Purple Hibiscus
Registered by Sobergirl of Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on 7/11/2007
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
16 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Barnes & Noble:
From the Publisher
Fifteen-year-old Kambili's world is circumscribed by the high walls and frangipani trees of her family compound. Her wealthy Catholic father, under whose shadow Kambili lives, while generous and politically active in the community, is repressive and fanatically religious at home.
When Nigeria begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili's father sends her and her brother away to stay with their aunt, a University professor, whose house is noisy and full of laughter. There, Kambili and her brother discover a life and love beyond the confines of their father's authority. The visit will lift the silence from their world and, in time, give rise to devotion and defiance that reveal themselves in profound and unexpected ways. This is a book about the promise of freedom; about the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood; between love and hatred, between the old gods and the new.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Website
From the Publisher
Fifteen-year-old Kambili's world is circumscribed by the high walls and frangipani trees of her family compound. Her wealthy Catholic father, under whose shadow Kambili lives, while generous and politically active in the community, is repressive and fanatically religious at home.
When Nigeria begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili's father sends her and her brother away to stay with their aunt, a University professor, whose house is noisy and full of laughter. There, Kambili and her brother discover a life and love beyond the confines of their father's authority. The visit will lift the silence from their world and, in time, give rise to devotion and defiance that reveal themselves in profound and unexpected ways. This is a book about the promise of freedom; about the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood; between love and hatred, between the old gods and the new.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Website
Journal Entry 2 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Tuesday, July 17, 2007
I will make this into a domestic bookring. The bookring will start as soon as I have finished reading this book. Before evening of Saturday the 21st July...After that my sparetime is devoted to Harry Potter :)
Guidelines:
PM to sign up
Make a JE when you receive the book
Read the book within a month
PM the next person on the list for their address
Make a JE saying what you thought of the book
Send the book to the next person
Questions? Please PM me!
Participants:
Sirah
Thy
Ahava
Ruzena
Aava
Back to me, Sobergirl
Guidelines:
PM to sign up
Make a JE when you receive the book
Read the book within a month
PM the next person on the list for their address
Make a JE saying what you thought of the book
Send the book to the next person
Questions? Please PM me!
Participants:
Sirah
Thy
Ahava
Ruzena
Aava
Back to me, Sobergirl
Journal Entry 3 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Hibiscus Syriacus, Russian Violet (Rose of Sharon), with Raindrops Photographic Print by Mark Bolton
Journal Entry 4 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Thursday, July 19, 2007
This was a very disturbing yet intriguing book.
I didn't want to read on, yet I was nailed to the book, I had to find out what was happening.
The super-religious father is quite a sunbeam. NOT! I was so furious with him sometimes I was shaking.
I didn't think it would end the way it did, the ending was a surprise to me.
The book is now travelling to sirah, the first stop on the bookring's journey. I sent it today, from work, it might take a while for it to arrive. I don't think they empty the mailbox here daily eventhough they claim they do. Anyway, the book is on its way to Sirah.
I didn't want to read on, yet I was nailed to the book, I had to find out what was happening.
The super-religious father is quite a sunbeam. NOT! I was so furious with him sometimes I was shaking.
I didn't think it would end the way it did, the ending was a surprise to me.
The book is now travelling to sirah, the first stop on the bookring's journey. I sent it today, from work, it might take a while for it to arrive. I don't think they empty the mailbox here daily eventhough they claim they do. Anyway, the book is on its way to Sirah.
Thanks a lot, Sobergirl!
One of the best books I´ve read this year if not the best!
Ahava will get the book in our next meet-up.
Sorry for keeping this book so long.
EDIT: Since Ahava is travelling, Purple Hibiscus ended up in Thys hands.
Ahava will get the book in our next meet-up.
Sorry for keeping this book so long.
EDIT: Since Ahava is travelling, Purple Hibiscus ended up in Thys hands.
