Gang of Four
17 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Heaven-Ali from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, December 10, 2006
Bought at the bookcrossing/transita day at Oxford town hall. So on to mnt TBR
Gang of Four is the story of four women who dare to change their every day lives. It is a story of the nurturing and sustaining nature of women's friendship, and about finding a new direction in midlife.
They have been close friends for almost two decades, supporting each other through personal and professional crises - parents dying, children leaving home, house moves, job changes, diets and really bad haircuts. Now, the 'gang of four', Isabel, Sally, Robin and Grace, are all fifty-something, successful, and restless.
Gang of Four is the story of four women who dare to change their every day lives. It is a story of the nurturing and sustaining nature of women's friendship, and about finding a new direction in midlife.
They have been close friends for almost two decades, supporting each other through personal and professional crises - parents dying, children leaving home, house moves, job changes, diets and really bad haircuts. Now, the 'gang of four', Isabel, Sally, Robin and Grace, are all fifty-something, successful, and restless.
Journal Entry 2 by Heaven-Ali from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, January 10, 2007
I enjoyed reading the stories of these four different women, and how they change their lives forever. I enjoyed Isabel and Sally's stories the most,Isabels story made me want to travel around Europe myself. Here I am just across the channel from a host of fascinating countries and I have never been anywhere. This is a book which gives you plenty to think about. How it is we just trundle along in the little grooves we make ourselves when deep down inside there may be another person struggling to get out.
This will be released to another bookcrosser soon.
Birmingham-Rose (UK)
LindyB28 - (UK)
WelshHelen - (UK)
Calalilly - (UK)
purplerosebud (UK)
mallary - France - (Europe) on its way here
caroline080 - (UK)
Inver - UK (anywhere)
Bug2004 -(US)- wanted to be skipped
spoiledrotten - US (US)
pammykn -US (int. surface)
Pooker3 -(Canada)
Catsalive - (Austrailia)
sally906 - (Austrailia)
the last person on the list to make further travel plans for this book.
If you have enjoyed this book please take a moment to check out the Transita website and find out more about the other titles published by Transita, and the authors who write them.
Go to transita dot co dot uk
This will be released to another bookcrosser soon.
Birmingham-Rose (UK)
LindyB28 - (UK)
WelshHelen - (UK)
Calalilly - (UK)
purplerosebud (UK)
mallary - France - (Europe) on its way here
caroline080 - (UK)
Inver - UK (anywhere)
Bug2004 -(US)- wanted to be skipped
spoiledrotten - US (US)
pammykn -US (int. surface)
Pooker3 -(Canada)
Catsalive - (Austrailia)
sally906 - (Austrailia)
the last person on the list to make further travel plans for this book.
If you have enjoyed this book please take a moment to check out the Transita website and find out more about the other titles published by Transita, and the authors who write them.
Go to transita dot co dot uk
Journal Entry 3 by Heaven-Ali at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, January 19, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (1/19/2007 UTC) at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Journal Entry 4 by birmingham-rose from Burntwood, Staffordshire United Kingdom on Monday, January 22, 2007
Thank you Ali, I received this in the mail this morning. I will get onto it as soon as possible as I am really looking forward to reading this! Thank you for including me in this ring!
Journal Entry 5 by birmingham-rose from Burntwood, Staffordshire United Kingdom on Saturday, February 17, 2007
Oh I loved this book. The storyline is captivating and makes you stop and think. I would love to just pack up and travel like Isabel did. The four women each had a different tale and a different outlook on life, but when they came together as the Gang of Four, friendship remained the pillar of strength....... I am now going to start my next Transita.... Thank you for sharing this Ali....
Will be passing this onto LindyB28 at the next Birmingham meeting.
Will be passing this onto LindyB28 at the next Birmingham meeting.
Journal Entry 6 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, February 24, 2007
Birmingham-Rose passed this to me at the meetup today to pass on to LindyB28 when I see her tomorrow. I do like to help record a book's journey properly, so am catching and releasing it.
Journal Entry 7 by LyzzyBee at A Bookcrosser in A BookCrosser, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, February 25, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (2/25/2007 UTC) at A Bookcrosser in A BookCrosser, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Giving to LindyB28 today.
Giving to LindyB28 today.
