The Wooden Sea
101 journalers for this copy...
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I posted this book out last week.
I posted this book out last week.
Journal Entry 102 by chirel from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wow, this book has traveled! Welcome to Finland. I just recieved another book last week so this book is on the top of my mount-TBR.
Journal Entry 103 by chirel from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Tuesday, February 23, 2010
It's been a while since i read this book. I think it was either the very last book I read last year, or the first book of this year (or both). I remember thinking that finally I got to read a book with a good ending. Last year it seemed like a theme to me: an otherwise excellent book with a horrible ending.
So about this book: Strange. Easy to follow. Thought provoking. Surprising. Enchanting.
There were only two moments in the story that felt too stupid or out of place to be in the book. (I'm not going to spoil the book by telling what they were.) But after few pages the story got hold of me again and all the pieces seemed to fit together again. I really loved the ending: it was beatyful and full of meaning. It perfectly summed up the theme/main idea of the story, for me at least.
I might come back to edit this entry with a functioning brain some day. I really had a lot to say about this book.
Amd why I only just found out that this was the third book of a trilogy! Must get the other books!
So about this book: Strange. Easy to follow. Thought provoking. Surprising. Enchanting.
There were only two moments in the story that felt too stupid or out of place to be in the book. (I'm not going to spoil the book by telling what they were.) But after few pages the story got hold of me again and all the pieces seemed to fit together again. I really loved the ending: it was beatyful and full of meaning. It perfectly summed up the theme/main idea of the story, for me at least.
I might come back to edit this entry with a functioning brain some day. I really had a lot to say about this book.
Amd why I only just found out that this was the third book of a trilogy! Must get the other books!
Journal Entry 104 by Sammaltassu from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I'm chirel's husband, so excuse me for squeezing into this huge, globetrotting bookray. Yes, I'm to blame for this rather lengthy stop at our bookshelf, but hey! A book as well-traveled as this needs its rest.
This was my first Jonathan Carroll. I had high expectations, which weren't quite met. Although I absolutely loved the twists and turns of the outrageous plot and the surreal atmosphere, I wasn't thrilled by Carroll's language, which I found a turn-off for me. I can't pinpoint what it is that bugs me in his writing style, but I find it somehow distasteful. Also, a lot of spelling errors and/or typos.
The main character, Frannie, was another turn-off. I couldn't grow to like him at all and the whole small-town cop thing was blah. (BTW what's with the name Frannie? It took a while before I realized he's not a she. I actually thought (s)he was in a same-sex marriage when the wife was mentioned.)
Unlike many, I didn't really see the greatness of the ending and it left just a bit too much open, not much but still too much for me. There was closure for the plot but not quite enough for the characters (IMHO).
Despite all this, it was a refreshingly different book and I'll look forward to trying something else by Jonathan Carroll.
I'm handing over the book to erpax today.
This was my first Jonathan Carroll. I had high expectations, which weren't quite met. Although I absolutely loved the twists and turns of the outrageous plot and the surreal atmosphere, I wasn't thrilled by Carroll's language, which I found a turn-off for me. I can't pinpoint what it is that bugs me in his writing style, but I find it somehow distasteful. Also, a lot of spelling errors and/or typos.
The main character, Frannie, was another turn-off. I couldn't grow to like him at all and the whole small-town cop thing was blah. (BTW what's with the name Frannie? It took a while before I realized he's not a she. I actually thought (s)he was in a same-sex marriage when the wife was mentioned.)
Unlike many, I didn't really see the greatness of the ending and it left just a bit too much open, not much but still too much for me. There was closure for the plot but not quite enough for the characters (IMHO).
Despite all this, it was a refreshingly different book and I'll look forward to trying something else by Jonathan Carroll.
I'm handing over the book to erpax today.
Many thanks to Sammaltassu and all the other participants in this awesome ray! Special thanks to ruzena who kindly recommended for this book/ray. This book may also rest at my place for some time, since this is not the only ray I'm in...
Journal Entry 107 by 
erpax
at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
erpax at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (4/13/2010 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The Wooden Sea is travelling again.
The Wooden Sea is travelling again.
Journal Entry 108 by polenka from Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo / Norra Savolax Finland on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thanks a lot for the book Erpax! I have read a few Carrolls before and loved them. Looking forward reading this one.
Journal Entry 109 by polenka from Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo / Norra Savolax Finland on Friday, May 7, 2010
I love Carroll, because he interwines so beautifully every day life and fantasy. This book did not let me down. It was a real page-turner, the plot had enough mystery and weirdness and the characters were nice. I although find the ending a little too open, I am having hard time piecing everything together. I feel kind of stupid, actually, because I can't figure out what this book is all about; enjoyed reading it, though. Thanks a lot for the ring!
I'll mail the book forward as soon as I get the address.
Edit 9.6.2010.
I am sorry I forgot to mail the book, I'll do it today!!
I'll mail the book forward as soon as I get the address.
Edit 9.6.2010.
I am sorry I forgot to mail the book, I'll do it today!!
Journal Entry 110 by minavain at Kokkola, Keski-Pohjanmaa / Mellersta Österbotten Finland on Friday, June 11, 2010
The Book arrived today. Thanks Polenka and SquekyChu.
Journal Entry 111 by 
Chania
at Kokkola, Keski-Pohjanmaa / Mellersta Österbotten Finland on Monday, June 28, 2010
Chania at Kokkola, Keski-Pohjanmaa / Mellersta Österbotten Finland on Monday, June 28, 2010
I got this today, thanks a lot! I will start tomorrow, after finishing my current book.
