Inscrutable Americans (Bookray)
29 journalers for this copy...
This is a fantastic lil book about one indian student from a small town in India who leaves his country inorder to get a degree in an American University.It takes you through the quirks of being an immigrant in America, with the initial surprise reactions to the culture, women, food and language right to the acceptance of racisim, honour and ultimately self discovery.
I read this book a few years ago...loved it!
Tentative order for the Bookray:
I'm mailing the book out on the 6th of Feb, my sister's wedding anniversary...so maybe she'll bring my first bookray luck!
This ray will remain open for as long as there are people who want to read it. There are no rules really....just try and read it as soon as you can (its not a big book..so it wont take longer than a month). Journal when you receive it and when you mail it out again...and don't get too stressed....its a book...not an assignment, so enjoy! (:-)
Book-man-8 (Germany
Rumble-bee (Germany)
Totoroandmei (Japan - Asia/Pacific preferred)
Katayoun (Iran - Intl)
Hengameh (Iran - Intl)
Hollydolly (Canada)
Uppity (US or Canada only)
Jamesmum (US - Intl)
LGinder (US Only)
Glade1 (US Only)
Luintaurien (US - Intl)
Tenneh (US - Intl)
KarinAlyssa (Canada)
Erishkigal (US-Intl)
Lauraloo29 (Canada - Intl if reqd)
Thursday5 (US)
Trojanpotato (US preferred)
Jackie700 (USA - Intl if reqd)
RustyReader2 (Canada)
tagesmann (UK- Intl)
Juliet982 (Venezuela)
Rapturina (Netherlands)
Bookguide (Netherlands - EU)
Solskinn (Austria - EU/Intl)
Mucker28 (UK - Intl) (skipped for now until contactable)
Lellie (UK - Intl)
Sjr1969 (UK)
Lucy-lemon - (UK - EU - can do intl if reqd)
Icila (France - Intl)
Annimanni (Finland - Intl)
JenKazoo (USA - USA)
Bibliotreker (USA - USA)
Sunfi (USA - Intl)The book is here!
I'm mailing the book out on the 6th of Feb, my sister's wedding anniversary...so maybe she'll bring my first bookray luck!
This ray will remain open for as long as there are people who want to read it. There are no rules really....just try and read it as soon as you can (its not a big book..so it wont take longer than a month). Journal when you receive it and when you mail it out again...and don't get too stressed....its a book...not an assignment, so enjoy! (:-)
Rumble-bee (Germany)
Totoroandmei (Japan - Asia/Pacific preferred)
Katayoun (Iran - Intl)
Hengameh (Iran - Intl)
Hollydolly (Canada)
Uppity (US or Canada only)
Jamesmum (US - Intl)
LGinder (US Only)
Glade1 (US Only)
Luintaurien (US - Intl)
Tenneh (US - Intl)
KarinAlyssa (Canada)
Erishkigal (US-Intl)
Lauraloo29 (Canada - Intl if reqd)
Thursday5 (US)
Trojanpotato (US preferred)
Jackie700 (USA - Intl if reqd)
RustyReader2 (Canada)
tagesmann (UK- Intl)
Juliet982 (Venezuela)
Rapturina (Netherlands)
Bookguide (Netherlands - EU)
Solskinn (Austria - EU/Intl)
Mucker28 (UK - Intl) (skipped for now until contactable)
Lellie (UK - Intl)
Sjr1969 (UK)
Lucy-lemon - (UK - EU - can do intl if reqd)
Icila (France - Intl)
Annimanni (Finland - Intl)
JenKazoo (USA - USA)
Bibliotreker (USA - USA)
Sunfi (USA - Intl)
Journal Entry 3 by gussy916 at The post office! in Mumbai, Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, February 5, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (2/5/2006 UTC) at The post office! in Mumbai, Bookray -- Controlled Releases
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Yay! My first bookray is on its way to Bochum Germany to meet book-man-8.
Safe travels little book~
Yay! My first bookray is on its way to Bochum Germany to meet book-man-8.
Safe travels little book~
Journal Entry 4 by book-man-8 from Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Thursday, February 16, 2006
I got the book today in the mail. Thank you for sharing!
An incredible, hilarious book. I cannot recount the number of times I had to laugh out loud! But it's not only funny, it also gives a deep insight in the way different cultures percieve each other. And: how would such a book read, if the ploy was reversed - an American in a small Indian town?
