Journal Entry 1 by mrsgaskell from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada on Tuesday, April 24, 2007

I was so pleased to find two copies of this book at the Children's Hospital book sale. This copy is for bookcrossing, the other is for my permanent collection.

From my book notes:

This is a delightfully witty book about middle-aged twin brothers who run a bed and breakfast on an island off the coast of B.C. It deservedly won the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour. Sadly, the book is fictional, otherwise my reservation at the B&B would be made, and my books would be packed. These vignettes about the brothers, their gentle guests who come to read, and resident pets, Waffle the cat, and Mrs. Rochester the parrot, had me laughing out loud, and smiling broadly in-between. For booklovers, this is a charming book which I highly recommend. 

Journal Entry 2 by mrsgaskell from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada on Monday, July 02, 2007

Thanks for your interest in this bookring everyone! I will be starting the book on its way this week.

Recommendations for the bookring:

Please
• make a journal entry when you receive the book so that everyone knows it has safely arrived
• read it within a month
• pm the next person on the list for her/his address when you are getting close to finishing the book
• make a journal entry to tell us what you thought
• wrap it up well, send it on to the next person, making another journal entry once the book's in the mail

Happy reading everyone!

Participants in order:

1. Nu-Knees (UK)
2. Plum-crazy (UK)
3. Haugtussa (Norway)
4. Joanazinha (The Netherlands)
5. cross-patch (UK)
6. LyzzyBee (UK)
7. whitehorsy (Belgium)
8. bookmaniac70 (Bulgaria)
9. Annadlx (Germany)
10. Ukcanaus (Australia)
11. aunt-sophie (Canada - Quebec)<----asked to be skipped
12. Kobie03 (Canada - Nfld)
13. kayjay33 (Canada - BC)
14. Back to mrsgaskell (Canada - Manitoba))safely home
 

Journal Entry 3 by mrsgaskell from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada on Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Sent airmail to Nu-Knees today. 

Journal Entry 4 by Nu-Knees from Knaresborough, North Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, July 26, 2007

Thank you, MrsG. It's arrived safe and sound in the UK, thank you very much.

It looks absolutely delightful and I'm jumping it right to the top of my priority TBR pile :-) I'm struggling a bit with my current book , so I'm sure this will be a welcome change! 

Journal Entry 5 by Nu-Knees from Knaresborough, North Yorkshire United Kingdom on Sunday, July 29, 2007

I've just spent a wonderful weekend with Virgil and Hector - such a shame it's only in my imagination. Their family home is an ideal retreat for booklovers and I hope their future guests from this bookring will be equally charmed! Enjoy - but watch out for the parrot ... you have been warned ....

I have Plum-crazy's address but our postal service is subject to strike action at the moment so there may be a delay in getting it to her, unfortunately! 

Journal Entry 6 by Nu-Knees from Knaresborough, North Yorkshire United Kingdom on Monday, July 30, 2007

Well I've taken it down to the post office - but can't guess how long it'll take to get further west!! 

Journal Entry 7 by Plum-crazy from Brighouse, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Friday, August 03, 2007

It''s here! I''m just about a third of the way through another bookring at the moment but after Nu-knees comments I''m tempted to put that one down & pick this one up! 

Journal Entry 8 by Plum-crazy from Brighouse, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Oh, there's so much I want to say about this book but I'll start by saying I absolutely adored it!

If I mentioned all the little stories & different parts I liked, I'd probably end up quoting the whole book! So what has particulary stuck in my mind?...

Hector's dressing gown!(the description, I'm ashamed to say, sounded very familiar... though I have to say mine does gets a regular wash!)

the fabulous Mrs Rochester...what a character!

& who could forget the letter about the French governess?!!

I could go on...& on...& on...THANK YOU SO MUCH, for sharing this book mrsgaskell, it is perfect for booklovers & I cannot imagine anyone not loving it!

I will send it to Haugtussa tomorrow. I already had her address so she doesn't know it's coming, so it will be a nice surprise for her when it lands on her doorstep!





 

Journal Entry 9 by Haugtussa from Stavanger, Rogaland fylke Norway on Tuesday, August 14, 2007

What a nice surprise - I didn''t even know this book was coming my way yet!
I''m really looking forward to get started on this one. 

Journal Entry 10 by Haugtussa from Stavanger, Rogaland fylke Norway on Saturday, August 18, 2007

What can I say? This book was just amazing! So witty, so true to life.. I simply fell in love with Hector & Virgil - and I definately want to spend a week at their Bachelor Brothers' Bed & Breakfast.

But as Plum-crazy has already mentioned it is difficult to pick out specifis happenings ir characters from this book that stand out - you'll end up writing down the whole book.

Even so I'd like to quote Thomas on the weather, as this sums up my summer spent in Norway and Scottland:
"Every week, some unannounced low pressure front tundles in from the Pacific (or in our case; the Atlantic!). They come like a parade of newly widowed aunts. All of them have weepy tales to tell. They stay too long and are soon indistinguishable from the other."

mrsgaskell, thank you very much for sharing this gem of a book. I'll send it on to Joanazinha as soon as I have her address.