Journal Entry 8 by LindyB28 from Acocks Green, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Passed to me on Sunday by Lyzzybee. Looking forward to it :-)
Journal Entry 9 by LindyB28 from Acocks Green, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, March 1, 2007
I've just finished reading this, and I warmed to it after finding Isabel intolerable during the first chapter. The nadir was the revelation that she had a centre for battered women named after her: I felt she was being set up as an epitome rather than a human being. However, as soon as the narrative perspective shifted and I began to encounter the other members of the Gang of Four through their own lives and thoughts, I became completely engaged in the novel. I especially liked the difference of the journeys travelled by each of the four women and the fact that some of those journeys were measured more internally rather than in actual distance.
Without spoiling the ending for other readers, all I can say here is that it is moving and beautiful.
I'll get in touch with WelshHelen for her address.
Without spoiling the ending for other readers, all I can say here is that it is moving and beautiful.
I'll get in touch with WelshHelen for her address.
Many apologies to LindyB28 but this book arrived sometime last week! I'm looking forward to reading it after the other ring books I have here :-)
This is far and away the best book I've read this year and is easily in the top 10 of my all-time favourite books. I got totally engrossed in the lives of the women, though ironically, Isabel's story was my least favourite, even though she was the catalyst for everything that happened to Sally, Robin and Grace. Like LindyB I found the ending incredibly moving but full of hope and excitement for the future. This was one book I was in no hurry to finish - I'm rather mad at myself that I can't properly explain how much I loved reading it, but then, I suppose that's why I'm not an author myself :-)
Thank you so much for giving me the chance to read this book, Heaven-Ali, it will stay with me for a long time. I've got calalilly's address and will post to her tomorrow.
Thank you so much for giving me the chance to read this book, Heaven-Ali, it will stay with me for a long time. I've got calalilly's address and will post to her tomorrow.
Posted to Calalilly today.
Journal Entry 13 by calalilly from Waterlooville, Hampshire United Kingdom on Monday, April 16, 2007
Arrived in the post today thank you Helen, I'm in the middle of a Transita book and then I've got one other book to read before I start this one.
Thank you Heaven ali for starting this ring. I thought this book was brilliant and also the best book that I've read this year. Each Chapter left you with the feeling that you couldn't wait to find out what happen next to the Gang of Four. It certainly made me think, it's all to easy to let family take over your live and to feel guilty if you want to do something that doesn't fit in with their wishes. Oh to be brave and to take off and find yourself. I think most women will have empathy with one of the gangs story.
A very moving book.
Passing this onto Purplerosebud the next time I see her.
A very moving book.
Passing this onto Purplerosebud the next time I see her.
Journal Entry 15 by purplerosebud from Petersfield, Hampshire United Kingdom on Thursday, May 24, 2007
Passed on to me this evening, many thanks! I'm really looking forward to reading this book after all the recommendations in the journals. Just have to finish my current book.
Journal Entry 16 by purplerosebud from Petersfield, Hampshire United Kingdom on Sunday, June 10, 2007
Although I found this a very easy book to read I don't share quite the enthusiasm of the previous readers. I enjoy Transita books I just found this a little too unrealistic.
Have emailed the next on the list and will be sending it on when I get the address. Thanks for sharing!
Have emailed the next on the list and will be sending it on when I get the address. Thanks for sharing!
Arrived safely, many thanks!
I'm looking forward to reading this one!
I'm looking forward to reading this one!
I loved this book. At times I found it really hard to put down. I never really warmed to Isabel unfortunately, or Grace, but it didn't make any difference to my enjoyment of the story. I loved the changing of continents depending on who we were reading about and the intricate stories of their relationships with other people and as usual, the description of quilting made me itch to carry on with mine! Isabel spending Christmas in Germany reminded of my childhood spent in Munich and Christmastime there was especially magical. A great book, one I shall definitely recommend to my friends!
Due to be posted to Caroline080.
Due to be posted to Caroline080.
On it's way to Caoline080, posted 17th July.
I hope it arrives soon as it seems to be taking ages.
I hope it arrives soon as it seems to be taking ages.
Journal Entry 20 by carocharlton from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Received in the post from Mallary. Many thanks! I look forward to reading this.
Journal Entry 21 by carocharlton from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Read and enjoyed this. Now reserved for Inver.
