Mr Vertigo
15 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by shovelmonkey1 from Crystal Palace, Greater London United Kingdom on Saturday, August 29, 2009
Adding to my Paul Auster collection after reading Timbuktu and Leviathan both of which were excellent books although i prefered the more light hearted approach of Timbuktu. Will read and release at some point soon.
Journal Entry 2 by shovelmonkey1 at Liverpool, Merseyside United Kingdom on Friday, November 5, 2010
This was another excellent Paul Auster book and a bit of a departure from the norm. Mr Vertigo is the story of Walt the wonder boy (formerly just plain Walt). When Master Yehudi plucks Walt from the streets of St Louis and tells him he'll teach him to fly, Walt is sceptical. After completing the 33 steps Walt feels his spirits are broken but that's when he begins to levitate. Walt the wonder boy is born and Walt and the Master rush across the states in a series of comic and sometimes tragic adventures. This book is light hearted but has its unexpectedly shocking moments.
This book is now on offer as a bookray.
This book is now on offer as a bookray.
Journal Entry 3 by shovelmonkey1 at Liverpool, Merseyside United Kingdom on Saturday, November 20, 2010
This book is now travelling as a bookray, participants are:
Shovelmonkey1 - Host
cat207 - Aus/Intl
caroley - UK/UK
mafarrimond UK/EU
Simson- shilitoe - EU/EU
cassandra2020 - UK/UK<----- asked to be skipped
kingfan30 - UK/UK
bookowl1000 - UK/UK
brunton11 - UK/UK
danielle23 - UK/Intl
Nakipa - US/?<---------------------This book is now travelling here
The usual rules apply ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for participating and happy reading!
Shovelmonkey1 - Host
cat207 - Aus/Intl
caroley - UK/UK
mafarrimond UK/EU
Simson- shilitoe - EU/EU
cassandra2020 - UK/UK<----- asked to be skipped
kingfan30 - UK/UK
bookowl1000 - UK/UK
brunton11 - UK/UK
danielle23 - UK/Intl
Nakipa - US/?<---------------------This book is now travelling here
The usual rules apply ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for participating and happy reading!
Journal Entry 4 by shovelmonkey1 at Liverpool, Merseyside United Kingdom on Saturday, November 20, 2010
Released 13 yrs ago (11/20/2010 UTC) at Liverpool, Merseyside United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This book is now travelling to cat207 (i know you have a few bookrays ahead of this one and its ok so don't worry if you have this book for longer than the usual prescribed time for a ray.) Happy reading.
Arrived in today's mail. See, it's not nearly Christmas but thank you for the wishes shovelmonkey1. And I only have my current read ahead of this one now, so shouldn't be too long.
After taking six weeks to read my last book, this one's done in a day. But then Paul Auster is always a page-turner.
I'll get this into the mail to Caroley after the long weekend.
I'll get this into the mail to Caroley after the long weekend.
Received today thanks.
I've got a couple to read before this, but will get to it asap.
I've got a couple to read before this, but will get to it asap.
Excellent! I really liked this one and found it a very satisfying read. Some shocking moments, but they only added to the enjoyment.
Thanks for sharing your Auster collection Shovelmonkey1. Will PM the next reader and get this passed on asap.
Thanks for sharing your Auster collection Shovelmonkey1. Will PM the next reader and get this passed on asap.
Released 13 yrs ago (1/18/2011 UTC) at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posting 2nd class to Mafarrimond.
The book has arrived safely and I am looking forward to reading it.
I think this has been my favourite of the Paul Auster's novels. A real treat. Thanks for sharing it with me.
Posting on!
Journal Entry 13 by Simson-Shilitoe at Neewiller-près-Lauterbourg, Alsace France on Thursday, February 24, 2011
The book arrived safely in today`s mail alongside with a Kathy Acker book. At the moment I am reading "Traumpfade" by Bruce Chatwin, a bookring in German language from "ApoloniaX". I hope to start with "Mr. Vertigo" soon.
Thank you "mafarrimond" for posting.
And Thank you "Shovelmonkey1" for sharing another fine book.
Thank you "mafarrimond" for posting.
And Thank you "Shovelmonkey1" for sharing another fine book.
