Journal Entry 1 by tranq1 from Tampa, Florida USA on Friday, May 29, 2009

This book is a set of interwoven short stories about life in Hatti and Haitian immigrants to the US. The stories are mostly sad, but the book gives wonderful insight to the struggles of the Haitians. 

Journal Entry 2 by gnissorckoob from Miami, Florida USA on Saturday, May 30, 2009

Journal Entry 3 by tranq1 from Tampa, Florida USA on Saturday, May 30, 2009

Sending to nicolesinger who is next on the list for the ring and still wants the book. 

Journal Entry 4 by tranq1 at by mail, Bookins -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, May 30, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (5/30/2009 UTC) at by mail, Bookins -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed to nicolesinger. 

Journal Entry 5 by nicolesinger from Newport, North Carolina USA on Thursday, June 04, 2009

I know there is a joke that bookrings/rays all come at once, but really. As of the beginning of the year, I was on three rings/rays that looked pretty thoroughly stalled. I didn't sign up for any others. Suddenly, not one but two of the stalled rings came unstuck and made a beeline for my mailbox!

I am currently reading the first to arrive, Polly Toynbee's Hard Work in Britain, but I expect to have both that and this read and ready to move by the end of June at the latest.

Thanks for reviving the ring! 

Journal Entry 6 by nicolesinger from Newport, North Carolina USA on Sunday, June 21, 2009

I've read this somewhat slowly, as I would read a story then go away and think about it for a while before returning to the next.

I have to agree that the writing is lovely. Very lyrical, evocative, but not in a self-conscious, 'look how pretty *I* can write' kind of way. I felt as though Danticat sketched in characters and settings and made me see an entire picture in a few deft strokes.

As stories, these didn't quite do it for me. They tended to twist, meander in an unexpected direction, and then peter out. Very literary, for sure, but I guess as a reader I prefer a more traditional arc. I did see a meta-story, with each new narrator taking up at a point after the previous story and frequently related to the previous narrator, and I thought that was well done.

The book is packed and ready to mail to Secretariat tomorrow. I'll try to remember to make release notes then. (I sometimes forget to do controlled releases, though I am trying to be better about it!)

Thanks for including me, gnissorckoob, and thank you tranq1 for reviving the ring! 

Journal Entry 7 by nicolesinger at Morehead City Post Office, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (6/22/2009 UTC) at Morehead City Post Office, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed this off yesterday, still can't get used to doing controlled release notes! The difference between media mail and first class was $0.03, so first class it went.

Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 8 by Secretariat from Carlsbad, California USA on Friday, June 26, 2009

Arrived safe and sound. I have two books in front of it, but will be able to get to this well within the 30 day time frame. 

Journal Entry 9 by Secretariat at Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (7/21/2009 UTC) at Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Danticat is a favorite of mine, and this book is an excellent example of why. The 9 stories in the book each celebrate the resilience of the human spirit, but also touch on many other themes, all written beautifully. Because the stories give little background on the many political turns Haiti has taken in a few short years, readers might do a little research if they are interested.

It's on its way to the next in line. 

Journal Entry 10 by amcamp1644 from Bethesda, Maryland USA on Thursday, July 30, 2009

Got it yesterday. Thanks Secretariat!

Just finished. I found it interesting - definitely made me want to learn more about Haitian history and culture. 

Journal Entry 11 by amcamp1644 at Dalmatia, Pennsylvania USA on Thursday, August 13, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (8/13/2009 UTC) at Dalmatia, Pennsylvania USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

ECMeyers asked to be skipped, so I sent it on to the next person on the list. Enjoy. 

Journal Entry 12 by gnissorckoob from Miami, Florida USA on Tuesday, August 18, 2009

It's here. Thank you, tranq and amcamp. I wanted to re-read some of these stories. One of them especially: Between the Pool and the Gardanias.