Journal Entry 112 by Chania at Kokkola, Keski-Pohjanmaa / Mellersta Österbotten Finland on Sunday, July 4, 2010
Chania at Kokkola, Keski-Pohjanmaa / Mellersta Österbotten Finland on Sunday, July 4, 2010
Oh, what a breathtaking book! There was almost too much happening, but still wasn't as the story was easy to follow and it really kept me captivated! I am so glad I joined this ring, and I am happy to know that there is another Jonathan Carroll waiting in my bookshelf!
And now sending this to England!
And now sending this to England!
The book has arrived safely> I will read asap.
A strange story but completely gripping. It is the first book of Jonathan Carroll's that I have read and if this is typical of his writing. I will be reading more.
Thank you for sharing it with me.
Thank you for sharing it with me.
Posted on to Ametisti. Enjoy!
The book arrived to Finland on Friday August 13th, 2010 :)
Thank you for the BookRay, SqueakyChu! I look forward to reading the book.
Y'all have a wonderful autumn!
Thank you for the BookRay, SqueakyChu! I look forward to reading the book.
Y'all have a wonderful autumn!
Darlings, sorry for stalling this bookray. I promise to read the book and get the ray back on track by the end of the year. Our home suffered a massive water damage in July and we're hoping to move back to our renovated and clean home in the end of November.
Wishing y'all a wonderful winter!
Wishing y'all a wonderful winter!
I finally got through this book which started off as very promising but ended disappointing. I loved some details and characters but all the time I thought that the author was preparing the story for a movie or a sequel. Like watching Indiana Jones 4: love the characters but the story takes a weird turn and you struggle to watch it til the end...
I'm happy and honored to be part of this amazing book ray that has been going on for 6 years! Thank you for sharing the book, SqueakyChu ;) and I'm sorry for stalling the ray for months. Now the book is ready to go to the next reader, Niksu, whom I'm going to meet at the monthly Helsinki BC-meeting next week.
I wish y'all a happy year 2011!
I'm happy and honored to be part of this amazing book ray that has been going on for 6 years! Thank you for sharing the book, SqueakyChu ;) and I'm sorry for stalling the ray for months. Now the book is ready to go to the next reader, Niksu, whom I'm going to meet at the monthly Helsinki BC-meeting next week.
I wish y'all a happy year 2011!
I'll give the book to the next reader in the ray, Niksu. I'll meet her at the monthly BC-meeting in Helsinki. It's been a while since I was at a meeting, it'll be fun :)
Happy reading, Niksu!
Happy reading, Niksu!
Got this today from Ametisti at our monthly BC-meetup. It was lovely to see you!
I’m very excited to read the book, I have really liked Carroll's other books. I’ll get busy with this right away.
I’m very excited to read the book, I have really liked Carroll's other books. I’ll get busy with this right away.
Thanks for sharing such a good reading. This was my fifth book by Jonathan Carroll, I love his storytelling voice and vivid imagination.
But still I must say this is not his best work. I have loved the female characters in his books, but in this book I missed them as there is only males. It's an interesting read but still doesn't compete with The White Apples.
I've already contacted the next in line on Thuesday when I got the book but haven't got any reply yet. I'll try again and wait a bit and then I'll PM the next.
Thanks SqueakyChu for this great ray!
***Edit 26.1.2011: Ok, so no luck with Nice-Find-Books, I'll try Sfogs next.
But still I must say this is not his best work. I have loved the female characters in his books, but in this book I missed them as there is only males. It's an interesting read but still doesn't compete with The White Apples.
I've already contacted the next in line on Thuesday when I got the book but haven't got any reply yet. I'll try again and wait a bit and then I'll PM the next.
Thanks SqueakyChu for this great ray!
***Edit 26.1.2011: Ok, so no luck with Nice-Find-Books, I'll try Sfogs next.
Since I didn't get any reply for my contacts to Nice-Find-Books, I'll send the book to next in line Sfogs. Book starts travelling on monday.
Thank you! It has arrived safely! I have one book ahead of it, so I'll get onto it as soon as I can!
This was a good if confusing book! and a quick read! :D
I'll get it in the post as soon as ffortsa messages me back with their postal address.
I'll get it in the post as soon as ffortsa messages me back with their postal address.
Released 13 yrs ago (2/11/2011 UTC) at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On it's way to the USA!
This just arrived from Christchurch, NZ. I hope the sender is ok.
This little book is on the move again! It has just arrived in Miami, Florida.
Probably won't be able to start on it till after the new year, but don't worry, it's in good hands. : )
Happy Holidays to you all!
ETA: Feb 2 - just want to update that I have started on this already. Sorry but I have been slow in my reading lately. Will update as soon as I finish.
Probably won't be able to start on it till after the new year, but don't worry, it's in good hands. : )
Happy Holidays to you all!
ETA: Feb 2 - just want to update that I have started on this already. Sorry but I have been slow in my reading lately. Will update as soon as I finish.
I am glad to be part of this well travelled book. It looks pretty good for the mileage.
