Journal Entry 1 by kikimasu from Cincinnati, Ohio USA on Friday, September 12, 2003

This arrived as a gift from Anoisblue. I thought it was from her shelf, but I asked several times for a BCID and got no response so I'm registering it myself in order to share it with someone else. If it turns out to have a different BCID, I will try to fix it. 

Journal Entry 2 by kikimasu at fellow BookCrosser in USPS, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Friday, September 12, 2003

Release planned for Saturday, September 13, 2003 at fellow BookCrosser in USPS, postal release USA.

Going out to tangledthreads as 1/2 of a thank you for the books she sent to me. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 3 by tangledthreads from Derby, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Thursday, October 16, 2003

Many thanks for this book received in trade. I will post a review once I have read it, but please bear with me, as I don't have too much reading time at the moment... I'm really looking forward to reading it, though! 

Journal Entry 4 by tangledthreads from Derby, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Monday, October 27, 2003

Had a few days away, and this was a very quick read. I did enjoy it, but thought it was a little spare on realism. I guess it is trading on the magic of the storyteller - Luo and the narrator are granted relative freedom to leave the village due to Luo's skill at narrative storytelling; Luo's storytelling combined with the magic of Balzac help ensnare the affections of the Little Seamstress; it is for the sake of literature that Luo and the narrator risk everything as they steal a box of forbidden books; and it is the very gift of storytelling that brings about the story's grand finale which threatened to be a bit of a damp squib as I began the final chapter, but turned out to be my favourite part of the book.

The book did frequently refer to political situations, how these affected the characters, and how everyday lives were 'run' by the authorities, but this is definitely more of a fable than a political novel. It's well-written, very easy to read, and I can see why it has done as well as it has, but overall, it failed to really touch me. 

Journal Entry 5 by tangledthreads at Airmail to Canada in -- By post or by hand --, Greater London United Kingdom on Friday, December 12, 2003

Released on Friday, December 12, 2003 at Airmail to Canada in Postal release, England United Kingdom.

Am helping this book to continue its journey by RABCKing alongside Memoirs of a Geisha bookring - hope prairiefirefly enjoys this, and passes it on once read! Thought the 2 books went quite nicely together... 

Journal Entry 6 by PrairieFirefly from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Monday, December 22, 2003

thank you so much for including this book - I really look forward to reading it and will be sure enough to pass it along once done :). Happy holidays! 

Journal Entry 7 by PrairieFirefly from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, January 06, 2004

What a lovely book! I absolutely sailed through it, and enjoyed every minute - so entertaining and visual - I loved the story, the characters and the language. I raved about it to symphonicca and it is now on its way, via Canada post, to her in Halifax for a read. 

Journal Entry 8 by symphonicca from Bruxelles / Brussel, Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium on Friday, January 09, 2004

Journal Entry 9 by symphonicca from Bruxelles / Brussel, Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium on Monday, January 19, 2004

Journal Entry 10 by symphonicca at -- Controlled Release in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada on Sunday, January 25, 2004

Journal Entry 11 by bookhogger from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Sunday, January 25, 2004

I wanted to read this before it was sent off on the bookring. Symphonicca has graciously lent it to me before it begins its transatlantic journey. 

Journal Entry 12 by bookhogger from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Monday, February 16, 2004

This book was pretty good, though I didn't love it as much as I expected. It likely would have helped if I had read the authors they were so thrilled with - would have felt more of a connection with them, more excited for them. It's like hearing a story about someone you don't know - you usually just don't care to hear it as much. (or at least i don't).

And the ending didn't thrill me. It brought to mind 'Mansfield Park', when idependent and usually reckless behavior in women is blamed on education. Though it is great she went off to discover greater freedoms, she deserted her father and friends. And what sort of freedoms did she think were out there? Urban china in that time was still very restrictive - didn't have much in common with the places in the novels (France). I guess it showed how truly naive she was. Books can't replace experience.

