The Stars My Destination (Gollancz S.F.)
39 journalers for this copy...
This book is part of The Lost Book project. The Lost Book is an animated web series which you can help write. It follows the adventures of investigative journalist, and BookCrosser, Aileen Adler and her dog Watson as they try to solve the crime of a stolen book.The lovely and talented Jasper Fforde did some guest writing for The Lost Book - he created the characters and background for the missing book - the journal of Sally Challenger’s 2004 expedition to Arthur Conan Doyle’s lost world. Every week we’re inviting visitors to The Lost Book website to help write the book. If you'd like to help, all you need to do is write a 100-word microstory continuing the story!
Anyway, we interviewed Jasper for The Lost Book website and one of the questions was "Which book has affected you the most?" His answer:
"Tiger, Tiger by Alfred Bester. No, wait, Alice Wonderland. No, Slaughterhouse 5. No, hang on..."
We'd never heard of Tiger, Tiger so went looking. At first search it seemed to be out of print. A little bit of googling, though, and we discovered that it had an alternative title: The Stars My Destination. So, here it is. A couple of members of The Lost Book team want to read it, and then we'll send it out on a bookray.
Update: The Lost Book ran until July 2009 and is now finished - apart from lots of books like this one that are still travelling and finding new readers!
The Stars My Destination is an adrenaline rush; a fast, furious read. Protagonist Gully Foyle goes from passive everyman, to revenge-obsessed incarnation of evil, to active everyman hero. It’s a story about education and self-education. Neil Gaiman, in his introduction, compares Foyle to the Count of Monte Cristo and he’s exactly right. Both characters gain the resources, and have the determination, to gain their revenge on a huge scale; both discover that revenge is harder, and less important, than it seems.
Foyle is an appalling character. For the majority of this novel, the close narrative focus on Foyle forces the reader to identify with him against their will. He’s violent, abusive and stupid; a rapist and murderer, yet Bester writes him as a hero. It feels manipulative. But, it’s effective manipulation. As Foyle’s awakening turns into something more interesting it suddenly seems right that we, the reader, are right there with him.
Published in 1956, The Stars My Destination is both dated and amazingly contemporary. The attitudes (toward women, towards race) are dated – yet, writing in the 1950s about a culture where purdah has become common, Bester has created several strong, complex female characters – one a black women (and, yes, his insistence on reminding us that Robin is a "negro girl" does jar). But, the theme and its exploration are current and - unlike other classic era SF - the technology, based as it is on the human mind, isn’t out of date.
Foyle is an appalling character. For the majority of this novel, the close narrative focus on Foyle forces the reader to identify with him against their will. He’s violent, abusive and stupid; a rapist and murderer, yet Bester writes him as a hero. It feels manipulative. But, it’s effective manipulation. As Foyle’s awakening turns into something more interesting it suddenly seems right that we, the reader, are right there with him.
Published in 1956, The Stars My Destination is both dated and amazingly contemporary. The attitudes (toward women, towards race) are dated – yet, writing in the 1950s about a culture where purdah has become common, Bester has created several strong, complex female characters – one a black women (and, yes, his insistence on reminding us that Robin is a "negro girl" does jar). But, the theme and its exploration are current and - unlike other classic era SF - the technology, based as it is on the human mind, isn’t out of date.
This book was strongly recommended to me in several ways recently so I was delighted and surprised to find it on our shelves, ready for release. I am almost the world's slowest reader so was in two minds about swiping it for the usual two months it takes me to wade through a novel and hold up its release. Well, I'm glad I did take it. Less than two weeks have passed since starting it and I loved every page to the end. As well as being engrossing, this book is shockingly contemporary. It could have been written yesterday, not 47 years ago. The imagination that has gone into this future world is immense and it pretty much holds together, well enough for a nine rating and to be etched into my memory anyway! Enjoy.
