Scuba Dancing

by Nicola Slade | Women's Fiction |
ISBN: 1905175019 Global Overview for this book
Registered by Rudifun23 of Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom on 3/27/2006
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22 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Rudifun23 from Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom on Monday, March 27, 2006
Fun and frothy.

Journal Entry 2 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, April 1, 2006
Recieved at 7.15 this morning (shudder) and looks great - I will read once I've got through my Christmas books and then hopefully ring it.

Transita books rule - www.transita.co.uk/

I'm not associated with them although I have written an article on BookCrossing for their newsletter - just think the idea is a great one!

Thanks Rudifun!

Journal Entry 3 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Monday, April 24, 2006
I thought it was great to read about real issues and slightly heightened ones, batty old ladies and sisterly relationships. Wasn't expecting the ending (will say no more) and it was a very positive, life-affirming read.

I will be offering this up on a bookring and have also posted my review on the transita website.

Journal Entry 4 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Monday, May 1, 2006
BOOK RING!

Usual rules apply...

Make a journal entry when you receive the book
Contact the next reader for their address when you are almost done
Post a review when you've read the book - please try to send it on within a month of receipt if you can
Make a journal entry or controlled release notes when you send the book on

PARTICIPANTS

Mujisan UK (anywhere)
Jessibud Canada (Canada/US)
Pammykn Fl, US (anywhere, surface)
Omly Massachussetts, US (anywhere)
Potok-fan Finland (Europe)
Bookfrogster UK (UK)
sjr1969 UK (anywhere)
CaterinaAnna UK (anywhere)
AlmarnaTiaam UK (UK)
WelshHelen UK (Europe)
Sterile UK (Anywhere)
Dopsis Australia (Australia preferred)
froggirlwendy Australia (anywhere)
Anglersrest UK (anywhere, surface)
GateGypsy Canada (anywhere)
Sally906 Australia (anywhere)
scotsbookie UK (UK)
Beqi UK (UK)
Calalilly UK (UK) <---- it's here

It's a bookray - I don't need it back - so on it goes!

Journal Entry 5 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, May 6, 2006
Contacted mujisan to check for a suitable time to pass the book on!

Released 17 yrs ago (5/10/2006 UTC) at A Bookcrosser in A BookCrosser, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

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Giving to mujisan on Wednesday.

Journal Entry 7 by mujisan from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Friday, May 12, 2006
Sorry for the delay in writing! No excuse!

This book is fabulous, I sat down to have a quick look after dinner on Wednesday and suddenly it was midnight and I was halfway throught the book! This is just what I needed to read now...a warm funny moving story about realistic characters. I want to move to that village :)

It's been a long time since I was so enamoured with a book that I wanted to call in sick and stay in bed to finish it! Well done Nicola Slade and thank you LyzzyBee for giving me the opportunity to read it,x

Journal Entry 8 by mujisan from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Monday, May 22, 2006
What a fabulous read! After devouring the first half of the book I savoured the second half. I can hardly bear to part with it (even the cover is lovely)and will be hunting down my own copy as soon as funds allow (which may be a while *sigh*)
I am one of those annoying people who always sees the twists and turns in plot line coming from a mile off...This one had me down! I was so completely engaged and wrapped in the story and I just didn't see it coming. Beautiful.
I eagerly await her next novel.

I'll be PMing Jessibud for the address to send it on. It will be much missed

Journal Entry 9 by jessibud from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Friday, June 30, 2006
Arrived yesterday. As of today, I am officially on vacation!! I have 3 bookring books ahead of this one but I truly don't think it will take me very long to get to it now!

Thanks for including me in this!

Journal Entry 10 by jessibud from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Maybe it just isn't the right time for me, for this book, I don't know. But I just couldn't get into it.

I have a few other bookrings all here at the moment so I have decided to just mail this on and not hold it up. Thanks for allowing me to participate, anyhow.

Mailed yesterday to pammykn

Journal Entry 11 by pammykn from Decatur, Alabama USA on Thursday, August 17, 2006
rec'd today, have a few other rings/rays and loook forward to reading this one, too.

Journal Entry 12 by pammykn from Decatur, Alabama USA on Monday, September 4, 2006
Delightful read! SO enjoyed the Hope Springs group of assorted characters. Thanks for sharing. Mailing off to omly.

Journal Entry 13 by omly from Arlington, Massachusetts USA on Sunday, September 10, 2006
This book arrived today, and I should start it early this week.

Journal Entry 14 by omly from Arlington, Massachusetts USA on Friday, September 15, 2006
I admit this had a bit more sexual content than I had been expecting, but that isn't neccesaily a bad thing. A little humor, a little romance, and even some grief. This book makes a quick tour of life, but stays a warm fuzzy read. This was just the sort of thing I was looking for without know it; I finished in in just under 24 hours.