This will head off soon to the next reader on the list 

Journal Entry 13 by symphonicca at -- Controlled Release in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada on Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Journal Entry 14 by BC-08041015142 on Tuesday, March 02, 2004

Received in the mail this morning. I'm really looking forward to reading this, but unfortunately there are 3 books in front of it (plus the one I'm reading at the moment). But I'm a quick reader!

Thanks Symphonicca!
:-) 

Journal Entry 15 by BC-08041015142 on Sunday, March 21, 2004

I loved this little book! I, too, sailed through the text reading it in half a day. The characters were wonderfully described, the writing was eloquent, and you felt transported right into the story. Thank you symphonicca for sharing this book. It was a true delight to read.

I already have LeighBCD's address, so this will be London-bound early next week. 

Journal Entry 16 by BC-08041015142 at ... by mail :) in Sent to a fellow BookCrosser, Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, March 25, 2004

Released on Thursday, March 25, 2004 at ... by mail :) in Sent to a fellow BookCrosser, Bookring Controlled Releases. 

Journal Entry 17 by LeighBCD on Wednesday, March 31, 2004

hello! I received this in yesterday's post. This book looks wonderful, I am really looking forward to reading it.

I have had four bookring books all land on me at once so I am not sure when I will be finished with this as I have been extremely busy at work (doing 16 hour days!!). I always give book ring books priority in the TBR pile so hopefully it will not be too long before I can get this book moving again. Thanks very much - I will be back! 

Journal Entry 18 by LeighBCD on Friday, April 16, 2004

I enjoyed this book very much... it was beautifully and deftly written. I have to say, though, I did not like the ending, it came out of nowhere. But that does not detract from the overall enjoyment I had from reading this novel.

I noticed that this novel was originally written in French - hence the emphasis on French classic literature in the book. I agree that it would have been helpful to have been more familiar with the works of Balzac and Alexandre Dumas but this is not essential to appreciating the novel.

Thanks symphonicca for starting the bookray!

I have the details of the person next-in-line and will send the book next week. 

Journal Entry 19 by LeighBCD at on Thursday, April 22, 2004

Released on Thursday, April 22, 2004 at to robert-walker in Rotherham, England Controlled Releases.

I hope you enjoy the book! 

Journal Entry 20 by R-W from Rotherham, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Saturday, April 24, 2004

This book has now found its way to Rotherham, one of my fellow Posties just popped it through the letter box. I will finish my current book over the weekend then move onto this one. 

Journal Entry 21 by R-W from Rotherham, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Monday, April 26, 2004

I enjoyed reading this book, so much so that i couldn't put it down and read the whole lot in one sitting. I t is easy to read, i felt as though i was there in the mountains, the book is very descriptive, tales of lice, and the drinking of congealed blood made me feel all squeamish, but yet i still couldn't put it down.

This book reminded me of Voltaires "Candide", one minute you want to laugh, the next you want to cry, and like another reader has mentioned here, the ending came to quick.
This is a book i will read again in the future. 

Journal Entry 22 by R-W from Rotherham, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, April 29, 2004

Just mailed to torksoul in Paris 

Journal Entry 23 by torksoul from St. Louis, Missouri USA on Thursday, May 27, 2004

I'm sorry not to have update sooner, but the book is safely with me and I am now half-way through. 

Journal Entry 24 by torksoul from St. Louis, Missouri USA on Friday, June 04, 2004

I finished this book last week. Actually, the next person on the list isn't replying to the PM, so perhaps I'll have to contact the one after.

I didn't know what to make of this book, really not at all. I loved reading it, it read itself so quickly, and at the end I felt as though there wasn't enough, I could have kept reading the story for hundreds more pages. At the same time, I don't think I really believed it, or, more to the point, succeeded in imagining what was described. The characters, so hungry for culture; I just couldn't fathom that kind of thirst creating itself in the vacuum of their lives. The narrator asks the reader to imagine him - a boy with nothing but propaganda for mental stimulation - and I have to say that I simply can't. I would have loved to hear more about this, and how these amazing youngsters carved out a sense of art and literature in such an impoverished environment; but perhaps this wasn't the point of their story. 

