Bill Bryson's African Diary
114 journalers for this copy...
Posting List for "African Diary" by Bill Bryson
1. desdemona/Canada
2. katethegreyt/USA
3. awakeagain/USA
4. bartonz/USA
5. llipitz/USA
6. oliviapoolside/USA
7. elizabethbreath/USA
8. Lorelei03/USA
9. mysticalZoe/USA
10.Perryfran/USA
11.rhythmbiscuit/USA
12.AnOtherChaos/USA
13.Dutchbooky/Holland
14.joanazinha/Holland
15.Lilo03free/Germany
16.Cathepsut/Egypt
17.Annodyne/UK
18.clw204/UK
19.Tregossip/UK
20.Cyzaki/UK
21.Cross-patch/UK
22.wickedlazy/UK
23.LindyLouMac/Italy
24.H2omem/Portugal
25.irusdodot/Portugal
26.lftt/Portugal
27.pipmts/Portugal
28.dangerouswoman/Portugal
29.readingtrix/South Africa (I think this is the perfect place for this ray to end it's 4th journey then it's up to readingtrix to decide:) )
1. desdemona/Canada
2. katethegreyt/USA
3. awakeagain/USA
4. bartonz/USA
5. llipitz/USA
6. oliviapoolside/USA
7. elizabethbreath/USA
8. Lorelei03/USA
9. mysticalZoe/USA
10.Perryfran/USA
11.rhythmbiscuit/USA
12.AnOtherChaos/USA
13.Dutchbooky/Holland
14.joanazinha/Holland
15.Lilo03free/Germany
16.Cathepsut/Egypt
17.Annodyne/UK
18.clw204/UK
19.Tregossip/UK
20.Cyzaki/UK
21.Cross-patch/UK
22.wickedlazy/UK
23.LindyLouMac/Italy
24.H2omem/Portugal
25.irusdodot/Portugal
26.lftt/Portugal
27.pipmts/Portugal
28.dangerouswoman/Portugal
29.readingtrix/South Africa (I think this is the perfect place for this ray to end it's 4th journey then it's up to readingtrix to decide:) )
Received this today from menalima as part of a bookray. It is such a beautiful little book - just looking at the cover - I've just read all of the previous journal entries and holding it in my hands makes me feel closer to all of you who have held it before. I know that sounds sappy, but it is what I love about Bookcrossing.
I must finish reading Middlesex for a book group that meets this week, and I have over 100 research papers to grade, but I will read this book during the first week of December, post another entry, and get it on its way again.
I must finish reading Middlesex for a book group that meets this week, and I have over 100 research papers to grade, but I will read this book during the first week of December, post another entry, and get it on its way again.
Read this book in less than an hour. It is Bill Bryson through and through, and I can see why it couldn't be longer, but I wish it could have been. I personally was drawn to it because the pastor of my parish is a priest from Kenya. We recently had a fundraiser for his brother's education, and I'm very glad we did - I was pleased before reading this, and now that I realize how bad things still are in Kenya, it has more meaning for me. I'll be checking my records to find out who gets this next and plan on getting it in the mail within the week. I'll update when it is on its way. Catwoman, thank you for starting the original book ray that enabled this book to cross my path.
I am SO embarrassed because this tiny book was buried on my desk, and I forgot all about it! It is beginning its journey again today and is on its way to awakeagain in New Jersey.
I apologize to all of you who have shared this book. :-(
I apologize to all of you who have shared this book. :-(
Just received this bookring. I have a couple of other books before it but will read it as soon as I can.
Sent to Bartonz
It's here! I look forward to reading it. :)
I sent this alomg to oliviapoolside because I couldn't find any BookCrosser with the screen name of llipitz
I received it today and will pass it on as you requested :)
It is a very short book, I've probably read longer magazine articles, and I wish it had been longer. I did enjoy his descriptions of Kenya although I feel that in his attempt to be positive he must not have said a lot which is why the book is so short. Most of the humor comes from the descriptions of his fear of diseases, the train and the aircraft, but his compassion for the people of Kenya is felt in the more serious parts of the book. Not the usual Bill Bryson travel diary, it is, in the main, an endorsment for CARE.
Journal Entry 111 by BooksandMusic at -- By Post Or By Hand - i.e. Ring, Trade, RABCK, Meet in Seattle, Washington USA on Friday, June 15, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (6/15/2007 UTC) at -- By Post Or By Hand - i.e. Ring, Trade, RABCK, Meet in Seattle, Washington USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to Llippitz
Sent to Llippitz
Sent to me by oliviapoolside.
This is a very superficial diary. It reminds me of the journal I kept at age 12 when my family took a trip out West. I would like to have read a more in-depth report on any of the many places he visited.
Not sure where this is going. I need to find out and send it on its way.
This is a very superficial diary. It reminds me of the journal I kept at age 12 when my family took a trip out West. I would like to have read a more in-depth report on any of the many places he visited.
Not sure where this is going. I need to find out and send it on its way.
Released the book yesterday by mail to Lorelei03. She should send it to elizardbreath (NOT elizabethbreath. That name is in error.)
Elizardbreath should then pass it on to #9.
My screen name is on the list with only one p. I don't know how the book found me. elizardbreath's name is also listed incorrectly. How can we check that other names on the list are correct?