Journal Entry 15 by potok-fan from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Monday, September 25, 2006
The book has safely arrived in Finland!

Journal Entry 16 by potok-fan from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Wednesday, September 27, 2006
I think this could make a great movie, with a cast like Saving Grace. Or perhaps even better, a short tv series - like The Camomile Lawn or William & Mary. It has an amusing plot and engaging characters, with the sort of quirky English setting that would surely appeal to WGBH/PBS folks.

I have to confess, though, that I wasn't terribly impressed by the writing of the novel. I think the biggest problem was to do with what SF-critics call the "info-dump" (or "As you know, Bob"). There was too much of the two sisters telling each other things they already knew - of course the dialogue was mainly there to tell ME, the reader, things about their upbringing and past. Maybe I was just too picky, but it irritated me, and it continued to irritate whenever it recurred.

Again, the climactic scene in this novel seemed too over the top to me (select white text to read spoiler: the wedding - during which the pregnant vicar's water breaks (and she has given birth by the time the happy couple is leaving the church?! Just how long was this wedding, anyway?)), but I suspect it could almost work in a film.

So, I enjoyed the eccentric characters and the frothy feel-good plot, but I think the novel itself could have needed a little more editing - and really would be better on screen. I'd definitely watch it - please send me a PM if anybody ever spots it on DVD!

Journal Entry 17 by potok-fan from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Friday, September 29, 2006
I posted this today to the next reader on the list, Bookfrogster.

Since writing my previous journal entry I remembered one more comment: The author’s bio includes the following, Because so many people live alone today, Nicola suggests that a lively singles group such as the one in ”Scuba Dancing” might be a desirable alternative to suffering in silence – though perhaps a group with a more orthodox agenda than the one in the book.

Yes, the friendships and support among various lonely characters in the book [not all of whom were single, btw!] were inspiring. But I think many singles would feel patronized by the suggestion that their lives are a “suffering in silence”. I myself lived as a single in England for several years, and I certainly didn’t find it a trial.

However, I do admit to being surprised and disappointed one spring when I came up with the idea of trying to organize an Easter Sunday dinner. I approached the local Anglican lay reader: could she put me in touch with a few others who might be alone on Easter and want to join me in booking a table at the inn restaurant? ‘No,’ was the reply. She wouldn’t want to embarrass anyone by drawing attention to their lonliness.

Maybe the message of this book does need spreading! Thanks, LyzzyBee, for arranging this bookring.

Journal Entry 18 by bookfrogster from Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom on Tuesday, October 10, 2006
This arrived safely yesterday and I've already started it. Enjoying the characters so far. Should be finished by the end of the week, so watch for my full report!

Journal Entry 19 by bookfrogster from Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom on Sunday, October 15, 2006
Overall I found this a nice light read with a good range of characters. I like to read books about older people that show just because you're over 60 doesn't mean you have to take to your bed but can still have a very full life. I felt there were a lot of themes that the writer ran out of time to really explore because there were so many characters and things going on. Could have had a book totally based on one of the characters alone. Thanks for sharing this one lyzzybee.

Off to the next person once I have an address.

Released 17 yrs ago (10/28/2006 UTC) at South Clerk Street Post Office in Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom

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Off to sjr1969 as the next on the list. Happy reading!

Journal Entry 21 by sjr1969 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, November 11, 2006
finally got fixed the computer to journal this!

This is next in the queue to read.

Thanks for sharing Liz.

Journal Entry 22 by sjr1969 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 21, 2006
I did enjoy this book. I read it on the bus to and from work and it made the journey almost bearable!

There was an element of suspending disbelief, but it all came together in a fun way. The characters were good, with my favourite being the Old Pretender!

PMing the nest on the list for posting directions!.

Thanks for sharing.

Journal Entry 23 by sjr1969 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, November 25, 2006
Passing on to Caterinaanna at the BC brum meet up this afternoon

Journal Entry 24 by Caterinaanna from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, November 26, 2006
Passed on by sjr 1969 at this weekend's meet-up.
Aiming to read it before the Transita Day on the 9th, as I'm not sure if I've read others from the stable or not ...

Journal Entry 25 by Caterinaanna from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, December 2, 2006
Finished by planned deadline!

I confess to reading this in an evening. Started it while dinner was cooking and continued over dinner (aren't book chairs wonderful?). Now given the choice between marking a load of untidy tests, full of gaps and wrong answers that make one despair, and a frothy book with some silly characters in and a touch of the surreal which would you choose? In my defence, I had finished by a normal person's bedtime ...

PM'ing AT to send it on.

