(Un)arranged Marriage
17 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by teachie from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Thursday, October 13, 2005
Set partly in the UK and partly in the Punjab region of India, this is a fresh, bitingly perceptive and totally up-to-the- minute look at one young man's fight to free himself from family expectations and to be himself, free to dance to his own tune.
Journal Entry 2 by teachie from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, October 18, 2005
A very enjoyable story. It makes a change to see how an arranged marriage is viewed from the male perspective. This is being sent off as part of a NSSBTS.
Journal Entry 3 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Monday, October 31, 2005
Received as part of a lovely NSSS gift - thank you so much! I've been looking for this book for AGES - so pleased to have it even if it'll be a few months till it works its way up to the top of the TBR
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Journal Entry 4 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, February 9, 2006
See - said it would be a few months till I managed to read it!
This was Young Adult fiction, which explains why I'd never been able to find it! Great stuff, about a Panjabi Sikh arranged marriage - from the point of view of the boy. Lively, with an authentic sounding central character, a fun and fast moving plot line with some serious things to say. Towards the end, I couldn't put it down!
I'm going to send this out on a bookring, but only when a few of my current ones have made it home...
This was Young Adult fiction, which explains why I'd never been able to find it! Great stuff, about a Panjabi Sikh arranged marriage - from the point of view of the boy. Lively, with an authentic sounding central character, a fun and fast moving plot line with some serious things to say. Towards the end, I couldn't put it down!
I'm going to send this out on a bookring, but only when a few of my current ones have made it home...
BOOK RING!Usual rules apply...
Make a journal entry when you receive the book
Contact the next reader for their address when you are almost done
Post a review when you've read the book - please try to send it on within a month of receipt if you can
Make a journal entry or controlled release notes when you send the book on
PARTICIPANTS
Lauraloo29 Canada (prefers US)
Omly Massachussetts, US (anywhere)
Cinnamon-Girl NC, US (US preferred)
Erishkigal Utah, US (US)
EMA375 Canada (Canada/US)
Juliet982 Venezuela (anywhere)
okyrhoe Greece (anywhere)
Anglersrest UK (anywhere, surface)
dolph1n UK (UK)
Purplerosebud UK (UK)
Heaven-Ali UK (UK)
CaterinaAnna UK (UK)
sjr1969 UK (anywhere)
Lotusflower77 Canada (anywhere) [[asked to be skipped]]
Totoroandmei Japan (anywhere, surface)
GateGypsy Canada (anywhere) <------ it's here
hakkalina Hungary
I have my own copy of this now, so it becomes a ray!
PM'd Lauraloo29 to check OK to send this on to her
Journal Entry 7 by LyzzyBee at A Bookcrosser in A BookCrosser, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, May 7, 2006
Released 17 yrs ago (5/9/2006 UTC) at A Bookcrosser in A BookCrosser, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Posting to lauraloo29 by Tuesday.
Posting to lauraloo29 by Tuesday.
Arrived today! I'm not drowning yet, but I feel close to it for bookrings. Not to worry. I will keep the book moving. :)
Update - May 29 - started reading today.
Update - May 29 - started reading today.
This was a nice light book. Refreshing to see the male perspective on arranged marriages and tradition.
I'll be sending it on its way next week. Thank you for sharing!
I'll be sending it on its way next week. Thank you for sharing!
I found this in my mail box just as I was going to visit family for the weekend. What excellent timing, now I will have something to read on the train!
As has been mentioned elsewhere, this is book is facinating in it's perspective of a young (indian by ethnicity, english by birth) man being pushed into an arranged marriage. This book was really well written. If I had not read a blurb saying this was Bali Rai's first book, I would have had no idea. I will be looking out for anything else by this author.
One thing that I noticed in passing as I have been reading Water Wars: Privatization, Pollution, and Profit by Vandana Shiva was the mention of the dry river bed when Manny visits India. In this story it just gets a brief mention in that the water had been diverted with a damn. Vandana Shiva, who is also indian, talks about this trend in India (and elsewhere) making me wonder how the diversion of that river, which had been near his family's lands, had affected their farming.
Thanks for the opportunity to discover this new author. I will be sending this book out today to Cinnamon-Girl.
One thing that I noticed in passing as I have been reading Water Wars: Privatization, Pollution, and Profit by Vandana Shiva was the mention of the dry river bed when Manny visits India. In this story it just gets a brief mention in that the water had been diverted with a damn. Vandana Shiva, who is also indian, talks about this trend in India (and elsewhere) making me wonder how the diversion of that river, which had been near his family's lands, had affected their farming.
Thanks for the opportunity to discover this new author. I will be sending this book out today to Cinnamon-Girl.
Received today - I'm excited to read this one, and should have it ready to send on in a couple weeks or so (I have two other bookring books ahead of it).
Thanks for including me in the ring!
Thanks for including me in the ring!
I finished this book sooner than I expected, as it was a quick and enjoyable read. A refreshing twist on the east-meets-west, traditional vs. modern theme. You can read more of my comments here (caution: minor spoilers).