CAUGHT IN EDINBURGH MIDLOTHIAN UK
CAUGHT IN EDINBURGH MIDLOTHIAN UK
This book is going to travel around the world as a bookray. PM at any time, with your shipping preferences, to join. Shipping info: standard-sized paperback, 230g.
Bookray
pingucb, UK (UK)
KiwiinEngland, UK (Int)
katrinat, UK (Europe) - asked to be skipped
Hayes13, Italy (Int)
chich, France (Int)
hyper7, South Africa (Int)
snufkin81, South Africa (Int)
ajsmom, Canada (Int)
ResQgeek, USA (USA)
Megi53, USA (Int after end of May)
efs300, USA (Unknown)
TomHl, USA (Int)
peacejunkie84, USA (Int) - please skip (it's been reported that peacejunkie84 has stalled a number of bookrays. We PMed her to allow her to comment, but didn't receive a reply).
carlissa, USA (USA) - asked to be skipped
2of3Rs, USA (Int)
NMReader, USA (USA)
sunfi, USA (USA/Canada preferred, Int if needed)
perryfran, USA (Int)
judygreeneyes, USA (USA preferred, Int if needed)
hyphen8, USA (USA preferred, Int if needed)
earthcaroleanne, UK (EU/Int if needed)
Lydiasbooks, UK (EU)
ArabellaFigg, UK (Int)
davemurray101, Australia (Int)
bekoh, Australia (Aus)
rmjwold, Australia (Int)
PJLBewdy, Australia (Int)
madpocky, Philippines (Int) - asked to be skipped
starflash, UK (UK or Europe) - asked to be skipped
elstaplador, UK (Int)
MKtiny, UK (Int)
VictoriaWagtail, UK (Int)
RonOren, UK (Int) - asked to be moved down the list
han_cat, UK (Europe)
lunatum, Finland (Int)
kasenka, Finland (Int)
Bookray complete! kasenka, the book is yours to do with as you wish. It'd be lovely if it kept travelling!
Bookray
pingucb, UK (UK)
KiwiinEngland, UK (Int)
Hayes13, Italy (Int)
chich, France (Int)
hyper7, South Africa (Int)
snufkin81, South Africa (Int)
ajsmom, Canada (Int)
ResQgeek, USA (USA)
Megi53, USA (Int after end of May)
efs300, USA (Unknown)
TomHl, USA (Int)
2of3Rs, USA (Int)
NMReader, USA (USA)
sunfi, USA (USA/Canada preferred, Int if needed)
perryfran, USA (Int)
judygreeneyes, USA (USA preferred, Int if needed)
hyphen8, USA (USA preferred, Int if needed)
earthcaroleanne, UK (EU/Int if needed)
Lydiasbooks, UK (EU)
ArabellaFigg, UK (Int)
davemurray101, Australia (Int)
bekoh, Australia (Aus)
rmjwold, Australia (Int)
PJLBewdy, Australia (Int)
elstaplador, UK (Int)
MKtiny, UK (Int)
VictoriaWagtail, UK (Int)
RonOren, UK (Int) - asked to be moved down the list
han_cat, UK (Europe)
lunatum, Finland (Int)
kasenka, Finland (Int)
Bookray complete! kasenka, the book is yours to do with as you wish. It'd be lovely if it kept travelling!
Journal Entry 5 by TheLostBook at By mail / post / courier, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, May 14, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (5/14/2009 UTC) at By mail / post / courier, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This is all packaged up and ready to go to pingucb in Surrey. Happy reading, everyone - hope you enjoy this book.
This is all packaged up and ready to go to pingucb in Surrey. Happy reading, everyone - hope you enjoy this book.
Received this today - thankyou :-)
Is next in line after my current book.
Is next in line after my current book.
This is a really quick and easy read, which hurtles along at a great pace. As others have said, the content is surprisingly contemporary for a book written over 40 years ago. I don't think I'd rush out to read another Alfred Bester, but I'm pleased to have read this one - thanks for the opportunity.
Have PM'd the next in line, just waiting for a response and the book will be travelling again.
