Journal Entry 1 by beatrice-s from West Vancouver, British Columbia Canada on Tuesday, May 06, 2003

This is a beautiful book. A compelling story amidst an artfully recreated background. It is told as a Geisha's personal account of her past, and it's often hard to believe that the story is in fact fictional. Hope everyone else likes it as much as I did!

Here is the order for the bookray: red = finished, green = yet to read, blue = reading.

Miss-Efficiency (Canada)
Agrace (USA)
ladyofunicorns (USA)
Leanne345 (UK)
SBG2201 (UK)
CurtAngel (USA)
Elina (Finland)
letra (Portugal)
Pequete (Portugal)
Pauloca (Portugal)
Leukonoe (Germany)
concertina8 (Austria)
Wilmar(Netherlands)
DJgib (Netherlands)
FiBe (UK)
Katweeble (UK)
GateGypsy (Japan)
nonanz (New Zealand)
loveamystery (Canada)
c-a-m (Australia)
Purple-lilly (Australia)
Morgaine77 (Switzerland)
Stoxasths (Greece)
nona35 (Greece)
Xanthe-pup (UK)
stubee (UK)
andthings (UK)
kbudgie (Malta)
Xeyra (Portugal)
Lady Sneerwell (Germany)
Greenhousegirl (USA)
 

Journal Entry 2 by beatrice-s from West Vancouver, British Columbia Canada on Friday, May 09, 2003

Journal Entry 3 by Miss-Efficiency from Milton, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, May 14, 2003

This came in the mail today. Planning to dig right into it and send it on its way shortly. 

Journal Entry 4 by Miss-Efficiency from Milton, Ontario Canada on Monday, May 19, 2003

An excellent read. I'll be mailing this off to Agrace shortly, along with the vegetarian recipes I promised her. 

Journal Entry 5 by Agrace from Frisco, Texas USA on Saturday, June 14, 2003

receivedin the mail yesterday along with some mouth-watering recepies. I started reading this last night, and had a very hard time putting it down.
 

Journal Entry 6 by Agrace from Frisco, Texas USA on Tuesday, June 17, 2003

Great book! thanks for sharing beatrice!

The New York Times is quoted on the back, "Part historical novel, part fairy tale, part Dickensian romance, Memoirs of a Geisha immerses the reader in an exotic world..."

Sending it to ladyofunicorns today.
 

Journal Entry 7 by ladyofunicorns from Santa Fe, New Mexico USA on Monday, June 23, 2003

Received this in the mail today. Have a couple of rings/rays ahead of it. Shouldn't take too long to get to...maybe next week at the latest! 

Journal Entry 8 by ladyofunicorns from Santa Fe, New Mexico USA on Sunday, July 13, 2003

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was hard to remember that is was a fictional account....wow...hope everyone else enjoys it just as much as I have! 

Journal Entry 9 by ladyofunicorns from Santa Fe, New Mexico USA on Saturday, September 13, 2003

sent to Leanne345 in the UK! 

Journal Entry 10 by Leanne345 from Liverpool, Merseyside United Kingdom on Monday, September 29, 2003

Just got this today - shall read it ASAP. 

Journal Entry 11 by SBG2201 from Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Received this on Saturday, had totally forgotten I was in the book ring.

First thoughts was that it would be a hard book to read, but 3 days in and I'm halfway through!

A compulsive read! 

Journal Entry 12 by AnonymousFinder on Saturday, November 15, 2003

Finished the book. A great read, have forwarded to CurtAngel as part of the book ring  

Journal Entry 13 by CurtAngel from Warr Acres, Oklahoma USA on Wednesday, November 19, 2003

I actually started reading this in a bookstore about 4 years ago when I was pregnant with my first daughter. I think I made it a little past the first chapter before I had to leave, but I made a mental note of the book title so that I could read it sometime. I got this book yesterday and opened it up planning to just read to about the point I got to the first time I read it. I ended up reading over half of it and I had to force myself to go to bed so I wouldn't stay up all night reading. I'll probably be done soon, I'll finish journaling the book when I am. 

Journal Entry 14 by CurtAngel from Warr Acres, Oklahoma USA on Wednesday, November 19, 2003

I was sucked in by this book. The last few chapters I literally could not put it down. I don't want to give anything away, but I'm as sentimental as anyone when the sentiment was well written. I almost cried at the end. If I had read this while I was pregnant I know I would have cried. I was probably more affected because I have been reading some cynical books lately so I was expecting a more cynical ending. There are many beautiful thoughts in this book that I will probably carry with me for a while, but for some reason one of the characters made me think of Ayn Rand's characters. But that is probably just me. I've PMed the next person and hopefully I'll hear from her soon. 