Journal Entry 25 by citrus from not specified, not specified not specified on Wednesday, August 04, 2004

the book has been with me already for a little while and i'm halfway through it now... sorry that i journal it that late but i don't have regular internet access at the moment... just wanted you all to know that the book's fine... 

Journal Entry 26 by citrus from not specified, not specified not specified on Saturday, August 07, 2004

very nice tale...

going to dagett asap... 

Journal Entry 27 by dagett from Wien - irgendwo / Vienna - somewhere, Wien Austria on Wednesday, August 18, 2004

I recieved this book today and I will start reading it immediately. Thank you all for passing it on! 

Journal Entry 28 by dagett from Wien - irgendwo / Vienna - somewhere, Wien Austria on Thursday, September 02, 2004

What an amazing and perfect little book! It took me longer to read than I thought it would. Though it is easy to read, I decided to slow down and to dwell upon the chapters a little longer. Funny and charming as it is, yet this little story made me think a lot about what you can take away from people. And it made me think about books I've read that brought changes to my life and my personality.
I will definitely give Balzac a try!

By now this book is on its way to New Zealand! 

Journal Entry 29 by libragirl from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Monday, September 06, 2004

This book received today, thanks - will finish what I am reading and get to this one next. 

Journal Entry 30 by libragirl from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Saturday, September 25, 2004

This book was a quick read for me, I can only echo the praise of the other journallers. The ending for me came quickly and I was also left wanting more. I enjoyed the change from that of the narrator to those told by the Little Chinese Seamstress, Luo and the Miller. It was good to get their take on what was happening. I initially thought that the Seamstress didn't find Luo's keys to stop him leaving the village - in fact it was she who left him behind - nice twist. I have put off seeing the movie of this book but will now find it to see how my imagination of the characters is portrayed in that arena. 

Journal Entry 31 by twinmaker from Winthrop, Western Australia Australia on Thursday, October 07, 2004

rec'd today, just the one in front of it 

Journal Entry 32 by twinmaker from Winthrop, Western Australia Australia on Sunday, October 10, 2004

A very quick read, something totally different to the books I have been reading of late. I enjoyed it but felt the ending was too rushed, the story needed to round out a bit more at the end. Off to Babybee when I have the address. 

Journal Entry 33 by twinmaker from Winthrop, Western Australia Australia on Monday, October 11, 2004

Babybee has asked to be skipped so just waiting on Chivers address. Posted 13/10/04 

Journal Entry 34 by chivers from Recife, Pernambuco Brazil on Thursday, November 25, 2004

got this a while ago but had problems with my computer and an eye surgery, for that second reason i'm a little late on my bookrings but will try to read it asap!!! 

Journal Entry 35 by chivers from Recife, Pernambuco Brazil on Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Journal Entry 36 by schmetterling from Durham, North Carolina USA on Friday, February 04, 2005

WOW! I think this is the most-travelled book I have ever read through BookCrossing... very impressive. I received this in the mail a few days ago and I am already halfway through it. I have always been interested in the history of China in the last century, so this was a nice surprise. (Honestly, I didn't know anything about the book other than a lot of people were telling me to read it.) 

Journal Entry 37 by vicki9170 from Saint Petersburg, Florida USA on Sunday, March 06, 2005

received thank you!! 

Journal Entry 38 by lostbookisland on Monday, September 12, 2005

Journal Entry 39 by vicki9170 from Saint Petersburg, Florida USA on Monday, September 12, 2005

PM'd LesliePB for her address 

Journal Entry 40 by vicki9170 from Saint Petersburg, Florida USA on Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Leslie asked to be skipped. PM'ing Catwoman 

Journal Entry 41 by Catwoman from Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada on Monday, December 12, 2005

Received in the mail today. I'm looking forward to reading this - will start tonight. :-) 

Journal Entry 42 by Catwoman from Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada on Sunday, December 25, 2005

I took my time reading this book as I knew I wouldn't be sending it until after Christmas. I finished it yesterday. Enjoyable little story. I was always expecting something really bad to happen, since the characters seem to have frequent premonitions and prophetic dreams. The ending was curiously unexpected I'll have to think about it for awhile.