Have PM'd the next in line, just waiting for a response and the book will be travelling again.
Journal Entry 8 by pingucb at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (6/9/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posted to kiwiinengland today. Enjoy :-)
Posted to kiwiinengland today. Enjoy :-)
Arrived safely, thank you
As previous readers have stated, this book is amazingly contemporary.
The story was great, fast and action packed. The creation of a future society which is obsessed with money and objects and clothes and celebraties is rather striking and believable, especially as I read this after the funeral service/concert of Michael Jackson. I especially liked how, in a world where many people can teleport, using manual transportation (such a bicycles or cars) was the reserve of the weathly.
The characters in the book I found underdeveloped, all set in their obvious roles...the rich selfimportant man, the driven detective with a weakness for the ladies, the woman who falls for the damaged man. However maybe this is because, in the decades since this book was published, so many people have recreated characters similar to what Bester created .
katrinat has asked to be skipped. Hayes13 is out of contact until 20 July. I will pm them then.
The story was great, fast and action packed. The creation of a future society which is obsessed with money and objects and clothes and celebraties is rather striking and believable, especially as I read this after the funeral service/concert of Michael Jackson. I especially liked how, in a world where many people can teleport, using manual transportation (such a bicycles or cars) was the reserve of the weathly.
The characters in the book I found underdeveloped, all set in their obvious roles...the rich selfimportant man, the driven detective with a weakness for the ladies, the woman who falls for the damaged man. However maybe this is because, in the decades since this book was published, so many people have recreated characters similar to what Bester created .
katrinat has asked to be skipped. Hayes13 is out of contact until 20 July. I will pm them then.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posted to Italy air mail via the Irish postal service.
Posted to Italy air mail via the Irish postal service.
Arrived this morning, thank you. Help!! I've got too many rings! (So what else is new?) Will get to it as quickly as I can...
Journal Entry 13 by Hayes13 at Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- France on Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (7/31/2009 UTC) at Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- France
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Almost... just not my thing.
Interesting bit (and vaguely familiar) about "jaunting" in chapter 3:
Off it goes, to its next jaunting station in France.
Almost... just not my thing.
Interesting bit (and vaguely familiar) about "jaunting" in chapter 3:
Bravo, Mr Harris! Well done! L-E-S, gentlemen. Never forget. Location. Elevation. Situation. That's the only way to memorize your jaunte co-ordinates.
Off it goes, to its next jaunting station in France.
Journal Entry 14 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Thursday, August 6, 2009
Book received today, thanks for passing it on Hayes13!Thanks for for starting this ray TheLostBook, I'll finish the book I'm reading right now and will get right on to this one:o)
Journal Entry 15 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Wednesday, August 12, 2009
What a fantastic read! I've never particularly enjoyed science fiction written in the 50's and 60's because the novels don't usually stand the test of time and feel quite outdated, but this book aged very well:) I liked the plot, pace and characters although (as has been mentioned in a previous J.E.) some of them were a bit stereotypical. I think the foreword by Neil Gaiman added a lot to the book and gave a greater perspective to the reading experience. One last thing, I think it's a shame the editors changed the title to "The Stars My Destination" as I think the original title of "Tiger, Tiger" is much more fitting.
To anyone wanting to read another science-fiction classic that aged well, I'd recommend Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein:)
Thanks so much for sharing this TheLostBook
To anyone wanting to read another science-fiction classic that aged well, I'd recommend Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein:)
Thanks so much for sharing this TheLostBook
Journal Entry 16 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Received it today. I just finished a book last night, so this is good timing!
That was very good! Thanks for sharing, TheLostBook!
I'll send it along soon.
I'll send it along soon.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to snufkin81 in Bergvliet, RSA. Enjoy!
Sent to snufkin81 in Bergvliet, RSA. Enjoy!
Journal Entry 20 by snufkin81 from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Tuesday, September 15, 2009
This arrived today, thank you, Hyper7! I have a bunch of rings ahead of this one, but I'll get to it as soon as I can.