I'll be mailing this off to Erishkigal in the morning. Thanks for including me in this ring!
I'll be mailing this off to Erishkigal in the morning. Thanks for including me in this ring!
arrived yesterday, and I dove in last night...it had been a long day, so I didn't get too far before falling asleep with the book open and light on...lol..something I'm sure a few of you are familiar with... :)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I love being exposed to different cultures, and in this there was both the Indian and British Punjabi. And unique to have a male perspective on arranged marriages. I was surprised at the racism, and encouraged that it is lessening in the younger generation. Characters and conflict were very well-developed--I too would not have guessed this was Rai's first book. I will look forward to reading more of his.
Wrapped up and ready to mail to EMA375--expect to get to the PO friday. Thanks, LizzyBee for sharing this!
Wrapped up and ready to mail to EMA375--expect to get to the PO friday. Thanks, LizzyBee for sharing this!
mailed : delivery confirmation # 0306 0320 0002 9313 0783
Arrived today! I'll get started as soon as I finish the bookring I'm reading. Thank you!
Great story! I've read a lot of books about this culture and arranged marriages, but never a book from a male's perspective. I didn't realize they may share the same worries and fears as the women. Thanks for sharing!
Lotusflower77 is in India (lucky her!) until September. She asked me to to skip her. I will be sending this out to Juliet982 later this week. Thx!
Lotusflower77 is in India (lucky her!) until September. She asked me to to skip her. I will be sending this out to Juliet982 later this week. Thx!
Shipped out today to Juliet982 in Venezuela. I sure hope it arrives safely!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Arrived today! :o) I'm really looking forward to read it, I hope I can read it next week.
I really liked the book and the author style. It was an interesting story and I loved to see it from the point of view of the man, since we usually see the woman perspective. and if I am not mistaken this is the author's first book. I would be looking for more by Bali Rai.
Thanks LyzzyBee for the opportunity to read it and discover a new author!
Thanks to EMA375 for shippin it to me!
Thanks LyzzyBee for the opportunity to read it and discover a new author!
Thanks to EMA375 for shippin it to me!
Sorry it has taken me longer than I thought. We had some health problems in the family, and as usually everything comes together.
I'm sending it today to the next one in the list okyrhoe in Greece.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I'm sending it today to the next one in the list okyrhoe in Greece.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Arrived in my p.o. box today. Thanks LyzzyBee for including me in this ray, and Juliet982 for posting the book to me (with an interesting assortment of stamps on the envelope!).
As an example of "Young Adult Fiction" this is an excellent book. It's a well-written narrative and can be read enjoyably by adults of any age. Bali Rai succeeds in shaping a central character, Manny (Manjit), whose personality and narrative voice maintains its authenticity to the very end.
At some points it becomes somewhat disconcerting that Manny's mother is practically absent from the story; Manny hardly has anything to say about her and her maternal role in the family home. But maybe that is exactly how it is for teenage boys, let alone for a young man growing up in England with a very traditional mother figure who is incapable of participating actively in her son's social or scholastic activities.
(un)arranged marriage reminds of the comedy film East is East, which I recommend.
At some points it becomes somewhat disconcerting that Manny's mother is practically absent from the story; Manny hardly has anything to say about her and her maternal role in the family home. But maybe that is exactly how it is for teenage boys, let alone for a young man growing up in England with a very traditional mother figure who is incapable of participating actively in her son's social or scholastic activities.
(un)arranged marriage reminds of the comedy film East is East, which I recommend.
Arrived this morning, along with two parcels from Canada which have taken 3 days to arrive and a parcel from Bulgaria which has taken SIX weeks to arrive.
The page turning story of Manjit or as he preferred to be called Manny. Set in Leicester and the Punjab region of India. Manny is unhappy, born in England, he does not feel such a link to the Punjabi culture as his parents,including the issue of arranged marriages for his brothers. He wants peace to be his own person. His home is full of noise as his family becomes more extended. He is subjected to more than sibling teasing from his brothers, and some physical abuse from his father.
Manny has one best friend called Ady and has a girl friend, but as he approaches towards his 17th birthday the issue of arranged marriage raises its head. Manny doesn't want to and feels tore between the issues of a quiet life and rebellion.
Taken to India, on what is a holiday, Manny's family leave him behind and return to England. Manny builds a relationship with his Uncle, who has experienced the same issues and broke away from the family tradtion and helps Manny return to England, where Manny becomes his own person and has the life he wants.
I took this to bed last night, with a cuppa, and thought I would read a chapter or two on an early night. The book was written in such a comfortable, easy reading style that I zipped through the book and finished it just before Midnight! Clearly explaining the issues faced by teenagers, I wondered if this was slightly autobiographical? Like a previous reader I was surprised at the issues surrounding racism in the book but I felt that the author had dealt with the complexities of the issues very well for a first book.
I have PM'ed dolph1n for an address, and as soon as I have it, the book will be traveling.
Manny has one best friend called Ady and has a girl friend, but as he approaches towards his 17th birthday the issue of arranged marriage raises its head. Manny doesn't want to and feels tore between the issues of a quiet life and rebellion.
