Ella Minnow Pea : A Novel in Letters
Registered by ReetPetite of Beeston, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on 11/30/2004
This book is in a Controlled Release!
This book is in a Controlled Release!
36 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by ReetPetite from Beeston, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 30, 2004
This is a 'used' copy from Amazon.co.uk. It's got really good reviews.
Journal Entry 2 by ReetPetite from Beeston, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Thursday, December 30, 2004
Really good. Didn't take me long to read it. A really interesting story about corruption & how much we need language.
Journal Entry 3 by ReetPetite from Beeston, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 4, 2005
This is a bookray.
Going to
symphonicca, Vienna, Austria
dodau, Bristol, UK
pjmom8025, Minnesota, USA
RaineeRose, New York, USA
mrsordonez, Missouri, USA
GrammarBroad,, Louisiana, USA
Sherria, Connecticut, USA
spaceystacey,New Jersey, USA - here at the end of the ray.
Please journal when you get it. Thanks for joining!
Going to
symphonicca, Vienna, Austria
dodau, Bristol, UK
pjmom8025, Minnesota, USA
RaineeRose, New York, USA
mrsordonez, Missouri, USA
GrammarBroad,, Louisiana, USA
Sherria, Connecticut, USA
spaceystacey,New Jersey, USA - here at the end of the ray.
Please journal when you get it. Thanks for joining!
Journal Entry 4 by ReetPetite from Beeston, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Thursday, January 6, 2005
Going to symphonicca in Austria
I caught this delightful little book last night in my mailbox--- boy it got here quickly! :) Already started it last night and am loving it so far--- i am a word-lover by nature (yahooo competitive scrabble!), and it is really fun to read such 'informal' correspondence written in such formal tones and with such multisyllabic words--- hee hee hee! A real treat! Will journal more when I am done, but since i feel like it is going to be a quick read, i will probably be journalling sooner rather than later. Thanks reetpetite!
Wow!! That was a crazy-quick read! As the story progresses, it becomes like a vortex, pulling you in more and more, and you just can't stop reading! Not that it chewed up too much of my time finishing it--- this book was a quick read both because of how it pulls you in, but also because it is relatively short for a book, really. (take away all of the dead space from the shorter bits of correspondence, and you lose a lot of pages!)So all in all I quite enjoyed it. The way people spoke before the onset of Nollop's 'wishes' was exquisite, and the way they tried to accomodate the new edicts while at the same time trying desperately to communicate and aviod complete and utter silencing was frantic and captivating. While I didn't find the characters very memorable, the style of this book will forever stay with me, as will the author's obvious love of words and communication.
Wonderful little book--- thanks so much for sharing reetpetite! Will be sending it off to the next person soon!
Sent out to the next reader this morning--- enjoy!! :)
Journal Entry 8 by dodau from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, January 26, 2005
I love quirky books and this looks like a good one. I'll be reading it later this week.
Wow symphonicca was certainly right, this is a short read. It only took me a couple of hours porbably because I didn't want to put it down. It was good, I enjoyed it though I did wonder how much of it was a jab at the USA and indeed any government for some of the stupid laws they pass at times. Pming next person for address.
Journal Entry 10 by dodau at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Released 19 yrs ago (2/16/2005 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
I got this in the mail today from Dodou in the U.K. Hope it dries up over there.
I have another book ahead of it and will get it on its way soon.
Thanks for sharing!
I have another book ahead of it and will get it on its way soon.
Thanks for sharing!
Have your dictionary at hand for this one! As the letters of the alphabet fall off the statue, the citizens are banned from using words with those letters. Other words must replace them. This is a fun romp thru the dictionary.
I will get this sent off to the next participant tomorrow or the next day.
I will get this sent off to the next participant tomorrow or the next day.
Received today. This will be my next read -- looking forward to it! When I'm finished, I'll send it off to mrsordonez!
What a great story idea! I admire Mark Dunn for being able to come up with something so creative. I highly recommend this book for any lover of the English language.
MrsOrdonez has asked to be skipped, so I'll send this on to GrammarBroad within the next day or two.