Journal Entry 21 by snufkin81 from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Sunday, November 15, 2009
This was an interesting story. I'm not sure that I'll read anything elsby Alfred Bester, but I'm glad I read this one. It was rather disturbing though, at times. Gully Foyle is totally reprehensible, and yet I could not help rooting for him. I loved Yeoville, and would have liked to see more of him.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read this, TheLostBook! I've already PMed the next person for their address.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read this, TheLostBook! I've already PMed the next person for their address.
Journal Entry 22 by snufkin81 at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, December 4, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (12/4/2009 UTC) at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent by airmail to ajsmom. Sorry for keeping this so long!
Sent by airmail to ajsmom. Sorry for keeping this so long!
Caught today, thank you!
I really enjoyed this book! I don't read SciFi at all, but I do like watching it, and could easily see much of this action-packed novel turned into TV or film. (Maybe it has been?) The character of Foyle was utterly unlikeable, but his redemption was intriguing - I never got the feeling that Gully was that much worse than the jackals out there in the 25th century, so while his misdeeds were atrocious, they never felt shockingly so. All in all, a rather delightful read!
I will PM the next in line and have this book (I wish they'd kept 'Tiger! Tiger!' too - far more fitting than the romantic-sounding title it has) on its' way asap.
I will PM the next in line and have this book (I wish they'd kept 'Tiger! Tiger!' too - far more fitting than the romantic-sounding title it has) on its' way asap.
Journal Entry 25 by ajsmom at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (1/12/2010 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This book is off to Virginia! Happy travels, little book!
This book is off to Virginia! Happy travels, little book!
This arrived safely in the mail today, which was perfect timing, as I just finished my previous book and was contemplating what to read next. I had completely forgotten signing up for this ray, but now that I've refreshed my memory, I'm looking forward to reading it.
Mechanics Mate 3rd Class Gully Foyle was an unambitious cog, uninterested in making anything of himself, without any motivation. But he wasn't without abilities, and his latent talents were just waiting for a trigger to turn them loose. After his ship is attacked and destroyed, he is the sole survivor, barely hanging on to life. When another ship comes along, he believes he is rescued...until it leaves him behind. This abandonment is the trigger that unleashes his motivation.
Foyle becomes a monster, bent on revenge and not concerned with who he might hurt along the way. But his brutality is a product of his society, where violence and cruelty are the norm, and in this context, Foyle's actions are almost acceptable. But as he comes closer to exacting his revenge, he begins to understand the evil of his actions. In the end, he finds ways to redeem not only himself but also the society around him.
This is an action packed Science Fiction yarn, written in the 1950s. It compares favorably with many contemporary works by the likes of Heinlein and Asimov. It has withstood the test of time remarkably well, and remains an powerful story about the nature of evil and redemption.
I have the address for the next reader, but am on vacation in Colorado. I'll pass it along when I get home next week.
Foyle becomes a monster, bent on revenge and not concerned with who he might hurt along the way. But his brutality is a product of his society, where violence and cruelty are the norm, and in this context, Foyle's actions are almost acceptable. But as he comes closer to exacting his revenge, he begins to understand the evil of his actions. In the end, he finds ways to redeem not only himself but also the society around him.
This is an action packed Science Fiction yarn, written in the 1950s. It compares favorably with many contemporary works by the likes of Heinlein and Asimov. It has withstood the test of time remarkably well, and remains an powerful story about the nature of evil and redemption.
I have the address for the next reader, but am on vacation in Colorado. I'll pass it along when I get home next week.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
In the mail, on its way to the next reader. Enjoy!
In the mail, on its way to the next reader. Enjoy!
Arrived today -- what a gorgeous book! I have two other ring/ray books with me currently, but this looks like the type of thing I'll stay up until 2:00 A.M. to finish.
Finished in a 100-page reading marathon last night. This was one of five bookrings/rays I received in the space of a week in February (why oh why?) and unfortunately, it got short shrift for a while.