Journal Entry 14 by Simson-Shilitoe at Neewiller-près-Lauterbourg, Alsace France on Sunday, March 6, 2011
"Mr. Vertigo" is sweet. It's a strong writer giving us a high brow action, romance novel and it works. It will sweep you up, make you think and really feel for its characters. He dips into youth in a very believable way that brings you back to your own.
Posting to "bookowl1000" as soon as I get an address.
Posting to "bookowl1000" as soon as I get an address.
Journal Entry 15 by Simson-Shilitoe at Neewiller-près-Lauterbourg, Alsace France on Tuesday, March 8, 2011
"Bookowl1000" is currently working in Bangkok until April. So "cassandra2020" is now the next participant in this bookray.
Posting to Scotland as soon as I get an address.
Posting to Scotland as soon as I get an address.
Journal Entry 16 by Simson-Shilitoe at Neewiller-près-Lauterbourg, Alsace France on Monday, March 14, 2011
Mr. Vertigo doesn´t want to travel to the next person. And the book is still lying on my bookshelf / table.
Cassandra2020 pmed me yesterday that "This is embarassing, I do not remember putting my name down for this. Might be better to move onto the next person if you don't mind."
So I pmed kingfan30 for an address some minutes ago.
Cassandra2020 pmed me yesterday that "This is embarassing, I do not remember putting my name down for this. Might be better to move onto the next person if you don't mind."
So I pmed kingfan30 for an address some minutes ago.
Finally I found a new reader for this book. I am going to post the book to the UK tomorrow afternoon after finishing work.
Happy journey, Mr. Vertigo.
And I hope you will like the book, kingfan30.
Happy journey, Mr. Vertigo.
And I hope you will like the book, kingfan30.
Book has arrived safe and sound and I will get to it as soon as I can. Thanks for the chocolate Simson-Shilitoe, I have had to hide it from my husband!!
1 April 11 - Another great book from Auster although I think I liked The Music of Chance a little bit more. I found the way the Master treated Walt at the beginning uncomfortable to read, and I am pleased this was questioned later in the book. An unusual topic as always but a great page turner, just the thing to be reading whilst I waited for my husband in the hospital having a knee operation. I have the address of the next person so will pop it in the post soon.
1 April 11 - Another great book from Auster although I think I liked The Music of Chance a little bit more. I found the way the Master treated Walt at the beginning uncomfortable to read, and I am pleased this was questioned later in the book. An unusual topic as always but a great page turner, just the thing to be reading whilst I waited for my husband in the hospital having a knee operation. I have the address of the next person so will pop it in the post soon.
On its way to bookowl1000
Thanks kingfan. I got back from Thailand today to find it waiting for me. I will read it as soon as I can.
An utterly engrossing story arc of Walt's life. Walt is lost and alone, and finds a relationship of love and respect with someone, who in many eyes would be an abuser. It was interesting to see grow and develop in parallel with the changes in the US during the first half of the 20th century. I sometimes think that it is a shame that vaudeville no longer exists, as I would love to see it at least once. A story of striving for, living and losing the American dream.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
posted to next in line.
Arrived over the weekend. Thanks all for sharing. I haven't read any books by this author yet so I'll get cracking once I've finished my current book.
Journal Entry 24 by 
brunton11
at Salford, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
brunton11 at Salford, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Have to admit I was a little dubious when I first started this one - A boy that can levitate whatever next?! However, I really enjoyed this one. I liked the author's style which I felt made this an easy engaging read. I've signed up to shovelmonkey's ''Moon Place' ray so my expectations are high..
Posted to danielle23 today.
Posted to danielle23 today.
The book arrived today and I will start reading it tonight just before bed. Thank you for the stickers, great and I'll definately find a use for them xx
A very strange book that I actually quite enjoyed. Each part of the story was very different and equally enjoyable for me. I loved the fact that Walt could fly but definately not the treatment upto that point.
The most shocking part for me was the appearance of the Ku Klux Klan and it was just brushed over. But then I guess that was quite realistic for those times.
I will PM Nakipa for an address and get it posted out ASAP xx
The most shocking part for me was the appearance of the Ku Klux Klan and it was just brushed over. But then I guess that was quite realistic for those times.