MrsOrdonez has asked to be skipped, so I'll send this on to GrammarBroad within the next day or two.
Released 19 yrs ago (3/25/2005 UTC) at
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to GrammarBroad. Enjoy!
Sent to GrammarBroad. Enjoy!
Arrived yesterday and I picked it up on the way to the university where I teach a night class. I got started on it in the car! This looks like fun. Thanks.
"A love letter to alphabetarians and logomaniacs everywhere."
—Myla Goldberg
I'm not sure about being a logomaniac, but I'm definitely an alphabetarian, and I loved reading the letters - I mean book.
#633
—Myla Goldberg
I'm not sure about being a logomaniac, but I'm definitely an alphabetarian, and I loved reading the letters - I mean book.
#633
Not sure how it happened, but somehow I ended up on two rings for this book, so I've already read it. I'll pass it along to spaceystacey as soon as I get her address.
Because part of the enjoyment of rings/rays for me is sharing thoughts about the book, I'm going to copy my journal entry from the other ring here:
What a wonderful little book! The creative use of language was so good that I found myself just reading through "made up" words without any hesitation or question as to their meaning in most cases. It didn't get difficult until the "hear-twin graphemes", and I was amazed at how well the author managed that part.
Besides the wonderful use of language, this book also made me stop and think about "edicts from on high", power in our society and how it's used, and the consequences of not thinking things through to conclusion (like banning a letter, without realizing that almost all books will have to be destroyed, as well as official documents, etc, in a society that supposedly values literature more than most). I like when a book can slip those kinds of messages in without making it seem like I'm being preached to.
Because part of the enjoyment of rings/rays for me is sharing thoughts about the book, I'm going to copy my journal entry from the other ring here:
What a wonderful little book! The creative use of language was so good that I found myself just reading through "made up" words without any hesitation or question as to their meaning in most cases. It didn't get difficult until the "hear-twin graphemes", and I was amazed at how well the author managed that part.
Besides the wonderful use of language, this book also made me stop and think about "edicts from on high", power in our society and how it's used, and the consequences of not thinking things through to conclusion (like banning a letter, without realizing that almost all books will have to be destroyed, as well as official documents, etc, in a society that supposedly values literature more than most). I like when a book can slip those kinds of messages in without making it seem like I'm being preached to.
Just received in the post today. Will be reading shortly and since I am the end of the ray not sure what I will do with it, perhaps post in the forum for a continuing ray.
8/20/06 recently read poolside this past week. I love this book though it did introduce me to some of really unfamiliar words. I must state that I am not much of a phonetic reader though, as a chapter or two had me reading some of the sentences outloud to hear what the words were supposed to be.
Offered as a continuing ray commencing on 8/22/06:
Updated 3/23/2007*******************
1. Aava Finland jounralled
2. Griete Europe journalled
3. Shimmy-crazy UK journalled
4. Cocobarks journalled
5. ink-heart journalled
6. sejent USA mailings
12/2007 This book needs to rest a bit. It will resume its journey sometime in 2008
8/20/06 recently read poolside this past week. I love this book though it did introduce me to some of really unfamiliar words. I must state that I am not much of a phonetic reader though, as a chapter or two had me reading some of the sentences outloud to hear what the words were supposed to be.
Offered as a continuing ray commencing on 8/22/06:
Updated 3/23/2007*******************
1. Aava Finland jounralled
2. Griete Europe journalled
3. Shimmy-crazy UK journalled
4. Cocobarks journalled
5. ink-heart journalled
6. sejent USA mailings
12/2007 This book needs to rest a bit. It will resume its journey sometime in 2008
Journal Entry 21 by aava from Jyväskylä, Keski-Suomi / Mellersta Finland Finland on Monday, October 23, 2006
The book arrived today safe and sound.Will read asap. Thanks a lot spaceystacey!
Journal Entry 22 by aava from Jyväskylä, Keski-Suomi / Mellersta Finland Finland on Monday, November 13, 2006
What an amazing book!It was such a delight to read. Usually when I read books in English I don't bother checking words from dictionary but with this I just had to look some words up. Very original.