I started it the day I got it, then had to put it aside for so long that I forgot who Wednesbury, Sheffield, and Y'ang-Yeovil were and had to start reading again from the beginning! (and yes, they were vitally important characters)
The wide-ranging effects of jaunting were fascinating, although I'd hope to have a mere 50-mile designation on my ID card if I lived in the 25th century.
The settings, especially the Nomad and Geoffre Martel, were rich with detail. I love that feature in a book.
The end was wild and exciting, even if it did suffer from what I've recently come to term "Sea Wolf Syndrome" -- after the Jack London book in which a character seques off into a long diatribe about populism or socialism in an incongruous time and/or place. (Not to give too much of a spoiler, but what took place in Bester's book involved many times and places!)
The women were all so bizarre ... not sure what I think about that; may return to this j/e to elaborate in weeks to come.
I would like to learn more about Joseph, Moira, and the rest of the Scientific People. No sequel, ever? Maybe Bear or Gaiman can attempt one eventually (or Burton make a film of it!).
Oh! Thinking on Bester's death and his will which gave so much to his bartender -- I absolutely adored the robot bartender with the built-in beam! "Always a lovely day somewhere, sir."
I started it the day I got it, then had to put it aside for so long that I forgot who Wednesbury, Sheffield, and Y'ang-Yeovil were and had to start reading again from the beginning! (and yes, they were vitally important characters)
The wide-ranging effects of jaunting were fascinating, although I'd hope to have a mere 50-mile designation on my ID card if I lived in the 25th century.
The settings, especially the Nomad and Geoffre Martel, were rich with detail. I love that feature in a book.
The end was wild and exciting, even if it did suffer from what I've recently come to term "Sea Wolf Syndrome" -- after the Jack London book in which a character seques off into a long diatribe about populism or socialism in an incongruous time and/or place. (Not to give too much of a spoiler, but what took place in Bester's book involved many times and places!)
The women were all so bizarre ... not sure what I think about that; may return to this j/e to elaborate in weeks to come.
I would like to learn more about Joseph, Moira, and the rest of the Scientific People. No sequel, ever? Maybe Bear or Gaiman can attempt one eventually (or Burton make a film of it!).
Oh! Thinking on Bester's death and his will which gave so much to his bartender -- I absolutely adored the robot bartender with the built-in beam! "Always a lovely day somewhere, sir."
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed from Teal Court post office.
Mailed from Teal Court post office.
Journal Entry 32 by efs300 from -- By post or by hand --, South Carolina USA on Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sorry for the delay in getting a journal entry for this. This book arrived in NH last week and got 'lost' in my work bag. I have read one other book by Bester, The Demolished Man which I thought was very good so I am looking forward to reading this book. I do have one book in front of it so it will take a little while to get it moving.
Finally finished this very good sci-fi novel. I would love to be able to 'jaunt', but what problems it would cause. Waiting for an address to send this along to the next person on the bookray list. Thanks to TheLostBook/Nell-Lu for the chance to read this book.
The book jaunted to Wisconsin today, although not precisely to the shore of Green Bay. I'm attaching a picture I took of some Wisconsin pines. Refer to page 35 of this edition. I mean, I'm happy to see Wisconsin even mentioned, but I wish Bester had chosen someplace else for that scene.Location: 43.0690 N, 88.1985 W
Elevation: 866 ft. (264m)
Situation: will be read after my current book, The New Weird, is finished.
Thanks TheLostBook, for starting the bookray. And thanks efs300, for sending it on to me.
I read a lot of science fiction, and have previously read Alfred Bester's other 1950s novel - The Demolished Man. I feel The Stars My Destination in many ways is typical of 1950s thriller science fiction; in gender roles, and in the psycho-babble of the times. But still, this book is something of a stand-out with its portrayal of a very angry Gulliver Foyle, who cannot abide the hypocrisy of polite society. He is an anti-hero that the reader is forced to identify with, even as he commits atrocity. A quick read, and very interesting.