Thank you for sharing this book with me. I've PM'd deadsteen for an address. 

Journal Entry 43 by Catwoman at on Monday, January 02, 2006

Released 6 yrs ago (1/2/2006 UTC) at

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Mailed to deadsteen today 

Journal Entry 44 by deadsteen from Cortlandt Manor, New York USA on Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Waiting for me when I got to the office today. Thanks! I will start it on the train going home this evening.
Jan 23-- I had jury duty last week, which means I had extended reading time! This book is a very fast read and I enjoyed it very much. It speaks to the power of books to enlighten, teach and even transform a person's life. Will PM the next person on the list. 

Journal Entry 45 by mysteryfan03 from Moberly, Missouri USA on Thursday, March 02, 2006

Wow! This book has been traveling around for a while! It just arrived in my mailbox today! I have a couple of rings in front of it. Thanks!! 

Journal Entry 46 by mysteryfan03 from Moberly, Missouri USA on Wednesday, March 22, 2006

I flew through this book, the story was fascinating. However, I hated it when the author kept repeating a scene from different viewpoints. It seemed to waste a lot of space when most of the scene was identical.
I really did not like the ending either. I am not sure that I understood it. It almost seems that the author just chose something without any particular message. Thanks for letting me read this! It is nice to see these old bookrings still traveling!! I will be getting this on the road soon. 

Journal Entry 47 by momx3lovesbooks on Thursday, April 06, 2006

I have 1 ring in front of this one. Will finish it within the next couple of weeks.

Two hapless city boys are exiled to a remote mountain village for re-education during China's infamous Cultural Revolution. There they meet the daughter of the local tailor and discover a hidden stash of Western classics in Chinese translation. As they flirt with the seamstress and secretly devour these banned works, they find transit from their grim surrounds to worlds they never imagined.

I really enjoyed this book. I love learning about other cultures, especially chinese. The book had a great flow to it and didn't feel rushed.

04/19-mailed to rannie via media mail 

Journal Entry 48 by rannie from Eatonton, Georgia USA on Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Arrived today, thanks Symphonica and Momx3. The cover is a bit worse for wear - either the post office took a peak
or it was caught in a machine - but it's still quite readable. I'll read it next and send it on. 

Journal Entry 49 by rannie from Eatonton, Georgia USA on Monday, May 08, 2006

I was underwhemed by this book- found it a bit too spare for my taste. Thanks for sharing it with me. I'm skipping Duza-Kaluza at her request and sending it on to Sirah. 

Journal Entry 50 by Sirah from Helsinki, Uusimaa Finland on Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress arrived today safely, thank you Rannie and Symphonicca! 

Journal Entry 51 by Sirah from Helsinki, Uusimaa Finland on Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Wonderfully written story, same time so beautiful and so sad. I wish the end was happier, I wanted Luo and The Little Seamstress to live happily ever after... 

Journal Entry 52 by aava from Jyväskylä, Keski-Suomi Finland on Saturday, July 15, 2006

I´m still doing the "Grand Tour" in Europe, but I heard that this book has arrived. I´ll be back home next week and I promise to read the book asap.

----------
What a delightful little book! I read it in one go yesterday. It just always makes me wonder how dangerous books are: they give you ideas...

I loved the cover! I had to scan it for myself, it´s so beautiful especially with the small signs that tell how widely this charming book has travelled. And to keep it going it´s now on its way to Germany. Happy reading, keksi2! 

Journal Entry 53 by keksi2 from Ann Arbor, Michigan USA on Thursday, July 27, 2006

Caught in the mail today.
Actually I feel very honored to hold such a well-traveled book in my hands, it´s so exciting :-)
Thanks a lot symphonicca for this ray and aava for sending it (and for the pretty postcard).

I have one TBR before this one, so I´ll get started next week. 

Journal Entry 54 by keksi2 from Ann Arbor, Michigan USA on Monday, July 31, 2006

Well, after so many JEs there is little to add that hasn´t been mentioned before. I agree with previous journallers that the ending was a bit abrupt, but other than that, it was a lovely read. The relatively simple writing and sparing detail made it all the more beautiful!

