Journal Entry 1 by perryfran from North Ogden, Utah USA on Saturday, September 01, 2007

Journal Entry 2 by perryfran from North Ogden, Utah USA on Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Bookray

Starting a bookray for this book. Please PM me if interested. Bookray will remain open until last person has the book.

Participants so far:

. krin511 (Maryland, USA - International if necessary)
. ResQgeek (Virginia, USA - USA only)
. MarilynD (Tennessee, USA - USA only)
. shpriz1 (New York, USA - USA preferred)
. thegoaliegirl (Washington, USA - USA preferred)
. Wiley90 (Wisconsin, USA - International)
. lauraloo29 (Canada - Anywhere BUT Canada)
. kizmiaz (Portugal - Europe preferred)
. seethroughfaith (Finland - EU preferred)
. onniManni (Finland - International)
. safrolistics (UK - UK only)
. WelshHelen (UK - UK only)
. RonOren (UK - UK or EU preferred)
. Frenchnicola from UK - international)
. snufkin81 from South Africa (international)
. spoiledrotten (New Jersey, USA - US only)
. GrannyAnn (New York, USA - US only)
. hyphen8 (Hawaii, USA - US preferred)
. kaila-ann (South Carolina, USA - US only)
. valpete from California, USA (US only)
. guinaveve (Ohio, USA - US only)
. firepal (Texas, USA - International)
. mhs160 from Pennsylvania, USA (US only)
. msmoyra (Washington, USA - International)<----Skipped


Note: Order is subject to change based on shipping preferences and others joining the bookray.

How the bookray works:
* Someone will PM you for your address, PM them back and provide your address
* When you receive the book, please make a journal entry letting everyone know that you received it
* Put the book at the top of your TBR pile (under other rings/rays that arrived first)
* Read the book (take your time and enjoy the book, don't feel rushed to finish it but try to pass it on within a couple of months - others are waiting!)
* When the end is in sight, check the book's journal and PM the next person to get their address
* Finish the book, make another journal entry and let everyone know what you thought of the book
* Send the book to the next person on the list (please use the cheapest shipping method available), make release notes (Controlled Release) or journal entry to let everyone know that it's in the mail
* END OF THE RAY, The last person on the ray could try and continue the ray or just give/mail the book to someone else who might like to read it, perhaps a RABCK.

Please feel free to PM me at any time with questions

Bookray is now complete - thanks for participating!

Journal Entry 3 by perryfran at Bookray in Bookray, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Friday, October 19, 2007

Released 5 yrs ago (10/19/2007 UTC) at Bookray in Bookray, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Sending to krin511 in Olney, MD to start this bookray. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 4 by krin511 from Olney, Maryland USA on Monday, October 22, 2007

Arrived today - will start reading later this week. 

Journal Entry 5 by krin511 from Olney, Maryland USA on Sunday, November 11, 2007

It's days later, and I'm still thinking about this book. Choices people make, even with the best intentions, doesn't always work in the long run. This book is a compelling look at how an epidemic during wartime affects a small town in early 20th century America in ways both large and small. 

Journal Entry 6 by krin511 at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, November 11, 2007

Released 5 yrs ago (11/10/2007 UTC) at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed to ResQGeek. 

Journal Entry 7 by ResQgeek from Alexandria, Virginia USA on Thursday, November 15, 2007

This apparently arrived in the mail yesterday, though no one bothered to tell me that it was here. I'm in the middle of a book, but I should be able to start this soon, and then send it on its way. 

Journal Entry 8 by ResQgeek from Alexandria, Virginia USA on Friday, December 07, 2007

The town of Commonwealth, Washington, was founded with high ideals as an experiment in fair labor. However, with the Great War raging in Europe and the Spanish Flu ravaging town after town, the residents of Commonwealth try to protect themselves with a quarantine, shutting the rest of the world out. This seemingly logical step turns out to be fraught with unexpected dangers, first from two soldiers wandering the forests and then from residents of the neighboring town who harbor deep resentments against the men of Commonwealth.

Set against a backdrop of extreme labor unrest and a war that is adamantly and vocally supported by many but quietly opposed by others, this is a story about the choices people and communities face in times of crisis, and the often difficult to predict consequences of those actions. While the best path may appear obvious at first, circumstance may later suggest that it was the wrong choice. Perhaps the best we can do is pick what seems best at the time and hope for the best. This is not a story with a happy ending, but for someone who likes stories that give them issues to ponder, this book will provide an entire feast of food for thought.