I got the book in the meet-up yesterday, thanks Sirah-
It will go next to Ahava
It will go next to Ahava
I read the book almost at one go, I had to find out what would happen to Kambili. I was hoping for a happy end, but the ending was more interesting than that, not at all that simple.
mailed to Ahava on 13.11
mailed to Ahava on 13.11
I got the book today but can't promise to read it. I'll try to skim through Purple Hibiscus and then send it forward.
(First published 2004, this is Harper Perennial PB edition 2005. 307 pp.)
A fine fine debut! I had already read Half of A Yellow Sun and liked it very much. Its structure was more complex and very skillful, while Purple Hibiscus sounds more sincere and genuine, the point of view being that of the young Nigerian girl Kambili. The characters were interesting and the story was not too "evident". Papa, the Good Christian, was a thought-provoking person, and indeed, thoughts were provoked by Jaja too.
I'll send the book now to the last reader in the ring, and I would recommend it to many more readers.
-ruzena
A fine fine debut! I had already read Half of A Yellow Sun and liked it very much. Its structure was more complex and very skillful, while Purple Hibiscus sounds more sincere and genuine, the point of view being that of the young Nigerian girl Kambili. The characters were interesting and the story was not too "evident". Papa, the Good Christian, was a thought-provoking person, and indeed, thoughts were provoked by Jaja too.
I'll send the book now to the last reader in the ring, and I would recommend it to many more readers.
-ruzena
Journal Entry 12 by aava from Jyväskylä, Keski-Suomi / Mellersta Finland Finland on Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The book's here with me. Reading what previous journallers have written I have high expectations for this book.Thank you Sobergirl for organizing the ring and for ruzena sending the book on.
Journal Entry 13 by aava from Jyväskylä, Keski-Suomi / Mellersta Finland Finland on Friday, June 6, 2008
What a wondeful book! I read last year Half a Yellow Sun which was excellent but this debut novel also deserves appraisal.Finely detailed characters each on their own right. I didn't particularly like the ending, to me it seemed a bit too drastic solution but all in all, thoroughly enjoyable read.
I will take the book with me to BC Summer meeting in Helsinki this weekend, hopefully I can find a courier to take the book to Turku but if not I'll mail it next week.
I will take the book with me to BC Summer meeting in Helsinki this weekend, hopefully I can find a courier to take the book to Turku but if not I'll mail it next week.
Journal Entry 14 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Friday, June 13, 2008
Thank you all for participating in the bookring!
Journal Entry 15 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Friday, June 13, 2008
This book wants to travel again.
Summer Gift Giving surprise for someone!
Summer Gift Giving surprise for someone!
Journal Entry 16 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Thursday, June 19, 2008
I sent the book to a fellow BCer on FRIDAY 13th June.
Guess what happened? The parcel was returned to me, no explanation.
Today I will go to the post office and send the book again. It's Thursday the 19th so there shouldn't be any problems :)
Guess what happened? The parcel was returned to me, no explanation.
Today I will go to the post office and send the book again. It's Thursday the 19th so there shouldn't be any problems :)
Journal Entry 17 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Monday, June 23, 2008
It finally ended up in my mailbox today as a Summer Gift.
Thanks for fulfilling a wish, sobergirl. I'm looking forward to reading this!
I love the bookmark and the postcard too.
Thanks for fulfilling a wish, sobergirl. I'm looking forward to reading this!
I love the bookmark and the postcard too.
Journal Entry 18 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Saturday, June 28, 2008
I love coming-of-age stories and books about different cultures and religions. So I did well to put this on my wishlist.
I finished reading today and can say I enjoyed the book, although it's not a fun read. In the beginning I found it a little slow and simplistic, too much of the same too, but after a few chapters the story really draw me in and the characters became more real. The ending was unexpected indeed and a bit sudden too. I would have wanted it to go on for a bit.
I'm looking forward to "Half of a Yellow Sun" now, which is on my wishlist too.