Off to Tregossip - enjoy!

Edited to add that the copy was quite battered when it arrived here (cover a bit torn), so I put some transparent cover foil on to make sure it can keep on traveling safely :-)
Otherwise, the condition is ok, the book is still very readable! 

Journal Entry 55 by LeighBCD on Monday, July 31, 2006

After 25 journallers, what is the state of the book like? It is great that this book has been so well-travelled! 

Journal Entry 56 by Tregossip from St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Friday, August 04, 2006

I really can't add to whats been said before - a delightful, quick read even if the end is a bit of a let down. Perhaps it should have been longer - -
To supertellp once I have details 

Journal Entry 57 by Tregossip at In the hands of the Royal Mail in St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Friday, August 11, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (8/11/2006 UTC) at In the hands of the Royal Mail in St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom

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Controlled release to supertellp 

Journal Entry 58 by supertellp from Durham, County Durham United Kingdom on Saturday, August 19, 2006

I enjoyed this book a lot, I thought the ending was a good one I have read stranger endings!!!
Passed to BabyFlyLady today...happy reading. 

Journal Entry 59 by BabyFlylady from Driffield, East Yorkshire United Kingdom on Saturday, August 26, 2006

Caught from Supertellp at the Durham Meet today. I am looking forward to this one! 

Journal Entry 60 by BabyFlylady from Driffield, East Yorkshire United Kingdom on Friday, September 01, 2006

I enjoyed this book. It was an entrancing insight into Chinese "history", which is hard to believe this has been happening in my lifetime. Although a fictional story the author was also sent for re-education so therefore there are facts behind the story. A short read but very enlightening. Disappointing end but that seems to be becoming a pattern for me these days!

Thanks to everyone for passing it on! 

Journal Entry 61 by BabyFlylady at -- Controlled Release in South Shields, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Friday, September 01, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (9/1/2006 UTC) at -- Controlled Release in South Shields, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom

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Posted on to teuffi today. Enjoy the book.:o)
 

Journal Entry 62 by teuffi from Wandsworth, Greater London United Kingdom on Monday, September 04, 2006

Received the book today, started it straight away, sounds like a good book! 

Journal Entry 63 by teuffi from Wandsworth, Greater London United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 06, 2006

An easy and very enjoyable read. It is always interesting to be reminded how different cultures may be in different parts of the world, especially when it relates to contemporary times!
A great story about the life changing power of books. I would however have liked to see the story continue a bit more!

Will send the book to j4neyo within the next couple of days. 

Journal Entry 64 by teuffi from Wandsworth, Greater London United Kingdom on Monday, September 11, 2006

Sent the book to j4neyo today. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 

Journal Entry 65 by j4neyo from Whitchurch, Shropshire United Kingdom on Thursday, September 14, 2006

Received safely in the post. Many thanks to teuffi. 

Journal Entry 66 by j4neyo from Whitchurch, Shropshire United Kingdom on Thursday, September 28, 2006

I enjoyed reading this and it has made me want to read The Count of Monte Cristo!

Posted to cat207 today. 

Journal Entry 67 by cat207 from Gladstone, Queensland Australia on Monday, October 09, 2006

Was in the mailbox when I arrived home from holidays today. Thank you j4neyo for the lovely postcard, and thanks symphonicca for including me in this exceptionally long BookRay. 

Journal Entry 68 by cat207 from Gladstone, Queensland Australia on Saturday, October 14, 2006

An enjoyable little book with a rushed and flat ending.

I have emailed hottamolly47 and am waiting for an address to send it on. 

Journal Entry 69 by cat207 from Gladstone, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, October 25, 2006

hottamolly47 is not answering PMs or an ISO in the Forum so is being skipped at this point.

Posting to iamagirldork in USA. Enjoy. 

Journal Entry 70 by iamagirldork from Hobbs, New Mexico USA on Monday, November 06, 2006

Arrived today. Can't wait to read it.

11/14/2006 - I finished it yesterday and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a sweet story about the love of learning and books :)

PMd ilovethehutch for her address.