Just a side note - I just read an anthology of New Weird SF, and in this book Baker's menagerie of human biological curiosities reminded me of the world of China Mieville's Perdido Street Station.
Just a side note - I just read an anthology of New Weird SF, and in this book Baker's menagerie of human biological curiosities reminded me of the world of China Mieville's Perdido Street Station.
TheLostBook told me to skip peacejunkie84. carlissa asked to be skipped. So today I sent the book via media mail to 2of3Rs in Oregon. It should arrive in approximately one week.
Just received as part of the ring. Sci-fi isn't my usual genre, but the description and raves about it sound intriguing. I'm finishing up one book and then will get right to this one. Thanks for including me!
Alfred Bester's The Stars My Destination, has been touted to be the best science fiction novel ever. Whether it actually is or not needs to be determined by others more versed in science fiction.
Neil Gaiman, who wrote the introduction for the version I read, called this book a "perfect cyberpunk novel, including protocyber elements, such as multinational corporate intrigue, a dangerous and mysterious hyperscientific McGuffin (PyrE), an amoral hero, and a supercool Thief Woman."
Set in the year 2436, all across galaxies, Gully Foyle is a grunt pursuing revenge. Through his adventures and mis-adventures, he becomes moral. Bester crafts Foyle's transformation well.
While I'm sure I didn't fully appreciate all of the science in this science fiction novel, I did love seeing Bester's imaginings of the future, where tattoo-ing is a dead art (hard to imagine now, perhaps it was easier to imagine in the 1950's) and space travel is accomplished by "jaunting".
I loved how Bester used Gully's tattoo in the story. In the beginning Foyle has a horrific tattoo of a tiger on his face. The tattoo gets removed and how that affects Foyle's emotions is brilliant.
The book was originally titled "Tiger, Tiger", which seems a more apt title to me (and several others who have read the book).
(I wrote this for my blog...notthenewyorktimesbookreview.blogspot.com)
Neil Gaiman, who wrote the introduction for the version I read, called this book a "perfect cyberpunk novel, including protocyber elements, such as multinational corporate intrigue, a dangerous and mysterious hyperscientific McGuffin (PyrE), an amoral hero, and a supercool Thief Woman."
Set in the year 2436, all across galaxies, Gully Foyle is a grunt pursuing revenge. Through his adventures and mis-adventures, he becomes moral. Bester crafts Foyle's transformation well.
While I'm sure I didn't fully appreciate all of the science in this science fiction novel, I did love seeing Bester's imaginings of the future, where tattoo-ing is a dead art (hard to imagine now, perhaps it was easier to imagine in the 1950's) and space travel is accomplished by "jaunting".
I loved how Bester used Gully's tattoo in the story. In the beginning Foyle has a horrific tattoo of a tiger on his face. The tattoo gets removed and how that affects Foyle's emotions is brilliant.
The book was originally titled "Tiger, Tiger", which seems a more apt title to me (and several others who have read the book).
(I wrote this for my blog...notthenewyorktimesbookreview.blogspot.com)
sent on to the next person in the ring...
I thought an update might be appreciated.
I started this book over the weekend as I have another book to mail sunfi and felt if I could read this in a few days I could wait and send both together.
I am at the start of chapter 5 or just after Gully Foyle has his talk with Dagenham.
Oct 6: Not making as much progress as I would like - busy work week
I started this book over the weekend as I have another book to mail sunfi and felt if I could read this in a few days I could wait and send both together.
I am at the start of chapter 5 or just after Gully Foyle has his talk with Dagenham.
Oct 6: Not making as much progress as I would like - busy work week
I finished this book yesterday. I enjoyed it but not as much as I expected based on the The Well of Lost Plots
I will be handing to sunfi in person
Picked up from NMReader a little earlier today. It was a pleasure to meet her, thanks again for the lovely lunch, I hope you had a nice time here in Dayton.
Update 5 Dec 10 - I've tried a couple times to get into this one and I can't, so its time for me to pass this on. Once I have the next participant's address, I'll send this one on.