 

Journal Entry 11 by Joanazinha from Amersfoort, Utrecht Netherlands on Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The Bachelor Brothers arrived safe and sound in The Netherlands! It was waiting for me in the mailbox when I got home from work. Since we once had plans to start our own B&B I think this book will sneak right to the top of mount TBR! 

Journal Entry 12 by Joanazinha from Amersfoort, Utrecht Netherlands on Thursday, September 13, 2007

Yesterday I finished this delightful book. I enjoyed it very much. Like previous readers I think it's almost impossible to find one specific quote that says it all about the book; it is so much fun from the first till the last page.
All right, I will name one specific item: I loved the poem The Tiger Says Grace. It made me smile from ear to ear.

Thank you mrsgaskell for this little gem. I've PM'ed the next participant for the address so the bachelor brothers can do some more traveling. 

Journal Entry 13 by Joanazinha at on Friday, September 21, 2007

Released 4 yrs ago (9/21/2007 UTC) at

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Mailed to Cross-patch today. Happy reading! 

Journal Entry 14 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Thursday, October 04, 2007

Just arrived with the postman. I don't know when we'll see him again as the PO is going into 'strike' mode for quite a while! Looks good; there is something about folk who notice what their paying guests are reading, if only. I forgot to say thank you to mrsgaskell and Joanazinha for starting the ring and getting it here. 

Journal Entry 15 by mrsgaskell from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada on Sunday, October 21, 2007

I'm going to cut in here to say that I found a copy of the sequel to this book, Bachelor Brothers' Bed & Breakfast Pillow Book, at our local Children's Hospital paperback sale yesterday. It is not as good as the first book but I thought some of you might be interested in reading more about Hector and Virgil. So if you are, please pm me. I thought maybe it could go out generally in the same reading order to those of you who are interested.


ETA: The Pillow Book bookring has started with three participants to date and will be ongoing so new participants can be added at any time.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5576886/J_9295142

 

Journal Entry 16 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Friday, November 02, 2007

This is one B & B I'd happily stay at. There was much to enjoy with the many musings, and I feel I would particularly enjoy the company of the Austen group. I am planning on trying the recipe later today! Wish me luck.

Posting to Birmingham now. 

Journal Entry 17 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, November 03, 2007

Recieved today complete with a lovely postcard of Leicester! I only have one poetry bookring in front of this, so should get to it fairly soon. 

Journal Entry 18 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, November 08, 2007

An absolutely charming book, ostensibly written by two ageing bachelors who run a literary-themed B&B. Pieces from the guestbook, recipes, lists of books to enjoy in the bath - it's all here, with a deep love for the small town coming strongly through the gentle humour.

I will contact Whitehorsy and get this sent on asap; meanwhile, I'll be placing an order for several copies for Christmas presents! 

Journal Entry 19 by LyzzyBee at Sent to another BookCrosser in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, November 15, 2007

Released 4 yrs ago (11/17/2007 UTC) at Sent to another BookCrosser in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases

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Posting to Whitehorsy on Saturday. 

Journal Entry 20 by whitehorsy from Hasselt, Limburg / Limbourg Belgium on Wednesday, November 28, 2007

This little book has arrived safe and sound, thanks for sending LyzzyBee and thanks for the postcard from Birmingham as well! :-)

This one will be next on my reading pile! 

Journal Entry 21 by whitehorsy from Hasselt, Limburg / Limbourg Belgium on Thursday, December 06, 2007

What a wonderful little book, I truly loved it. That B&B must be such a great place to stay (indeed pity that it's fictional). I loved the charming characters of Virgil and Hector and I've enjoyed their stories a lot, also the "brief lives" of their visitors.

Hector's story about the mice catching team Waffles and Mrs. Rochester was hilarious! Virgil mentioning having found a Belgian 20 franc note inside a book also made me smile... that sure must have been a very old note! :-)

Thanks for sharing mrsgaskell, I'm so glad I had the chance to read this little pearl! The book will be heading of to Bulgaria tomorrow (via priority mail).

 

Journal Entry 22 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Saturday, December 15, 2007

Received with three other bookrings:-)). I hope to spend more time reading during the holidays and to catch up with everything. 

Journal Entry 23 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Sunday, January 20, 2008

Started reading. 

Journal Entry 24 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

First of all, let me apologise once again for the delay:-((.

The book was charming,delightful,nice,moving:-)).It emanated good feeling,positive thoughts and love for books and good things in life. A truly enjoyable reading! 

Journal Entry 25 by bookmaniac70 from София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Sent to Annadlx. 

Journal Entry 26 by Annadlx from Wiesbaden, Hessen Germany on Thursday, March 06, 2008

Yay, it arrived savely at my place today. I'm looking forward to reading this. Will be read as soon as I finish my "Naked pictures about famous people" which shouldn't take too long.
Thanks for letting me be part of the ring and for sending it my way.