Journal Entry 22 by carocharlton from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, October 16, 2007
On its way to Inver today.
Don't worry about there having been a delay Caroline....I am inundated with bookrings at the moment. Afraid I have 3 to get through before I get to this one and all but one are Transita books, so I apologise now for the delay. Look forward to reading it.
14/11/07 I will get to this hopefully soon.
25/11/07 Started reading.
9/12/07 Half way through.
13/12/07 Nearly 3/4 way through...hoping I will before Christmas!!!
1/1/08 So sorry for delaying this. Am almost finished and will be on the move soon.
14/11/07 I will get to this hopefully soon.
25/11/07 Started reading.
9/12/07 Half way through.
13/12/07 Nearly 3/4 way through...hoping I will before Christmas!!!
1/1/08 So sorry for delaying this. Am almost finished and will be on the move soon.
Finished at last. Another Transita book ticked of the list. Sorry for the hold up. I really enjoyed the book and should have gotten stuck in to it sooner. Loved all the characters and their outlook on life. I can appreciate how some of them felt stuck in a rut and wanting to make changes to their lives, but having the determination to do something about it is another matter. It is lovely to hear of a bunch of friends who see each other through the good and bads times (I know I have these kind of friends). The end of the book was very moving but lovely. Have 'spoiledrotten' addy and sending on this week.
Journal Entry 25 by Inver at Controlled Release in -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Thursday, January 3, 2008
Released 16 yrs ago (1/3/2008 UTC) at Controlled Release in -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES: Sending on its way to the USA to next in the ring. Happy Reading.
received in the mail today and will journal again as soon as I am done. After reading all of the earlier journal entries I am really looking forward to this one!! Thanks for including me.
Finished this last night. This was only my second transita book and I was not a big fan of the first one, however this one was better than expected. I agree with most of the other journal entries, it was moving, sad, funny and beautiful. Cannot wait to read another transita book. Thanks so much Heaven-Ali for including me. Will put in the mail next week (probably Tuesday) to pammykn. Hopes she enjoys it as much as I did.
01/22/08 Just placed this book in the mail to pammykn. Enjoy!
01/22/08 Just placed this book in the mail to pammykn. Enjoy!
Thanks -- rec'd today -- looking forward to reading!
Thanks so much for sharing another lovely transita book. This one is probably one of my favorites! Will mail off to pooker3 Monday 02/25.
02/24/08
TITLE/AUTHOR: GANG OF FOUR by Liz Byrski
RATING: 5/A
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Women's Fiction/2004/426 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Stand-Alone
TIME/PLACE: Present/Australia
CHARACTERS: Four friends: Isabel, Sally, Robin & Grace
FIRST LINES: There was a moment when she first woke, a moment free of any sense of the day ahead; a moment before she opened her eyes & when all she could feel was the warmth of the early sunshine falling on her face through the open curtains, & the soft heaviness of her body releaxed after sleep.
COMMENTS: 01/24/08 rec via bookcrsossing/ring-ray. Four friends refer to themselves as the gang of four. They are in their later 40's/early 50's and each seems to be well established in their respective careers -- Isabel the mayor, Sally an art teacher, Robin the lawyer and Grace a nurse. Isabel's mother has recently passed and left her a small inheritance. She decides to use it to trace her mother's European travels when she was in a dance troupe in the early 1950's. At this time Isabel a young child was living w/ her grandparents. She decides she needs a year of her own. The others think this is a bit odd but soon each find a reason for transition. Sally has a secret she's been keeping for almost 30 yrs and decides to go to San Francisco come to terms w/ this. Robin decides it's time for some self-discovery and to break away from a clandestine relationship she's been having w/ a married judge. Grace, always in control and caring for her family, finds herself facing a new phase when her son & family moves to Japan. She's now really on her own and travels to the UK for a quiliting arts seminar. I found Isabel's story the least compelling, nevertheless, I really enjoyed my time spent w/ the gang of four.
02/24/08
TITLE/AUTHOR: GANG OF FOUR by Liz Byrski
RATING: 5/A
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Women's Fiction/2004/426 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Stand-Alone
TIME/PLACE: Present/Australia
CHARACTERS: Four friends: Isabel, Sally, Robin & Grace
FIRST LINES: There was a moment when she first woke, a moment free of any sense of the day ahead; a moment before she opened her eyes & when all she could feel was the warmth of the early sunshine falling on her face through the open curtains, & the soft heaviness of her body releaxed after sleep.