Journal Entry 6 by book-man-8 at Released by mail - controlled release in Bochum, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Friday, February 17, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (2/18/2006 UTC) at Released by mail - controlled release in Bochum, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany
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Sent to rumble-bee in Velbert, Germany. Have fun!
Sent to rumble-bee in Velbert, Germany. Have fun!
Journal Entry 7 by rumble-bee from Velbert, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Monday, February 20, 2006
Received the book by mail today from book-man-8. Thank you for sending it along so swiftly!
I had a quick glance inside, and was subject to my first fit of laughter... seems to be hilarious...! I'm looking forward to reading it!
Thanks go to gussy916 for the idea...!
I had a quick glance inside, and was subject to my first fit of laughter... seems to be hilarious...! I'm looking forward to reading it!
Thanks go to gussy916 for the idea...!
Journal Entry 8 by rumble-bee from Velbert, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Sunday, February 26, 2006
I finished the book yesterday, and was totally amazed, and also a bit nonplussed. I thought that literary history is being really unfair, in acknowledging only the "big" names, and often forgetting little gems like this one. I'm sure that none of my professors has ever heard about this author, which is a crying shame...
Forget about Naipaul and the like; this is what real Indians are really reading...!
It combines all the features a good book should have:
it makes you laugh, weep, and think in alternating rhythms; it is not only funny, but also has many passages of breathtaking beauty and insight; for example about the ageing-process of American women; about core problems of different cultures; about status symbols; and much more.
I don't want to spoil the reading process for my succeeding readers, so I won't tell any more.
All in all, this is a highly recommendable book; and I hope it will also act as a small cultural messenger during this BookRay.
have fun everyone!!
I'm going to mail this out as soon as I get the next address.
Forget about Naipaul and the like; this is what real Indians are really reading...!
It combines all the features a good book should have:
it makes you laugh, weep, and think in alternating rhythms; it is not only funny, but also has many passages of breathtaking beauty and insight; for example about the ageing-process of American women; about core problems of different cultures; about status symbols; and much more.
I don't want to spoil the reading process for my succeeding readers, so I won't tell any more.
All in all, this is a highly recommendable book; and I hope it will also act as a small cultural messenger during this BookRay.
have fun everyone!!
I'm going to mail this out as soon as I get the next address.
Journal Entry 9 by rumble-bee at BookRing in -- Per Post geschickt / Persönlich weitergegeben --, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (3/1/2006 UTC) at BookRing in -- Per Post geschickt / Persönlich weitergegeben --, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany
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RELEASE NOTES:
Sent on today to totoroandmei in Japan.
I wanted to send it yesterday, but the weather was sooo terrible that I didn't dare risk my life on the streets :-))
Anyhow, I was almost reluctant to let it go.
It's really a little gemstone.
Bon voyage, little book!
Sent on today to totoroandmei in Japan.
I wanted to send it yesterday, but the weather was sooo terrible that I didn't dare risk my life on the streets :-))
Anyhow, I was almost reluctant to let it go.
It's really a little gemstone.
Bon voyage, little book!
Thanks rumble-bee. Love the postcard and so happy to receive the book. Thanks Gussy916 for sharing. I have two books I need to finish up first but look forward to reading this.
Excellent book! I laughed through lots of it and had the same thoughts as book-man-8. What would happen if the plots were reversed? Thanks so much for sharing this book gussy916. It is a a true gem.
Journal Entry 12 by totoroandmei at A Fellow Bookcrosser in By Mail, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (3/21/2006 UTC) at A Fellow Bookcrosser in By Mail, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases
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here!! ok no the order is wrong but hengameh had just picked it up from mom's place (her books go there!) and i kinda got it!! :) she's got a couple of books before this and i have only one, so it's fair! thanks gussy916 and thanks
Totoroandmei (amazing that we are running so into each other)
p.s. sorry for the intrusion people. Book-man-8, sorry for the delays in pms, my computer is a mess (it's going back to doctor on wednesday and i got this awful project just starting...well ok and sometimes i am lazy :) spring is the time to be lazy, right? )
Totoroandmei (amazing that we are running so into each other)
p.s. sorry for the intrusion people. Book-man-8, sorry for the delays in pms, my computer is a mess (it's going back to doctor on wednesday and i got this awful project just starting...well ok and sometimes i am lazy :) spring is the time to be lazy, right? )
thanks for the read and handed back to hengameh
thanks for the read and handed back to hengameh, and we are out of world cup :( but really we didn't play all that bad against portugal, isn't it true?