Thanks again Sobergirl. Great choice!
I will see to it that it keeps on traveling. I'll include it in my July "Keep Them Moving" RABCK draw
I finished reading today and can say I enjoyed the book, although it's not a fun read. In the beginning I found it a little slow and simplistic, too much of the same too, but after a few chapters the story really draw me in and the characters became more real. The ending was unexpected indeed and a bit sudden too. I would have wanted it to go on for a bit.
I'm looking forward to "Half of a Yellow Sun" now, which is on my wishlist too.
Thanks again Sobergirl. Great choice!
I will see to it that it keeps on traveling. I'll include it in my July "Keep Them Moving" RABCK draw
Journal Entry 19 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Sunday, July 6, 2008
As it was not won in the draw, I will send it travelling in a ray. The ray will start in Europe but may go Int'l if possible. It's a paperback edition, 325 pages, weight: <250 g (a little over 8 oz.)
Guidelines:
Please:
• make a journal entry when the book arrives
• try to read it within a month
• PM the next on the list* to ask for his/her address
• make a journal entry when finished to let us know what you think about the book (short review)
• wrap it up well and send** it to the next on the list. Mention the date in your last entry or make a release note. Please don't skip anyone without having tried everything to get the address (including an ISO in the forums).
• PM me in case of any problems/unforeseen delay.
* You will find the mailing list in this JE of the book. Hint: Ask for the next address before you've finished reading; some people are difficult to contact. Please don't skip anyone without letting me know.
** surface/economy mail is fine
Please sign my Guest map if you joined this ray
shippinglist
The final order has been juggled between geography, date of request, shipping limitations and preferences such as "not too high on the list".
kittycatss Portugal=>Europe
London-Shade UK => Europe
Pell Italy=>anywhere
biblioknoef France => anywhere
spaceystacey US=>US only
Kiri US=>US (Int. if necessary)
msjoanna US=>US/North Am.
ealasaidmae US=> anywhere <===November 11th it's here
pennina *) UK (late addition)=>anywhere
*) Sad to say pennina passed away in November 2009. Maybe it would be a good idea if the book could be released in her honour when the ray has finished. RIP pennina.
End of ray.
Guidelines:
Please:
• make a journal entry when the book arrives
• try to read it within a month
• PM the next on the list* to ask for his/her address
• make a journal entry when finished to let us know what you think about the book (short review)
• wrap it up well and send** it to the next on the list. Mention the date in your last entry or make a release note. Please don't skip anyone without having tried everything to get the address (including an ISO in the forums).
• PM me in case of any problems/unforeseen delay.
* You will find the mailing list in this JE of the book. Hint: Ask for the next address before you've finished reading; some people are difficult to contact. Please don't skip anyone without letting me know.
** surface/economy mail is fine
Please sign my Guest map if you joined this ray
shippinglist
The final order has been juggled between geography, date of request, shipping limitations and preferences such as "not too high on the list".
kittycatss Portugal=>Europe
London-Shade UK => Europe
Pell Italy=>anywhere
biblioknoef France => anywhere
spaceystacey US=>US only
Kiri US=>US (Int. if necessary)
msjoanna US=>US/North Am.
ealasaidmae US=> anywhere <===November 11th it's here
pennina *) UK (late addition)=>anywhere
*) Sad to say pennina passed away in November 2009. Maybe it would be a good idea if the book could be released in her honour when the ray has finished. RIP pennina.
End of ray.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Keep them Moving Challenge # 28 off to Portugal
Keep them Moving Challenge # 28 off to Portugal
This book arrived today.
Thank you for this chance to read it bestfriends :-)
Thank you for this chance to read it bestfriends :-)
Excerpt:
"So when Papa did not see Jaja go to the altar that Palm Sunday when everything changed, he banged his leatherbound missal, with the red and green ribbons peeking out, down on the dining table when we got home. The table was glass, heavy glass. It shook, as did the palm fronds on it.