Journal Entry 15 by Elina from Espoo, Uusimaa Finland on Saturday, January 17, 2004

Memoirs of a Geisha arrived yesterday. I'm really looking forward reading this book after all the good comments about it. It shouldn't take too long. 

Journal Entry 16 by Elina from Espoo, Uusimaa Finland on Wednesday, February 11, 2004

I really liked this book a lot. It was very interesting and once I got it started I couldn't put it down for a long time. I'm really glad I got a chance to read Memoirs of a Geisha. I Now I'm waiting for the next person to pm me his/her address.

Update February 25th: The book is now on its way to Letra in Portugal.  

Journal Entry 17 by letra on Monday, March 08, 2004

Journal Entry 18 by letra on Friday, August 06, 2004

Journal Entry 19 by Pequete from Bragança, Bragança Portugal on Tuesday, August 10, 2004

Received it today by mail. Hope to start reading it tonight! 

Journal Entry 20 by Pequete from Bragança, Bragança Portugal on Wednesday, August 18, 2004

I stood awake until almost 2 A.M., just to finish reading this book. Apart from being a true page-turner, it certainly changed my preconceived ideas about what a geisha is (or was), it taught me a lot about the Japanese culture and I also liked the bit of information about the war period – although I think the author’s view about the feelings of the Japanese towards the American troops left after the end of the war are exaggeratedly optimistic, to say the least… For instance: “All the stories about invading American soldiers raping and killing us had turned out to be wrong; and in fact, we gradually came to realise that the Americans on the whole were remarkably kind.” Now, if this doesn’t sound like a guilty conscience trying to clear itself, I don’t know what it is… Anyway, it is a remarkably good book and it is incredible how a man could write it and yet when you read, it really sounds as if a woman is speaking. Thank you, beatrice-s, for sharing it! I will send it this afternoon to Pauloca, next one on the ray. 

Journal Entry 21 by Pequete from Bragança, Bragança Portugal on Friday, August 20, 2004

Seguiu esta manhã para a Pauloca. 

Journal Entry 22 by Pauloca from Coimbra (cidade), Coimbra Portugal on Tuesday, August 24, 2004

Recebi-o hoje.

Got it today (24.Aug.04).
 

Journal Entry 23 by Pauloca from Coimbra (cidade), Coimbra Portugal on Sunday, August 29, 2004

What ana amazing book. I really enjoyed reading it. And by the end of it I coudn't stop. I could hardly believe the story is not really true. Anda most amazing of all is that it is wirtten by a man, when it really sounds like a woman talking.

I am going to send it to Germany tomorrow.
 

Journal Entry 24 by Leukonoe from Berlin, Berlin Germany on Thursday, September 02, 2004

I didn't expect the book to come so soon, so it was a great surprise to spot it sitting in in front of my door in the evening! I started reading immediately, and I find it extremely gripping already.

6.9.: What a wonderful book, it keeps me awake till late every evening! I am in the middle now, trying to contact Mandana or Arina. 

Journal Entry 25 by Leukonoe from Berlin, Berlin Germany on Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Journal Entry 26 by Leukonoe from Berlin, Berlin Germany on Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Got concertina8's address and will ship the book tomorrow. Thanks to beatrice-s for starting and organizing the ray and to Pauloca for sending it to me! Besides, I liked the portuguese protection/decency(?) (LOL) jacket! 

Journal Entry 27 by beatrice-s from West Vancouver, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, September 09, 2004

Just wanted to drop a quick line thanking everyone for contributing to this bookray's long and eventful life! If only I could travel like that! Thanks especially to those who invited new people to join the ray and took extra efforts in finding the book its next home. Hopefully this copy will keep travelling till it falls apart; the true mark of a well-loved book! 

Journal Entry 28 by concertina8 from Wien Bezirk 13 - Hietzing, Wien Austria on Tuesday, September 14, 2004

the book arrived today. i have one ahead of this one which should be a quick read - so fear not! i will get to it asap.

well, finished!
an intriguing read. i found it very interesting to learn about a culture that is so different from our own.

have contacted wilmar for the next address.... 

Journal Entry 29 by concertina8 at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, September 28, 2004

Released 7 yrs ago (9/28/2004 UTC) at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

book travels on to Wilmar 

Journal Entry 30 by Wilmar from Leiden, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Wednesday, October 06, 2004

Caught! In my mailbox today; thank you concertina8!