COMMENTS: 01/24/08 rec via bookcrsossing/ring-ray. Four friends refer to themselves as the gang of four. They are in their later 40's/early 50's and each seems to be well established in their respective careers -- Isabel the mayor, Sally an art teacher, Robin the lawyer and Grace a nurse. Isabel's mother has recently passed and left her a small inheritance. She decides to use it to trace her mother's European travels when she was in a dance troupe in the early 1950's. At this time Isabel a young child was living w/ her grandparents. She decides she needs a year of her own. The others think this is a bit odd but soon each find a reason for transition. Sally has a secret she's been keeping for almost 30 yrs and decides to go to San Francisco come to terms w/ this. Robin decides it's time for some self-discovery and to break away from a clandestine relationship she's been having w/ a married judge. Grace, always in control and caring for her family, finds herself facing a new phase when her son & family moves to Japan. She's now really on her own and travels to the UK for a quiliting arts seminar. I found Isabel's story the least compelling, nevertheless, I really enjoyed my time spent w/ the gang of four.
The book arrived in today's mail. How great! It's Friday and it's been a tough work week. So, I figure I've earned some tea and reading time over the weekend. Thanks Heaven-Ali for the chance to read this and thanks pammykn for the neat-o postcard!
Yipes! Just realized I've had this book for a month, so thought I'd better check in. I am reading it and I thought at a reasonable pace too, but apparently not. I'm just past the halfway mark. I'll try to pick it up a notch but I am enjoying my time with the gang!
I remember having a discussion not long ago with a bunch of women of my age about how "society" (and for that matter how sometimes "we" ourselves) view women of our age. Invisible really, no longer youthful, sexy or attractive, no worthwhile job left to do, the child bearing years now behind us and of course we all agreed that this was just so wrong. I remember one of us saying that she was proud to be "a crone" and happy to refer to herself as such. I was horrified at the use of that term, denoting, as it did for me, visions of a withered old hag, an old crow! But the term has grown on me since.
Well I enjoyed reading this book and following the journeys of these four women. I can't say that I was captivated by any of them particularly or that I would want any of them in my own circle of close friends. But it did make me think of my own circle and how I value the women in it. It also made me think about some of the women who have been in that circle but whom I've somehow let slip away. I think it may be time to rekindle some of those relationships. Life is short and you can never have too many women who love you. Or maybe I should say you can never have too many crones in your murder! :)
Catsalive has let me know that she's already read this book. So I've gone down the list to sally906 and have her address. I'll get the book out to her as soon as I can pack it up.
Well I enjoyed reading this book and following the journeys of these four women. I can't say that I was captivated by any of them particularly or that I would want any of them in my own circle of close friends. But it did make me think of my own circle and how I value the women in it. It also made me think about some of the women who have been in that circle but whom I've somehow let slip away. I think it may be time to rekindle some of those relationships. Life is short and you can never have too many women who love you. Or maybe I should say you can never have too many crones in your murder! :)
Catsalive has let me know that she's already read this book. So I've gone down the list to sally906 and have her address. I'll get the book out to her as soon as I can pack it up.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The Gang is off to visit Sally906 in Australia today. Happy travels!
The Gang is off to visit Sally906 in Australia today. Happy travels!
OK Pooker3 you can stop holding your breath and uncross your fingers and toes - it arrived today and is in my hot little hands :)
Opening Sentence: "...There was a moment when she first woke, a moment free of any sense of the day ahead; a moment before she opened her eyes and when all she could feel was the warmth of the early sunshine falling on her face through the open curtains, and the soft heaviness of her body relaxed after sleep..."
So opens a really good story - The women who was waking was Isabel who is 50 something and about to prepare a full traditional cooked Christmas lunch with no help from her husband or grown up children. Think Perth in Western Australia - think over 35 degrees celsius heat - think get me out of the kitchen! Which is what Isabel announced to her family that day - she was going to travel to Europe for a whole year - and they could look after themselves.