The book is wrapped up and ready to move on. I'll probably drop it in the mail to Tennessee tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 9 by MarilynD from Bartlett, Tennessee USA on Friday, December 14, 2007

Have not read yet but have another copy received through paperbackswap.com so sending this bookray copy on to next person. 

Journal Entry 10 by MarilynD from Bartlett, Tennessee USA on Friday, December 14, 2007

Have second copy of book so sending on to next person today. Looks like interesting reading!! 

Journal Entry 11 by shpriz1 from Clifton, New Jersey USA on Monday, December 24, 2007

Thank you...got it... 

Journal Entry 12 by thegoaliegirl from Las Vegas, Nevada USA on Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Book arrived in the mail yesterday. Looking forward to reading this book! 

Journal Entry 13 by thegoaliegirl from Las Vegas, Nevada USA on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

This was a really interesting book! I really enjoyed it. I am living in Everett at the moment, which is mentioned often in the book, which did start as a logging town. This whole area was a big logging area.

This book made me think, esp the moral dilemas presented in the book. I could see things from both sides. Makes you wonder what you would do in this same situation. Sure, it was set in the past, but you never know what the future will bring. What is more important, protecting your family/community or abiding by socities rules?

Book went out on 2/14 to Wiley90. Sorry I am just now journaling. 

Journal Entry 14 by Wiley90 from Sheboygan, Wisconsin USA on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Got it. I need to finish another bookray I am reading, then I will read this. Thanks! 

Journal Entry 15 by Wiley90 from Sheboygan, Wisconsin USA on Sunday, March 16, 2008

Very good. I will be sending this out to lauraloo29 tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 16 by lauraloo29 from Edmonton, Alberta Canada on Friday, March 28, 2008

Arrived safe and sound today. I had thought I was getting my rings under control...... not too worry. I will keep it moving. :) Thanks! 

Journal Entry 17 by lauraloo29 from Edmonton, Alberta Canada on Friday, April 18, 2008

Sadly, I'm having difficulty getting into this book. I generally like books like this, so not sure what the problem is. If it wasn't a ring (with others waiting in line) I would probably struggle through.

On its way to Portugal next week. Thank you for sharing! 

Journal Entry 18 by kizmiaz from Belém , Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Monday, June 30, 2008

Just got it, thanks perryfan and lauraloo29. I still have one to finish but it shouldn't take long. 

Journal Entry 19 by kizmiaz from Belém , Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Monday, July 14, 2008

Journal Entry 20 by seethroughfaith from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Sunday, August 10, 2008

Books don't usually take that long to get here from Europe - but somehow this one took its time in arriving. But now it's here - safe and sound.

I've almost finished the book I'm currently reading, and will put this on top of the list so that it gets moving again soon.

 

Journal Entry 21 by seethroughfaith at Pori, Satakunta Finland on Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Released 4 yrs ago (8/19/2008 UTC) at Pori, Satakunta Finland

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I hope you enjoy this 

Journal Entry 22 by myrtillus from Pori, Satakunta Finland on Monday, September 01, 2008

Arrived today. Thank you seethroughfaith! I'll read it asap. 

Journal Entry 23 by myrtillus from Pori, Satakunta Finland on Sunday, September 21, 2008

I agree with perryfran, this was a very powerful, emotional and thought-provoking novel. The story tells all about fear and what it does to human beings. I did not understand the idea to quarantine the town to protect the community from the flu epidemic. How far would you go to protect your family and your own life? Is it worth killing for? It is so selfish and against Christian thinking.

I think Thomas Mullen has made a good job. This is a very good first novel.

Thank you for shareing the novel perryfran!

I'll send the book to safrolistics tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 24 by myrtillus at Pori, Satakunta Finland on Monday, September 22, 2008

Released 4 yrs ago (9/22/2008 UTC) at Pori, Satakunta Finland

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I send the book to fellow bookcrosser. 

Journal Entry 25 by Safrolistics from Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Northumberland United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Received in the post today.

Haven't read a ring in ages..... then three come through the post all at once! This may take me some time to get through!

15th December 2008;
Finaly finished this! Sorry for taking so long with it.
What with being Xmas, I'm a bit swamped for postage costs, so I'll be posting it on to the next person in the next week or so. 