This book also made me appreciate my own language and literature. We have two more letters in alphabet to express ourselves.How great is that!Thanks Spaceystacey.I'm PM'ing Griete for address and mail the book asap.
This book also made me appreciate my own language and literature. We have two more letters in alphabet to express ourselves.How great is that!Thanks Spaceystacey.I'm PM'ing Griete for address and mail the book asap.
Got it this week, thanks :)
I was surprised at how quickly I read this book. I found it both charming and inventive, very original idea, at the same time funny and thought-provoking. A nice read which I'm sending on.
Journal Entry 25 by Shimmy-crazy from Finchley, Greater London United Kingdom on Sunday, February 11, 2007
Arrived last week, sorry for not registering straight away. Have one book in frount of this but should get to it soon.
Journal Entry 26 by Shimmy-crazy from Finchley, Greater London United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I ended up reading almost the whole book in one sitting. It was slightly mental but very enjoyable. The maddness increases as the book goes on and I loved how the dad unknowing saved the day in the end.
Sent to Cocobarks this morning (22nd Feb)
Sent to Cocobarks this morning (22nd Feb)
Received in the mail. Thank you. I will get to it ASAP.
RELEASE NOTES:
Great book. Sorry I kept it so long. Life had me crazy busy these past few months.
On to Germany and the next person.
Enjoy!
Great book. Sorry I kept it so long. Life had me crazy busy these past few months.
On to Germany and the next person.
Enjoy!
Yes! It arrived last weekend, safe and sound. Thank you. I am very much looking forward to reading this. :o)
Journal Entry 30 by ink-heart from Wolfenbüttel, Niedersachsen Germany on Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Well, you've said almost everything there is to say about the book. Although the satire was not too original and not too subtle in my opinion, I liked the missing-letter idea immensely, the subsequent plays on words, and all those tough-nut words, part of which even my dictionary didn't know. :oD
Quite a lot of the time I was wondering how a translator would deal with all this and transfer it into another language. And now I have done it. I bought the English AND the German version just in order to compare them. Who said bookcrossing was about not having your shelves crammed with books? It just doesn't work for me. *sigh* ;o)
I have asked for the next address, and Ella is waiting for her voyage back to the States. Thanks for sharing!
Edit 07-08-31: Ella is on her way to the next reader. Enjoy! :o)
Quite a lot of the time I was wondering how a translator would deal with all this and transfer it into another language. And now I have done it. I bought the English AND the German version just in order to compare them. Who said bookcrossing was about not having your shelves crammed with books? It just doesn't work for me. *sigh* ;o)
I have asked for the next address, and Ella is waiting for her voyage back to the States. Thanks for sharing!
Edit 07-08-31: Ella is on her way to the next reader. Enjoy! :o)
Received in today's mail...I am looking forward to reading this one. I will journal again when I have finished.
A very original concept. Sending back to spaceystacey.
returned to me. Great success. Thank you all.
06/13/2008 A Friday the 13th posting to the first reader on the list.
1. grubsneerg journaled.
2. bibliocrates journaled
3. sunfi journaled
4. klaradyn journaled
5. Madnad journaled
6. LeishaCamden journaled
7. DitteL Europe journaled
8.AgdaAgulina journaled
9. misterpip journaled
9. well-chilled asked to be skipped
10. mikime italy journaled as read
11. hayes13 journaled as read.
12. nediamnori87 journaled as read
13. KiwiinEngland journaled as read
14. tokorua Australia journaled as read.
15. dancesports Australia
16. oliviapoolside USA journaled as read
17. Moeshell journaled as read
18. JerrilynnL Colorado USA journaled as read
19. Judygreeneyes USA journaled as read
21. NMReader USA journaled as read
22. Luned 11/14/2010 confirmed as received will journal as time avails :-)
23. Makita21
24. goldenwatte
25. karen07814
26. bananabrianna Canada
27. nancynova usa
28. dabercro usa
29. mssaver usa
30. salvami ireland
06/13/2008 A Friday the 13th posting to the first reader on the list.
1. grubsneerg journaled.