Isabel has 3 friends - together they make up the gang of four. Isabel is not the only woman who changes over the next year all four women are feeling restless in their lives and are looking for something different. Sally, an art teacher, has a 30 year secret - a daughter adopted out when she was a student in London. Sally wonders if she should go to meet her daughter. Robin is having an affair with a married man and drops out of her law firm and moves to the country. Finally Grace, who feels that she doesn't need any changes in her life, flies to England on a whim and discovers she does have to make some badly needed changes.
I loved the first Liz Byrski I read: Belly Dancing for Beginners but I was blown away by this one. I got so involved in the different storylines that I found myself getting emotionally involved - I was shocked, happy, sad and roaring with laughter and then angry!
The publisher - Transita Books - are onto a winner with this chick lit for the mature woman - I recommend you give all their books a try :)
So opens a really good story - The women who was waking was Isabel who is 50 something and about to prepare a full traditional cooked Christmas lunch with no help from her husband or grown up children. Think Perth in Western Australia - think over 35 degrees celsius heat - think get me out of the kitchen! Which is what Isabel announced to her family that day - she was going to travel to Europe for a whole year - and they could look after themselves.
Isabel has 3 friends - together they make up the gang of four. Isabel is not the only woman who changes over the next year all four women are feeling restless in their lives and are looking for something different. Sally, an art teacher, has a 30 year secret - a daughter adopted out when she was a student in London. Sally wonders if she should go to meet her daughter. Robin is having an affair with a married man and drops out of her law firm and moves to the country. Finally Grace, who feels that she doesn't need any changes in her life, flies to England on a whim and discovers she does have to make some badly needed changes.
I loved the first Liz Byrski I read: Belly Dancing for Beginners but I was blown away by this one. I got so involved in the different storylines that I found myself getting emotionally involved - I was shocked, happy, sad and roaring with laughter and then angry!
The publisher - Transita Books - are onto a winner with this chick lit for the mature woman - I recommend you give all their books a try :)
Journal Entry 36 by sally906 at By hand, by hand -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, January 31, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (1/31/2009 UTC) at By hand, by hand -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Taking along to the meet-up this afternoon
Taking along to the meet-up this afternoon
Journal Entry 37 by scrapaholic from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Sunday, February 1, 2009
picked up our meetup
Journal Entry 38 by scrapaholic from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Saturday, February 21, 2009
Not the type of book I'd usually read but it was highly recommended.
I loved it!!!!! The four womens' stories kept me captivated all the way through the book. I became so involved that I just kept reading it ( thank goodness it was a Saturday).
Thanks Sally for the book.
I loved it!!!!! The four womens' stories kept me captivated all the way through the book. I became so involved that I just kept reading it ( thank goodness it was a Saturday).
Thanks Sally for the book.
Journal Entry 39 by scrapaholic at Palm City Oasis Shopping Centre in Palmerston, Northern Territory Australia on Friday, May 15, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (5/15/2009 UTC) at Palm City Oasis Shopping Centre in Palmerston, Northern Territory Australia
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
At Cafe near Woolies. Taking to meetup and will there if no one wants it.
At Cafe near Woolies. Taking to meetup and will there if no one wants it.
Picked up at the meet-up.
I loved this book and couldn't put it down.
Isabel's story was the one that resonated with me the most. Perhaps because I am also 53 and have been married for 34 years, have grown up children that still seem to call me for everything and expect me to drop what I am doing and run if they call.
I love the south-west coast of WA and could picture Albany and Pemberton when they were described.
All in all a fantastic book that had me crying at the end.
I hope DubaiReader enjoys it as much. She has got it on the Wishlist Tag game.
Isabel's story was the one that resonated with me the most. Perhaps because I am also 53 and have been married for 34 years, have grown up children that still seem to call me for everything and expect me to drop what I am doing and run if they call.
I love the south-west coast of WA and could picture Albany and Pemberton when they were described.
All in all a fantastic book that had me crying at the end.
I hope DubaiReader enjoys it as much. She has got it on the Wishlist Tag game.
Thanks Amber, I've heard great things about Liz Byrski lately - but have you seen the prices of her Kindle books? All over 20 pounds!!!!
This looks like a well travelled book so I'll put it to the top of my tbr.
This looks like a well travelled book so I'll put it to the top of my tbr.