Update 5 Dec 10 - I've tried a couple times to get into this one and I can't, so its time for me to pass this on. Once I have the next participant's address, I'll send this one on.
On its way to the next reader, it should arrive in the next couple of weeks.
Received today. Thanks for including me in this ray. Will try to get to this soon.
This is a classic sci-fi novel from the 1950's that I had never heard of. I enjoyed it immensely and was rooting for Foyle throughout the book even though he was such a despicable person! The book included several great sci-fi concepts including jaunting (willing yourself through space or teleportation) which makes others means of transportation obsolete, the powerful weapon - PyrE, and use of cyborg technology which enabled Foyle to accelerate by a factor of 5 making it appear as if everyone else is in slow motion. Of course, being written in the 50s also made parts of the story appear dated such as references to powerful families and corporations like Montgomery Ward and the Kodak clan. I'm sure by the 25th century when this novel takes place, these names would be forever forgotten. But overall, this was a great read that I should probably reread in the future.Thanks for including me in this bookray. I have judygreeneyes address and will get the book off to her soon.
Sending on to Judygreeneyes in San Diego, CA to continue this ray. Enjoy!
This book arrived today in San Diego! Great, I was just looking for my next book. I'll get started on it right away.
I'm almost done with this book, what a crazy story!! It will be off to hyphen8 next in Honolulu. I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2011!!
Wow, this book was a wild ride. It amazes me that it was written in 1956, the year before I was born. Very creative, very frenetic. I can't say that I liked any of the characters, which usually would mean I had a hard time enjoying the story, but this story is just so chock full of creativity and futuristic fun that it was very enjoyable. Thanks much for sharing it with me. It is off now by mail to hyphen8.
If you aren't familiar with Bookcrossing, take a few minutes to check out this very cool site. Bookcrossers LOVE books, and more than anything, they love to read books and then set them free for other people to find and enjoy. I would love it if you would leave a journal entry -- you can say where you found the book or how you liked it when you read it. Then, when you are ready, pass it along for someone else to enjoy! Thanks and happy reading!
If you aren't familiar with Bookcrossing, take a few minutes to check out this very cool site. Bookcrossers LOVE books, and more than anything, they love to read books and then set them free for other people to find and enjoy. I would love it if you would leave a journal entry -- you can say where you found the book or how you liked it when you read it. Then, when you are ready, pass it along for someone else to enjoy! Thanks and happy reading!
Arrived today: I'm guessing that the striking orange & black cover is a reference to the original title. This is an interesting book: I've often thought paperbacks should have rounded corners - they get curled up so often - but I'm not sure I've seen another mass-market book that actually started out with them.
Not sure who contributed the magnetic manatee bookmark, but it's cute. :)
Work is crazy at the moment but I'll get through this as quickly as I can (it will be next after my current book). Thanks for sharing this with me.
Not sure who contributed the magnetic manatee bookmark, but it's cute. :)
Work is crazy at the moment but I'll get through this as quickly as I can (it will be next after my current book). Thanks for sharing this with me.
I'll add some more notes later but this book was mailed to the next reader on Monday 1/31.
Thanks for including me in this bookray!
Grimmer than I remembered, but still an enjoyable read.
Thanks for including me in this bookray!
Grimmer than I remembered, but still an enjoyable read.
Journal Entry 54 by 
earthcaroleanne
at Falkirk, Scotland United Kingdom on Thursday, February 10, 2011
earthcaroleanne at Falkirk, Scotland United Kingdom on Thursday, February 10, 2011
Just arrived! Unfortunately as per bookray "law" it's arrived when I have a bundle of TBRs but don't worry I won't hold it up.
After promising not to hold it up, I put it in the wrong bundle and forgot about it. When I found it again, I considered passing it on without reading it because it really didn't look like my "thing". In fact I couldn't understand what would have made me ask to join the ring, but something must have persuaded me so I thought it should be read.