"Jaja, you did not go to communion," Papa said quietly, almost a question.
Jaja stared at the missal on the table as though he were addressing it. "The wafer gives me bad breath."
I stared at Jaja. Had something come loose in his head? Papa insisted we call it the host because "host" came close to capturing the essence, the sacredness, of Christ's body. "Wafer" was too secular, wafer was what one of Papa's factories made—chocolate wafer, banana wafer, what people bought their children to give them a treat better than biscuits."
Behind a portrait of the perfect family there are dark secrets...
A beautiful and very disturbing story of a nigerian family trying to survive a military coup and there own secrets aswell.
Thank you so much for this opportunity bestfriends!
Already pm'ed the next reader, London-Shade.
"So when Papa did not see Jaja go to the altar that Palm Sunday when everything changed, he banged his leatherbound missal, with the red and green ribbons peeking out, down on the dining table when we got home. The table was glass, heavy glass. It shook, as did the palm fronds on it.
"Jaja, you did not go to communion," Papa said quietly, almost a question.
Jaja stared at the missal on the table as though he were addressing it. "The wafer gives me bad breath."
I stared at Jaja. Had something come loose in his head? Papa insisted we call it the host because "host" came close to capturing the essence, the sacredness, of Christ's body. "Wafer" was too secular, wafer was what one of Papa's factories made—chocolate wafer, banana wafer, what people bought their children to give them a treat better than biscuits."
Behind a portrait of the perfect family there are dark secrets...
A beautiful and very disturbing story of a nigerian family trying to survive a military coup and there own secrets aswell.
Thank you so much for this opportunity bestfriends!
Already pm'ed the next reader, London-Shade.
Journal Entry 23 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Thursday, August 28, 2008
I wonder about the status of this book now. It has been two weeks since the last JE.Tried to contact both previous and next reader, to no avail so far.
I've receive London-shade's address and this book will continue it's travelling tomorrow.
Thank Kittcatss- received yesterday. Really looking forward to reading this- I think its going to jump the queue!
Making myself a cuppa and I'm going to get started!
Making myself a cuppa and I'm going to get started!
CONTAINS SPOILER!! READ AFTER YOU FINISHED THE BOOK!!
This was a light read, yet deeply moving. What struck me was how Kambili didn't realise the oddness of her existence until confronted with a different sort of reality. What she lacked only became apparent when she encountered a richer life, not in wealth, but in emotion, culture, ideas. The contrast of her wealthy life with her 'poorer' cousins was nicely done I thought, without being too heavy handed. Certainly the cousins meagre meals were a welcome reminder of the abundance I can so often take for granted.
I was a disturbed by the potential romance between her and the priest and was so relieved it didn't go anywhere- I think that she was vulnerable to being abused by someone in a position of power, and although certainly there was an awakening in her, I felt she had a way to go before she knew herself well enough to enter into anything. Perhaps also the author wanted to show many sides of the church: colonial oppressor, corrupt hypocrisy, comforting and sincere, and so wanted to maintain a preist as a "goodie".
The 'sips of love' phrase right at the beginning raised the hairs on the back of my neck. It seemed to be a metaphor for K's father's approach to child'care', but then the ending brought back my first associations to the scenario! Clever, I thought.
I presume Mum was telling the truth, and bribery was going to get both Jaja and her their freedom? (Rather than the truth about the situation and what Mum had been through) I'd be interested to hear your views!
Thanks very much for letting me share this.
Will be posted shortly to Pell.
This was a light read, yet deeply moving. What struck me was how Kambili didn't realise the oddness of her existence until confronted with a different sort of reality. What she lacked only became apparent when she encountered a richer life, not in wealth, but in emotion, culture, ideas. The contrast of her wealthy life with her 'poorer' cousins was nicely done I thought, without being too heavy handed. Certainly the cousins meagre meals were a welcome reminder of the abundance I can so often take for granted.
