Journal Entry 1 by turnpages from Faversham, Kent United Kingdom on Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Rachel Wetherby's life has been on hold since the diagnosis of her daughter Shelley with a debilitating and fatal illness. So when Pandora, Rachel's mother, offloads a box of her old possessions, including a diary, Rachel feels compelled to escape into a past, which - on the surface - was carefree. But opening up the box unearths memories best left uncovered.
Shelley, meanwhile, is juggling a secret romance with planning her own death. Convincing Rachel that she'd like to spend her 15th birthday in Cornwall where she spend so many idyllic childhood summers, she devises a dignified exit.
But nothing is as it seems and heartache and surprises lie in store for both mother and daughter...
Highly charged and morally complex, this mesmerising story told from alternate perspectives will captivate fans of Jodi Picoult and "The Memory Keeper's Daughter".


This is a brand-new book that was just published in May. I read about it in our local paper, as the author is from Kent, and so I bought the book. I am a fan of Jodi Picoult's books and "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" and as the book was said to be like those, I thought I would like it - and I did indeed...

Although the story is sad, it is also a story of hope and love, and you can empathise with Shelley for wanting to have a choice about her death rather than death coming upon her unannounced after a long illness. Also, there are some twists in the story which ensure that the reader's perception and expectations are not met. A fantastic read, apart from the fact that some of the characters are too exaggerated to be realistic, which is a shame...
 

Journal Entry 2 by turnpages from Faversham, Kent United Kingdom on Friday, June 06, 2008

This RING is now slowly getting underway.
I assume that once some other people have read the book there might be more interest but so far the list is:

1. Lauraloo29 (in Canada shipping INTL)
2. Donduckandy (in US shipping within the US only)
3. Supertalya (in US shipping INTL)
4. Madnad (in Spain shipping within EU)
5. Feloris (in Austria shipping INTL)
6. Waderwoman (in UK)

.... back to turnpages (in the UK) 

Journal Entry 3 by turnpages at sent by mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, June 09, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (6/9/2008 UTC) at sent by mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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On its long journey to Canada! 

Journal Entry 4 by lauraloo29 from Edmonton, Alberta Canada on Friday, June 20, 2008

Arrived safe and sound today. My rings are quietly piling up. Not to worry, I will keep this book moving. :) 

Journal Entry 5 by lauraloo29 from Edmonton, Alberta Canada on Friday, July 11, 2008

Very frustrating when I can't get into a book. If it wasn't a ring, I would probably struggle through, but I have others waiting for me.

Thank you for sharing. THis book will be on its way next week. 

Journal Entry 6 by Donduckandy from Hazleton, Pennsylvania USA on Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Book has arrived in Hazleton, Pa. I have two books ahead of this one to be read. Will get the book moving as soon as possible. Thanks for sending it out. 

Journal Entry 7 by Donduckandy from Hazleton, Pennsylvania USA on Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Story of a 15 year old girl and her family facing her eventual death. She plans to take her own life on her 15th birthday. There are everyday relationships developing. Both Mother and daughter have found someone they would like to know better. Decisions have to be made. 

Journal Entry 8 by Supertalya on Thursday, August 14, 2008

I just received this one. I should start reading it by late next week.

Update: I am on the fence about the book. In the beginning I disliked it. I felt the characters were not believable or easy to connect to. As the story went along I found myself wanting to read more and find out about these characters. I don't want to give anything else away but I really didn't like the ending. 

Journal Entry 9 by Supertalya at APO, -- US Military (all branches) -- USA on Sunday, August 31, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (9/1/2008 UTC) at APO, -- US Military (all branches) -- USA

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This is being mailed to Madnad in the Canary Islands!!! 

Journal Entry 10 by madnad from Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Friday, September 12, 2008

Received today with many thanks. I have another BC book to read first which I started yesterday, so... Will do my best, though 

Journal Entry 11 by madnad from Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Sunday, September 21, 2008

Very good book. I enjoyed the story line and the humour despite the sadness of the story. Shelley's such a strong character and I felt her condition and how it affects her personality was portrayed very realistically. 

Journal Entry 12 by feloris from Graz, Steiermark Austria on Monday, September 29, 2008

I got it today, probably arrived last week. Thanks so much! I almost forgot what this book is about, but rereading the blurb I immediately remembered why I wanted to read this book. :D Thanks! I'll try not to keep it too long. :) 

Journal Entry 13 by feloris from Graz, Steiermark Austria on Sunday, February 08, 2009

I liked the book, it was nice, easy reading while I was first in bed sick and then travelling to my winter holiday. The blurb and especially the little note on the cover (Enduring lies. Impossible choices. A secret that will test an entire family...) is a bit over the top and far too dramatic for what actually goes on; the style of writing sometimes grated on my nerves a bit, and the way the characters act didn't always seem all too convincing...etc...
BUT, as I said, I liked it; I thought there would be some more horrendous secrets, but other than that, it fulfilled my expectations as a nice, quickly-moving, slightly fluffy read; to be read between or after something more demanding. ;) 

Journal Entry 14 by waderwoman on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Thanks feloris this arrived safe and sound this very merry morning1
I have 2 others to read first, then I shall get onto it and return it back to Turnpages. 

Journal Entry 15 by waderwoman on Monday, March 30, 2009

Phew!! What an absolutely cracking read!!
Although having a 15 year old daughter myself i did feel that some of Shelleys way of talking and thought processes were a bit beyond her years.
I shall now pm Turnpages for her address to return the bok- imy aforementioned daugher may want to read it first though if thats OK.

Thanks for sharing everyone! 

Journal Entry 16 by waderwoman at Faversham, Kent United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (4/15/2009 UTC) at Faversham, Kent United Kingdom

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I am returning the book home to Turnpages- what a long journey it has been on!

I shall also be counting it as my #1 release in the April Showers/May Flowers challenge. ( BOX) 

Journal Entry 17 by turnpages from Faversham, Kent United Kingdom on Saturday, April 18, 2009

Returned home safely after its journey around the world....
I am pleased that so many readers have enjoyed this book, too!
Thank you for taking part in this ring... 

Journal Entry 18 by turnpages at In person, given to a friend -- Controlled Releases on Monday, April 20, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (4/20/2009 UTC) at In person, given to a friend -- Controlled Releases

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Handed to a friend to enjoy! 

Journal Entry 19 by turnpages from Faversham, Kent United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The book is back with me.... 

Journal Entry 20 by turnpages at Controlled release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (6/23/2009 UTC) at Controlled release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

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Given to a friend, hoping she might become Bookcrosser...