2. bibliocrates journaled
3. sunfi journaled
4. klaradyn journaled
5. Madnad journaled
6. LeishaCamden journaled
7. DitteL Europe journaled
8.AgdaAgulina journaled
9. misterpip journaled
9. well-chilled asked to be skipped
10. mikime italy journaled as read
11. hayes13 journaled as read.
12. nediamnori87 journaled as read
13. KiwiinEngland journaled as read
14. tokorua Australia journaled as read.
15. dancesports Australia
16. oliviapoolside USA journaled as read
17. Moeshell journaled as read
18. JerrilynnL Colorado USA journaled as read
19. Judygreeneyes USA journaled as read
21. NMReader USA journaled as read
22. Luned 11/14/2010 confirmed as received will journal as time avails :-)
23. Makita21
24. goldenwatte
25. karen07814
26. bananabrianna Canada
27. nancynova usa
28. dabercro usa
29. mssaver usa
30. salvami ireland
This well-traveled book arrived in my mailbox today! I have one bookring ahead of it and then I will dive in. Thanks for sending and sharing, spaceystacey!
This was a great, fun read, and I agree with what everyone has said so far about it. How much fun it must have been to write; I found myself examining every "big" word to see what other word it was replacing. Highly entertaining. I'm mailing this to Bibliocrates today. Enjoy!
This book arrived in my mailbox here in Trinity, Alabama over the weekend. I have been bed-ridden with debilitating back pain or I would have left a journal entry right away. Thank you for sending it grubsneerg (great name)! Can't wait to read this one, have heard great things...
Amazon Editorial Review:
Ella Minnow Pea is a girl living happily on the fictional island of Nollop off the coast of South Carolina. Nollop was named after Nevin Nollop, author of the immortal pangram,* “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” Now Ella finds herself acting to save her friends, family, and fellow citizens from the encroaching totalitarianism of the island’s Council, which has banned the use of certain letters of the alphabet as they fall from a memorial statue of Nevin Nollop. As the letters progressively drop from the statue they also disappear from the novel. The result is both a hilarious and moving story of one girl’s fight for freedom of expression, as well as a linguistic tour de force sure to delight word lovers everywhere.
This book finally made it to the top of Mt. Toobie over the weekend and I devoured it in one afternoon.
I enjoyed reading this work of fiction cleverly disguised as non-fiction, a book of letters written between members of the Minnow Pea family, their friends, and neighbors on the island of Nollop as they learn to adapt to and communicate with restrictions on the alphabet, very original. Grab your dictionary and read this book if you haven't already, highly recommended.
Thank you for sharing spaceystacey, my apologies to the remaining participants for the hold-up, will pass it on to Sunfi tomorrow.
I enjoyed reading this work of fiction cleverly disguised as non-fiction, a book of letters written between members of the Minnow Pea family, their friends, and neighbors on the island of Nollop as they learn to adapt to and communicate with restrictions on the alphabet, very original. Grab your dictionary and read this book if you haven't already, highly recommended.
Thank you for sharing spaceystacey, my apologies to the remaining participants for the hold-up, will pass it on to Sunfi tomorrow.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This book is on its way to Sunfi to continue the ring. I hope you enjoy it :)
This book is on its way to Sunfi to continue the ring. I hope you enjoy it :)
Received this one yesterday, I into another book right now, I should have this onto the next reader in a few weeks. Thanks bibliocrates for sending this to me and thanks to spaceystacey for including me in this ring.
Just finished up this story. I'm not sure how I really felt about it. It was very creative in terms of the way they handled the situation but not really enough about the relationships of the folks. I guess I was looking for more of a story line and less the back and forth correspondences between island members. Oh well, I already have klaradyn's mailing address and I'll be getting this in the post here in the next few days, I will make release notes at that time.
Journal Entry 41 by sunfi at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Ohio USA on Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (9/30/2008 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Ohio USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This has started it journey to klaradyn in South Africa, according to the postal clerk it should be there in the next couple of weeks.
This has started it journey to klaradyn in South Africa, according to the postal clerk it should be there in the next couple of weeks.