The book is an easy and entertaining read, with some tender, very humanistic moments to balance the weirdness. However, for most of the book, it feels like nobody has a clue to what's going on... not the protagonist, although he's supposed to be close, nor his friends, nor the "bad guys", nor the other characters... nor does it sound like the author himself. So it feels like the plot and characters are being quirky and unpredictable without a justification, and that leaves me not entirely satisfied. I can enjoy an open ending to ruminate on, but this book is like those movies where they put in dazzling special effects just because they can.
This is now heading on to the next reader. I wish this little book a smooth sailing on the wooden sea from now on!
The book is an easy and entertaining read, with some tender, very humanistic moments to balance the weirdness. However, for most of the book, it feels like nobody has a clue to what's going on... not the protagonist, although he's supposed to be close, nor his friends, nor the "bad guys", nor the other characters... nor does it sound like the author himself. So it feels like the plot and characters are being quirky and unpredictable without a justification, and that leaves me not entirely satisfied. I can enjoy an open ending to ruminate on, but this book is like those movies where they put in dazzling special effects just because they can.
This is now heading on to the next reader. I wish this little book a smooth sailing on the wooden sea from now on!
It's humbling, in a way, to hold a book that has been to so many places and in so many hands and hearts. When I received this in the mail I was struck by its history, and I'm putting it at the top of my list to read. So thank you to everyone who has read this before me; it's an honor to be a part of such a well-traveled book's journey!
Hm, I don't know quite what to think of this book! One of the quotes on the back sums it up quite well: "sunlit surrealism." It's not one of my favorites, but it was intriguing and worth the read. I also loved Carroll's many metaphors about daily life - they are so easy to relate to!
I'm sending this off today, and I hope Kally93 finds it as much of a quirky, entertaining read as I did.
I'm sending this off today, and I hope Kally93 finds it as much of a quirky, entertaining read as I did.
Book arrived yesterday. Thank you WhisperedDreams for sending it to me and thank you SqueakyChu for sharing.
When it rains, it pours! I had a few bookray/ring books hit me all at once so it was a while before I could get to this book.
It is certainly different from what I was reading before. Lots of twists and turns. Weird with some quirky humour. Very different.
Thank you for sharing the experience with me. I will contact the next person and send it on.
It is certainly different from what I was reading before. Lots of twists and turns. Weird with some quirky humour. Very different.
Thank you for sharing the experience with me. I will contact the next person and send it on.
Journal Entry 133 by Kally93 at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Sunday, May 20, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (5/19/2012 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Journal Entry 134 by Kally93 at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (5/22/2012 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I am releasing this book for the second time. lol
I took it to the post office four days ago and released it.
When I got home and went to make release notes, I realized I had send it to the wrong person!!! (That's why the release notes are blank.) I had mailed it to someone from another book ring!
Thank goodness the post office is located at the pharmacy my husband works at and that it was the Victoria Day long weekend, so mail had not been picked up. I was able to retrieve the package, readdress it and release it again. I don't know what I would have done if it had arrived to the wrong person. :$
The book is now on it's way to Stoepbrak. chich had asked to be skipped.
I took it to the post office four days ago and released it.
When I got home and went to make release notes, I realized I had send it to the wrong person!!! (That's why the release notes are blank.) I had mailed it to someone from another book ring!
Thank goodness the post office is located at the pharmacy my husband works at and that it was the Victoria Day long weekend, so mail had not been picked up. I was able to retrieve the package, readdress it and release it again. I don't know what I would have done if it had arrived to the wrong person. :$
The book is now on it's way to Stoepbrak. chich had asked to be skipped.
The book arrived safely in Cape Town, on its second visit to South Africa. What a pleasure to receive such a well-travelled book! And look at all the colourful Canadian stamps!
Thanks for shipping the book, Kally93, and thanks to SqueakyChu for registering the book and hosting the ray.
I've got two to read ahead of this one, but will get to it as soon as I can.
Mmm.. that didn't quite work for me. It was good enough entertainment, though, and I'm happy to have been a part of this bookray.
Just waiting for the address and the book will be off to Nr 60!
Released 11 yrs ago (6/20/2012 UTC) at Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book is on its way to therubycanary in the USA. I posted it this morning, opting for surface mail. Quite often a registered package like this gets lucky and is included with items dispatched by airmail. Only time will tell.
International tracking number: RJ009655717ZA
http://tracking.postoffice.co.za
http://www.track-trace.com/post
Yeah, this well travelled book has arrived safe and sound! Thank you for the SA bookmark, and for sending this book overseas Stoepbrak!
Looking forward to reading right away and letting it continue on its journey.
Looking forward to reading right away and letting it continue on its journey.
Book mailed to Imuzak today.
I am very glad to have been apart of this huge bookray. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the book that much. I felt like the plot line was grasping at straws to make ends meet, and that it could have been developed more. The characters were interesting, but I never understood why the world was going to end if this character didn't figure out whatever it was he was supposed to figure out.
I am very glad to have been apart of this huge bookray. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the book that much. I felt like the plot line was grasping at straws to make ends meet, and that it could have been developed more. The characters were interesting, but I never understood why the world was going to end if this character didn't figure out whatever it was he was supposed to figure out.
I received this well-traveled, read, and loved book in mail. I am looking forward to reading it.
ETA -10.7.12.
I'm sorry for taking long time to read this book. I try finish reading it by the end of October.
ETA -10.7.12.
I'm sorry for taking long time to read this book. I try finish reading it by the end of October.