Elizardbreath should then pass it on to #9.
My screen name is on the list with only one p. I don't know how the book found me. elizardbreath's name is also listed incorrectly. How can we check that other names on the list are correct?
It looks like MenaLima is no longer participating on BookCrossing. So many of the screen names were mistyped that I have taken the time to correct the list. I still can’t find a legitimate screen name for “26.lftt/Portugal” If anybody knows who this is, please let me know!
Posting List for "African Diary" by Bill Bryson
1. desdemona/Canada
2. katethegreyt/USA
3. awakeagain/USA
4. bartonz/USA
5. oliviapoolside/USA
6. llippitz /USA
7. Lorelei03/USA THE BOOK IS ON ITS WAY HERE
8. Elizardbreath/USA
9. mysticalZoe/USA
10.Perryfran/USA
11.rhythmbiscuit/USA
12.valerief/USA
13.AnOtterChaos/USA
14.Dutchbooky/Holland
15.joanazinha/Holland
16.Lilo37fee/Germany
17.Cathepsut/Egypt
18.Annodyne/UK
19.max9/UK
20.clw204/UK
21.Tregossip/UK
22.Cyzaki/UK
23.Cross-patch/UK
24.wickedlazy/UK
25.LindyLouMac/Italy
26.H2omem/Portugal
27.irusdodot/Portugal
28.Ligiafteixeira/Portugal
29.pipmts/Portugal
30.dangerouswoman/Portugal
31. solskinn/Austria
32.readingtrix/South Africa (I think this is the perfect place for this ray to end it's 4th journey then it's up to readingtrix to decide:) )
I've just slotted in a couple more readers for this little book.(11/9/08 Sue Barton)
Posting List for "African Diary" by Bill Bryson
1. desdemona/Canada
2. katethegreyt/USA
3. awakeagain/USA
4. bartonz/USA
5. oliviapoolside/USA
6. llippitz /USA
7. Lorelei03/USA THE BOOK IS ON ITS WAY HERE
8. Elizardbreath/USA
9. mysticalZoe/USA
10.Perryfran/USA
11.rhythmbiscuit/USA
12.valerief/USA
13.AnOtterChaos/USA
14.Dutchbooky/Holland
15.joanazinha/Holland
16.Lilo37fee/Germany
17.Cathepsut/Egypt
18.Annodyne/UK
19.max9/UK
20.clw204/UK
21.Tregossip/UK
22.Cyzaki/UK
23.Cross-patch/UK
24.wickedlazy/UK
25.LindyLouMac/Italy
26.H2omem/Portugal
27.irusdodot/Portugal
28.Ligiafteixeira/Portugal
29.pipmts/Portugal
30.dangerouswoman/Portugal
31. solskinn/Austria
32.readingtrix/South Africa (I think this is the perfect place for this ray to end it's 4th journey then it's up to readingtrix to decide:) )
I've just slotted in a couple more readers for this little book.(11/9/08 Sue Barton)
just caught - will read and then send to elizardbreath, who will then send it to mysticalzoe, then we are back on track....!
Whew! For all the places this little book has been, I'm surprised by what good condition it's in!! :) My apologies for being so late to journal this...I recieved it about 5 days ago. Will read this, PM next in line and get this out soon! :)
Read through this tonight while waiting for my husband to come home from work. The living conditions described were unbelievable. In one place, Bryson noted that a family of 5 or 6 was living in a 10x10 space. We just moved into this house and I've been complaining about how small it is for our family of 7. When I finished reading this, I looked up to ponder a little and realized that my bedroom is larger than 10x10. Really puts things into perspective.On a different note: as a Creationist, I found some of his "facts" on early humans interesting. One tidbit that I'll chew on for a little while is where he talks about how it is extremely rare to find remains of early humans. I believe that early humans (pre-flood, circa 6,000-4,000 y.a.) looked just like us now--just much bigger. So, any "human" remains that were found to be different enough from ours to be classified as "early human" could either be those that are larger than we are now or those that are deformed from what we are now. There is a distinctly larger ratio of undeformed people walking around nowadays than there are deformed...this is probably true of early days too. So--these look quite interesting compared to the "regular ol' human bones" that are all over the place...but could just be the bones of the "deformed". That's my tangent for today...which probably makes little sense in light of the fact that I haven't sufficient space to explain all my vast theories of the universe...but I've got notes for me here, so the rest of you can just roll your eyes and move on... :)
Have PM'd mysticalzoe and will send this off when I get an address.
I recieved this little book today, wow waited for a while to read this one!!!
9-22-07
Wow, I knew Africa had issues, but when their government won't even help them, that really upset me, these poor people are living in poverty, worse then I thought imaginable! I really feel for them, but I am also thankful that someone out there had enough courage to go there and make their lives a little bit better. I hope we all support CARE one way or another. I wish i could actually go there and help out, but I am unable to as I have 3 people who have to depend on me to take care of them. My heart goes out to the ones who are trying to make a living and improve their life! Kudos to them. I cannot imagine living in a country that is that poor, they are true survivors. I will be PMing the next person in line.