Journal Entry 26 by Safrolistics at Mailed to fellow bookcrosser, Postal Release -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Released 4 yrs ago (12/30/2008 UTC) at Mailed to fellow bookcrosser, Postal Release -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Posted on to the next person in the ring. 

Journal Entry 27 by WelshHelen from Ponthenri, Wales United Kingdom on Saturday, January 24, 2009

Arrived safely earlier in the week while I was away. Thanks to safrolistics and to perryfran for your patience :-) 

Journal Entry 28 by WelshHelen from Ponthenri, Wales United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 17, 2009

This is an excellent first novel from an author who I hope to read more of (excuse the bad grammar!) I especially enjoyed the clear characterisations - Graham, Elsie and Frank were particular favourites of mine. I read The Year of Wonders a couple of years ago and though I prefer Geraldine Brooks’ novel, Mullen paints a chilling picture of life under quarantine, affected by paranoia and fear.

The last few chapters, in particular, hit me hard, maybe because things happened so quickly after a few slow chapters of angst (especially Graham's angst) and people dying of the flu!

This was well written, thought provoking and a real page turner. Highly recommended.

Thanks for sharing, perryfran :-) I've got RonOren's address and will post on to him in the next couple of days. 

Journal Entry 29 by WelshHelen from Ponthenri, Wales United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Posted to RonOren today. 

Journal Entry 30 by RonOren from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Saturday, February 21, 2009

This just arrived! It looks very interesting and I@ve just finished another book, so I'll get started with this immediately. I'll come back and say some more soon. 

Journal Entry 31 by RonOren from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Friday, March 13, 2009

Sorry for taking so long to journal this; I've been a bit disorganised lately.

I thought this was a really good book, enjoyable and yet rather deep (and it was quite strange to read, afterwards, that some of the earlier journalers felt it was a bit shallow. Well, I guess you can't argue these kind of things). The book paints a very vivid picture of the US in this time of turmoil, one that I didn't know much about.
For one, I always thought that the Spanish flu only hit after the War had been fought, so I never realised that it coincided and that people protecting themselves from the flu would be deemed traitors. The other thing that surprised me was the feeling of a witch-hunt to root out people that were dodging the draft. It was very much like the stories of the McCarthy-era, which I never expected for WWI. Come to think of it, don't quite know why not, though...

I have to agree with some of the earlier journalers that the characters were not very much fleshed out and I guess the ending is slightly wimpy. But for all that, it kept me spell-bound to the end; not so much because I wanted to know what would happen, but because I felt part of this world and I really wanted all the trouble to stop for this people. So I'd say Mullen's done a great job of his debut book and I hope to see more of his in the future!

Thanks for sharing this book, perryfran! I've got frenchnicola's address, so I'll pop by the PO on the way home and send the book onwards in its journey soon. 

Journal Entry 32 by RonOren from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Friday, March 13, 2009

Off to Frenchnicola. Hope you enjoy it! 

Journal Entry 33 by Frenchnicola from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Arrived safely, and will be started soon... 

Journal Entry 34 by Frenchnicola from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, March 22, 2009

I devoured this book. I really didn't know anything about Spanish flu before this, only in an abstract kind of way, so I'm pleased that I know a little more now. The book was very sad, a bit depressing really (and unsurprisingly) but I thought it was well-written and kept me interested in the lives of the people.

Thanks for sharing. I'll PM snufkin now and get it on it's way. 

Journal Entry 35 by Frenchnicola from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 25, 2009

On its way to Snufkin81 today. 

Journal Entry 36 by snufkin81 from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Friday, April 03, 2009

This arrived today, thanks so much! I've got quite a TBR at the moment but I'm trying to work through it as fast as possible so I'll try not to keep this too long.

Update 24 June: Sorry for keeping this so long! I'm reading it now, and I'll hopefully be able to pass it on in a couple of weeks. 

Journal Entry 37 by snufkin81 from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Saturday, July 04, 2009

This was the best book I've read so far this year! I was hooked right from the start.

I didn't know much about the Spanish flu before reading this. I once watched a (I think Disney Family Time) movie about it, but otherwise I hadn't come across much information on it. This book is so well researched that I learned a lot about the epidemic, but also about America during WWI and workers' rights (or lack thereof) during that period. The "Authors Note" at the end was interesting to read - to find out that there really were towns like Commonwealth, the strike in Everett was real, and unfortunately conscientious objectors were really treated as badly as described in the novel.