First of all, I thank SquekyChu to host this bookring. I signed up this bookring simply because I wanted to be a part of this long-traveled bookring. While I was waiting for this book, I became curious about Jonathan Caroll. I found that The Wooden Sea was the third book of the Crain's View trilogy, and I also found the Marriage of Stick, the second of this trilogy, was available at my local library. So, I decided to read the Marriage of Stick first and instantly became a fan of Jonathan Carroll! His book was so unique, bizarre, and interesting! I had never read the book like his before.
The Wooden Sea didn't betray my expectations. It was more bizarre than the Marriage of Stick. Every time there was a new development, the story turned to a different direction I had never thought it could go that often made me feel dizzy. When the story got close to its end, though, there was a message that was similar to the Marriage of Stick appeared. Then I thought, "yeah, everything is alright, no matter what." If you like a straightforward story, you would be frustrated reading this book. If you like the story that everything will eventually settle where they should be, you may feel upset with this book. Things in our lives does not always have answers or solutions; some things, such as life and future, remain mysteries, and it is okay; also, some things, such as myself, yourself and love, remain unchanged.
The Wooden Sea didn't betray my expectations. It was more bizarre than the Marriage of Stick. Every time there was a new development, the story turned to a different direction I had never thought it could go that often made me feel dizzy. When the story got close to its end, though, there was a message that was similar to the Marriage of Stick appeared. Then I thought, "yeah, everything is alright, no matter what." If you like a straightforward story, you would be frustrated reading this book. If you like the story that everything will eventually settle where they should be, you may feel upset with this book. Things in our lives does not always have answers or solutions; some things, such as life and future, remain mysteries, and it is okay; also, some things, such as myself, yourself and love, remain unchanged.
Mail to eileenmelant, the next reader of this bookring, by Media Mail.
DC# 0312 0860 0000 0065 7651
DC# 0312 0860 0000 0065 7651
Just got it in the mail yesterday, already halfway through. Joined this booking just for fun, didn't know much about the book or author, but what a pleasant surprise, this is a great book so far!
Finished the book and sent it on its way today. I enjoyed it, though the ending does go off the deep end (even more so than the rest of the book) and was not as satisfying as I had hoped.... Still, quite an interesting read that I would never have checked out without joining this bookray!
Received today - thank you!
I've never read anything by this author before, so this should be an interesting experience.
(For some reason this journal entry showed up twice, so I deleted the duplicate.)
I've never read anything by this author before, so this should be an interesting experience.
(For some reason this journal entry showed up twice, so I deleted the duplicate.)
Just a note to say I've started reading...and it certainly is, um, different.
So far I'm enjoying it. :)
@Sammaltassu, I know of a married couple named Francis (he is usually called Frank) and Frances. In this case, the character's name Frannie sounds like a childhood nickname he never grew out of...and it's better than Gee-Gee! :)
So far I'm enjoying it. :)
@Sammaltassu, I know of a married couple named Francis (he is usually called Frank) and Frances. In this case, the character's name Frannie sounds like a childhood nickname he never grew out of...and it's better than Gee-Gee! :)
What a wild ride. I think the crazy ending fit right in with the overall tone of the book even if it didn't actually explain much.
Thank you SqueakyChu for introducing me to a new author. If another book by Jonathan Carroll comes my way I'll probably give it a try.
Thank you SqueakyChu for introducing me to a new author. If another book by Jonathan Carroll comes my way I'll probably give it a try.
And it's off to California for the next reader!
Note: this went via media mail, which generally takes about 3 weeks.
Note: this went via media mail, which generally takes about 3 weeks.
This book has arrived in San Diego, California!! I'm excited to read it.
I loved this book! Frannie McCabe, the main character, is the town Chief of Police. He is a believable man, a good man, and a happy man, facing a crisis from out of nowhere. He's a great character, as are all the others, and the writing is just the style I like -- both realistic and magical, with well-developed and likeable characters. The plot moves from ordinary to odd to surreal-and-strange rather speedily. I read this book quickly, and then immediately loaded the first Crane's View book onto my Kindle and finished reading it ("Kissing the Beehive"). It was also excellent. Now I'm moving onto the 3rd one (2nd in the series). it really doesn't matter which book you read first, which is nice -- the author focuses on different characters while still keeping some of the familiar ones in the story. While there is definitely magic/sf and mystery here, the overall theme is existentialist -- the story is about the puzzle of our existence and the effect we have on those around us.
Here is part of a review I found by Rich Horton on SFsite.com (he had read something previously by Jonathan Carroll):
"I had an idea what to expect: a contemporary setting, veering off into very strange territory at some time; an ordinary person, deeply in love, faced with an unexpected and unexplainable threat to those he loves; and fine writing with a mixture of almost goofy humour and wrenching tragedy. And that's what we get here. (Writers who come to mind as comparison points are William Browning Spencer, Jonathan Lethem, and Bradley Denton.)
Now this book is headed by mail to 6of8. Enjoy!
This is #23 out of 26 releases in memory of the 26 children and adults who died at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012.
Here is part of a review I found by Rich Horton on SFsite.com (he had read something previously by Jonathan Carroll):
"I had an idea what to expect: a contemporary setting, veering off into very strange territory at some time; an ordinary person, deeply in love, faced with an unexpected and unexplainable threat to those he loves; and fine writing with a mixture of almost goofy humour and wrenching tragedy. And that's what we get here. (Writers who come to mind as comparison points are William Browning Spencer, Jonathan Lethem, and Bradley Denton.)