I was a disturbed by the potential romance between her and the priest and was so relieved it didn't go anywhere- I think that she was vulnerable to being abused by someone in a position of power, and although certainly there was an awakening in her, I felt she had a way to go before she knew herself well enough to enter into anything. Perhaps also the author wanted to show many sides of the church: colonial oppressor, corrupt hypocrisy, comforting and sincere, and so wanted to maintain a preist as a "goodie".
The 'sips of love' phrase right at the beginning raised the hairs on the back of my neck. It seemed to be a metaphor for K's father's approach to child'care', but then the ending brought back my first associations to the scenario! Clever, I thought.
I presume Mum was telling the truth, and bribery was going to get both Jaja and her their freedom? (Rather than the truth about the situation and what Mum had been through) I'd be interested to hear your views!
Thanks very much for letting me share this.
Will be posted shortly to Pell.
Book arrived safely thank you London shade also for the teabag,what a lovely idea. I thought that when I start the book, I will make myself some tea, I do have another book that I have just started but will be as quick as possible.
I too, agree with everything the last reader has written, I almost gave up reading it several times, but wanted to find out what happened in the end. I really dont blame anyone for poisoning 'Papa', I think that I probably would have too.
Will forward it on to the next person when I get her details.
Will forward it on to the next person when I get her details.
Journal Entry 29 by biblioknoef from Boutenac, Languedoc-Roussillon France on Friday, October 24, 2008
book arrived today. thanks Pell, for sending it on to me.
Journal Entry 30 by biblioknoef from Boutenac, Languedoc-Roussillon France on Monday, November 24, 2008
I finished Purple Hibiscus today. Adichie revealed a clear view to a contemporary Nigeria to me with this book, for once seen from the rich citizen’s side, which I liked. She pictures the life of this family in a credible way and she made me enter easily into the part of Kambili – her silent suffering and yet her gradually changing from stuttering to speaking out. I was a bit disappointed with the slightly pathetic end. Altogether I was not impressed by this book – while reading it I often got the feeling of “someone having put all ingredients into a pot, according to the recipe, but not letting it cook long enough to get a consistent soup”.
Still: thanks a lot for sharing it and I will send it on to the next one on the list a.s.a.p. (Kiri being away until 15th december it will be Spaceystacey)
Still: thanks a lot for sharing it and I will send it on to the next one on the list a.s.a.p. (Kiri being away until 15th december it will be Spaceystacey)
Received in the post yesterday. Looking forward to reading this one today as it is raining and there is never a better time to curl up with a great read.
12/2/2008 Finished this very disturbing, yet extremely hard to put down book. I have already contacted Kiri, who at the moment is out of the country. I will be posting this book to her somewhere around the 15 of December.
Kambili and Jaja will warm your hearts, while their father will make you both cry for the abuses he suffered as a child and for those that he continues to inflict on his family.
12/2/2008 Finished this very disturbing, yet extremely hard to put down book. I have already contacted Kiri, who at the moment is out of the country. I will be posting this book to her somewhere around the 15 of December.
Kambili and Jaja will warm your hearts, while their father will make you both cry for the abuses he suffered as a child and for those that he continues to inflict on his family.
I have finished with this bookring, Kiri is out of the country right now, and has asked that I postpone mailing out to her until December 15, 2008. Will do, as it give me a chance to read another book that she is next one and save a wee bit of postage.
02/2009 Contacted by bestfriends. Wanted to know if book was posted out as it had not been received by Kiri to date.
update: 03/2009. Kiri is looking out for this book and will journal as soon as received.
02/2009 Contacted by bestfriends. Wanted to know if book was posted out as it had not been received by Kiri to date.
update: 03/2009. Kiri is looking out for this book and will journal as soon as received.