I'm so sorry. I was unable to get to the post office until today. It was shipped out today 11/18/2006. Sorry for the delay.
 

Journal Entry 71 by ilovethehutch from Las Vegas, Nevada USA on Wednesday, November 29, 2006

tbr then i'll send it on it's merry ol' way! thanks! 

Journal Entry 72 by ilovethehutch from Las Vegas, Nevada USA on Tuesday, January 16, 2007

mmmm....this book just didn't do anything for me. Maybe i just don't have any imagination!

will be mailing to missprisy when i receive her address 

Journal Entry 73 by ilovethehutch at Bookray in BOOKRAY, Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Released 5 yrs ago (1/17/2007 UTC) at Bookray in BOOKRAY, Bookray -- Controlled Releases

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Journal Entry 74 by missprisy from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA on Tuesday, January 23, 2007

This book arrived today. I'm glad to be apart of such a well traveled bookring. I will begin this one after my current read. 

Journal Entry 75 by missprisy from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA on Friday, January 26, 2007

Journal Entry 76 by spoiledrotten from Waldwick, New Jersey USA on Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Received in the mail today. Will read as soon as I am done with my current book.

Finished this late last night. A very enjoyable story about two teens being re-educated in China who come across a stash of books, which are forbidden! Will mail out this to the next person on the list this week (Having a snow day today and can't get out)!! Thanks for including me in this ring!

Book was mailed to elizardbreath in Oregon this morning to continue on its journey. 

Journal Entry 77 by elizardbreath from Pendleton, Oregon USA on Monday, February 26, 2007

Wow! I almost feel like I should be keeping this well-traveled book under lock and key! I have several before it but should be able to get to it soon. Thank you! 

Journal Entry 78 by elizardbreath from Pendleton, Oregon USA on Saturday, March 17, 2007

I totally enjoyed this book up until the time that The Little Seamstress makes her first fateful decision (no spoilers here...but man, it does spoil the story.) Now I'm just mad and don't like this book! Will PM istop4books and send it along. 

Journal Entry 79 by elizardbreath at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases on Monday, March 19, 2007

Released 5 yrs ago (3/19/2007 UTC) at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases

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Journal Entry 80 by istop4books from Mankato, Minnesota USA on Tuesday, March 27, 2007

This book was in the mailbox this afternoon and I can't wait to read it! I'm just finishing up my current book so should get to this one very soon. I wonder what the ending is? From all the posts here, I'm now very curious! 

Journal Entry 81 by istop4books from Mankato, Minnesota USA on Saturday, March 31, 2007

This is a little gem of a book, a quick and easy read, yet very interesting. I really wanted to get to the ending to figure out why some of the prior readers didn't like it. I did like the ending and found it very appropriate, especially for a group of readers such as bookcrossers. Books open our world and take us places we've never been before. I think books opened the seamstress's world beyond her village and she was compelled to seek other experiences which she heard through the storytelling.

Having said that, I wish the book had gone into more detail about the politics of the times, and reeducation in general. It left me wanting more, which all in all is not a bad thing for a book to accomplish.

Thanks Symphonicca for setting this up! 

Journal Entry 82 by istop4books from Mankato, Minnesota USA on Saturday, April 07, 2007

Sent out to olered in today's mail. Enjoy!! 

Journal Entry 83 by olered from Salem, Oregon USA on Tuesday, April 10, 2007

The Seamstress has arrived in Salem, Oregon and I can't wait to get into it. Thank you istop4books. This looks like a well traveled book to me...does it have forty stops now? Wow. I wonder what that is in miles...or hours held? 

Journal Entry 84 by olered from Salem, Oregon USA on Monday, April 30, 2007

I loved this book. It was sooo easy to feel that I fit right in with them and was there. Have mailed the book to deereads on April 27th. Thank you for the channce to read this, I actually love bookrings because there are so many authors and titles that I wouldn't have a chance to try otherwise. 

Journal Entry 85 by deereads from Barrie, Ontario Canada on Friday, May 11, 2007

Book arrived today. Thanks for sharing. Will probably get into it over weekend.