Arrived today. Thanks for sending, sunfi! I've been wanting to read this book for absolute ages!
This was a very quick read. I enjoyed the creativity of the book, even though the plot was quite thin. A good portrayal also of the dangers of burocracy and power-hungry rulers.
Released 15 yrs ago (10/18/2008 UTC) at Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa
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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Will be on the way to madnad tomorrow morning.
My book #70 for guinaveve's Keep Them Moving challenge.
Will be on the way to madnad tomorrow morning.
My book #70 for guinaveve's Keep Them Moving challenge.
Journal Entry 45 by madnad from Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Friday, October 31, 2008
Received today with many thanks. I'll read this book when I've finished my current read. It looks very interesting!
Journal Entry 46 by madnad from Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Monday, November 3, 2008
Wow, what a great book and, in my opinion, a must read for anybody interested in words and play with words. The setting of the story was a bit strange... I mean, the characters and the whole island of Nollop, but I loved the actual story line. I wonder how the author wrote the book - it can't have been easy. Loved it!!
Journal Entry 47 by madnad from Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The book is on its way to LeishaCamden as of today!:) Sorry for keeping it so long, had some health issues...
Got this in the mail from Spain today. Thanks, madnad!! And of course thanks to you too, spaceystacey, for sharing. :-) I've heard so much about this book and I've been wanting to read it for quite a while. I'm really looking forward to it. I have a few other rings & rays ahead of it but I will read it as soon as I can.
I'll journal again when I've read the book.
I'll journal again when I've read the book.
I've read this book now, finished it this past weekend. I absolutely loved it, it was a wonderful read and I'm deeply impressed with the author. The book is so clever and so well written ... and so much is often said with few words. Despite the lack of descriptions of Nollopian society, it was easy to form a quite clear picture of it. Wonderful characters and a fascinating plot. A fantastic read. I almost think I will have to buy my own copy ... !! ;-)
All the other praise I otherwise would have heaped upon the book has already been said by other readers. :-) Thank you stacey for letting me be part of this ring, and thanks to everyone who's been keeping the book moving so far. This is a wonderful reading experience which ought to be shared by as many as possible. Yay, BookCrossing!! :-)
I already have DitteL's address, so the book will be mailed off to Denmark this afternoon.
All the other praise I otherwise would have heaped upon the book has already been said by other readers. :-) Thank you stacey for letting me be part of this ring, and thanks to everyone who's been keeping the book moving so far. This is a wonderful reading experience which ought to be shared by as many as possible. Yay, BookCrossing!! :-)
I already have DitteL's address, so the book will be mailed off to Denmark this afternoon.
Journal Entry 50 by 
LeishaCamden
at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, March 12, 2009
LeishaCamden at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, March 12, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (3/12/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This book is now (as of this afternoon) in the mail to Denmark. Happy travels, little book!! I hope all its future readers will enjoy it as much as I did. :-)
This book is now (as of this afternoon) in the mail to Denmark. Happy travels, little book!! I hope all its future readers will enjoy it as much as I did. :-)
The first book to arrive at my new home :o). I'm really looking forward to reading it.
A big thank you to spaceystacey and LeishaCamden
A big thank you to spaceystacey and LeishaCamden
I really enjoyed this book, it's not like any book I've ever read before. I can only agree with the praise that the rest of you have given this book.
While I was reading, I was wondering how I would translate the book into Danish, we've got three more letters in our alphabet and that wouldn't make the job any easier. I don't know if it actually has been translated into Danish but if it has I'll probably buy the book just to find out how it's been done.
I've contacted the next reader and will ship the book as soon as I get an address.
While I was reading, I was wondering how I would translate the book into Danish, we've got three more letters in our alphabet and that wouldn't make the job any easier. I don't know if it actually has been translated into Danish but if it has I'll probably buy the book just to find out how it's been done.
I've contacted the next reader and will ship the book as soon as I get an address.
Journal Entry 53 by DitteL at København V - Vesterbro, København Amt Denmark on Thursday, March 26, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (3/26/2009 UTC) at København V - Vesterbro, København Amt Denmark
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to the next reader yesterday.