More later on... 

Journal Entry 27 by Annadlx from Wiesbaden, Hessen Germany on Sunday, March 16, 2008

Full Points!

This humorous, heartwarming and welcoming little book was just great.
It made me laugh out loudly at the nameing of the cat or Hector's dressing gown.
It made me smile sadly sometimes.
It made me longing to be just there and play mouse (or maybe better not)

Thank you for sharing this treasure with me. It made me a little "home"sick to my most favorite city's forests and nature trails. Wish I knew the place.

The next in line has been contacted twice for the adress. Nothing yet. 

Journal Entry 28 by Annadlx at BookRing in -- Per Post/Persönliche Weitergabe--, Hessen Germany on Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Released 4 yrs ago (3/19/2008 UTC) at BookRing in -- Per Post/Persönliche Weitergabe--, Hessen Germany

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Will be traveling to Australia. Save journey, dear book. 

Journal Entry 29 by ukcanaus from Melbourne, Victoria Australia on Friday, June 06, 2008

Received today. Thanks very much, Annadix for sending this to me, and to mrsgaskell for sharing. Will start reading this tonight! 

Journal Entry 30 by ukcanaus from Melbourne, Victoria Australia on Monday, July 07, 2008

What a wonderful book - a delight to read. The author has an excellent ability to have a different 'voice' for Hector, Virgil and their guests. So many of the stories made me laugh aloud.

Sent to kobie03 yesterday (July 7) (aunt-sophie asked to be skipped). Thanks again mrsgaskell for sharing :) 

Journal Entry 31 by kobie03 from Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Friday, July 25, 2008

So pleased to get this in the mail today. Thanks. Love the postcards. 

Journal Entry 32 by kobie03 from Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Thursday, August 07, 2008

Thank you mrsgaskell for including me in this ring. A delightful reading adventure. I liked the characters, the wonderful writing style, the guests ,The pets and overall the book . It was so visual I could imagine many of the scenes. It's a treasure to be re-read on cold winter days.
 

Journal Entry 33 by kobie03 at Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Friday, August 08, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (8/8/2008 UTC) at Lewins Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada

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mailed to Kayjay33. Enjoy. 

Journal Entry 34 by kayjay33 from Langley, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, August 28, 2008

I got back from a holiday yesterday and when the Maillady brought me a bundle of "Held Mail" this morning, this book was among it. I will read it fairly soon but may take longer than usual as I believe that I am the last reader before I return it to Mrsgaskell. 

Journal Entry 35 by kayjay33 from Langley, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, September 18, 2008

This was an amusing little book. I have stayed in quite a few Bed and Breakfast establishments but I have never found any like this one. I liked the chapters that the guests added. Thanks Mrsgaskell for including me in this ring. 

Journal Entry 36 by kayjay33 at Langley, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, September 18, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (9/17/2008 UTC) at Langley, British Columbia Canada

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I had a prepaid envelope so I slipped this book into the mailbox on my way off to my Wednesday morning volunteer job.
Thanks for making me part of this bookring. 

Journal Entry 37 by mrsgaskell from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada on Friday, September 26, 2008

The Bachelor Brothers have arrived home safely! Thanks kayjay33 for sending "them" home and for the lovely postcard of the mountains. Thank you to all of you for participating in this bookring and keeping it moving so well. I enjoyed reading all your comments! I'm amazed that after all its travels and multiple readings, the book has come back in the same condition that it went out in - it must have been treated very gently :)

I am reserving this for gypsysmom's Canada Day Release Challenge next year. 

Journal Entry 38 by mrsgaskell at Kildonan Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada on Monday, June 29, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (6/29/2009 UTC) at Kildonan Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada

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Released for the 2009 Canada Day Release Challenge - I left this on a park bench facing the river near Rainbow Stage in Kildonan Park.

Welcome to Bookcrossing! I hope you'll enjoy this book and explore the Bookcrossing site. It's loads of fun, as you can track your released books in their travels, possibly all over the world! Please let us know that you've found the book, what you thought of it and if possible, where you might re-release it when you're done so it can continue its journey. You may remain anonymous, but if you choose to join up I hope you will consider using me, mrsgaskell, as the one who referred you.
 

Journal Entry 39 by jollyroger2 from Langley, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Found this book in my hutch at my summer home. Left by one our our 2009 summer guests. Have yet to read it and then decide who to pass it on to!

CAUGHT IN VERNON BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 

Journal Entry 40 by jollyroger2 at Langley, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, July 07, 2010

I finally brought my traveling Bachelor Brothers' home from our summer house to Langley and enjoyed reading it very much. I really wanted to read it while on vacation, but as the visitors to the Bed and Breakfast say "time just seems to run away while doing absolutely nothing!" I'm going to travel this book back to Melbourne Australia to a good friend, who I know will keep the book traveling the world.