i'm reading the book. it's funny but sometimes i feel sorry for Gopal.and some stupid thing that i'm thinking : what would i do if i were Gopal?
well,not as funny as i thought and expected. it was somehow pitifully strange for an indian with such reach culture to act so stupid.
anyway, thanks a lot for sharing.will ask hollydolly for her/his address
anyway, thanks a lot for sharing.will ask hollydolly for her/his address
on the way to hollydolly.thanks again for sharing.
This liitle book arrived safely today all the way from Tehran. Thank you Hengameh, also for the pretty packaging. It was a shame to have to unwrap it. I loved your writing on the package, what dialect was it?
At the moment I am reading "Sparrow" together with Gussy916. I will get to this as soon as I can.
Thank you again.
At the moment I am reading "Sparrow" together with Gussy916. I will get to this as soon as I can.
Thank you again.
I finshed this little book a few days ago, bit late in journaling, as I have a beastly cold and do not feel much like doing anything, however......I really enjoyed this little gem of a book. Really funny in places, and in some ways a bit sad. All in all a good read.
Have PM'd the next person on the list. I will try to get to the post office by the end of the week.
Thursday August 17/06
Husband mailed out book for me today.
Have PM'd the next person on the list. I will try to get to the post office by the end of the week.
Thursday August 17/06
Husband mailed out book for me today.
arrived today. I'm looking forward to reading it.
I loved this little book.Gopal was fortunately to have a friend like Randy. Gopal's observations were priceless and so were his reactions.We have a fair number of people in our area who are immigrants from India. I often wonder about them when I meet them on the street or store. Our life, customs and habits must be baffling them.
Will mail to Jamesmum when I hear from her.
Sept. 5. Will mail tomorrow.
Will mail to Jamesmum when I hear from her.
Sept. 5. Will mail tomorrow.
This was a quick, fun read - how perplexing American culture must appear to someone from such a different background! Heck, just the jump from a small rural village to a mid-sized US city would be a shock - add in a new country, an unfamiliar language, and the vagueries of college life...what a handful!
Funnily, the author (and editors) seemd to have forgotten the fact that American Thanksgiving is always celebrated on a Thursday (4th in November). It's a completely insignificant detail in the story, but it made me go back and re-read the author's bio.
Off to LGinder as soona s I get an address.
Funnily, the author (and editors) seemd to have forgotten the fact that American Thanksgiving is always celebrated on a Thursday (4th in November). It's a completely insignificant detail in the story, but it made me go back and re-read the author's bio.
Off to LGinder as soona s I get an address.
Came safely in todays mail. I'll read it quickly and get it back in the mail next week.
Wonderful little book. Makes you realize that the slang we use here in the US could have many more meanings!
I'm pm'ing Glade1 for a second time his/her requesting address.
I'm pm'ing Glade1 for a second time his/her requesting address.
Journal Entry 26 by LGinder at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Monday, October 2, 2006
Released 17 yrs ago (10/2/2006 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sending to Glade1 tomorrow (10/3/06), enjoy!
Sending to Glade1 tomorrow (10/3/06), enjoy!
Received in the mail on Saturday (I think)--just now getting around to opening it. It was a busy weekend! Anyway, this is behind a number of other rings but I'm reading as fast as I can! More later...
I started this book but just couldn't get into it. Partly it is because it seemed a bit contrived to me (Crocodile Dundee and George of the Jungle have both had similar culture shock) but mostly it is because my life has become so crazy. I might have enjoyed it, given the time to spend with it. As it is, because it did not immediately catch me, I'm going to pass it on. I've had it way too long anyway. I have it packaged and ready to go to Luintaurien. Now just have to get to the post office...
Update 1-3-07: Mailed to Luintaurien today.
Update 1-3-07: Mailed to Luintaurien today.
Caught this today. Thank you. WIll read and pass on ASAP.
Interesting book. Sending out when I get the address.
Will take to Tenneh this weekend.
Journal Entry 32 by Luintaurien at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK in York, Nebraska USA on Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (4/4/2007 UTC) at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK in York, Nebraska USA
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Received this one yesterday. I have 1 ahead of it but will get to it ASAP.