9-22-07
Wow, I knew Africa had issues, but when their government won't even help them, that really upset me, these poor people are living in poverty, worse then I thought imaginable! I really feel for them, but I am also thankful that someone out there had enough courage to go there and make their lives a little bit better. I hope we all support CARE one way or another. I wish i could actually go there and help out, but I am unable to as I have 3 people who have to depend on me to take care of them. My heart goes out to the ones who are trying to make a living and improve their life! Kudos to them. I cannot imagine living in a country that is that poor, they are true survivors. I will be PMing the next person in line.
Journal Entry 119 by rem_EOL-341852 at Controlled release sent to fellow bookcrosser Book in Londonderry, New Hampshire USA on Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (9/25/2007 UTC) at Controlled release sent to fellow bookcrosser Book in Londonderry, New Hampshire USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sending off today!
Sending off today!
Received in today's mail. I have a couple of books in front of this but since this one is so short (only about 50 pages), I may sneak it in and read it in one sitting. Amazing that this book is still in such good shape with all the traveling it has done!
A great way to spend an hour or so. This small book included all of Bryson’s wit as well as the same excellent travel writing. Bryson’s childhood images of Africa pretty much correlated to mine (i.e., Jungle Jim and Tarzan movies) but his trip to Africa brought him reality as he witnessed the extreme poverty and needs of the African people. I was a little disappointed that the book wasn’t a little longer but I enjoyed it nonetheless! The royalties from this book go to CARE and since I read it for free, when payroll deductions come round at the end of the year, I will be sure to make a donation.Thanks for sharing this book! I was the 50th person to journal it and hopefully this little volume will continue on its travels for a good while yet. I will send it on to the next reader as soon as I get an address.
Journal Entry 122 by 
perryfran
at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Thursday, October 11, 2007
perryfran at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Thursday, October 11, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (10/11/2007 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Finally got an address from rhythmbiscuit. This book will be off on it's journey again tomorrow. Headed to Colorado!
Finally got an address from rhythmbiscuit. This book will be off on it's journey again tomorrow. Headed to Colorado!
Thank you for sharing this book. It arrived the other day, and I read it last night. My favorite part is the description of William Gumbo and his farm. I will pass this book along to valerief.
Journal Entry 124 by rhythmbiscuit at Fellow Bookcrosser in bookray/bookring, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, November 3, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (11/3/2007 UTC) at Fellow Bookcrosser in bookray/bookring, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES: I mailed this book to valerief to continue its journey! Thank you.
Very excited to be a part of this long-standing ring. I think I should finish it by the end of this week.
Bill Bryson further confirms that he is a bit of a wuss, as my bf would say. There's alays something in his travels that frightens him. However, I think this short-and-sweet account of his travels in Kenya highlight how much untapped potential exists in places like Kenya that have issues with poverty, armed conflict, AIDS, and general corruption and mismanagement.
Waiting to get an address from AnOtterChaos, and then it will continue its journey.
Waiting to get an address from AnOtterChaos, and then it will continue its journey.
Journal Entry 127 by valerief at By Mail in Mail, Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, December 13, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (12/14/2007 UTC) at By Mail in Mail, Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
This is off to AnOtterChaos by mail...
This is off to AnOtterChaos by mail...
Thank you, I'm looking forward to reading this!
I wish there was a little more breadth & depth to this, but some genuine Bryson laugh-out-loud, and make-you-think passages. Ready to pass on!
On its way to the next person...enjoy!
Journal Entry 131 by dutchbooky from Amsterdam, Noord-Holland Netherlands on Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Arrived in the mail earlier this week. I have already started reading. With everything going on in Kenya these last weeks, makes me read it with extra attention.
Amazing, BTW, how this has travelled back and forth around the globe. To be continued...
Amazing, BTW, how this has travelled back and forth around the globe. To be continued...
Journal Entry 132 by dutchbooky from Amsterdam, Noord-Holland Netherlands on Monday, January 28, 2008
I finished this yesterday, it was a quick read, sometimes funny, sometimes eye-opening. Keny has been in the news quite a lot these last few months. Unfortunately not too positive. Elections do not always bring democracy and peace, although Kenyans did hope it would, as can be read on page 43:
"Incidentally, Moi is to step down in December 2002 when elections are to be held. The universal hope, it appears, is that things will get better with a new government. "They can't get worse", I was told several times."
Tragically they did....
I will mail this to Joanazinha as soon as I have her address. Thanks for sharing and bon voyage to this little book!
"Incidentally, Moi is to step down in December 2002 when elections are to be held. The universal hope, it appears, is that things will get better with a new government. "They can't get worse", I was told several times."
Tragically they did....
I will mail this to Joanazinha as soon as I have her address. Thanks for sharing and bon voyage to this little book!
And now the book is at my place. My goodness; this book has seen more countries then I have in my life! Looks like a nice little read, but it will have to wait its turn.
I finished this nice little book today. I've been in Tanzania some years ago, on vacation, so could relate very well to Bryson's remarks about the countryside. It is beautiful indeed. And it was good to read how many CARE workers are trying to make live for the Kenyans a better one, not by giving supplies but to help them help themselves. That is the only way, in my opinion, these poor people will be able to obtain a good life. Don't give fish, give a rod and teach them how to use it!
I will PM the next in line for the address so this book can travel a bit further.