The book looks very promising, and so do your journals about it (I took a quick look)!

I think tonight I will finish the book that I'm currently reading, so I'll probably start reading the memoirs this week.

Looking forward to it! 

Journal Entry 31 by Wilmar from Leiden, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Monday, October 18, 2004

For a long time I’ve wanted to read this book, and now I finally did. Wonderful story, but sometimes hard to accept for me, because of my Dutch 20th century upbringing and values.
In the first part of the book the terrible Hatsumomo literally forced me to read on. I had to know if and when her torments would finally come to an end.
When Sayuri’s mizuage was about to take place, the story got slow I thought. I started another book, and only after I finished that one I continued in Memoirs of a geisha
Later, when Nobu got more important in the story, I got a bit annoyed with Sayuri. To me the way she thought about Nobu (and his appearance) didn’t seem fair.
I was glad (and emotional!) about the happy ending. But I was a bit disappointed that they did not marry…

My overall feeling about the book: beautiful history, but I wish Arthur S. Golden would have written less detailed. He could have left more to the reader’s imagination. Now he is completely telling the story in stead of also showing parts of it.

beatrice-s, thank you for this Ray! the book will start its journey to Djgib today.
 

Journal Entry 32 by DJgib from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Whoopee, I was looking forward to this. Thanks Wilmar for sending it on. I'll start as soon as I've finished my current read, which should be tonight or tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 33 by DJgib from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Wow, this was amazing. What an achievement for an American man to tell the story of a Japanese woman and make it so believable. The language and atmosphere were beautiful. Thanks beatrice-s for sharing. 

Journal Entry 34 by DJgib from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Thursday, November 04, 2004

And it's on its way to the UK, enjoy FiBe! 

Journal Entry 35 by FiBe from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire United Kingdom on Monday, November 08, 2004

Received this book on Saturday and finished it yesterday.

I enjoyed this book, I'd been wondering what the fuss was about this book for a long time now and now I know.

I would recommend this book to anyone. I will pm Katweeble for her address today. 

Journal Entry 36 by Wilmar from Leiden, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Monday, November 08, 2004

I'm sorry to break in like this. But I'm just utterly amazed: FiBe did you really manage to finish the book in TWO days!?
Wow, you're an extremely fast reader! 

Journal Entry 37 by FiBe from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire United Kingdom on Monday, November 08, 2004

Sorry interrupting to respond!

Wilmar, yep 'fraid I am a quick reader. Also managed to buy my new computer, buy new wallpaper and carpet for my spare room. Stripped wallpaper in my spare bedroom, sanded and painted the woodwork (turning spare room into a computer room). And wrapped up my spare bed, mattress and bedcovers for the Anti Poverty Centre. Although have to admit that my mum did help me so I didn't do it all on my own. So all in all had a very busy weekend!! Phew need a couple more days of now but unfortunately back at work.

But I can only read a book this fast if I am really enjoying it, otherwise I dawdle over it or skip bits if it's really boring. 

Journal Entry 38 by FiBe at Bookray in Bookray, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, November 09, 2004

Released on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 at about 11:00:00 AM BX time (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada) at Bookray in Bookray, A Bookray Controlled Releases.

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to katweeble. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 39 by Katweeble from Wolverhampton, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, November 11, 2004

Arrived to day - thanks FiBe. Don't think I will be able to read it as quickly - am half way though another book I need to finish first. Will be as quick as I can though. With all the good reviews it hopefully won't take me long.

 

Journal Entry 40 by beatrice-s from West Vancouver, British Columbia Canada on Friday, November 12, 2004

Woo hoo! This book just clocked in at number 93 on the Most Traveled list! Thanks for keeping it going, everyone!

 

Journal Entry 41 by Katweeble from Wolverhampton, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, November 14, 2004

So good I struggled to put it down once started. REally well written and an excellent insight to another culutre. I enjoyed it as much as the insight 'an unsuitable boy' by Vikram Seth gave to the indian culture post partition (although this books was considerably shorter).

Will pm mandana to see if she is responding now.PM'd gategypsy as have not had a reply from Mandana in a week 

Journal Entry 42 by Katweeble from Wolverhampton, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, January 15, 2005

Oops - I forgot to post when I sent it on? It is on its way to gategypsy in Japan of all places - I am hoping she should get it around now.