May 23/07 - update - Almost done - weather has been sooo nice here and has completely slowed my reading down!!! Have PM'd cross-patch for addy. 

Journal Entry 86 by deereads from Barrie, Ontario Canada on Thursday, May 24, 2007

An enjoyable read. I found that I enjoyed the actual way it was written more so than the story itself. (If that makes any sense at all!!). I think most of us here can relate to the importance of books in life and appreciate the wealth of a "secret stash" of books!!

I have it ready to mail out to cross-patch tomorrow.
Thank you for sharing!! 

Journal Entry 87 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Thursday, June 14, 2007

Balzac and the little Chinese seamstress has crossed the ocean again - such a lot of miles under its belt!! Thanks to everyone for keeping this book travelling. I shall do my bit and then send it on to Wales. 

Journal Entry 88 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Sunday, July 15, 2007

I see why this book comes so well recommended. It had the dual benefits of being a quick yet rich read. It was full of visual images, not of beauty, but of the plain ordinary. Peoples mean characters were subtly displayed, and the exhuberant enjoyment of the forbidden books was an indictment of 'Luo and me's circumstances. I feel it is a truly political book; the best-made points are under-stated!

I have Cassiopaeia's address and shall post it on tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 89 by Cassiopaeia from Cardiff, Wales United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Journal Entry 90 by Cassiopaeia from Cardiff, Wales United Kingdom on Monday, July 23, 2007

Journal Entry 91 by martaenmichiel from Utrecht, Utrecht Netherlands on Thursday, August 16, 2007

The book has arrived a couple of days ago, just when I was starting to lose hope (it took nearly a month to arrive!!!)... Anyway, I am really excited about this book: so many of you have read it and enjoyed it! Right now I am finishing another book, and then I can focus on this one. 

Journal Entry 92 by booktwitcher from Chelmsford, Essex United Kingdom on Saturday, September 01, 2007

Thanks martenmichiel - I was woken up by the book arriving today. I am looking forward to reading it and adding some more names to the bookray. 

Journal Entry 93 by booktwitcher from Chelmsford, Essex United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Funny at times and sad. I thought it was more about growing up and coping with terrible conditions and surviving through reading. One of my favourite bits was the way Luo was asked to tell the stories of films. 

Journal Entry 94 by booktwitcher at Riverside Inn at Victoria Road in Chelmsford, Essex United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Released 4 yrs ago (10/2/2007 UTC) at Riverside Inn at Victoria Road in Chelmsford, Essex United Kingdom

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At the Chelmsford bookcrossing meet. I hope to encourage a mini bookray amongst our members. 

Journal Entry 95 by caroline2 from Chelmsford, Essex United Kingdom on Thursday, October 18, 2007

I did enjoy this short and comfortable read. It somehow seemed very familiar, perhaps because it reminds me of some of the fantastical books I enjoyed as a teenager. And it is certainly a very appropriate bookcrossing story. I have read ‘Cousin Bette’ and the ‘ The Count of Monte Christo’ - both long complicated novels in which you utterly lose yourself, and I can imagine how these two bright adolescents might immerse themselves in those alternative worlds as a relief from the stark reality in which they were being ‘re-educated’ at the time of the Cultural Revolution’ in China. Whether such a tale is likely, I just don’t know. Nevertheless, a good one to read when you need a break from more all the more challenging tbr’s in your bedside pile! I will bring this well-travelled copy back to our local bookcrossing group as I believe there were several others interested. 

Journal Entry 96 by booktwitcher at Sudbury in Bookcrossing Meetup, Bookcrossing Meetup -- Controlled Releases on Monday, November 19, 2007

Released 4 yrs ago (11/24/2007 UTC) at Sudbury in Bookcrossing Meetup, Bookcrossing Meetup -- Controlled Releases

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Journal Entry 97 by candy-is-dandy from Braintree, Essex United Kingdom on Monday, November 26, 2007

Picked up at the Sudbury meet on 24th Nov.

A well-travelled book which is now doing the rounds of some Essex and Suffolk bookcrossers. My turn!!