I will PM the next in line for the address so this book can travel a bit further.
Released 16 yrs ago (2/12/2008 UTC) at
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to Lilo37fee. Happy reading!
On its way to Lilo37fee. Happy reading!
Journal Entry 136 by 
Lilo37fee
from -- Irgendwo in Bayern, Bayern Germany on Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Lilo37fee from -- Irgendwo in Bayern, Bayern Germany on Wednesday, February 20, 2008
I am really impressed how far this book has travelled already. And I am looking forward to read it, thank you for sending it!
Tuesday, 26th of February 2008:
Today I finished the book and there is not much to contribute to the many good comments here already. I would have wished the book to be deeper and more "bryson-ish" but I still like it a lot and will immediatley after having written this JE order it for a birthday present.
Tuesday, 26th of February 2008:
Today I finished the book and there is not much to contribute to the many good comments here already. I would have wished the book to be deeper and more "bryson-ish" but I still like it a lot and will immediatley after having written this JE order it for a birthday present.
This little guy finally made it to Africa! Got it this morning, via a detour though Israel. Just finishing off another bookring, then I will get to it... or maybe I'll read it in between...
Nice little book, a very brief read. The usual Bill Bryson shows through a little, but it's really only a teensy-weensy bite in between. But at least the book actually made it to Africa!
Finally sending this out by snail mail tomorrow. Sorry for the delay, RL took over...
Finally sending this out by snail mail tomorrow. Sorry for the delay, RL took over...
That was really quite a fast snail, cathepsut, as the book is here already. I've never had a book sent to me from Egypt before, and am in total awe of the good will and commitment of my fellow bookcrossers which has kept this little book moving through many countries for nearly four years. Going to keep it going by reading very soon!
Read in two longish bus journeys commuting to work. Bill Bryson is always a joy to read, and I wish it could have been a bit longer! "Africa" is a huge and complex topic. This little book gives a tiny insight of the seemingly intractable problems faced by the CARE and other welfare programmes.
Being posted on to max9 today.
Being posted on to max9 today.
Thanks Annodyne this arrived safely today. I see that after 4 years it is number 9 on the most travelled books leaderboard! I'll read it this weekend and lets hope we can keep it moving up the leaderboard.
link to Care International's UK site (they also have an emergency appeal on now for the Burma/Myanmar cyclone victims)
Great idea and liked the style but bit of a disappointment on how short and superficial the book was, didn't really get much of his reaction to what he saw or the people he met after his quick tour. Thought his flight on the light aircraft was funniest. I've been to Kisimu and liked the descriptions of the market and traders there. Wanted more!
Sent to Tregossip, the 60th reader today. (clw204 no longer a member)
Great idea and liked the style but bit of a disappointment on how short and superficial the book was, didn't really get much of his reaction to what he saw or the people he met after his quick tour. Thought his flight on the light aircraft was funniest. I've been to Kisimu and liked the descriptions of the market and traders there. Wanted more!
Sent to Tregossip, the 60th reader today. (clw204 no longer a member)
Arrived this morning and 500 Kwacha - both will be travelling onwards when I've finished
I love everything from Bill Bryson and was not disappointed at all.
Most previous readers have said everything I would have including in the comment, and a longer book please Bill
I love everything from Bill Bryson and was not disappointed at all.
Most previous readers have said everything I would have including in the comment, and a longer book please Bill
Journal Entry 144 by Tregossip at -- Controlled release in St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (5/15/2008 UTC) at -- Controlled release in St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
on it's travels again
on it's travels again
This arrived today - what a privilege to have such a well-travelled little book in my hands! And there's money in it, although I don't think my local shops take Zambian Kwacha, so I'll leave it in the book for now. I've already had a flick through the pictures and the picture of the child in front of the slum is so much like one I took in Katatura, Namibia when a kid jumped in front of my camera just as I took a photo.
Shouldn't take me too long to read this little book.
Shouldn't take me too long to read this little book.
A nice book, but too short for my liking! I suppose there's a limit to how long an 8 day diary can be mind you. Thanks for the opportunity to read this.
Journal Entry 147 by 
Cross-patch
from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Friday, June 6, 2008
Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Friday, June 6, 2008
Precious book indeed! Thank you, everybody for getting this book around the world, and it's showing little sign of wear. Thank you Catwoman for offering it to us all,too.
Journal Entry 148 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Thursday, July 3, 2008
Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Thursday, July 3, 2008
Charming, as always, short read.
Safely arrived a couple of weeks ago, sorry I didnt journal before. Thanks for sharing your book, I loved it. Will PM next person and keep it moving.
Sorry for holding it up - it's off to LindyLouMac today.
Wow this book must be one of the most travelled and journalled books registered on Bookcrossing. It has 150 journal entries so far, certainly the most I have ever seen for a book travelling my way.
I had not realised quite how small a Dairy this was so think my husband and I will have both read it and it will be on its travels again by next week.
I Have already pm'd the next person for their address. 01/09/08 They are too busy to read this at the moment so haved pm'd the next person now.
Will be en route irusdodot in Portugal early next week.
I had not realised quite how small a Dairy this was so think my husband and I will have both read it and it will be on its travels again by next week.