Now this book is headed by mail to 6of8. Enjoy!
This is #23 out of 26 releases in memory of the 26 children and adults who died at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012.
So exciting to have this book in my hands! One of the first books I added to my wishlist after joining BC was "The Wooden Sea (SqueakyChu's Book Ray)". I had no idea at that time what a Book Ray was and I had never heard of a SqueakyChu. Since that time, I have become much more BC savvy and have participated in a number of book rays, rings, boxes, and virtual boxes. And SqueakyChu is one of my dear friends in BCinDC that I look forward to seeing at meet-up (where she has been absent twice -- hope to see you soon, Squeaky!).
I will try to get this read before the next meet-up, since the note says I should look into passing it around the BCinDC group before it goes off to NancyNova.
I will try to get this read before the next meet-up, since the note says I should look into passing it around the BCinDC group before it goes off to NancyNova.
I cannot decide if I liked this book or not -- it was definitely outside my comfort zone with the surrealism. There's a part of me still trying to figure out what the point of the whole thing is, although I think I know.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the character of Frannie -- but I really did, and I came to admire his efforts as a husband and a step-father. And his clear (or seemingly clear) understanding of how good his life is despite the more grand plans he had for himself. He was also a good friend and one who appreciated the aspects of other people that drove many others crazy.
The vision of the future -- and the alleged driving force of the book -- was quite different. I think the most believable aspect was that some of the things were the same that you thought would be different and vice versa. I did not care for the use of the "f-word" all too frequently. But I did kind of enjoy Frannie's reaction to learning a secret about his late father -- not what I would have expected, but a genuine reaction shaped by understanding and affection and loss.
I think the character of George was my favorite -- particularly the passage with him sitting on the roof of his house trying to imagine what it would be to be an antenna, in order to better write the instruction book for assembly and installation of the antenna. I think his instruction books would be superior to the ones I usually try to decipher for stuff.
Will pass this book along to Mom-Oyster to read next.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the character of Frannie -- but I really did, and I came to admire his efforts as a husband and a step-father. And his clear (or seemingly clear) understanding of how good his life is despite the more grand plans he had for himself. He was also a good friend and one who appreciated the aspects of other people that drove many others crazy.
The vision of the future -- and the alleged driving force of the book -- was quite different. I think the most believable aspect was that some of the things were the same that you thought would be different and vice versa. I did not care for the use of the "f-word" all too frequently. But I did kind of enjoy Frannie's reaction to learning a secret about his late father -- not what I would have expected, but a genuine reaction shaped by understanding and affection and loss.
I think the character of George was my favorite -- particularly the passage with him sitting on the roof of his house trying to imagine what it would be to be an antenna, in order to better write the instruction book for assembly and installation of the antenna. I think his instruction books would be superior to the ones I usually try to decipher for stuff.
Will pass this book along to Mom-Oyster to read next.
Journal Entry 153 by 
6of8
at -- Mail or by hand - rings, RABCK, meetings, District of Columbia USA on Thursday, March 21, 2013
6of8 at -- Mail or by hand - rings, RABCK, meetings, District of Columbia USA on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Released 11 yrs ago (3/21/2013 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand - rings, RABCK, meetings, District of Columbia USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
In the mail now to Mom-Oyster, since our vacation schedules prevent us from encountering each other at a local meet-up.
This is one of 2 books that are part of SqueakyChu bookrays that arrived today. Thanks 6of8. It'll be perfect for the April Ultimate Challenge which is led by NancyNova who might be the next person to get the book.
Just finished reading this book. Would you like to meet a younger or older you? I'll bring this to the book festival tomorrow to see if anyone wants it. If not, I'll send it on to the next person on the list.
I was handed this book at the Gaithersburg Book Festival because I love giving well-travelled BookCrossing books a try. And I like quirky, strange books. I also adore time travel and non-linear storytelling. So I thought that this would be right up my alley.
I've been trying to read it since early June without much success at all. I'm on page 234 of 302 and I have NO idea what's going on. Something about a dog that gets unburried magically and may be his friend, a feather, a company, the main character as a child... or something? I really am not following it. I love quirky and time travel, but I am not really a fan of magical realism because I have a hard time suspending disbelief. I also realized yesterday that this is a book with characters who are introduced in other books first. That could be why I was having trouble understanding the characters from the beginning. I probably read the first chapter over twice trying to figure out who they were.
I have a problem giving up on books, but I'm going to be brave and declare this adventure over. Sorry, Frannie, you were just too strange for me. I hope that you can stop the end of the world or whatever it is you're attempting to do.
NOTE: I'll bring this to the BCinDC meetup tomorrow-er-today (it's past midnight) so others in BCinDC can get a chance to read it before it heads far away.
I've been trying to read it since early June without much success at all. I'm on page 234 of 302 and I have NO idea what's going on. Something about a dog that gets unburried magically and may be his friend, a feather, a company, the main character as a child... or something? I really am not following it. I love quirky and time travel, but I am not really a fan of magical realism because I have a hard time suspending disbelief. I also realized yesterday that this is a book with characters who are introduced in other books first. That could be why I was having trouble understanding the characters from the beginning. I probably read the first chapter over twice trying to figure out who they were.
I have a problem giving up on books, but I'm going to be brave and declare this adventure over. Sorry, Frannie, you were just too strange for me. I hope that you can stop the end of the world or whatever it is you're attempting to do.
