switzerland on Friday, December 04, 2009

The book arrived. Thanks for sharing and sending! 

Journal Entry 66 by franaloe from Zürich, Zürich Switzerland on Saturday, December 19, 2009

Weird little book.I think the story has potential, but I get the feeling the book could be better if the focus and detail of some parts would have been at other places in the story line. Some things in the book just happen too easy, without any questions being asked. I don't know, really. Not too impressed.

I've sent the book to Fremmedordbok today. She might be able to journal the book only after Christmas, so don't worry if it takes some time! And thanks for sharing. 

Journal Entry 67 by Fremmedordbok from Bergen, Hordaland fylke Norway on Wednesday, January 06, 2010

The book actually arrived today, so the post-people must still be busy from all the Christmas mail!

Looking forward to this little read! I think I will come around to it pretty quickly! 

Journal Entry 68 by Fremmedordbok from Bergen, Hordaland fylke Norway on Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Finally I finished this book! Things just take a lot of time these days..

But I enjoyed it, it was a fast read when I just found the time!

The book will travel on as soon as I get lukutuolis adress!

Thanks for arranging the ray, SqueakyChu! 

Journal Entry 69 by lukutuoli from Tampere, Pirkanmaa Finland on Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The book has arrived to Finland, thanks! Perfect timing, I'm able to start reading it today :) 

Journal Entry 70 by lukutuoli from Tampere, Pirkanmaa Finland on Wednesday, February 17, 2010

I just loved Nothomb's way of writing again! Her weird characters are fascinating and I like these kind of absurd, dark stories. I have worked with anorectics, which made this book especially interesting for me.
I still miss Fear and Trembling by Nothomb, but I've read almost all the other books written by this excellent writer. Wow!

I've PMed for the address of dancingdance, who is next in the bookray, but mysteriously received an answer from Dancesports - let's see, who'll be the next reader in Tasmania ;)


#31 for Reduce Mount TBR 2010 Challenge by DoveiLibri 

Journal Entry 71 by lukutuoli at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Released 2 yrs ago (2/18/2010 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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This well-travelled book will next travel to Australia :) 

Journal Entry 72 by Dancesports from Petcheys Bay, Tasmania Australia on Monday, March 01, 2010

Book has arrived safely at Petcheys Bay - My daughter - dancingdance will read the book first; as I already have a little queue of bookrings in front. 

Journal Entry 73 by Dancesports from Petcheys Bay, Tasmania Australia on Monday, March 15, 2010

Well dancingdance and dancesports have both read the book. Dancingdance read it the night it arrived and found it a quick read although she had mixed feelings about the story and thought it a little weird. I read the book on Friday night, also a quick read for me, I enjoyed the book and liked it becasue it was a little different; facinating and weird. I would read more from this author. 

Journal Entry 74 by Dancesports at bookcrosser, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, April 11, 2010

Released 2 yrs ago (4/7/2010 UTC) at bookcrosser, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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sending on to the next reader 

Journal Entry 75 by peggypostcard from Glen Iris, Victoria Australia on Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Thanks for sending on the book Dancesports. It arrived safely. I got waylaid before journalling it and finished reading it in the meantime. I found it a delicious mouthful of a book. Some places seemed a bit disjointed and rushed but perhaps that contributed to its unnerving quality. It was nice to read a book that is surreally strange yet not difficult. I'll definitely keep my eye out for more works by Amelie Nothomb.

Ready to send on to the next reader once I have the address. 

Journal Entry 76 by peggypostcard at Petersham, New South Wales Australia on Friday, June 18, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (6/16/2010 UTC) at Petersham, New South Wales Australia

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I posted the book off to New Zealand on Wednesday. My apologies for the delay. Safe travelling! 

Journal Entry 77 by Mahinaarangi at Waihi, Waikato-Coromandel New Zealand on Monday, June 21, 2010

I received this book today. It was great to come home to a parcel, and the lovely bits and pieces within. Thanks peggypostcards.
I will take the book into our school library for some TLC tomorrow, it's looking a little fragile.
It usually takes the librarian a couple of days to work her magic.
I will then read and pass on. 

Journal Entry 78 by elstaplador at Woking, Surrey United Kingdom on Saturday, July 16, 2011

This was waiting for me when I got back from holiday. Thank you for sending! 

Journal Entry 79 by elstaplador at Woking, Surrey United Kingdom on Sunday, July 17, 2011

Or, originally, Robert des Noms Propres - one loses the double meaning in the translation.

Plectrude, orphaned by her father's murder (by her mother) and her mother's subsequent suicide, is brought up by her aunt and uncle as their own. She is an unusual child, developing skills only when she sees fit, imaginative and idealistic, but not immune to reality.

I wasn't convinced by the final twist - it seemed rather pointless to me.

This is a quick read, one sitting for me, rather surreal, humorous but poignant, with a fairy-tale feel. It queries assumptions about beauty, about talent, about intelligence and about identity. Possibly triggery for eating disorders, I would think.
 

Journal Entry 80 by elstaplador at by mail, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, August 11, 2011

Released 9 mos ago (8/11/2011 UTC) at by mail, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

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Posted to Ossiefry. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 81 by Ossiefry at Aljezur, Faro Portugal on Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Book arroved safly today! I have another ray to read first, but will get to this one shortly.
Thanks for the bookcrossing stikers! :) 

Journal Entry 82 by Ossiefry at on Friday, September 02, 2011

Lovely book and fast to read. :)
Who is next?  