I Have already pm'd the next person for their address. 01/09/08 They are too busy to read this at the moment so haved pm'd the next person now.
Will be en route irusdodot in Portugal early next week.
The phrase short and sweet popped into my mind about this 49 page little book about Bill Bryson’s 8 days in Kenya. It is actually a bitter sweet account about the work of the charity organization CARE one of the worlds leading international organizations fighting against poverty. They believe that by working to find the source of a communities problems and solving it they can help make the world a safer and more stable place for us all.
Unfortunately the book is a very superficial glance into the problems that are facing Kenya poverty, war, disease and corruption. However it did its job reminding me that we should be grateful for the small things in life and appreciate the fact that there are millions of people in Africa lacking even the basics for survival.
Unfortunately the book is a very superficial glance into the problems that are facing Kenya poverty, war, disease and corruption. However it did its job reminding me that we should be grateful for the small things in life and appreciate the fact that there are millions of people in Africa lacking even the basics for survival.
Journal Entry 153 by LindyLouMac at Sent to the Next BCer, Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Friday, September 5, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (9/8/2008 UTC) at Sent to the Next BCer, Bookray -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Happy reading
LindyLouMac
Happy reading
LindyLouMac
After such a long trip, the book arrived to Portugal. It'll give news soon.
Like many others here, I'm sorry this book is so small. I mean, I'm sorry that the trip wasn't long enough to show us more African lives and people seen by the eyes of Bill Bryson.
It's mixture of humour, respect for the others and compassion is hard to achieve, but he fully succeded.
The question of the water (more precisely, the lack of it) keeps impressing me, no matter the times I read about it:
"Before this well, during droughts and dry seasons women gathering water had to make a 7-hour round trip to a spring atop a steep and distant hill, setting out from the village at 3 in the morning in order to be back in time for the days's other chores. Because of the distance, none could carry more than a single five-gallon (20 liters) jerry can".
How confortable our lives are.
It's mixture of humour, respect for the others and compassion is hard to achieve, but he fully succeded.
The question of the water (more precisely, the lack of it) keeps impressing me, no matter the times I read about it:
"Before this well, during droughts and dry seasons women gathering water had to make a 7-hour round trip to a spring atop a steep and distant hill, setting out from the village at 3 in the morning in order to be back in time for the days's other chores. Because of the distance, none could carry more than a single five-gallon (20 liters) jerry can".
How confortable our lives are.
Just arrived to my mailbox!
It's 2nd in line on my TBR pile.
Thanks for sharing!
It's 2nd in line on my TBR pile.
Thanks for sharing!
Read it on one sitting!
I really enjoyed seeing Kenya through Bryson's eyes and knowing a little more about the work of Care International, but I really wished the book was longer.
Thanks for sharing this precious little book!
Sending pipmts a PM
10.10.2008 -> On its way to pipmts
I really enjoyed seeing Kenya through Bryson's eyes and knowing a little more about the work of Care International, but I really wished the book was longer.
Thanks for sharing this precious little book!
Sending pipmts a PM
10.10.2008 -> On its way to pipmts
Journal Entry 158 by PiPmts from Lisboa (city), Lisboa (distrito) Portugal on Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Arrived yesterday! Thank you very much Catwoman, for the bookray, and Ligiafteixeira for sending it to me!
I'll read it as soon as I finish Marley & Me, which is going fast!
I'll read it as soon as I finish Marley & Me, which is going fast!
Journal Entry 159 by PiPmts from Lisboa (city), Lisboa (distrito) Portugal on Sunday, October 26, 2008
I've PMed dangerouswoman twice but received no answer, so I'm going to PM readingtrix and send it to her as soon as I get the address!
I really enjoyed reading this book, thank you very much for the opportunity! It is a very interesting way to explain to people why is it so necessary to help countries like this one. Very touching and wonderfully written.
[Edit:] Posted to readingtrix on November, 4th.
I really enjoyed reading this book, thank you very much for the opportunity! It is a very interesting way to explain to people why is it so necessary to help countries like this one. Very touching and wonderfully written.
[Edit:] Posted to readingtrix on November, 4th.
Journal Entry 160 by readingtrix from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Thursday, November 13, 2008
I am thrilled to have received this well-traveled little book today! I shall look forward to reading about Bryson's travels in Africa and finding out more about CARE International. It is unbelievable that this book is in such good condition after passing through so many hands!
Journal Entry 161 by readingtrix from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Wednesday, January 14, 2009
CARE International is an amazing charity and one feels like you should rather buy this book as the the royalties and profits goes to them.
This book made me wonder once again: 'What can I do from my little corner of the world' and I felt so immensely grateful for being so well looked after here on the South side!
I shall forward African Diary to my good friend Kittyreads, who loves Africa and the bush, and who I know will appreciate Bill Bryson's work.
This book made me wonder once again: 'What can I do from my little corner of the world' and I felt so immensely grateful for being so well looked after here on the South side!
I shall forward African Diary to my good friend Kittyreads, who loves Africa and the bush, and who I know will appreciate Bill Bryson's work.