NOTE: I'll bring this to the BCinDC meetup tomorrow-er-today (it's past midnight) so others in BCinDC can get a chance to read it before it heads far away.
Taking this to the BCinDC meetup so it can find a new reader before it heads out again.EDIT: Here's a photo of SqueakyChu (who started this book on its journey) and the book!
Whoa! The stories about this being a well-traveled book certainly weren't exaggerated! I'm not sure if this is something I'll like or not, but I'll give it a shot, if only to be part of this impressive collection of readers...
I've had this book for quite a while now, and I don't think it is going to rise to the top of my TBR pile anytime soon. SqueakyChu sent me a message to see if I still had it, so I'll bring it to today's BC-in-DC meeting to give to her.
SqueakyChu was unable to attend yesterday's BC-in-DC meeting, so I wasn't able to return this book to her.
It wasn't until after I made the previous entry, yesterday, that I realized that I've been sitting on and delaying an impressively old and well traveled bookray. Somehow this completely slipped off my radar, and I offer my sincerest apologies for the long wait for this book. I am about to send a message out to the next reader for mailing instructions, and I'll try to get this bookray moving again soon.
It wasn't until after I made the previous entry, yesterday, that I realized that I've been sitting on and delaying an impressively old and well traveled bookray. Somehow this completely slipped off my radar, and I offer my sincerest apologies for the long wait for this book. I am about to send a message out to the next reader for mailing instructions, and I'll try to get this bookray moving again soon.
Dropping this book off at the post office to send it on to the next reader.
Just received the book in the mail!
Wow. What can I say? I opened the book this morning, and I couldn't put it down. The writing style was just mesmerizing and though it's a very different genre from what I normally read, I really appreciated it. I'll be passing it on to the next reader, now.
The book is now at my house. Yes, it looks well traveled.
Bumping to the top of the TBR pile. Will probably carry it in a large Ziplock bag for commute reading to make sure it holds up.
PM'g the next in line, to get an address.
Bumping to the top of the TBR pile. Will probably carry it in a large Ziplock bag for commute reading to make sure it holds up.
PM'g the next in line, to get an address.
Wow. From the 15th most traveled bookray on bookcrossing. Suspend disbelief and just go along for the ride. Frannie is a 47yo police chief in calm Crane's View. But things are not as orderly as they seem. First, there's a homeless dog that Frannie takes in, and when it dies, refuses to stay buried. Then a feather keeps appearing and disappearing. Then things start happening - Frannie's younger hoodlum self appears, the town goes backwards and forwards, but only he can see it - and another being appears that says Frannie must find the fourth thing - whatever that is - to save the world. "How do you cross a wooden sea? I still do not know the answer.....nothing is more important than keeping every one of our individual selves alive.....Not know thyself, but know thy self." Interestingly, when I logged the book on librarything, it's the third book in a trilogy. It doesn't read like part of a series. Now off to France for the next reader!
Keeping the ray moving along!
Keeping the ray moving along!
I've got it. Thank you.
Do it ! What ? Find yourself ! But... Do it and you have only a week. Why ? Let's try a guess : to save the world ? No, let's be ambitious, the universe ! Exactly the kind of stuff that usually puts my nerves on edge and this one did the job perfectly. We'll never know what was to be done eventually and for the better because I suspect I would have been horribly disappointed. And the world is still spinning round, so ? But we were taught a great lesson : we must lean to know ourselves. I'm not against a little fantastic now and then but was it really necessary to involve time travelling and alliens for such a revelation ?
A good book indeed : after 70 readers, the pages are still holding together.
It's leaving for Jotka tomorrow.
A good book indeed : after 70 readers, the pages are still holding together.
It's leaving for Jotka tomorrow.
It's here and tomorrow I will start to read. Thank you very much for sending it!
28.04.2015
I'm sorry it took so long but sometimes I share books (even those from bookcrossing) with one friend who is not - yet - a bookcrosser.
To the book: I really enjoyed it. It's a little bit like Douglas Adams (Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency for example), Terry Pratchett (The Dark Side of the Sun) or Neil Gaiman. It was strange and even stranger but... Like some others before me at the end I was disappointed. This ending looks like from a different book. But altogether it's worth of reading.
28.04.2015
I'm sorry it took so long but sometimes I share books (even those from bookcrossing) with one friend who is not - yet - a bookcrosser.
To the book: I really enjoyed it. It's a little bit like Douglas Adams (Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency for example), Terry Pratchett (The Dark Side of the Sun) or Neil Gaiman. It was strange and even stranger but... Like some others before me at the end I was disappointed. This ending looks like from a different book. But altogether it's worth of reading.
Sent today to ULRK. Enjoy!
The book arrived safely some days ago and will no gow with me on vacation.Edit 29.05.2015: The story travelled with me to Iceland, where I did not find time to finish it. So now we travel on to Switzerland.
Traveling now from Bucharest back to Germany
Journal Entry 174 by zappelphilipine at Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Tuesday, June 16, 2015
I just come from vacation and the book is here. Thanks!
Journal Entry 175 by zappelphilipine at Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Monday, July 13, 2015
I love books which start in the "normal" world and with every page a little magic comes along. So I started to love this book as well. However, I was really really dissapointed about the ending. It is too open. No conclusion... At least not for the questions I had...Is this always the case with this author?
Just arrived today - I'm just in the middle of another book but will get round to it asap
A strange book that I wasnt quite sure about. It's strangely compelling though and before you know you've read 100+ pages and you'll be drawn to find out more. Not one that I would automatically thought of reading but glad that I have.