Pretty good book but I had some trouble keeping interest.
Pretty good book but I had some trouble keeping interest.
this is in Utah now--probably arrived about a week ago--I apolgise--I've been in tech, and the mail has just been piled up. Looking forward to this read!
a fun, quirky little book! I found it quite a treat to see so much that we US readers accept as our daily surround through the eyes of another culture. And sometimes embarrassing. As others have said, sometimes I found it sad, other times hysterically funny. I particularly liked the rhythm, which gave me such a sense of Gopal, and what he was going through. Thanks so much for sharing this gussy! I'll pm fresia and get this posted as soon as I have an addy. And I'll look for the film version--should be fun!
Oh No! This is a first~~por moi, at least~~ an envelope returned from *Australia* as
"undeliverable!" The date on my customs form says June 20. I just did a search through old mail, and I did send it to the address as Freesia gave it to me. So what now? As the US no longer has surface mail, sending it airmail overseas *twice* is a strain. Any chance it can visit another US reader before going back to AU or on to UK?
"undeliverable!" The date on my customs form says June 20. I just did a search through old mail, and I did send it to the address as Freesia gave it to me. So what now? As the US no longer has surface mail, sending it airmail overseas *twice* is a strain. Any chance it can visit another US reader before going back to AU or on to UK?
Hi Maire!
Just read your JE. I'm just happy the book turned up again! Will rearrange the list of BCer's to see if it doesnt have to travel too far this time. (And please feel free to send it surface)
ETA: Changes made! Hopefully the book will have a safe journey this time! Thank you Maire!
Just read your JE. I'm just happy the book turned up again! Will rearrange the list of BCer's to see if it doesnt have to travel too far this time. (And please feel free to send it surface)
ETA: Changes made! Hopefully the book will have a safe journey this time! Thank you Maire!
oh, gussy, I am so sorry! I just checked back here and saw that you had indeed revised the shipping, so have pm's LL29 and will send off immediately. With all else going on, I'm afraid once the book was out of sight, it was also out of my mind....else I'd have pm'd you to check. It surfaced this morning while cleaning the office, and i thought, "I did journal that it came back, didn't I," and that's what brought me to look at this page~~
and apologies to all after me, for keeping this so lonng after it returned~~
and apologies to all after me, for keeping this so lonng after it returned~~
Arrived safe and sound today. I have a couple of other rings before it, but I shall keep it moving. Thank you!
Sadly, I can't get into this book. If I didn't have so many rings I might try longer, but I don't want to get too far behind. This book will be travelling again later this week. Thank you for sharing!
The book arrived in Ohio-USA today. I am looking forward to reading it.
In Ohio today we have our presidential primaries to choose the party nominees. We have been barraged with TV and print political ads here in Ohio as it is an important state in the election. I will be glad when it is all over. Our little town was also voting on a school tax levy today and I hope it passes or else there will be cuts in the school system.
In Ohio today we have our presidential primaries to choose the party nominees. We have been barraged with TV and print political ads here in Ohio as it is an important state in the election. I will be glad when it is all over. Our little town was also voting on a school tax levy today and I hope it passes or else there will be cuts in the school system.
This book gave me some laughter and a some insights. We have so many international students here at The Ohio State University that I am always interested in understanding their experience. I was discussing the book with my husband and I stated that the Indians I know speak a much more standard style of English and quoted a phrase that I thought was a little over the top, but the very next evening we had a family event for my students and their families and I heard the exact same phrase I had quoted from the book. I would concur with the author's description of Gopal's experience of being able to make the most of American academic freedom by building on the strong foundation in mathematics that had been laid in India. My son-in-law from Singapore had the same experience.
Sending the book off the the next Bookcrosser tomorrow morning.
Sending the book off the the next Bookcrosser tomorrow morning.
rec'd from Thursday5 today in the mail with an absolutely charming little postcard inside. judging by the speed at which i hurled it away from myself, it should be back to you before tomorrow.
i'm looking forward to reading the book over spring break, and will review when i'm done.
i'm looking forward to reading the book over spring break, and will review when i'm done.
Guys, I am very embarrassed and sorry, but I've lost this book. I've been looking all through my room and the places I've been, but I haven't seen it. I'm moving soon, and so all my hopes are that I'll find it in the process of packing and unpacking.