Mailed to the next reader yesterday.
Thank you! The book is now in Prague, it was wonderful to get it from Copenhagen, one of my favourite towns. I am looking forward to read it, just finishing another ring book before...
Ella Minnow Pea. A novel in letters. Already the titel was so very tempting to me, and the whole idea of the book was so genious. It inspired a lot of thoughts about the importance of each letter, and LETTERS - it was so fascinating to me that whole telling went through letters. I am sure that I would have got even more out of this if I would be a native reader in english, but even with my skills it was a great book to read. Playfull but sad. Simple but deep.
I liked the book so, that I got a permission to circle it a bit in Prague. It deserves as many readers as possible! And then the ring will go on.
I liked the book so, that I got a permission to circle it a bit in Prague. It deserves as many readers as possible! And then the ring will go on.
Great! Great! Great! What a fun book! what a great idea! brilliant playing with the english language (though it even could be any language...)
I can't say too much or I'd give away all the fun, but READ it!! it's a very quick, easy, entertaining read, and even great for non-native english speakers, but native speakers who enjoy playing with language and the absurdity of words- you'll love it!!
And even though it's mainly good because of the idea, there are lovable characters and setting here too, and introduced in a very interesting, non-traditional manner- also some great commentary on the often absurd actions of governments.
Also particularly fun for those of us who are still fascinated by the 'old school' life- before email and mobile phones...
Enjoy!
I can't say too much or I'd give away all the fun, but READ it!! it's a very quick, easy, entertaining read, and even great for non-native english speakers, but native speakers who enjoy playing with language and the absurdity of words- you'll love it!!
And even though it's mainly good because of the idea, there are lovable characters and setting here too, and introduced in a very interesting, non-traditional manner- also some great commentary on the often absurd actions of governments.
Also particularly fun for those of us who are still fascinated by the 'old school' life- before email and mobile phones...
Enjoy!
Journal Entry 57 by misterpip at book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, September 24, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (9/22/2009 UTC) at book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
...sent to Mikime in Italy...
apologies to all waiting for the book that it got stuck in Prague for a time- now travelling again, on its way to you! A very fun book...
Enjoy!
...sent to Mikime in Italy...
apologies to all waiting for the book that it got stuck in Prague for a time- now travelling again, on its way to you! A very fun book...
Enjoy!
This has just arrived. Thanks for sending it! It really sounds like something I'm going to love..... but it'll have to wait a little, for me to finish another bookring first. ;)
Miki
Miki
This is really a great book! I enjoyed it a lot, though I cringe at the idea of authorities banning letters from use, and for such fanatic reasons! All the letters the book is made up of are funny and clever, and they get more clever and quite a challenge to understand as the story goes on (and the tiles come down). The use of language throughout the book is absolutely fascinating, and the importance of each and every letter (and of language and the right to its use in general) is clearly shown. Thank you so much for letting me read it!
This goes on for a quick de-tour to Hayes13, who is here in Rome as me and wishes to read it and said she has already asked the ringmaster. Hope it is ok for you, spaceystacey!
Miki
This goes on for a quick de-tour to Hayes13, who is here in Rome as me and wishes to read it and said she has already asked the ringmaster. Hope it is ok for you, spaceystacey!
Miki
Mikime kindly passed this on to me at the October Meetup... thanks. I can't wait to read it!
am about halfway thru... have nediamnori87's address and will send off in the next few days. Boy is this a good book!
EDIT to add: will probably go out monday 26 oct
EDIT to add: will probably go out monday 26 oct
Journal Entry 62 by Hayes13 at --By Post or by Hand ✋ , Scotland United Kingdom on Saturday, October 24, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (10/26/2009 UTC) at --By Post or by Hand ✋ , Scotland United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Loved this! Thanks for letting me hijack it.
EDIT to add review: A totalitarian police state, fundamentalism, censorship, worshiping false gods, brilliant language and vocabulary, word play, a funny plot line...not things usually found together, but here they are, wrapped up in one lovely book. A gem. I really loved everything about this book.
On to nediamnori87 in scotland...