I will PM Nakipa for an address and get it posted out ASAP xx
Journal Entry 27 by Danielle23 at Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Saturday, June 4, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (6/4/2011 UTC) at Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Off to Nakipa, the next in line. Thanks for sharing Caz, another 1001 book ticked off the list xx
The book arrived yesterday to the post office and went to pick it today, as soon as I read it will post here again. :D
This was my first Auster and I can say I was very pleased with it. Its writing is simple (in a good way) and easy to read but the characters are so loveable and different and extraordinary it is hard to believe this story might not actually be true. It's one of my favorites so far. :D
Thank you so much shovelmonky1 for giving me the chance to read this one.
I'll be sending it off in a coulpe of weeks, so that many more have the chance to read it.
Thank you so much shovelmonky1 for giving me the chance to read this one.
I'll be sending it off in a coulpe of weeks, so that many more have the chance to read it.
*BookRay* - Starting 29/Jul/2011
Participants:
1. Sfogs (NZ /Int'l Posting)
2. madpocky (Philippines/Int'l Posting) -------------> Here
oppem/USA (US posting/Int. if needed)
3. 4evagreen/UK (EU posting)
4. (...)
It will be open until it reaches its last participant, in which case he/she will be free to do keep it/release it/continue the BRay.
Thanks all for participating. :D
Participants:
1. Sfogs (NZ /Int'l Posting)
2. madpocky (Philippines/Int'l Posting) -------------> Here
oppem/USA (US posting/Int. if needed)
3. 4evagreen/UK (EU posting)
4. (...)
It will be open until it reaches its last participant, in which case he/she will be free to do keep it/release it/continue the BRay.
Thanks all for participating. :D
Released 12 yrs ago (7/29/2011 UTC) at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Traveling half the world away to Sfogs, the first on the list to read this one. I hope you enjoy :D
It's arrived safely in New Zealand! Thank you everyone for this book! :)
This was my first book by Paul Auster, and I really liked
it, not at all what I was expecting. I could like Walt, though the 'death-fixes-all' bit near the end of the book was strange.
It was also a bit long-winded at times.
it, not at all what I was expecting. I could like Walt, though the 'death-fixes-all' bit near the end of the book was strange.
It was also a bit long-winded at times.
Released 12 yrs ago (8/18/2011 UTC) at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This book is on it's way to the next reader :D
Journal Entry 35 by madpocky at Manila, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Philippines on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I got this book in the mail yesterday. I've got a few other bookcrossing books to finish, but I'll read this one right away as soon as I am able and send it out to the next reader. Thank you very much for sharing. ^-^
Journal Entry 36 by madpocky at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Monday, December 12, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (12/12/2011 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
this book is on its way to the next reader. thanks for sharing and i'm really sorry for the delay in sending this out. cheers! :)
This book arrived in Oregon today - thank you madpocky for sending it over.
It came with 2 other bookrays - SO...... I promise to read as soon as possible but I have couple of books to read first & then the 3 bookrays...
Looking forward to 'the read'....
It came with 2 other bookrays - SO...... I promise to read as soon as possible but I have couple of books to read first & then the 3 bookrays...
Looking forward to 'the read'....
Once upon a time.......
this is a 'fairy story 'about 'Walt the Wonder Boy' and it takes us on a lifetime journey with a street urchin named Walt, turned 'Wonder Boy', turned killer, turned mobster, turned bread factory worker, turned ??!!!.. Maybe I have missed some on the way but it really was 'quite a read'..
My first novel by Paul Auster so had nothing to compare it with...
I enjoyed most of it but have to confess to getting a little 'weary' with it by the end.
For me the first part of the book was a 'cant put down page-turner' but I did loose it somewat as the end drew near.
All in all a good read..
this is a 'fairy story 'about 'Walt the Wonder Boy' and it takes us on a lifetime journey with a street urchin named Walt, turned 'Wonder Boy', turned killer, turned mobster, turned bread factory worker, turned ??!!!.. Maybe I have missed some on the way but it really was 'quite a read'..
My first novel by Paul Auster so had nothing to compare it with...
I enjoyed most of it but have to confess to getting a little 'weary' with it by the end.
For me the first part of the book was a 'cant put down page-turner' but I did loose it somewat as the end drew near.
All in all a good read..
On it's way back 'across the pond' to my 'birth-shire' (Derbyshire).
Enjoy the read.