All over the world it goes...
updated: January 2009
updated: January 2009
Journal Entry 163 by readingtrix from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Wednesday, January 21, 2009
This book was sent to and already received by kittyreads (she e-mailed me yesterday) - she should make a journal entry soon. It would be nice kittyreads, if this well traveled book could still continue it's journey, especially in Africa. It's up to you now but I do know that fellow bookcrosser, ekke in Pretoria would appreciate receiving Bill Bryson's African Diary.
Journal Entry 164 by Kittyreads from Ekurhuleni - Benoni, Gauteng South Africa on Wednesday, January 21, 2009
This book was sent to me by Readingtrix
Journal Entry 165 by Kittyreads at Tshwane - Pretoria, Gauteng South Africa on Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (3/13/2009 UTC) at Tshwane - Pretoria, Gauteng South Africa
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This was a quick and easy read. Interesting to see how foreigners have such a mistaken idea about Africa due to Hollywood movies. This book is now on its way to Ekke.
This was a quick and easy read. Interesting to see how foreigners have such a mistaken idea about Africa due to Hollywood movies. This book is now on its way to Ekke.
Journal Entry 166 by ekke from Potchefstroom, North West Province South Africa on Saturday, March 21, 2009
I received this book on Tuesday from kittyreads. Readingtrix asked me to pass it on to moonblue, which I will probably do next week.
Released 15 yrs ago (3/24/2009 UTC) at
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to Moonblue as requested by Readingtrix.
Mailed to Moonblue as requested by Readingtrix.
Journal Entry 168 by moonblue from Grahamstown, Eastern Cape South Africa on Thursday, December 10, 2009
I am soo embarrassed! While sorting out my bookshelf I came across this little book. It arrived months ago and somehow I didn't register it. I will be on leave next week so will read it quickly and then pass it on to another bookcrosser.
Journal Entry 169 by moonblue from Grahamstown, Eastern Cape South Africa on Tuesday, January 19, 2010
This was a nice, quick read. I imagine it is meant to highlight conditions in Kenya, but I was most amused by Bill Bryson's funny accounts of his ideas about Africa before he arrived.
I did find the title a bit irritating, Africa is a whole lot more than one country. Maybe Kenyan diary would have been more appropriate. But if the book raises awareness of the needs, and the work being done by organisations like Care then it has done a good job.
Book now going to olagorie, and will hopefully keep travelling.
I did find the title a bit irritating, Africa is a whole lot more than one country. Maybe Kenyan diary would have been more appropriate. But if the book raises awareness of the needs, and the work being done by organisations like Care then it has done a good job.
Book now going to olagorie, and will hopefully keep travelling.
I am so excited!Today when I opened my letterbox, I found an envelope covered with very beautiful, colourful stamps (parrots, fishes...) - a letter from South Africa!
I opened it carefully and ... Tata!
The African Diary has finally arrived. It took 3 full months to cover the distance South Africa / Germany. Thank you for the nice postcard from Grahamstown I found inside as well.
I am happy about the opportunity to read this book. It is in remarkably good condition considering all the travels it already made.
If there aren't any more people on the Ray-List, I would pass it on to a fellow bookcrosser during the next local meet-up, if that is ok?
It is far too precious to be wild released, of course!
Update: If nobody who was previously skipped wants the book before, after a little stay in Frankfurt, this book will travel to:
73. lady-liberty (Coburg, Bavaria, Germany)
74. liondancer (Braunschweig, Niedersachsen, Germany)
75. Ahoi-Brause (Minden, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany) had it for a while
76a. back to olagorie
76b. emilii (Kaufbeuren, Bayern, Germany)
77. YogiSchoko (Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany)
78. DieHenkerin (Hohenhameln, Niedersachsen Germany)
79. mimi4711 (Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany) got skipped
80. cornix-cornix (Gießen, Hessen, Germany) got skipped
80b. gruengelb (Germany)
81. Physalis74 (Berlin - Wedding, Berlin Germany) who will send it to Switzerland
82. karneol (Freiburg, Fribourg, Switzerland)
83. souram (Genève, Genève Switzerland)
83b. penelopewanders (Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland)
83c. storm0103 (Zürich, Switzerland) *it is currently here *
84. mysticcat (Wien, Austria)
85. calendulaa (Wien, Austria)
86. VictoriaWagtail (Stockholm, Sweden)
87. Ekomuppen (Bromma, Stockholm Sweden)
88. Deepswamp (Oskarshamn, Småland, Sweden)
89. Panzeranzi (Göteborg, Västergötland Sweden)
90. elis-fromSweden (Stenstorp, Västergötland Sweden)
91. MLA (Oslo, Oslo fylke Norway)
92. zimort (Gjøvik, Oppland fylke Norway)
93. lunacia (Hammerfest, Finnmark fylke Norway)
94. Haugtussa (Stavanger, Rogaland fylke Norway)
95. marja-leena (Oulu, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa Finland)
95b. Thalasse (Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland)
96. bigailann (Abingdon, Oxfordshire United Kingdom) ships only within the UK
97. RonOren (Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom)
xx. miertje (Houten, Utrecht Netherlands)
xx. bookguide (Wijchen, Gelderland Netherlands)
xx. dutch-book (Weesp, Noord-Holland Netherlands)
xx. Tubereader (Brussels, Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium)
xx. katalobonga (Paris, France)
xx. Icila (Nantes, Pays de la Loire France)
xx. Stoepbrak (Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa)
The Ray continues ...