When I started reading this I had just come back from a trip to Hong Kong, where people are currently very nervous about swine flu: there are signs everywhere about proper hygiene and many people wear gauze masks. So this seemed very topical to me in a strange way, and even though here in South Africa we haven't been very seriously affected by swine flu I think I've picked up some of the paranoia of the characters in the book :P

I'm only giving it 9 stars because, as others have mentioned, the final chapter is rushed and feels more like a hastily written summary of events than a real conclusion. Besides that one complaint I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to more by Mullen. In the meantime I think I'll read Geraldine Brookes' Year of Wonders which I have somewhere gathering dust.

I already have spoiledrotten's address, so I'll send this on next week. 

Journal Entry 38 by snufkin81 at to the next participant, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, July 18, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (7/18/2009 UTC) at to the next participant, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sent by airmail today. The delay was due to a break in the spine which I first wanted to fix with some glue - I hope it holds! 

Journal Entry 39 by spoiledrotten from Waldwick, New Jersey USA on Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Received in the mail today along with another ring. Thanks so much for including me. I will read ASAP. I LOVE the beautiful postcard - thanks so much. So far the binding repair is holding up. 

Journal Entry 40 by spoiledrotten from Waldwick, New Jersey USA on Friday, July 31, 2009

I must say I enjoyed this book a great deal. I was captivated by the story line,characters and overall description from the very beginning. It has been a while since I read a book that I couldn't put down! I agree with perryfran and ResQGeek's comments about the book, so I won't repeat them. I have GrannyAnn's mailing info & will journal after it has been sent. THANKS so much for including me and THANKS to snufkin81 for sending. I am looking forward to reading more from this author and will try and track down a copy of Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. 

Journal Entry 41 by spoiledrotten at West Henrietta, New York USA on Friday, July 31, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (7/31/2009 UTC) at West Henrietta, New York USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This was sent out this afternoon to GrannyAnn to continue on its journey. 

Journal Entry 42 by GrannyAnn from West Henrietta, New York USA on Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Received in the mail from spoiledrotten. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Thanks for sharing,perryfran. 

Journal Entry 43 by GrannyAnn from West Henrietta, New York USA on Tuesday, August 25, 2009

I really enjoyed this book. There was much I did not know about the Pacific Northwest in the time before and during the first World War. Another journaler mentioned the similarities between this book and The Year of Wonders. Both books talk about the difficulties of keeping yourself apart. Although the people of Commonwealth were trying to keep the flu out and the people in Year of Wonders were keeping the plague in.

I found this book both moving and thought provoking. It makes you wonder how we will react if the H1N1 flu is worse than we think it will be.

Will be posting to Hawaii tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 44 by GrannyAnn at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, New York USA on Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (8/26/2009 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, New York USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Off to the next reader in Hawaii! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

Journal Entry 45 by hyphen8 from Honolulu, Hawaii USA on Thursday, September 17, 2009

Received today with thanks! Work is crazy busy for the rest of this month, but I'll try to squeeze this book in as best I can.

I know there are other people waiting for this so I'll try to get it moving again as soon as possible. 

Journal Entry 46 by hyphen8 from Honolulu, Hawaii USA on Friday, October 02, 2009

A complicated story featuring World War I on the homefront, the influenza pandemic, and labor issues, with a side look at the women's suffrage movement. Thought-provoking, especially with the looming H1N1 virus never far from the news.

Another book I might never have read if it weren't for Bookcrossing - thank you for the opportunity!

I've PM'd kaila-ann for an address. 

Journal Entry 47 by hyphen8 at Honolulu, Hawaii USA on Monday, October 05, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (10/5/2009 UTC) at Honolulu, Hawaii USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This book is a bit heavy, so I'm sending it to the next person via media mail. It will be sent on 10/05, and normal transit time seems to be about 3 weeks, although every once in a while it's faster. 

Journal Entry 48 by kaila-ann from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina USA on Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Got in the mail today and will start this as soon as I finish the book I am currently reading. 