Journal Entry 33 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Tuesday, March 3, 2009
This book has not been heard of since that last JE in December 2008. I asked Kiri about it and she says it never arrived. It now looks like this ray is gone MIA. Such a pity for the others that still wanted to read it!
TBR. It arrived today. I have several before it but will get it read as soon as possible. =)
Journal Entry 35 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Reminder that this book is due to be sent to the next on the list (see guidelines) ! Don't do it for me, I have read it, but others haven't and they are waiting! If there are problems or unforeseen circumstances, please PM me! We'll find a solution.
Journal Entry 36 by Kiri at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (5/27/2009 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
on to msjoanna
on to msjoanna
Journal Entry 37 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Sunday, August 23, 2009
Stalled or missing in the mail.
I will ask the Lost Book Island to make a reservation for this book.
I found nicolesinger willing to take over the remaining readers with this copy
Thanks!
I will ask the Lost Book Island to make a reservation for this book.
I found nicolesinger willing to take over the remaining readers with this copy
Thanks!
This book has washed ashore at the Lost Book Island after not being heard from for many months. This new arrival will be shown to a room and be allowed a bit of rest before being introduced to the many fun things to do here at the island.All around there are books sipping cool drinks under shady palms while other books participate in a wide variety of beach sports. There is plenty of sand, surf and sun here for all of the lost and wayward books to enjoy.
It is hoped that very soon a new journal entry will come to rescue this book from the island and send it back out into the BookCrossing world so that it may continue on its journey. It is hoped that the new journal entry will tell all the interested parties where this book has been this long time and where it will be traveling to next.
Wahoo! Not lost any more! This book arrived in the mail yesterday. I'm excited to have it and to finally read it. I'll contact the other person to tell her not to mail the other copy (if she hasn't already).
I enjoyed the writing in this book, and thought the ending was appropriate and thoughtful if somewhat predictable, but I never really connected with the characters. Somehow, despite the wonderful descriptions of sights, tastes, and smells of Nigeria, the characters felt a bit flat to me. I want to read Half of a Yellow Sun, which I've heard from many people is a better book. I'm glad to have been able to participate in this much-anticipated bookray.
I'll put the book in the mail next week. (mailed 10/12/09)
I'll put the book in the mail next week. (mailed 10/12/09)
I've had this book for a while and I really thought I'd left a JE. I'm so sorry, bestfriends.
I enjoyed the first third or so of the book but then started to lose interest. The characters are a bit flat, a shame since it's a good story. I've read Half of a Yellow Sun and was looking forward to this but it just didn't work for me. I haven't decided yet whether I'll release this or send it out as a RABCK. Any preference, bestfriends?
I enjoyed the first third or so of the book but then started to lose interest. The characters are a bit flat, a shame since it's a good story. I've read Half of a Yellow Sun and was looking forward to this but it just didn't work for me. I haven't decided yet whether I'll release this or send it out as a RABCK. Any preference, bestfriends?
Journal Entry 42 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Saturday, November 21, 2009
It would be nice if this book could be released in honour of Pennina, who was on the shippinglist, but sadly passed away before it was her turn. There will be a mass release in the week of December 7th.
Journal Entry 43 by ealasaidmae at Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston, West Virginia USA on Friday, December 18, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (12/17/2009 UTC) at Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston, West Virginia USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
left in ICU break room
Welcome to Bookcrossing! I've registered this book here so that I can keep up on where it goes, who reads it, and what they thought of it. Please leave a quick journal entry so I know it's safe with you, then read and enjoy! When you're through, pass the book along to someone else who will appreciate it. We can all track this book's journey and the lives it touches forever more!
Thank You!
left in ICU break room
Welcome to Bookcrossing! I've registered this book here so that I can keep up on where it goes, who reads it, and what they thought of it. Please leave a quick journal entry so I know it's safe with you, then read and enjoy! When you're through, pass the book along to someone else who will appreciate it. We can all track this book's journey and the lives it touches forever more!
Thank You!
