Journal Entry 1 by amoenus from Tulsa, Oklahoma USA on Monday, May 01, 2006

Such a fun book, with characters! It made me want to see London, which I was able to do, but it was before I found out about bookcrossing. I am going to send this on a ring, maybe someone in London will sighn up and be willing to release in the area. 

Journal Entry 2 by amoenus from Tulsa, Oklahoma USA on Sunday, May 07, 2006

I am sending this on an international ring, mailing tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 3 by classicfox on Saturday, May 13, 2006

Received in mail today from Laurarn as part of her book ring. Looks like an interesting and quick read. I've already started it. Will be mailing it to thursday5 next. This is my first ring ever to be in--thanks for letting me participate! 

Journal Entry 4 by classicfox on Monday, May 15, 2006

I finished this today. I have mixed feelings about this little book. While I did enjoy it very much, I did have trouble with the author's lack of punctuation, esp. with her using "i" instead of "I." This bothered me because she was a writer. However I'm sure it was intentional, adding an informality to her letters. The other thing that bothered me was I never found out whether these letters are real. I can only assume they are and these people really did have this correspondence continuing throughout all those years. Normally I don't care for book prefaces and usually just skim through them, but I think this book would have done well to have one; explaining if the correspondence was real or fiction. I would also liked to have known more about this author. Having said all this, I did enjoy it and think it is an excellent book for a book ring.
Mailing off to thursday5 tomorrow, the next BCer on the list. 

Journal Entry 5 by classicfox on Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Sent off today to "thursday5", next on book ring list. 

Journal Entry 6 by Thursday5 from Columbus, Ohio USA on Saturday, May 20, 2006

Book arrived in the mail today from classicfox. It is always fun to find a bookcrossing package in the mailbox! I'm looking forward to reading the book. 

Journal Entry 7 by Thursday5 from Columbus, Ohio USA on Monday, May 22, 2006

What a charming little book.
Some of the letters sounded just like some of our Bookcrossing PMs! Just like Bookcrossers, geography did not get in the way of a shared love of books.Laurarn, thanks for sharing this book of letters by another booklover.
I even learned something new from the book-I had not realize that the food rationing went on that long after the war, which somehow changes my understanding of some of my older English acquaintances.


Spoiler: (Written in a white font-highlight to read.)
The tension of Helene never getting to England to meet Frank holds the book together with the quiet saddeness of opportunity not taken and then lost forever. I think this is what will linger with me long after I send the book off on it's way. 

Journal Entry 8 by Thursday5 from Columbus, Ohio USA on Monday, May 22, 2006

The book is all packaged up and ready to take to the post office tomorrow morning to continue on it's journey. I have enclosed a note card with a picture of St. Paul's I took when we were in London last summer. 

Journal Entry 9 by Thursday5 from Columbus, Ohio USA on Tuesday, May 23, 2006

After sending the book off I realized that it would have been fun to make a bookmark with US and UK stamps to go in the book. Perhaps someone can do this before it gets back to Laurarn. 

Journal Entry 10 by collectorkerri from Springfield, Illinois USA on Monday, May 29, 2006

Received as part of laurarn's bookring. Will read ASAP. 

Journal Entry 11 by collectorkerri from Springfield, Illinois USA on Tuesday, June 06, 2006

I enjoyed this charming little book tremendously. As previous readers have mentioned, I had no idea eggs and other rationed items were in such short supply for so long after WWII.

I also thought (SPOILER ALERT) that it was tragic that Helene and Frank and the other bookshop employees never met. They had such a lovely friendship.

I am starting this book on its long journey to Australia today for the next leg of this bookring. 

Journal Entry 12 by froggirlwendy from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Received in mail today from collectorkerri **thanks** as part of Laurarn's bookring. Looks like a nice quick read. I started it on the train on my way home as I finished another ring on the way to work. Have 2 other ring books at moment but will speed read & forward on..lol. 

Journal Entry 13 by froggirlwendy from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Friday, July 14, 2006

Finally on it's way to Heaven-Ali - many apologies.

I enjoyed this one very much, however was disappointed in Helene never getting to the UK and meeting Frank.

Thank you laurarn for this ring :D 

Journal Entry 14 by froggirlwendy from Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Friday, July 14, 2006

Finally on it's way to Heaven-Ali - many apologies.

I enjoyed this one very much, however was disappointed in Helene never getting to the UK and meeting Frank.

Thank you laurarn for this ring :D Makes me miss the 3 months I holidayed in London back in 2000. 

Journal Entry 15 by Heaven-Ali from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Arrived today, along with another ring looking forward to reading this, and will get to it soon. 

Journal Entry 16 by Heaven-Ali from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, July 22, 2006

I read this lovely little book today as I traveled by bus to and from the Birmingham bookcrossing meet up. I left the last thirty paged for when I got home , and savoured the ending in the peace of my own living room. What a charming little book, and what a wonderful friendship, I had a tear in my eye as I finished it. 