Journal Entry 83 by Ossiefry at by mail, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, September 11, 2011

Released 8 mos ago (9/11/2011 UTC) at by mail, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

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on it's way to the next reader. 

Journal Entry 84 by bookguide at Wijchen, Gelderland Netherlands on Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Arrived here today safe and sound and in fabulous health after so many readers. Being forgetful is often a blessing, as I had a feeling there was a book on the way, but it was still a complete and lovely surprise when it arrived! I will read this and get it travelling again as soon as I can. 

Journal Entry 85 by bookguide at Wijchen, Gelderland Netherlands on Friday, September 30, 2011

An extraordinary tale of an extraordinary individual with an extraordinary name. Plectrude is doomed from the start, abandoned in the most extreme way by her parents, then overindulged and smothered by her adoptive mother, she was plunged into the horror of bullying at school. Her strength of character (or is it autism?) eventually changes her fate at school, but eventually her single-mindedness causes her to suffer from anorexia. This section of the book is rather harrowing, and explains the process rather well. I found it particularly moving as a childhood friend died as a result of anorexia (several years after I had last seen her, but it was nevertheless shocking).

I stayed in bed one Sunday to read 'The Book of Proper Names' and couldn't put it down. As the style was fairly simple, I'm wondering if I could have read it in French. Perhaps I will buy another of Amélie Nothomb's books next time I'm in France. Thank you for giving me the chance to read it, and I shall contact Pam99 and send it to her as soon as I can. 

Journal Entry 86 by bookguide at Wijchen, Gelderland Netherlands on Friday, February 17, 2012

Released 3 mos ago (2/17/2012 UTC) at Wijchen, Gelderland Netherlands

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Sorry to all those after me in the book ring and to Bookmaniac70, the ring starter, for holding on to this book for such an incredibly long time. Stupidly, I read it soon after receiving it, but that doesn't earn me any Brownie points if I don't send it on to the next person for months. All the more embarrassing as 36 other people will be receiving an email of my disorganisation. One reason why I hardly ever sign up for book rings any more.

This book has been released as part of the following 2011 BookCrossing challenges:
- The Ultimate Challenge - read and release books, with extra points for a monthly theme
- Reduce Mount TBR (To Be Read) - read and release books on the TBR list since before June 2010. My reading goal is 75 books.
- Pages Read Challenge - read a self-set target number of pages in 2011. My goal is 25,000.
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die Challenge 

Journal Entry 87 by pam99 at Troon, Scotland United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 07, 2012

wow, what a well-travelled little book! I'm reading a book that I'm not really enjoying at the moment (666 challenge and one of those very clever books that you feel you 'ought' to finish once you've started), so I think I will read this first and then go back to my original book. 

Journal Entry 88 by pam99 at Troon, Scotland United Kingdom on Thursday, March 08, 2012

I liked this strange and bleak little book - I agree with the previous journallers who said it was very like French films... definitely an author I'd like to read more of. I think one of the most interesting things was reading back through the journal entries here and seeing just how much this book has divided opinion!

I thought it would be quite a quick read so I pm'd tangledthreads yesterday for an address, just waiting for that and the book will be on its way.

UPDATE: No response from tangledthreads and by the look of things, they've not been around bookcrossing for a while. I'll try again and send out an ISO before I move to the next person. 9.3.12 Tangledthreads got back to me and has asked to be skipped. 

Journal Entry 89 by pam99 at Troon, Scotland United Kingdom on Monday, March 12, 2012

Released 2 mos ago (3/12/2012 UTC) at Troon, Scotland United Kingdom

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on its way to mysteriousmummy! 

Journal Entry 90 by mysteriousmummy at Shefford, Bedfordshire United Kingdom on Thursday, March 15, 2012

Arrived safely will read asap 

Journal Entry 91 by mysteriousmummy at Shefford, Bedfordshire United Kingdom on Saturday, March 17, 2012

This book is very confusing I am not sure if I enjoyed it or not. It started well and really captured me, then towards the end it felt like the author had lost interest in writing it and wanted to get to the truely bizzare ending as soon as possible.

Will be sending off to the next participant in Finland sometime this week. 

Journal Entry 92 by mysteriousmummy at Book Ring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, March 29, 2012

Released 2 mos ago (3/23/2012 UTC) at Book Ring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Posted off to Finland on Friday 23rd hope it arrives safely 

Journal Entry 93 by Jo_an_a at Helsinki, Uusimaa Finland on Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Received the book, many thanks!

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17.4.2012

What a strange little book. I felt like it was written by a child at times, but I actually enjoyed the super fast movement of events and the total lack of explaining details, motives, or anything really! Fun read.

I have emailed KiwiinEngland for address to get the book to its next reader. 

Journal Entry 94 by Jo_an_a at Helsinki, Uusimaa Finland on Sunday, April 29, 2012

Released 1 mo ago (4/20/2012 UTC) at Helsinki, Uusimaa Finland

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This has been posted to its next reader! 

Journal Entry 95 by KiwiinEngland at Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Arrived in a very wet New Zealand today. Thank you for posting it over from Finland. 

Journal Entry 96 by KiwiinEngland at Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I enjoyed this dark wee tale, although the last three or so pages were ridiculous and might as well have been ripped out by an editor and burnt as they detracted from the rest of the story.