UPDATE 24 JUNE 2008:
I found it! I'm moving it to the top of my list and will send it on soon.
UPDATE 24 JUNE 2008:
I found it! I'm moving it to the top of my list and will send it on soon.
Generally a hard slog. Mostly disappointing, with a few funny bits and a running gag about vegetarian cats.
I've PMed the next BCer and will send it out as soon as Monday, if I get the address before then. Sorry for the delay, folks!
I've PMed the next BCer and will send it out as soon as Monday, if I get the address before then. Sorry for the delay, folks!
I received the book in today's mail and plan to read it this week. Thanks!
This is a great book! Seeing America through Gopal's eyes was funny and bittersweet at the same time. Some of his observations are so true, and it made me think about how others perceive us while we're involved in routine day-to-day living.
Thanks for starting this ray, Gussy916. It reinforces what I like most about Bookcrossing; I never heard of this book (or author), and would have missed the opportunity of experiencing it if it weren't for Bookcrossing.
I'll send it along as soon as I receive RustyReader2's address.
Thanks for starting this ray, Gussy916. It reinforces what I like most about Bookcrossing; I never heard of this book (or author), and would have missed the opportunity of experiencing it if it weren't for Bookcrossing.
I'll send it along as soon as I receive RustyReader2's address.
Journal Entry 48 by 
Jackie700
at Grand Central Station (see notes) in New York City, New York USA on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Jackie700 at Grand Central Station (see notes) in New York City, New York USA on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (7/22/2008 UTC) at Grand Central Station (see notes) in New York City, New York USA
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WILD RELEASE NOTES:
It's on its way to tagesmann (RustyReader2 asked to be skipped).
Enjoy it (and thanks, gussy916, for organizing this ray).
It's on its way to tagesmann (RustyReader2 asked to be skipped).
Enjoy it (and thanks, gussy916, for organizing this ray).
I don't want to say this is "a very nice book" becuase it seems like that is not good enough. But it is a very nice book. There were some laughs, some very witty observations about both Americans and Indians and some well written pathos.
Juliet982 seems to have disappeared so I have sent to Rapturina today.
Journal Entry 52 by rapturina from Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Tuesday, September 9, 2008
It's here! Thanks for sending it, tagesmann. I'm looking forward to reading this book, though it'll probably have to wait a week and a half until I go on holidays to Italy and will actually have time to read it. :D
I finished reading this two weeks ago, but hadn't gotten around to journaling it, life's been a bit crazy!
Anyway, I thought it was an enjoyable book and very funny in some parts. I thought some of Gopal's observations were really clever & witty, but some of it was perhaps a bit over the top. Or maybe I'm just used to more subtle books about this topic. :D I liked the book because it gives you a sense of what it's like to live in a different country and how bewildering other cultures can sometimes be; how even the things that seem simple to the locals, might be completely mystifying to people from somewhere else. So in that respect I thought it was great. The ending was a bit silly though, I thought!
I have contacted Freesia for their address and will send on the book as soon as I get it.
Anyway, I thought it was an enjoyable book and very funny in some parts. I thought some of Gopal's observations were really clever & witty, but some of it was perhaps a bit over the top. Or maybe I'm just used to more subtle books about this topic. :D I liked the book because it gives you a sense of what it's like to live in a different country and how bewildering other cultures can sometimes be; how even the things that seem simple to the locals, might be completely mystifying to people from somewhere else. So in that respect I thought it was great. The ending was a bit silly though, I thought!
I have contacted Freesia for their address and will send on the book as soon as I get it.
Journal Entry 54 by rapturina from Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Saturday, December 6, 2008
I'm so sorry, I still have this book here! Freesia never contacted me about her address, so I waited for new people to sign up for the bookring, and then life got a bit in the way. :D
Either way, I have now contacted Bookguide for the address and will send on the book as soon as I have it.
Either way, I have now contacted Bookguide for the address and will send on the book as soon as I have it.
Journal Entry 55 by rapturina from Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sent to Bookguide this morning!
The inscrutable Americans came to visit this afternoon (or yesterday, as it's now 1.30 in the morning!). I have several ringbooks waiting for my attention, but I have a feeling this might jump the queue, as I'm going to England for a few days before Christmas, and this is a nice thin book to take with me. Also, one of my friends is getting married in India on December 22nd, and she was born in India (Mumbai, I think, but I'm not certain), she was brought up in Singapore, studied in Pittsburgh where she met her German fiance, and is now working in the Netherlands. So how appropriate is this book?! I wonder if she's read it.