Journal Entry 17 by Heaven-Ali at to a bookcrosser in sent by mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, July 24, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (7/24/2006 UTC) at to a bookcrosser in sent by mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to chocdrop today. 

Journal Entry 18 by chocdrop from Derby, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Book arrived safely this morning - thanks Heaven-Ali.

I can't wait to read it. 

Journal Entry 19 by chocdrop from Derby, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Thanks Laurarn for sharing this wonderful little book. I read it this morning on a train.

I particularly enjoyed Helene Hanff's letter (Sept 18 1952) which mentioned her friends attitude to her getting rid of books that she wouldn't read again - they'd be horrified at the idea of wild releasing!

I've PMed Hawkette for her address. 

Journal Entry 20 by chocdrop from Derby, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Thursday, August 03, 2006

Posted to Hawkette today. 

Journal Entry 21 by Hawkette from Ballarat, Victoria Australia on Saturday, August 05, 2006

Has arrived with me in London. 

Journal Entry 22 by Hawkette from Ballarat, Victoria Australia on Tuesday, August 29, 2006

This book was delightful! No other word for it! I was totally absorbed from the first letter of request, to the last exchanged included. What a lovely little book! The exchange between Helene and the group working in a bookshop on the other side of the world - cute and funny! 

Journal Entry 23 by j4neyo from Whitchurch, Shropshire United Kingdom on Thursday, September 14, 2006

Received safely in the post. Many thanks to Laurarn and Hawkette. 

Journal Entry 24 by j4neyo from Whitchurch, Shropshire United Kingdom on Saturday, September 16, 2006

What a great book - one from my wish list. 

Journal Entry 25 by j4neyo at BOOKRING in Controlled release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (9/19/2006 UTC) at BOOKRING in Controlled release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

 

Journal Entry 26 by vainilla79 from Pinto, Madrid Spain on Friday, September 22, 2006

Hiya! Thank you so much for the book, I received it today. I will read it as soon as possible! 

Journal Entry 27 by vainilla79 from Pinto, Madrid Spain on Tuesday, October 03, 2006

I finished this book today! Quite interesting and different, actually. 

Journal Entry 28 by vainilla79 from Pinto, Madrid Spain on Wednesday, October 11, 2006

I posted it this morning, so it is on its way to beautiful Cascais, Portugal:) 

Journal Entry 29 by SomethingSimple from Cascais, Lisboa (distrito) Portugal on Friday, October 13, 2006

I received the book today. Thank you laurarn for sharing and gracias vainilla79 for sending it ;) 

Journal Entry 30 by SomethingSimple from Cascais, Lisboa (distrito) Portugal on Friday, November 03, 2006

Absolutly lovely and beautiful book! I enjoyed this reading very much and I was very sad when I finished it. I'm passig this book on as soon as I have the adress. Thank you for sharing laurarn ;) 

Journal Entry 31 by SomethingSimple from Cascais, Lisboa (distrito) Portugal on Wednesday, November 22, 2006

BookRing:

1 - lftt (Portugal)
2 - conto (Portugal)
3 - Veleta (Spain)
4 - Samulli (Germany)
5 - Charly83 (Germany)
6 - aava (Finland)
7 - ZAS (UK)
8 - leota (USA)
9 - Quiron(Portugal)
10 - lisatam (Portugal)
11 - Dukesa (Portugal)
12 - silvia-pco (Portugal)

and back to me!


Don't forget to make a journal entry when you receive the book and another one with your comment on it. Thank you ;)
 

Journal Entry 32 by SomethingSimple from Cascais, Lisboa (distrito) Portugal on Monday, November 27, 2006

Just sent it to lftt! I hope everyone participating in this ring enjoys the book as much as I did. 

Journal Entry 33 by Ligiafteixeira on Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Just arrived! Thanks for sharing this book with me. I'm really looking forward to reading it! 

Journal Entry 34 by Ligiafteixeira on Saturday, December 02, 2006

I've got to get me a copy!!! Thanks for sharing this delicious little book with me! Read it in one sitting with a smile on my face. And after reading it, I googled the author's name to know a bit more... Too good to be so short ;) Waiting for the address to pass it on. 

Journal Entry 35 by conto on Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Arrived today. To be read as soon as I'm done with the one I'm on right now!

Thanks for sending it along, lftt! 

Journal Entry 36 by conto on Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Journal Entry 37 by veleta from Ourense, Ourense Spain on Monday, January 15, 2007

Caught in today's mail. Thanks for sharing. 

Journal Entry 38 by veleta from Ourense, Ourense Spain on Saturday, February 24, 2007

Interesting book. I liked all the real background like the exchange of products /behind the counter which goes on along the book. I liked some of the conclusions, like that one of postponing once and again the trip to UK, but when she can finally do it, after more than 20 years, everything changes overnight and the trip will never be the same.

On the other hand, the story is told in a cold way, at least in my opinion. I didnt feel warm towards the characters and their happenings. However, now Im sorry I didn-t actually come into the bookshop when I was in London.

I-ll ask the following reader for their address soon. 