Sorry nonanz and thanks for reminding me 

Journal Entry 43 by GateGypsy from Whitehorse, Yukon Canada on Monday, February 14, 2005

Received in the mail on Monday the 14th, Valentine's. I'll read it ASAP, which is right after I finish "The Queen And I" -- another bookring. Thanks for sending it! What an adventure this book is on!

******************************************************************************

Finished quickly. The reader -- well, at least I -- completely forgot, while reading this, that it was written by a man who is also an American. Anyone who has seen any Japanese/Chinese movies will know why it's important that an American wrote it when they get to the end, too. Quite the trip, and quite a surprise. I was glad to read it, thank you for letting me participate in the ring! The book was mailed in March 25th. 

Journal Entry 44 by nonanz from Dunedin, Otago New Zealand on Saturday, May 07, 2005

Finally arrived in the post yesterday! I was begining to think it would never arive! 

Journal Entry 45 by nonanz from Dunedin, Otago New Zealand on Sunday, November 27, 2005

The frankness in which the day to day life of the geisha is described was refreshing and facinating. The delightful metaphors and style of prose made me laugh out loud more than any other book i have read recently. certainly a delightful read!

Apologies for taking so long but the poor book was a bit worse for wear so i had to repair it. All packed up though now, ready to go to loveamystery (gwendy has obtained a copy of her own) as soon as i get her details!


P.S. gategypsy, I understand now what you meant about the suprising ending. It certainly made it clear the author was not japanese! its not so melancholic! 

Journal Entry 46 by GateGypsy from Whitehorse, Yukon Canada on Thursday, December 01, 2005

I just discovered today that there is a movie coming out based on this novel. It appears to be called Sayuri. However, when I saw the ads for it, it looked like a Japanese movie, and as I've been holed up in Japan for the past year I don't know if it's being made for the audience of the wide world -- anyone else have word on this? 

Journal Entry 47 by nonanz at -- Controlled Release in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, December 01, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (11/29/2005 UTC) at -- Controlled Release in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

On its way to loveamystery now. put it in the post a couple of days ago. i was told it should take 12-14 days

enjoy! 

Journal Entry 48 by beatrice-s from West Vancouver, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, December 01, 2005

GateGypsy - there is a "Memoirs of a Geisha" movie coming out here this month. I looked up "Sayuri" and it is the same movie, but for Japanese audiences; it will be shown in 2 versions: one with dubbed voices and one with subtitles. I'm looking forward to seeing it!

I hope you're enjoying Japan! It's definitely on my list of countries I want to visit :)

nonanz - thanks for mailing the book out (and fixing it up, LOL)! :) 

Journal Entry 49 by loveamystery from Burnaby, British Columbia Canada on Monday, December 19, 2005

Arrived in today's mail all the way from New Zealand. Thank you nonanz for sending it. 

Journal Entry 50 by loveamystery from Burnaby, British Columbia Canada on Sunday, January 15, 2006

What a wonderful book! I had very little knowledge of a geisha's life until I read this novel. The story is so beautifully told. As well as being very informative, it touches the heart. I liked it so much, that I bought my own copy so that I could share it with others.
This book is now on its way to c-a-m by surface mail. (four to five weeks arrival time). Thank you beatrice-s for sharing it. 

Journal Entry 51 by c-a-m from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, April 06, 2006

Recieved about 5 minutes ago. Thankyou loveandmystery. 

Journal Entry 52 by c-a-m from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Finished!! What a beautiful book..i loved the romanticism (is that even a word..? hmm..i think not) and all the cute quotes. Will be sending to cosmic-gin ASAP.
thankyou for making into a ring beatrice-s.. 

Journal Entry 53 by c-a-m from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, April 12, 2006

sending to Purple-lilly instead..cosmic-gin asked to be skipped. 

Journal Entry 54 by c-a-m from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Sending off to Purple-lilly tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 55 by Purple-lilly from Heathfield, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Found this on my TBR today, many apologies I must have recived it about a month ago and forgot to journal it! I assure you that I havent done it before, a total oversight will send it straight on as I have had it for so long! 

Journal Entry 56 by Purple-lilly at By mail in Fellow Bookcrosser, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, August 03, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (8/3/2006 UTC) at By mail in Fellow Bookcrosser, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

posted today, Australia Post made a killing! 

Journal Entry 57 by Stoxasths on Sunday, October 22, 2006

Just got the book but I have absolutely no time to read it. It is a shame. I will release it to the next bcer