I've contacted the next few people on the list but haven't heard anything to date. goldenwattle will be the next person on the list once she has returned from a trip in August.
I've contacted the next few people on the list but haven't heard anything to date. goldenwattle will be the next person on the list once she has returned from a trip in August.
Journal Entry 178 by 
goldenwattle
at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, September 13, 2016
goldenwattle at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, September 13, 2016
I came home, weary after a walk through pine forest, up a steep hill and along an escarpment and then down again, geocaching, and was thrilled to find this very well travelled book waiting snug in my letterbox. I don't think I have had such a well travelled book before. Thank you timcorke for posting it and SqueakyChu for starting this bookray back in 2004; way before I had found the wild BC book which introduced me to BC.
I see that there is only one person left on the list after me, so SqueakyChu would it be okay to see if anyone else in my local BC meet-up group would like to read this and be part of this book's history before it is posted on?
I am reading a book at present, but this goes next in line after that.
I see that there is only one person left on the list after me, so SqueakyChu would it be okay to see if anyone else in my local BC meet-up group would like to read this and be part of this book's history before it is posted on?
I am reading a book at present, but this goes next in line after that.
Journal Entry 179 by goldenwattle at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Thursday, September 22, 2016
goldenwattle at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Thursday, September 22, 2016
A quick, easy, enjoyable read. I found the concept original. The writing was not my favourite style, but that's all I can fault with it.
I didn't get a reply to my suggestion I take this to my next local BC meet and see if I can find more readers. There is only one person on the list after me and it would be a shame if such a well travelled book stalled. It's still in reasonable condition, despite 76 readers. So, unless told not to I'll take this to my BC meet.
I didn't get a reply to my suggestion I take this to my next local BC meet and see if I can find more readers. There is only one person on the list after me and it would be a shame if such a well travelled book stalled. It's still in reasonable condition, despite 76 readers. So, unless told not to I'll take this to my BC meet.
Journal Entry 180 by goldenwattle at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, September 23, 2016
goldenwattle at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, September 23, 2016
This book needs more readers, so I advertised it in 'Bookrings, Bookrays, and Bookboxes'
LIST:
Hotfrog
RosieCanberra
beli-jg
davemurray101
marmee463
Edwardstreet
penelopewanders
Spartaca (Skipped - didn't reply)
Delphi_Reader
Lindasaurus
CathrineB
minesayn
rhythmbiscuit
CanticleLost (Skipped - didn't reply)
JudySlump612
iiwi
kiki66
Lizzy-stardust
Billbooks (Skipped - didn't reply)
elizardbreath (Asked to be missed)
mcsar
SpatialThank you Spatial for making a new list and continuing this.<-- HERE
LIST:
RosieCanberra
beli-jg
davemurray101
marmee463
Edwardstreet
penelopewanders
Spartaca (Skipped - didn't reply)
Delphi_Reader
Lindasaurus
CathrineB
minesayn
rhythmbiscuit
CanticleLost (Skipped - didn't reply)
JudySlump612
iiwi
kiki66
Lizzy-stardust
Billbooks (Skipped - didn't reply)
elizardbreath (Asked to be missed)
mcsar
Spatial
Journal Entry 181 by goldenwattle at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Saturday, September 24, 2016
goldenwattle at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Saturday, September 24, 2016
Released 7 yrs ago (9/24/2016 UTC) at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Taking to the Canberra BC meet-up at Floriade, ACT, to attempt to find a new reader for this book.The book found a new reader, Hotfrog.
Journal Entry 182 by Hotfrog at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Saturday, October 8, 2016
I received this book from Golden Wattle at our meetup at Floriade.
I enjoyed reading it just to find out what could possibly happen next. I was also glad when I finished it, fantasy isn't really my thing.
I will either return it to Golden Wattle or post to davemurray101
Instead, as we agreed I took it to our fun Christmas gathering on 11th December and gave it to RosieCanberra to continue its journey.
I enjoyed reading it just to find out what could possibly happen next. I was also glad when I finished it, fantasy isn't really my thing.
I will either return it to Golden Wattle or post to davemurray101
Instead, as we agreed I took it to our fun Christmas gathering on 11th December and gave it to RosieCanberra to continue its journey.
Journal Entry 183 by RosieCanberra at Monash, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, December 12, 2016
This book was brought to me yesterday, at the Canberra Bookcrossers Christmas lunch. Always a great time seeing everyone.
My this book has had a lot of readers, I shall read over the holidays and pass it on to BeliG who I believe is waiting for it.
My this book has had a lot of readers, I shall read over the holidays and pass it on to BeliG who I believe is waiting for it.
Journal Entry 184 by RosieCanberra at Monash, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, December 21, 2016
I loved this quirky funny book, if found it difficult to put down. Goldenwattle and Hotfrog passed this in to me, I believe BeliG is next, then will be sent up to Dave?
Journal Entry 185 by beli-jg at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, March 24, 2017
strange but enjoyable
Journal Entry 186 by beli-jg at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, March 24, 2017
Released 7 yrs ago (3/25/2017 UTC) at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
at regular Canberra bookcrossing meeting. Not sure where it is going next
Journal Entry 187 by RosieCanberra at Monash, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Sunday, March 26, 2017
This book is back with me, will be sent to the next reader.