Taken to India, on what is a holiday, Manny's family leave him behind and return to England. Manny builds a relationship with his Uncle, who has experienced the same issues and broke away from the family tradtion and helps Manny return to England, where Manny becomes his own person and has the life he wants.
I took this to bed last night, with a cuppa, and thought I would read a chapter or two on an early night. The book was written in such a comfortable, easy reading style that I zipped through the book and finished it just before Midnight! Clearly explaining the issues faced by teenagers, I wondered if this was slightly autobiographical? Like a previous reader I was surprised at the issues surrounding racism in the book but I felt that the author had dealt with the complexities of the issues very well for a first book.
I have PM'ed dolph1n for an address, and as soon as I have it, the book will be traveling.
I now have dolph1n's address, so in the post!
This was waiting for me when I arrived home from my holiday. I will start it today.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I had never thought of how arranged marriages affect the men. It was very interesting to have a male perspective on it. I would like to read more books by this author
It will be on its way to Purplerosebud tomorrow.
Journal Entry 31 by purplerosebud from Petersfield, Hampshire United Kingdom on Thursday, February 8, 2007
Arrived today many thanks. I want to get started straight away after reading the journals but I must finish my current book first. BTW I don't think I will read it quite as quickly as AnglersRest. LOL
Journal Entry 32 by purplerosebud from Petersfield, Hampshire United Kingdom on Monday, February 19, 2007
I found this an enjoyable book which was quick and easy to read. I found that I was constantly going back to it because I was curious what happened next and whether Manny was able to take control of his life the way he wanted to. I was surprised at the slang language the boys used and the type of language they used withing the family. Now that I know it's a Young Adult book I do think it fits well into that catagory.
A good read, thanks for sharing. On its way to Heaven-Ali very soon.
A good read, thanks for sharing. On its way to Heaven-Ali very soon.
Journal Entry 33 by Heaven-Ali from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 21, 2007
This arrived safely today - thanks for sending Purplerosebud. I'll get to it after the book I'm reading at the moment.
Journal Entry 34 by Heaven-Ali from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, February 25, 2007
This is a lovely little book, compulsively readable, with an engaging, and wonderfully authentic central character in Manjit. As several other people have said, it is intresting to see the whole arranged marriage thing, from a male persepective. Over all a very enjoyable, hard to put down book.
I know that CaterinaAnna is in book ring hell : ) at the moment so I will be sending this out in a few days.
I know that CaterinaAnna is in book ring hell : ) at the moment so I will be sending this out in a few days.
Journal Entry 35 by Heaven-Ali at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, March 2, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (3/2/2007 UTC) at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
on its way to CaterinaAnna
on its way to CaterinaAnna
Journal Entry 36 by Caterinaanna from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ouch!
My knuckles hurt!
And deservedly so, for this book has sat around for two weeks which in my (un)arranged mind have been only a couple of days. LyzeeBee and HeavenAli sent me gentle reminders just as it got to the top of Mount Toobie, and I should finish it this evening, so look out for another JE tomorrow ...
My knuckles hurt!
And deservedly so, for this book has sat around for two weeks which in my (un)arranged mind have been only a couple of days. LyzeeBee and HeavenAli sent me gentle reminders just as it got to the top of Mount Toobie, and I should finish it this evening, so look out for another JE tomorrow ...
Journal Entry 37 by Caterinaanna from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Friday, March 30, 2007
It was good to get a male perspective on the issue of arranged marriages, and the voice of the main character was right for his age - a problem that I seem to come to across with books 'written' by teenage protaganists. The part that was hard to believe was how his plan was decided so many years in advance and his anger stoked over all that time.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book and will look for more by this author in due course.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book and will look for more by this author in due course.
Journal Entry 38 by Caterinaanna at book ring in a RABCK, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Friday, March 30, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (3/30/2007 UTC) at book ring in a RABCK, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
In the post to sjr1969 this afternoon.
In the post to sjr1969 this afternoon.
Received this evening from CaterinaAnna.
This is 2nd on my TBR pile and with the Easter Weekend coming up I should be getting to it then
This is 2nd on my TBR pile and with the Easter Weekend coming up I should be getting to it then
Journal Entry 40 by sjr1969 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, April 12, 2007
I wasn't too sure about this book from the first few chapters, some of the charactors seemed a bit one dimensional (especially the women). However from about a third of the way in I really was engaged by the main charactors struggle to find his way between his own and other people's expectations. Thanks for sharing this book and I am Pming the next person on the list for postage instructions.
the book is on its way to Totoroandmei!
Thanks. Got in the mail today.
I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing.
Journal Entry 44 by totoroandmei at Surface Mail in Bookring, Book Ring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, August 30, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (9/1/2007 UTC) at Surface Mail in Bookring, Book Ring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Going surface mail to Canada.
Going surface mail to Canada.
Journal Entry 45 by GateGypsy from Ladysmith, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, September 20, 2007
Arrived in the mail today via "sea mail" from Japan! I'm looking forward to this, though it will take me a while to get to it. Thanks for your patience!