Journal Entry 26 by AlmarnaTiaam from Innsbruck, Tirol Austria on Thursday, December 7, 2006
Got it yesterda from CaterinaAnna. I had completely forgotten about this ring, so it's even more exciting.

Journal Entry 27 by WelshHelen from Ponthenri, Wales United Kingdom on Friday, December 29, 2006
The second Transita book to arrive over the Christmas holiday - yipee! Thanks for sending on to me, AlmarnaTiaam, and for the beautiful postcard. I have a few more ring books ahead of this one but I should get to it very soon.

Journal Entry 28 by AlmarnaTiaam from Innsbruck, Tirol Austria on Thursday, January 11, 2007
Oh I'm sorry, I just realised that I forgot to post after finishing...

So, first of all: I enjoyed the book very much, although it is not the sort of book, I usually read. The characters are so normal, so real. The situation with Rosemay and Margot reminded me very much of my mum, taking care of my aunt (who splaped her doctor in the face...). I had to laugh out loud quite often at the ideas of the gang.

Thanks for sharing ;-)

Journal Entry 29 by WelshHelen from Ponthenri, Wales United Kingdom on Friday, January 26, 2007
I loved this book! The cast of characters was wonderful and I loved seeing how they grew when they were given the chance, especially Ursula, who I think could have been a right little raver if she hadn't had to look after the harridan of a sister-in-law :-)

It was a really feel-good, "warm" book and even though I'd guessed at the ending it didn't spoil it for me. I wonder if there's a chance of a sequel, for us to catch up with Julia, Rosemary, Hedgehog and all the rest of the Gang - I'd love to know how they're getting on :-)

Thank you so much for sharing, LyzzyBee. The book is now on its way to Sterile.

Journal Entry 30 by Sterile from Burnley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Monday, January 29, 2007
It's here! I am on with another ringed book at the moment but will start this one next up! I can't resist looking at the other reviews before I start a book, and this one has accumulated a mixed bunch! Other Transita books I have read have been good though and so this has got a warm reception in my house. Thanks WelshHelen for the groovy packaging.

Journal Entry 31 by Sterile from Burnley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 7, 2007
I can't really say that I couldn't put it down, it wasn't that type of book for me. The plot was good enough and the story ticked over nicely though. I feel that if the book were longer then I may not have lasted the course and started to 'skim'. As it was there was no need - got an address for dopsis in Australia - thats where it goes to next.

Journal Entry 32 by dopsis from Albany, Western Australia Australia on Sunday, February 18, 2007
Arrived on Friday. Despite a busy weekend have managed to squeeze in some reading and am 3/4 of the way through! I've really loved it so far, it's a nice, relaxed read with 'real-life' characters. I am a bit worried about what will happen to Ursula, tho'...

Journal Entry 33 by dopsis from Albany, Western Australia Australia on Wednesday, March 7, 2007
What a lovely story! I'll be keeping an eye out for any further novels by this author.

Sorry for the delay in passing this on, been away, then forgot about it! Will send off to froggirlwendy tomorrow. Thanks for sharing, LyzzyBee:)

Journal Entry 34 by froggirlwendy from Bracken Ridge, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Arrived safely around 20/March. Sorry for the delay in journalling it's arrival - not sure how I missed it. Thanks dopsis for sending it my way :o)

Journal Entry 35 by froggirlwendy from Bracken Ridge, Queensland Australia on Tuesday, July 10, 2007
From the journal entries I've read, I'm sure this was a lovely book, however I struggled a bit with it and didn't finish it. Maybe I wasn't in the mindset for this type of book either, despite having it for so long. I may have to try reading it again at some later date and see if my opinion changes. Thanks LyzzyBee for your patience and for adding me to this ring.

This book went in the post (finally) on it's way to anglersrest after many months in Brisbane. I am terribly sorry about having this book for so long - it got totally lost in my TBR Mountain which I didn't organise well enough. A million apologies to the waiting readers.

Journal Entry 36 by froggirlwendy at on Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Released 16 yrs ago (7/9/2007 UTC) at

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On it's way to the UK to continue its bookring. Enjoy :o)

Journal Entry 37 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Thursday, July 19, 2007
Waiting for me when I returned from a very damp Yorkshire! Next up, so should be moving within a week or so.

Journal Entry 38 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 25, 2007
I enjoyed the wonderfully eccentric characters, and like many readers before me, devoured this fairly quickly. It was what I would call a "comforting read"

I've PMed GateGypsy and as soon as I have an address this will be dancing its way to Canada.

Journal Entry 39 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Thursday, July 26, 2007
In the post on Friday 27th July; dancing it's way to Canada.
Enjoy!