Journal Entry 188 by RosieCanberra at Granville, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, March 26, 2017
On it's way to davemurray101 in Sydney. Enjoy!
Journal Entry 189 by davemurray101 at Granville, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, March 30, 2017
Just arrived today after its 13th bday!
Journal Entry 190 by davemurray101 at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Released 6 yrs ago (5/2/2017 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
posted to Marmee
Received today from davemurray, thank-you for this well travelled book, starting to show the ravages of so much travel but still in reasonable condition. I will read it shortly then send it on it's way.
This is a strange story and although fantasy is not a genre I would normally read, this story captured me, it is both poignant and haunting. It is my first experience reading a Jonathan Carroll but definitely not my last, I will be looking for more of his work. Recommended reading. I will post it on to edwardstreet shortly.
Oops posted this off to Edwardstreet 12 days ago, forgot to journal it, hopefully it is almost there...
Journal Entry 194 by 
Edwardstreet
at Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Saturday, June 3, 2017
Edwardstreet at Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Saturday, June 3, 2017
A letter box surprise. Will read asap and post on to Switzerland.
Journal Entry 195 by Edwardstreet at —- by hand, post, or courier in Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Edwardstreet at —- by hand, post, or courier in Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Released 6 yrs ago (6/8/2017 UTC) at —- by hand, post, or courier in Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Posted to Switzerland
Journal Entry 196 by 
penelopewanders
at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Thursday, June 15, 2017
penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Thursday, June 15, 2017
Oh my, this one has been around the block quite a few times! I think I saw it was much read at some point, but forgot all about that. When I opened the parcel I was thinking of what to write here, and was thinking I'd comment on the fact that it looks well-travelled- so now I realize, very rightly so!! I have a trip to the UK planned at the beginning of July, so perhaps I'll read and send this from there, as I see that's its next port of call. Meanwhile thank you to everyone who has read and shared this book. It is now safely in the Swiss Alps, just in from New Zealand.
Journal Entry 197 by penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Tuesday, July 4, 2017
penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Tuesday, July 4, 2017
I actually read this on the train to and fro Oban from Glasgow...
It appears this is the third in a series, but that did not affect my pleasure at all. Interestingly, some of the wackiness of this reminded me of another book I read recently (one or two, actually), but as opposed to those, I felt it worked in this one.
This may be partly because of the main character, who despite his wild past (which we encounter repeatedly) is nonetheless an endearing character.
I appreciated the whole reflection on our past selves comprising our present and empowering us to be more than we would be otherwise... and found the book very moving.
It is here as a very much travelled bookcrossing ring and I'm glad to have rowed along with it. Perhaps you row with a pogo stick on a wooden sea? (At first I was thinking "broom", but you'd get no traction. A rubber tipped pogo stick might be more effective?)
It appears this is the third in a series, but that did not affect my pleasure at all. Interestingly, some of the wackiness of this reminded me of another book I read recently (one or two, actually), but as opposed to those, I felt it worked in this one.
This may be partly because of the main character, who despite his wild past (which we encounter repeatedly) is nonetheless an endearing character.
I appreciated the whole reflection on our past selves comprising our present and empowering us to be more than we would be otherwise... and found the book very moving.
It is here as a very much travelled bookcrossing ring and I'm glad to have rowed along with it. Perhaps you row with a pogo stick on a wooden sea? (At first I was thinking "broom", but you'd get no traction. A rubber tipped pogo stick might be more effective?)
As I never did hear back from Spartaca, I've skipped to the next in line and this long travelling book now heads from Glasgow to Greece. (Although with the screen name of the bookcrosser it initially was intended to head to, it seems Greece was on the cards all along. Thanks so much for making this available, and thank you lovely bookcrossers all, for keeping this travelling so long and so far!
<---Delphi, Greece
The book arrived here in Delphi yesterday, along with a nice postcard.
Thank You! I'll read it asap and pass it on pretty soon.
The Wooden Sea is an old-ish fantasy book by an author I've never read before. While it was not extremely original on some aspects, it was quite original on others. Some themes and plot elements we 've seen before, but the way things unfolded was quirky and surrealistic in a nice way.I guess some people might not appreciate the choice of language or the writting style or the main protagonists, but I found those pretty "refreshing". The rather unusual choice for this kind of books, of a small New York town setting and its local characters as the main characters, added some unique quality to the book and the prose used by the author made it a fast and enjoyable read.
I have to notice that as a non-native English speaker, I found the book quite easy to comprehend and read it effortlessly too.
All that said, my main pet peeve here is the one I often have with fantasy books: No decent ending. Why authors think it's fine to do that? Creating whole worlds, introducing some mystery and various plot lines, have weird mysterious otherworldly/alien characters interfering, giving hints for alternative theories or conspiracies or whatever, but later never coming to a decent conclusion and/or with an explanation?
I'd had to write many spoilers to analyze this further and I don't want to do that! I'll just say that albeit its weak points, I found the book an easy and refreshing book and I 'd like to read something else by Jonathan Carroll. But still I feel it could be so much better if there was some more attention to detail and some kind of decent finish...
By the way, this is part of a trilogy, but it stands alone just fine.
Thank you SqueakyChu for sharing and everyone for making this book's journey so interesting. The book seems to be pretty "tired" after all those travels, but hopefully it will last some more readers as far as it's handled carefully...
I have Lindasaurus' address, so this book will leave Delphi today or tomorrow .
Enjoy!