...
This is a wonderful book, but way too short. Although I knew that beforehand, I was still disappointed. I can't get enough of Bill's witty remarks and observations. Especially one passage about the refugee camp got me thinking ... people aren't starving any more, so no donations-inducing media coverage any more - but these people still need our support.
Thanks a lot for the book, it was really worth waiting for it.
The book will travel to Bavaria next.
Wow, this must be the longest traveled book I ever got! It's in the northern part of Bavaria now (pic is showing a bit of our beautiful historic city). Thanks so much for sharing!
I wasn't connected to the virtual world for about two weeks, so my review comes pretty late... sorry!
My opinion about Bill Bryson's African Diary: very short but very impressive. Funny occasionally and heartbreaking on the other hand. I'm happy about the opportunity to get in touch with this little book and already think about buying it for my own collection.
The diary is continuing it's journey and is already on the way to liondancer.
My opinion about Bill Bryson's African Diary: very short but very impressive. Funny occasionally and heartbreaking on the other hand. I'm happy about the opportunity to get in touch with this little book and already think about buying it for my own collection.
The diary is continuing it's journey and is already on the way to liondancer.
Thanks for letting me participate in this neverending bookray.
Journal Entry 175 by 
Liondancer
at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Friday, July 30, 2010
Liondancer at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Friday, July 30, 2010
Released 13 yrs ago (7/29/2010 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Thanks for this fascinating booklet. It combined humor with factual information on CARE's work in Kenya. Especially the micro-finance concept has been fascinating me since I came across it a few years ago.
The book is currently stuck with Ahoi-Brause. Hopefully she will pass it on soon.
Oh how wonderful - this ring is not lost, it was sent back to me :-)
It will travel again as soon as possible.
The book arrived here safely a felt eternity ago - sorry for making a journal entry so late; I didn't have internet access.
But I have already read the book... and found it entertaining ;o)
My husband used to work for an NGO - and believe me, dangerous Africa is not sooo funny as written by Bill Bryson, when you're the (pregnant) wife who waits at home... ;o/
Great job these people do! Bless them..
But I have already read the book... and found it entertaining ;o)
My husband used to work for an NGO - and believe me, dangerous Africa is not sooo funny as written by Bill Bryson, when you're the (pregnant) wife who waits at home... ;o/
Great job these people do! Bless them..
The book is now on its way to YogiSchoko.
Just took the book from the post office. I have another one to finish before, but this little book seems to be quickly read. Thank you very much for sending it to me!
Interesting little book about Kenya and the work of CARE, even if it is too short and superficial. It was the first one I read of Bill Bryson's books. I like his humour, but I wonder if he could have been really that uninformed about Africa and the situation in Kenya before he went to travel there. I will look for further information about CARE and give a donation. Thank you for sharing!
Journal Entry 182 by 
YogiSchoko
at per Post geschickt in -- Per Post geschickt/ Persönlich weitergegeben --, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
YogiSchoko at per Post geschickt in -- Per Post geschickt/ Persönlich weitergegeben --, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (6/29/2011 UTC) at per Post geschickt in -- Per Post geschickt/ Persönlich weitergegeben --, Baden-Württemberg Germany
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
The book travels now to DieHenkerin.
This book arrived safe and sound in Soßmar. :)
Thanks for letting me be part of this ray!
Thanks for letting me be part of this ray!
mimi4711 und cornix-cornix wollen übersprungen werden.
Journal Entry 184 by DieHenkerin at Hohenhameln, Niedersachsen Germany on Thursday, September 15, 2011
This book is now on its way to gruengelb.
The book arrived safely and it's really in a remarkably good condition. It's been travelling in far more countries than I'll ever get to visit... Wow.
Since it's really small I'm sure it won't spend to much time on my Mount TBR and I'm going to send it on soon :)
Since it's really small I'm sure it won't spend to much time on my Mount TBR and I'm going to send it on soon :)
I finished it a couple of days ago and it was... okay. I've read other books from Bill Bryson before and I loved them. This one couldn't quite come up to the expectations. Probably it would've been far better if I had known a little more about Kenya, but for an introduction into the country this book was too short and I felt like it only touched the surface...
Nevertheless a really good book, since it shows how bad the situation in Kenya actually is. And, of course, because every reader donates to CARE (I felt a bit bad that I didn't pay for the book...).
On it's way to Physalis! Have a safe journey!
Nevertheless a really good book, since it shows how bad the situation in Kenya actually is. And, of course, because every reader donates to CARE (I felt a bit bad that I didn't pay for the book...).
On it's way to Physalis! Have a safe journey!
Woww - I get it. This longtime and long travelling book arrived savely Berlin-Wedding, Germany. Thanks a lot.
I still missing the google-maping-function on BC, as was seen on the old BC-site!
...it was still fun to read and parts were hilarious. Thanks, that I could be a part of this bookray!
Now, this book will travel to switzerland.
Hope to hear from you soon
Now, this book will travel to switzerland.
Hope to hear from you soon
Journal Entry 189 by karneol at Fribourg, Fribourg / Freiburg Switzerland on Thursday, November 10, 2011
The book arrived this morning, thanks. I'm looking forward to read this long-travelled book. :-)
Danke fürs Senden Physalis73 und für die Beilagen, die Buchzeichen sehen toll aus!