Journal Entry 49 by kaila-ann from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina USA on Tuesday, November 17, 2009

All of my comments would repeat those of the others. I learned so much about the Spanish Influenza, the Pacific Northwest during that time period and much of the struggles during WWI. Great book and characters. Thank you all for sharing this with me. 

Journal Entry 50 by kaila-ann from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina USA on Tuesday, December 08, 2009

I am so sorry that this has taken so long. Things got incredibly hectic around my house with the holidays and everything that I never got a chance to slow down. Just wanted to make a quick note that the book is packaged, labeled and ready to go. Again I am so sorry!! 

Journal Entry 51 by kaila-ann at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina USA on Friday, December 18, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (12/18/2009 UTC) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed today, sorry again! 

Journal Entry 52 by valpete from Walnut Creek, California USA on Monday, December 28, 2009

This book has been on quite a journey. I have several Rings/Rays before it, so it will be a while before I get to it. 

Journal Entry 53 by valpete at Walnut Creek, California USA on Friday, May 28, 2010

I didn't really like this book. I did learn some things about the plague of 1918 and also that World War I was not exactly a popular war. So, some of the facts were interesting; unfortunately, I didn't much care for any of the characters 

Journal Entry 54 by valpete at Walnut Creek, California USA on Friday, May 28, 2010

Released 2 yrs ago (5/28/2010 UTC) at Walnut Creek, California USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

It's off to Guinaveve. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 55 by guinaveve at Bookray, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, June 16, 2010

I received this in the mail a few days ago. I am eager to read it after the book I am currently reading. Thanks for including me in this ray. I am going to go ahead and PM the next participant so that I have an address to send this to when I am finished.  

Journal Entry 56 by guinaveve at -, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Tuesday, June 29, 2010

I was very caught up in this story. It is about a time period I don't know much about in American history in an area of the US that I have never been, so both aspects were interesting to me.
I have the address of the next participant and will be sending this along tomorrow.
Side note: The book is looking a bit rough, though definitely still very readable. The cover is wearing thin and is bent both on the front and back and the binding was cracked in two. I secured it fairly well in order to prevent any pages from escaping. It didn't bother me as I read the book, so hopefully it will make it through several more readers, especially with some TLC. 

Journal Entry 57 by guinaveve at by postal services in Sent by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Released 2 yrs ago (6/29/2010 UTC) at by postal services in Sent by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Thanks! 

Journal Entry 58 by firepal at Hillsboro, Texas USA on Sunday, July 11, 2010

This book does stir your thoughts as to what one might do in such violent situations. Fear and political loyalties, community and family pressures and ties, struggeling to live. Interesting. Felt like a more modern time rather than 1918..not sure why that is. Think I will read the suggested refernce about The Great Influenza. Waiting for address to forward on. 

Journal Entry 59 by firepal at Hillsboro, Texas USA on Tuesday, July 13, 2010

This book is on it's way to the next person on this book ray! Enjoy 

Journal Entry 60 by mhs160 at Media, Pennsylvania USA on Wednesday, July 21, 2010

I received the book in the mail yesterday! Thank you. I hope to start it later this week. 

Journal Entry 61 by mhs160 at a fellow BookCrosser, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Released 2 yrs ago (11/30/2010 UTC) at a fellow BookCrosser, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

No response from next person on the list, so I'm sending it home to perryfran. Thanks for sharing. 

Journal Entry 62 by perryfran at North Ogden, Utah USA on Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Book is back home! It looks like it has been around the world and back - oh, I guess it has! Thanks everyone for participating in this ring. 

Journal Entry 63 by perryfran at Neenah, Wisconsin USA on Saturday, December 11, 2010

Released 2 yrs ago (12/11/2010 UTC) at Neenah, Wisconsin USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sending as a RABCK to imawinn2 in Wisconsin. Enjoy!

 

Journal Entry 64 by imawinn2 at Neenah, Wisconsin USA on Thursday, December 16, 2010

WOW! This book has made the rounds and looks like it has had much reading and love. I had this on my Wishlist and perryfran was so thoughtful to send this to me as a RABCK. I love historical fiction. This one will be especially interesting to me as it deals with the influenza epidemic of 1918. My great-grandmother died, in 1918, of that very virus. My grandfather was only eight years old. She had nursed the whole family through the sickness but became too weak to fight it herself. I look forward to delving into the pages of this book and reading about the challenges the characters face. Thanks so much perryfran!