Journal Entry 40 by GateGypsy from Ladysmith, British Columbia Canada on Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Arrived, early today, in the mail. When I accepted this, I expected to be further along in my reading than I am, so it will still take me a while to get through to this, but I'll move it along, I promise!

Journal Entry 41 by GateGypsy from Ladysmith, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, February 21, 2008
I finally finished reading this. I'm so sorry it took so long for me to get to it, but I'm glad I read it! It was entertaining and pleasant. Some of it was a tad on the unbelievable side, but it wasn't completely outlandish. I really enjoyed it.

I've PMed Sally906, so I should have this in the post in about a week (next payday).

Journal Entry 42 by GateGypsy at controlled release: bookring in Whitehorse, Yukon Canada on Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Released 16 yrs ago (3/18/2008 UTC) at controlled release: bookring in Whitehorse, Yukon Canada

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It's in the post and on its way! Thank you again for your patience!

Journal Entry 43 by sally906 from Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Friday, March 28, 2008
Picked up from Post Office last night - have a couple of books ahead of it :)

Journal Entry 44 by sally906 from Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on Saturday, April 26, 2008
Ursula's story begins the book and it finishes the book, but her story is not the only one. On the notice board is an advertisement for a sort of social club that is being started up in the village. There are other characters who join, to name a few: Rosemary whose mother has Alzheimer's; the rich, heavy drinking Delia; Bobbie, Sue who has a husband who is cheating on her; Julia who has a beau who thinks he is the true heir to the English throne and her sister Finn who takes a job as a clairvoyant and starts to go out with Charlie - the son of the heir to the throne!!!

As a group they decide to go on a trip to a tropical island - those who can afford the holiday will pay in full, those who can't can contribute what they can a then join in the activities to raise funds for the rest of the group to go. What follows is a really heart-warming read - some really heavy issues that are nicely counter balanced with some very funny scenes. There is laughter, romance, tension, sex, drugs but no rock and roll - and an ending that is totally unexpected yet so right.

I have scotsbookie's address and will mail this off on payday

Journal Entry 45 by sally906 at on Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Released 15 yrs ago (4/29/2008 UTC) at

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Mailed of to scotsbookie

Journal Entry 46 by scotsbookie from Peebles, Scotland United Kingdom on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Arrived safely this morning. Next up after I finish reading Biko which is over 400 pages :)

Journal Entry 47 by scotsbookie from Peebles, Scotland United Kingdom on Monday, May 19, 2008
Oh I did enjoy this. A great group of characters with both likeable & annoying traits. Laughs & tears along the way.

I have PM'd Beqi & will get it on its travels again asap.

Released 15 yrs ago (5/21/2008 UTC) at to a fellow bookcrosser in book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases

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Journal Entry 49 by Beqi from Daventry, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Friday, May 23, 2008
Arrived safely this morning. Many thanks for posting it Scotsbookie. I'm reading a book at the moment but I'll start this as soon as I finish it. I'm really looking forward to it as it seems most other people on the ring have enjoyed it!

Journal Entry 50 by Beqi from Daventry, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Sunday, June 15, 2008
I never thought I'd say it but I'm going through a phase of not wanting to read much! I'm not sure why, and hope it's just temporary, but I've given up with Scuba Dancing. I can't blame the book because ordinarily it would be what I'd call 'an easy read' but things just aren't right for me to read at the moment as I'm so busy and when I get to bed I just want to sleep rather than read. I'm off on holiday on Friday, and could really do with the break, so I'll take a book with me and see how I go. I already have Calalily's address so I'll get this in the post straight away via 1st Class mail to someone who will hopefully appreciate it more than me! (Thank you for letting me join the ring, and hope I don't sound too ungrateful. I don't know what's up with me..)

Journal Entry 51 by calalilly from Waterlooville, Hampshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Received in the post today. Thank you.

Journal Entry 52 by calalilly from Waterlooville, Hampshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A very enjoyable book that had me laughing out loud quite a few times. It was so easy to read. Although there was quite a few characters there weren't that many that I couldn't remember who was who which happens in some books. Thank you Lzzybee for sharing it with us all.
As I'm the last one on the ring I will probably be putting it in a vbb on bcukextra and if by any chance it doesn't get taken from there I will take it to our local meet up.

Journal Entry 53 by calalilly from Waterlooville, Hampshire United Kingdom on Saturday, June 20, 2009
Sending this off to Birmingham-Rose,sorry it's taken me so long to get it to you. Hope you enjoy!!

Journal Entry 54 by birmingham-rose from Burntwood, Staffordshire United Kingdom on Saturday, June 27, 2009
Received yesterday. Thank you for the opportunity to read this, I am working my way through the Transita catalogue with very mixed reviews.
This will be my next read, so it shouldn't be long before I get to it.

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