I did enjoy reading this book, and it didn't take long to do so. As a British woman living in the Netherlands, I was expecting to recognise some of the feelings of culture shock. However, in my experience, one of the things which one misses most is the food from home, so I would have expected this to figure more strongly, rather than simply "giving in" and eating fries and pizza. I find it horrifying that an educated student from another country should go to America with the impression that American women (or western women in general) have such lax morals, and yet unfortunately I have met Arabic and African students who are obviously of the same opinion. Although Gopal was lucky that Randy was willing to remain friends with him throughout his year, it doesn't seem that his professor made a very wise choice in designating him as his guide to American and student life. I was shocked by his one-night-stand philosophy and his willingness to lead Gopal astray, and yet he continued to invite him, and think of him at times when he might be alone. It also seemed somewhat strange that someone exposed to American films (unless it was only pornography!) should be so surprised by skimpy clothing in the summer, although the comment that "he found it extremely difficult to be courteous and respectful to women who wore shorts that displayed half their bottom" (p.217) gives food for thought.
Most of the book was written in a style which I would call a male version of chick-lit. At times, however, the author became more contemplative in considering the American way of life and its differences to Indian life, and these sections were written in what is perhaps the author's true style, which I enjoyed more. All in all, I'm glad I read it, and (if it wasn't a ringbook, obviously) I would pass it on to a friend to read, but it would not be a book I'd try to buy for myself. Solskinn has already sent me her address, and I will be posting it to her in the New Year, as requested.
Most of the book was written in a style which I would call a male version of chick-lit. At times, however, the author became more contemplative in considering the American way of life and its differences to Indian life, and these sections were written in what is perhaps the author's true style, which I enjoyed more. All in all, I'm glad I read it, and (if it wasn't a ringbook, obviously) I would pass it on to a friend to read, but it would not be a book I'd try to buy for myself. Solskinn has already sent me her address, and I will be posting it to her in the New Year, as requested.
Journal Entry 58 by bookguide at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, January 18, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (1/18/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent in the post to Solskinn. Hope you enjoy it.
Sent in the post to Solskinn. Hope you enjoy it.
It arrived safely!
Thanks for passing the book on to me, bookguide, and thanks so much for the beautiful postcard as well as the bookplate and all the gorgeous stamps on the envelope!! :-)
When I'm done reading I won't pass the book on to Mucker28 but to Lellie. There have been quite a few searches for the first person on the forums already and he/she seems to have disappeared and taken a few books with them.
Thank you for the ring, gussy916, I am looking forward to reading!
Thanks for passing the book on to me, bookguide, and thanks so much for the beautiful postcard as well as the bookplate and all the gorgeous stamps on the envelope!! :-)
When I'm done reading I won't pass the book on to Mucker28 but to Lellie. There have been quite a few searches for the first person on the forums already and he/she seems to have disappeared and taken a few books with them.
Thank you for the ring, gussy916, I am looking forward to reading!
I am terribly sorry for having kept this book so long at my place. I still didn't have the time to read it yet and I can't foresee when I will. Therefore I've decided to pass the book on unread; There's no point in stalling. Nevertheless, thanks for including me!
Journal Entry 61 by wolkenklang at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (4/29/2009 UTC) at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Now on its way to lellie, enjoy!
Now on its way to lellie, enjoy!
Safe and sound in sunny Suffolk.
I should be starting this within the next few days.
I should be starting this within the next few days.
Apologies for not moving tnis on sooner. I finshed it some time ago but I've been a bit busy.
Not quite what I expected, although it started quite well I did sort of lose interest. Gopal seemed very unlike any Indian I heve ever come across and I have worked with many. For what it's worth I thought that Randy was a complete dope and very soon got bored with him.
A very quick, often amusing little book however.
I'll be posting this on tomorrow.
Not quite what I expected, although it started quite well I did sort of lose interest. Gopal seemed very unlike any Indian I heve ever come across and I have worked with many. For what it's worth I thought that Randy was a complete dope and very soon got bored with him.
A very quick, often amusing little book however.
I'll be posting this on tomorrow.