Enjoy the read.
Journal Entry 40 by 4evagreen at Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Monday, January 16, 2012
Book arrived safely and with impecable timing as I had finished my last read earlier on today so I can get straight into it. Thanks for sharing.
Journal Entry 41 by 4evagreen at Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Released 12 yrs ago (1/25/2012 UTC) at Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Once again if it had not been for the 1001 list this is a book that I would never have read and that it would have been a shame. To be brutally frank I had never previously heard of Paul Auster let alone Mr Vertigo.
Initially it took me a little while to get into this book and I also found it a little hard to particularily like any of the main characters but as I got further into the book the more it and they grabbed me, so much so that I found it a little hard to put down at the end. The fact that the book was not what I had expected probably had a lot to do with that.
Before I started this, going by the blurb, I was rather expecting a tale about an urchin boy being taught to levitate and then joining some sort of travelling fair with other quirks of humanity, painted lady, strong man etc, something that frankly has little appeal to me. Thankfully this proved wrong. I loved the gritty pre- WWII life in America that Auster describes as we are led trough Walt's life's ups and downs but this too is only a little background to the main tale. What this book is a moral tale or perhaps even two.
You could either argue that the moral of the tale is that if you want something badly enough and are willing to but the effort in, with exclusion to everything else, then you can achieve it no matter how humble your beginnings. Or you could argue that the moral is that of Sod's Law. Namely every time you think that you have got life cracked and everything is going along swimmingly then life throws you a curve ball making you re-evaluate you life and the direction that it is going in.
For me the book was alittle over long but very enjoyable all the same. I will certainly keeps my eyes open for Auster's other works.
Off to Oedde. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Initially it took me a little while to get into this book and I also found it a little hard to particularily like any of the main characters but as I got further into the book the more it and they grabbed me, so much so that I found it a little hard to put down at the end. The fact that the book was not what I had expected probably had a lot to do with that.
Before I started this, going by the blurb, I was rather expecting a tale about an urchin boy being taught to levitate and then joining some sort of travelling fair with other quirks of humanity, painted lady, strong man etc, something that frankly has little appeal to me. Thankfully this proved wrong. I loved the gritty pre- WWII life in America that Auster describes as we are led trough Walt's life's ups and downs but this too is only a little background to the main tale. What this book is a moral tale or perhaps even two.
You could either argue that the moral of the tale is that if you want something badly enough and are willing to but the effort in, with exclusion to everything else, then you can achieve it no matter how humble your beginnings. Or you could argue that the moral is that of Sod's Law. Namely every time you think that you have got life cracked and everything is going along swimmingly then life throws you a curve ball making you re-evaluate you life and the direction that it is going in.
For me the book was alittle over long but very enjoyable all the same. I will certainly keeps my eyes open for Auster's other works.
Off to Oedde. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Journal Entry 42 by Oedde at Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania and Partium Romania on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Thank you 4evagreen for offering to send this book to me, which was on my wishlist for a long time! Paul Auster is one of my favorite authors and after skimming through the previous readers' journal entries, I feel like I can't wait to start reading this. But it will have to wait a little bit yet, just a little bit... I'm really happy to have this well-travelled paperback, so thanks everybody for reading and passing on!
The book has travelled a bit more: it's in Kassel, Germany, now.
I finally started reading it about a week ago, and I'm enjoying it so much! I'm about half way through. Every day, I escape reality into the fictional space of this book, and I'm very glad about that. The story is a wonderful adventure, not all of it good of course, but it's worth it. I have a feeling that this might become one of my all-time favorite books.
Yes it was great. Life is a sad and crazy business, and this book shows that all too well.
I'm holding on to this book for now: It will join the other novels by Auster that I have and rest on my bookshelf, and like them, it will go to friends of mine or other trustworthy readers if they want to read it. The book is not in a very good condition, so I have to take good care of it, and I will.
Now that I've read the book, I will read all you previous readers' journal entries, which I'm very much looking forward to!
I'm holding on to this book for now: It will join the other novels by Auster that I have and rest on my bookshelf, and like them, it will go to friends of mine or other trustworthy readers if they want to read it. The book is not in a very good condition, so I have to take good care of it, and I will.
Now that I've read the book, I will read all you previous readers' journal entries, which I'm very much looking forward to!
