Pre-numbered label used for registration.

Though I'm exceedingly behind in my reading, I caught three books that I couldn't resist since they'd been on my list for some time. At a wonderful BookCrossers' gathering, the suggestion was made that I go ahead and take them, let them travel, and read them upon their return. By that time I would surely be caught up. (Well... ever hopeful.)

I've stated the Book Ring for this. I'll contact everyone once the plan is assembled, and take my turn at the end.

Okey-dokey... ROAD TRIP!!!

The book ring is finalized AT LAST and is as follows:

dagon
billhookbabe
Gooby
jubby
chivers
Czersk
tagimit

I think I forgot to say that I should be at the end of the book ring. :-) (It's getting WAY past my bedtime.)

leeann347

Just received from leeann347 and looking forward to reading it!

Wow! I'd like to thank everyone who told me I had to read this book! I don't usually go for general fiction,but I'm so glad I read this.Although Owen's way of 'speaking' tended to make my head hurt a bit towards the end!
I know someone of the same stature as Owen,who has an odd medical condition,so maybe I did what pyschiatrists call 'transferrance',but I felt I could understand and connect with him.From what I can remember (!) of the 60s,although not being in North America,it certainly gave me a sense of time and place.And I must admit to a lump in my throat at the end,although I knew it was coming,but couldn't even guess at the means!
A wonderful book,beautifully written,unique plot and unforgettable characters.I loved it and will most probably buy a copy for my personal collection as I shall definately want to read it again.


Will be posting this to billhookbabe on Monday 23 Aug.

Received in the post today. I have been looking forward to reading this for some time and was really happy when it came up as a bookring. Thanks for sharing leeann.

I won't give this one a ratine. Not because it is a bad book in anyway, I just had trouble engaging with the characters or the story, maybe it is not my time to read this. If I find a second hand copy I will grab it and read it again.

So this one will be off to Gooby on Monday. Thanks for sharing Leeann347.

Received over the Christmas season and got distracted - sorry not to journal earlier! Am in the middle of another bookring book and then this is next.

Not sure that I'm ready to comment properly yet, since I finished the book yesterday. I was quite entranced from the first few pages, and love all the small details that Irving puts in (and then later in the book slyly points out that we should pay attention to). Although it's quite a hefty read, it didn't ever drag or leave me watching the clock.



***********************SPOILER ALERT*****************************************
DON'T READ ON IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK AND WOULD PREFER NOT TO KNOW PLOT IN ADVANCE!


Owen's character is as remarkable as any i've (fictionally) met in a long while. As often as we're reminded about his voice, the capitals set it apart every time he appears. The theme of armlessness and "the shot" did lead me to the correct conclusion about his ending, however I did assume it would be in Vietnam! the armlessness might earlier be a statement of powerlessness, but here it is the ultimate power - to save others.

It is John's progression as a result of Owen's influence that intrigues me. He describes himself as a "Joseph" - a bystander, and essentially he is for most of his life. Yet he has been in some ways created by Owen - his reading ability and hence his career, the country he lives in, not to mention his hand - all supplied by Owen. He has been "God's instrument" in John's life is far more that the death of his mother.

For those who take strength from the Bible, like Owen & I: perhaps John is John? - the recorder of events, the one "who [was] loved? I won't extend the analogy, though!


All up, a great read. Thanks, Leeann347, for setting the bookring up! Have Jubby's address and will post it on tomorrow.

An armadillo - because I could. You can even join the Benevolent Order of Armadillos!

Received in the post today.

Thank you. Will read and pass on in the next fortnight.

I've been a bad egg...

I got another bookring book in the post ('I believe this', edited by John Marsden - see Leafofhumantree's bookshelf to join ring), and read that instead.

Am getting to this one now. Sorry, I'll be another week.

The other book was rather good though...

I tried Ducks, really I did.

Life has just been conspiring against me at present, so I am (finally) going to get this one in the post.

I only read about 200 pages, and rather enjoyed it too. I just don't have the time and presence of mind to concentrate on this one.

Thank you so much for including me in the ring. I'll have to borrow a copy from the local library during the holidays and finish it.

I've got Chivers address, so I'll put this book in the post tomorrow.

Again, thank you.

RELEASE NOTES:

Posting to Chivers in Brazil.

the book arrived this morning. i have another bookring to read before this one but i'll do my best not to keep it for too long.

i'm soooooo sorry i kept this for so long... the worst thing is that i couldn't read it... i simply can't get into the story, wich is really weird cause i love the movie... i'll pm the next in line and will post this asap... sorry again...

Just came in the mail yesterday. This weekend will find me spending considerable reading time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My aunt has a cabin up there and I plan to lounge the time away! I hope to get to this book. Thanks!

I think I'll name my first son after Owen Meany. I have decided. Not only have I liked the idea of naming my kids after literary characters, but I have always liked the name Owen, and now after reading this book . . . Owen is one of the most admirable characters I've ever come across. Just think, if by some miraculous occurence the child would emulate the characteristics of the person he is named for. He would be compassionate, eloquent, brilliant, and really just a good person. He would be a person that has the ability to bring the best out of people, the ability to inspire them- he'd be able to change the world. What more could you ask for? I'll never forget Owen Meany.

On to the next as soon as I get an address . . .