*******************************************************************************************************
A nice and very quick read book. Some impressions of a short travel to Kenya with some funny episodes. The most interesting thing for me were the informations about the Gedi ruins, never heard from it and they seem to be quite intriguing.
Clearly the best of the book is its long travel :-)
Even if CARE would surely prefer that everyone of us bought a copy...
Danke fürs Senden Physalis73 und für die Beilagen, die Buchzeichen sehen toll aus!
*******************************************************************************************************
A nice and very quick read book. Some impressions of a short travel to Kenya with some funny episodes. The most interesting thing for me were the informations about the Gedi ruins, never heard from it and they seem to be quite intriguing.
Clearly the best of the book is its long travel :-)
Even if CARE would surely prefer that everyone of us bought a copy...
Journal Entry 190 by karneol at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Released 12 yrs ago (1/3/2012 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On the way to Geneva. :-)
Merci, Karneol, j'ai reçu le livre aujourd'hui.
Je l'ai lu ce soir. I could read the book today !
I liked the book. Quite short, but interesting. "It's amazing how long it took aid agencies to figure out that people really, really don't want dependency. They want to help themselves." - "Only natural", I observed wisely. - "Only natural", he agreed." (p. 45)
I liked the book. Quite short, but interesting. "It's amazing how long it took aid agencies to figure out that people really, really don't want dependency. They want to help themselves." - "Only natural", I observed wisely. - "Only natural", he agreed." (p. 45)
Bill Bryson's African Diary is traveling again... through Switzerland ! Already 81 journalers, a good path to a world record :)
Bienvenue dans le bookcrossing / Welcome to bookcrossing !
Je pourrais vous expliquer ici ce que c'est. Mais... si vous découvriez vous-même ce qu'il en est ? Allez, un peu de mystère... que vous éluciderez :)
Romandie ? bookcrossingromandie.com
Bookcrossing ? I could explain but... What about your opportunity to discover it without any introduction text written by Souram ?
Bienvenue dans le bookcrossing / Welcome to bookcrossing !
Je pourrais vous expliquer ici ce que c'est. Mais... si vous découvriez vous-même ce qu'il en est ? Allez, un peu de mystère... que vous éluciderez :)
Romandie ? bookcrossingromandie.com
Bookcrossing ? I could explain but... What about your opportunity to discover it without any introduction text written by Souram ?
Journal Entry 194 by 
penelopewanders
at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Thursday, June 7, 2012
penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Hmm, I wanted to check where this goes next and at the bottom of the page I read "173 more journal entries"! Certainly a well-travelled little book... it has now arrived in the Swiss Alps on a very windy day. Thanks so much for sending and making this available - I hope I'll be able to read the other entries once I've finished journalling here.
Journal Entry 195 by penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Sunday, June 10, 2012
penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Sunday, June 10, 2012
A mini-snack of a book, Bryson's rather self-deprecating and humorous narrative of his first journey to Africa with a delegation from CARE. I had a good chuckle when he described his initial visions of Africa and how his pre-trip preparation was to watch Out of Africa.... I felt a bit badly to be reading this as a ring, as the money for purchasing the book goes directly to the charity organization. This being said, I could see myself using this book with an EFL class, and would therefore purchase several copies.
I'll PM for the next address and try to post it on soon (I didn't expect to get to - or through - it quite so quickly.
I'll PM for the next address and try to post it on soon (I didn't expect to get to - or through - it quite so quickly.
Journal Entry 196 by penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
penelopewanders at Hasliberg, Bern / Berne Switzerland on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
This extremely well-travelled book (although for all its journeying, it's in good shape!) is now headed down from our Alp to check out another part of Switzerland. Thanks so much for making this available - and it's great to be able to ship something domestically - even went for A-Post - it's a rare treat not to have to pay high postal fees!
This book is still in Switzerland. Thanks Penelopewanders for sending it to me.3rd book on my pile of Rings received this week. It's a short book, I normally shouldn't keep it too long.
On one hand, I feel really lucky to have received and read this well-travelled book; on the other hand, I feel bad because if I had bought it, part of the money would have gone to CARE. But without Bookcrossing, I would never have known about :
www.care.org
There is still something I can do :-) a small contribution to CARE.
Thanks to Catwoman for sharing this book with us.
I PMed Mysticcat without success. Calendulaa asked to be skipped.
I'm sending this book to VictoriaWagtail.
www.care.org
There is still something I can do :-) a small contribution to CARE.
Thanks to Catwoman for sharing this book with us.
I PMed Mysticcat without success. Calendulaa asked to be skipped.
I'm sending this book to VictoriaWagtail.
Journal Entry 199 by storm0103 at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (6/26/2012 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent by mail this afternoon to VictoriaWagtail.
Wow, the feeling of holding this book in my hands is just AMAZING!! :D so many readers! I'm thrilled to have this book with me and I will read it very soon. Welcome to Sweden little book :)A collection of postcards has been started with this book, brilliant! I'll add one of Stockholm before I send the book on.
Thank you Storm for sending the book to me and Olagorie for organizing the ring!