Released 14 yrs ago (5/26/2009 UTC) at Bookring, Book Ring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Travel well little book
Travel well little book
Journal Entry 65 by sjr1969 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, June 3, 2009
received yesterday from Lellie, but was having computer nerd problems (i.e. it is a computer and I am too much of a nerd to be able to work it properly)
normal(ish) service resumed and this is top of the pile to read.
Thank you for sharing gussy916.
normal(ish) service resumed and this is top of the pile to read.
Thank you for sharing gussy916.
Journal Entry 66 by sjr1969 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, June 25, 2009
Very funny - the evolution of the main charactor was touching and some times uncomfortable.
thank you for sharing - will PM next person on the list.
thank you for sharing - will PM next person on the list.
posted to Lucy-Lemon today
This arrived the other week, and I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to journal it until now! I read it while I was waiting for a train to go and stay with my best friend and her boyfriend (who is from India! I asked him if he had read the book and he hadn't. Luckily, he didn't have the same attitudes/feelings towards us Brits as Gopal did in the book!)
I did enjoy it, but I thought that a lot of the situations were over contrived and Randy was such an annoying character that I just wanted to slap him. And what sort of name is Randy anyway!??!
I have PMed Icila and the book will be on it's way asap. Thanks for sharing.
I did enjoy it, but I thought that a lot of the situations were over contrived and Randy was such an annoying character that I just wanted to slap him. And what sort of name is Randy anyway!??!
I have PMed Icila and the book will be on it's way asap. Thanks for sharing.
The book is safe with me.
Thanks Lucy for the beautiful Wales landscape. It gives the idea to travel there.
Thanks Lucy for the beautiful Wales landscape. It gives the idea to travel there.
Very enjoyable, thanks for sharing.
PMing Annimanni
On its way to Finland.
PMing Annimanni
On its way to Finland.
Book's in Helsinki, thanks! I have a few urgent tbr's to read before this one, but I'll try to be quick quick quick nevertheless :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this little book, although I agree with the sentiment that some things seemed a bit over the top. I've lived abroad myself and did recognise Gopal's feelings of outsiderness although the jump from Finland to the UK or the US is nothing compared to moving from a small Indian town to the US. Then again, I don't know anything about life in Jajau - maybe the culture shock really would be such as described in this book.
I'll send the book onwards as soon as I get the next participant's address.
I'll send the book onwards as soon as I get the next participant's address.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
JenKazoo asked to be skipped and so the book will travel to bibliotreker in PA next. Enjoy!
JenKazoo asked to be skipped and so the book will travel to bibliotreker in PA next. Enjoy!
Arrived today safe and sound from Finland. Thanks Annimanni. Can't wait to get started.
bibliotreker
bibliotreker
Moving to a different country with a different culture, customs and language can be quite a culture shock as Gopal found out. Even if the language one speaks is the same language. But the English spoken in India and America can be quite different; no wonder Gopal was confused. I know this is a work of fiction but too bad Gopal wasn't exposed more to the mainstream American instead of just the college crowd giving him a one-sided view. Randy, which is a quite common name in America, short for Randolf, proved to be a helpful and a hinderance to Gopal's adjustment, I felt. All in all an interesting read.
Mailed today, traveling to Sunfi in Ohio.
Mailed today, traveling to Sunfi in Ohio.
Just caught in Ohio, it arrived with 3 other rings/rays today so I'll get it on its way as soon as I can. I keep my profile updated (weekly) so you can always see how close this is to the top of the TBR list.
An interesting view of America through a non-native's eyes. I was embarrassed that most of his pre-conceived ideas about America revolved around sex and our adult entrainment industry. Even though it is a work of fiction, I've heard similar things from other folks as well. The writing took a
little to get into but it was interesting nonetheless. Since I'm at the end of the list, this one will start its journey home to gussy916 later on this week.
little to get into but it was interesting nonetheless. Since I'm at the end of the list, this one will start its journey home to gussy916 later on this week.
Journal Entry 78 by sunfi at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Ohio USA on Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (1/6/2010 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Ohio USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent back home to gussy916 today, the book should be there by the end of the month.
Sent back home to gussy916 today, the book should be there by the end of the month.
The inscrutable American is home! After such a long long journey across countries I can only hope to visit someday... Thank you all for being part of this.... Gosh I love bookcrossing!!! :-)