Loved this! Thanks for letting me hijack it.
EDIT to add review: A totalitarian police state, fundamentalism, censorship, worshiping false gods, brilliant language and vocabulary, word play, a funny plot line...not things usually found together, but here they are, wrapped up in one lovely book. A gem. I really loved everything about this book.
On to nediamnori87 in scotland...
Journal Entry 63 by nediamnori87 from St Andrews, Scotland United Kingdom on Monday, November 2, 2009
This book arrived today just as I finished my other book last night. I'm just going to go and put on a pot of coffee and read it wrapped up in a douvet now. Thank you for sending me this well travelled book!
Journal Entry 64 by nediamnori87 from St Andrews, Scotland United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 3, 2009
wow. This is such a clever book. I'm really impressed how Mark Dunn managed to create some of the letters although the further I got towards the end of the book the harder it was to read in my head I actually had to start sounding the words out in order to figure out what was trying to be said. I'm very thankful for the 26 letters that we get to miss-use daily! The concept is very smart and the story being told out in letters was interesting enough. It reminds me in a way of the bit in the Life of Brian where they find his shoe and they all have a debate about what it means. Again resulting in a mad outcome similar to this book. I guess you don't really start to notice the lack of letters until closer to the end and I did have to backtrack occasionally to check to see if there really were two d's in one letter and it took me ages to spot!
A fantastic book thank you for sharing it with me. I'll endevor to post it this weekend before I go home.
A fantastic book thank you for sharing it with me. I'll endevor to post it this weekend before I go home.
Journal Entry 65 by nediamnori87 at St Andrews, Scotland United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 3, 2009
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Given to philosoraptor24 as his interest was sparked by the book. Enjoy!
Given to philosoraptor24 as his interest was sparked by the book. Enjoy!
Journal Entry 66 by Philosoraptor from Haywards Heath, West Sussex United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Received this off my lovely housemate today. Looking forward to reading it tonight under a warm duvet!
Journal Entry 67 by Philosoraptor from Haywards Heath, West Sussex United Kingdom on Saturday, November 14, 2009
Although I found this a little predictable towards the end my experience with this wonderfully creative story of lexicographical demise was a thoroughly enjoyable one. It inspires the vocabulary, warns against totalitarianism, decries censorship, celebrates free speech and truly illuminates not only the value of our beautifully diverse language but also our innate dependency on communication.
Will send this on after the weekend
Will send this on after the weekend
Journal Entry 68 by Philosoraptor at St Andrews, Scotland United Kingdom on Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (11/18/2009 UTC) at St Andrews, Scotland United Kingdom
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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Have sent this today to the next reader (KiwiinEngland) in Ireland.
Have sent this today to the next reader (KiwiinEngland) in Ireland.
Wow, this is a well travelled book. Thanks for sending it on.
Journal Entry 70 by kiwiinengland at Manchester, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Sunday, November 29, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (11/28/2009 UTC) at Manchester, Greater Manchester United Kingdom
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Off to Australia to continue it's travels! Go well little book.
Off to Australia to continue it's travels! Go well little book.
loved it - the quirky way the characters dealt with the issues of living on an island run by a council with absolute power. It was interesting to see how the people accepted absolute rule, some disobeyed and were banished, some became informants, some tried to ignore the issue.
received this a few days ago. unfortianately itoo many arrived at one so i will send this straght onto dancesports.
received this a few days ago. unfortianately itoo many arrived at one so i will send this straght onto dancesports.
Journal Entry 74 by Monki-ies at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Saturday, December 19, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (12/20/2009 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
just too many books on the go at hte moment so ive had to send this one on unread
just too many books on the go at hte moment so ive had to send this one on unread
Book arrived last week but with no computer access at our holiday shack then I haven't been able to log until today.
I read this the day it arrived. Seemed to take no time to read at all, but I guess it helps being on holidays, this is my 6th book so far. A clever and enjoyable read.
Journal Entry 77 by Dancesports at To the next participant in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, January 28, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (1/28/2010 UTC) at To the next participant in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
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posting on today - enjoy!!
posting on today - enjoy!!