Journal Entry 39 by samulli from Weimar, Thüringen Germany on Saturday, March 03, 2007

Finally the book is with me. Looks like a fast read, so I won't be keeping it hostage too long. ;o) 

Journal Entry 40 by samulli from Weimar, Thüringen Germany on Saturday, March 03, 2007

Well, now that was certainly one of the fastest reads ever. I think it took me all of 30 minutes or so to get through this book.
It's a nice one, very charming. I found it odd, though, that some letters seem to be missing. Strange way to write a book.
I already have Charly83's address and will mail it on Monday. Thanks to all the readers before me for sendng it on. I hope it will get many more journal entries. 

Journal Entry 41 by Charly83 from Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Germany on Friday, March 09, 2007

Today I found the book in my mail box. Thanks samulli... 

Journal Entry 42 by Charly83 from Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Germany on Tuesday, May 01, 2007

This is a wonderful story. I'm still writing letters (other kinds of letters indeed) myself. So I know how a friendship can develop out of it. The story has a fine unreal-seeming line but everything is true, isn't it? I was impressed by it.

Now the book is on the way to aava in Finland. Enjoy it! 

Journal Entry 43 by aava from Jyväskylä, Keski-Suomi Finland on Thursday, May 10, 2007

Received the book this morning. It's so lovely to see that it has been traveling around and that the readers have liked it so much. Thanks everyone for sharing it. 

Journal Entry 44 by aava from Jyväskylä, Keski-Suomi Finland on Saturday, May 12, 2007

I read this delightful little book this morning. It's really charming. It's so nice to read about people who love their books as much as I (we) do.I'm going to see if I can find a copy of my own somewhere. There's bookstore here in Jyväskylä for used books that I love. My very own 84, Charing Cross Road!

So thank you SomethingSimple for sharing. I've already pm'ed ZAS for her address and will mail the book as soon as get it.

edit 15.5.2007:Got the address for ZAS and will mail the book today.Happy reading! 

Journal Entry 45 by ZAS from Thrapston, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Friday, May 25, 2007

I love this book. I read it years ago, but I'd forgotten how good it was. It's just so easy to imagine the characters and to put yourself in their place. A little piece of social history. 

Journal Entry 46 by ZAS from Thrapston, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Posted on to leota this morning. 

Journal Entry 47 by leota from not specified, not specified not specified on Wednesday, June 06, 2007

The book arrived in the mail today. I will start it as soon as I finish my other BC ring. Thanks to everyone who has helped this little book on its way. 

Journal Entry 48 by leota from not specified, not specified not specified on Monday, June 18, 2007

I sent the book on its way on Friday.

I really enjoyed it. Thanks again for sharing it.

 

Journal Entry 49 by Quiron on Monday, July 16, 2007

The book was waiting for me in Algarve! :-D

It's here! Will read it ASAP. Won't be a problem since it's a small book.

Thank you! :-) 

Journal Entry 50 by Quiron on Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Finished it. :-)

It was a bitter sweet short book. Bitter sweet not only for the story itself but also because of the length of the book. :-P lol I wanted more letters!! :-D

It's twenty-year correspondence between such different persons. It's really funny to see how that very british posture is slowly dropped from the letters because of the warm and friendly american costumer that in time will turn into much more than that.

I believe that every Bookcrosser will relate to this book and especially to the Sept 18 1952 and Sept 2 1955 letters.

Thank you SomethingSimple for this bookring and (initially) amoenus for sharing this wonderful book with us.
Waiting for the next person adress. 

Journal Entry 51 by Quiron on Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Sent today to lisatam.
Sorry for the hold up.

FYI: I bought this book and the follow up ("The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street") in one single book in portuguese that I've found in a charity store. Hooray! :-D 

Journal Entry 52 by lisatam from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Sunday, September 16, 2007

It has arrived! Will try to read it soonest! Thanks amoenus and quiron for sharing. 

Journal Entry 53 by lisatam from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Monday, September 17, 2007

I read the book in one hour! Couldn't stop... Loved the story, the characters, everything.
Waiting for Dukesa's adress. 

Journal Entry 54 by lisatam from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Friday, September 21, 2007

It is going to be mailed next monday! Thanks again for sharing such a marvelous book! 

Journal Entry 55 by Dukesa from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Friday, September 28, 2007

Journal Entry 56 by silvia-pco from Murtosa, Aveiro Portugal on Monday, November 05, 2007

And here it is :D 

Journal Entry 57 by silvia-pco from Murtosa, Aveiro Portugal on Tuesday, December 29, 2009

This book has been stuck with me for quite some time now - I'm really sorry for that.
It's a delightful little book, I loved it! It's just amazing to see how such a friendship can develop between two people who never even saw each other.. and who were so different!
I found the beginning of this exchange of correspondence very funny, as you can see how Helene quickly adopts a friendly tone, while Frank seems a bit reluctant to drop his formal, British attitude.

Thank you so much for sharing this book with me. I'll sent it on its way home as sson as I have SomethingSimple's address.