Arrived safely to me today, thanks. I'll get to it when I am done with my current book.
The arbitrary nature of governments and ruling bodies, especially those that think that their ideas are from The Divine and not to be questioned, is terribly frightening.
In this book, on the tiny island nation of Nollop, letters are outlawed one by one as letters fall from the town center cenotaph that says, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog". First the people are forbidden the letter Z and then Q, and on it goes as the letters fall off of the cenotaph. The majority of people try to accommodate to the new rules, some even believe the divinity of the decrees. Others rebel and are whipped, put in stockades or sent off island. If this was actual history, as it could have been as all sorts of arbitrary edicts are constantly in place all over the world most of the them being touted as from G-d, many of them would have been killed. Although the author doesn't allow the story to go there; you see suicide, madness, betrayal, hunger, the destruction of families, businesses, homes, land ownership and the total rotten corruption of those who get away with the crimes of power. You also see how people try to hold on to their humanity and to help one another. It is a short read, but a very powerful one.
I very much admired the cleverness of the author in putting this book together, this author knows and loves his language, in this way the book was a pleasure.
In this book, on the tiny island nation of Nollop, letters are outlawed one by one as letters fall from the town center cenotaph that says, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog". First the people are forbidden the letter Z and then Q, and on it goes as the letters fall off of the cenotaph. The majority of people try to accommodate to the new rules, some even believe the divinity of the decrees. Others rebel and are whipped, put in stockades or sent off island. If this was actual history, as it could have been as all sorts of arbitrary edicts are constantly in place all over the world most of the them being touted as from G-d, many of them would have been killed. Although the author doesn't allow the story to go there; you see suicide, madness, betrayal, hunger, the destruction of families, businesses, homes, land ownership and the total rotten corruption of those who get away with the crimes of power. You also see how people try to hold on to their humanity and to help one another. It is a short read, but a very powerful one.
I very much admired the cleverness of the author in putting this book together, this author knows and loves his language, in this way the book was a pleasure.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
It is on its way to Moeshell in Texas
It is on its way to Moeshell in Texas
This one arrived in the mail earlier this week. Adding it to the top of Mt. TBR. Really surprise the shape the book is in after all its traveling.
Couldn't get through this one. Maybe the timing, I've not had much time to read lately but I just couldn't get into this one. I've mailed off to jerrilynnl this afternoon. Thanks for sharing anyways.
Journal Entry 83 by 
AnonymousFinder
at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, June 11, 2010
AnonymousFinder at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, June 11, 2010
Arrived safely in Denver - will read shortly
oops - thought I was logged in. :-D So repeating -- arrived safely in Denver and ready to be read. :-)
Very quick and enjoyable read. I started out having to look up a word or two (very verbose) and then having to sound out the hear-like words as they ran out of letters. A veiled jab at politics and policies. :-)
I've PM'd judygreeneyes and will wait for her reply to send on.
I've PM'd judygreeneyes and will wait for her reply to send on.
off to judygreeneyes...
This book arrived today in beautiful San Diego. I should be able to start it this weekend. Thanks!
This seems to be one of those books people either loved or hated. I loved it. I was not sure, when I picked it up, if it would be childish and silly, just from the silly name. But it was anything but that. The vocabulary used in the book, even at the beginning, was fun. The entire premise of the story was outlandish but adorably creative. As the story progressed and life became more challenging for people on this island, the writing became even more creative, and I think the letters back and forth and the writing styles really gave the sense of what people were feeling -- great distress, despair, the disappearance of a way of life that they all loved.Thanks for sharing it with me!
This book is off by mail to NMReader!
Looking forward to reading
What an interesting read. It was an amazingly quick read.
For some reason this story reminded me of Pastor Martin Niemöller "First they came..."
I like the way the islanders had to be creative to talk and how they had to make extensive use of their large vocabulary.
Thank you for sharing
For some reason this story reminded me of Pastor Martin Niemöller "First they came..."
I like the way the islanders had to be creative to talk and how they had to make extensive use of their large vocabulary.
Thank you for sharing
I will drop at the post office on my way home