I'm so glad I did. I found it a fascinating read. I agreed with everyone about it being amazingly contemporary and Foyle being a very unlikeable character, but you just couldn't stop reading about him.
I'm so glad I did. I found it a fascinating read. I agreed with everyone about it being amazingly contemporary and Foyle being a very unlikeable character, but you just couldn't stop reading about him.
Journal Entry 56 by earthcaroleanne at -- Somewhere in London 🤷♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 12, 2011
earthcaroleanne at -- Somewhere in London 🤷♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Released 13 yrs ago (4/11/2011 UTC) at -- Somewhere in London 🤷♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Off to the next person in the ray.
Journal Entry 57 by Lydiasbooks at Tottenham, Greater London United Kingdom on Thursday, June 2, 2011
Sorry, didn't realise i hadn't already posted here. It's a shame, I'd have liked to stick it out through this book. Apparently it was Jasper Fforde's inspiration, and I love his work. Somehow though this book just bored me. I don't like too much sf with my fantasy, and this was too sf-like for me. I'll be mailing it to the next person in the ring soon and hoping other people enjoy it.
This arrived the other day, thanks lydiasbooks. Will start it as soon as I've finished current read.
Journal Entry 59 by ArabellaFigg at Hull, East Yorkshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sorry I've taken so long with this book. I kept picking it up and reading a bit but then I would just forget about it. A shame because like Lydiasbooks, I do love Jasper Fforde, but I don't want to hold the bookring up any longer. Will post it as soon as I can.
Now on it's way to Australia.
Journal Entry 61 by davemurray101 at Valentine, New South Wales Australia on Monday, November 21, 2011
Arrived in the post today. Should be an excellent read.
Journal Entry 62 by davemurray101 at Valentine, New South Wales Australia on Monday, November 28, 2011
An excellent read, somewhat reminiscent of 'Sirens of Titan'. An American SF novel that has a class system which is quite rare.
Journal Entry 63 by davemurray101 at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Monday, November 28, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (11/29/2011 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
posted to bekoh,
received safe & sound - thanks Dave
It took a while for me to start this but once I did I couldn't put it down. This book is fantastic! Gully Foyle is a character I will remember for quite some time.
Journal Entry 66 by bekoh at -- Controlled Release, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Released 12 yrs ago (1/16/2012 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, New South Wales Australia
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
posted off to ACT.
Journal Entry 67 by RosieCanberra at Monash, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Rec'd today from Bekoh (thanks!) and looking forward to reading it.
Journal Entry 68 by RosieCanberra at Monash, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wow, what a great book. I had trouble putting this one down, so much happens in it.
The main character, Gully Foyle, is both horrible and fascinating. Great read.
Have PM'd PJLBewdy for mailing details - then this little book will be off on a new journey.
The main character, Gully Foyle, is both horrible and fascinating. Great read.
Have PM'd PJLBewdy for mailing details - then this little book will be off on a new journey.
Journal Entry 69 by PJLBewdy at Smiths Lake, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Received today. This has been on my wishlist for a while so thanks for sharing.
Journal Entry 70 by PJLBewdy at Smiths Lake, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, February 11, 2012
I didn't like this book as much as some of the journallers have but it was interesting and quite powerfully written. Certainly not sorry I read it. Heading back to the UK when the PO is open.
Journal Entry 71 by PJLBewdy at Smiths Lake, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Released 12 yrs ago (2/13/2012 UTC) at Smiths Lake, New South Wales Australia
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Off it goes to estaplador - enjoy!
This has arrived safely with me. I've a couple of rings ahead in the queue, but I'll get this read as soon as I can and pass it on.
My obsession with The Count of Monte Cristo continues unchecked. First The Stars' Tennis Balls, and now this. The vengeful antihero in this case is Gulliver Foyle, Mechanic's Mate 3rd class. He is taking revenge on the ship that passed him by, leaving him to die in space. If you enjoyed The Count of Monte Cristo, and were able to reach beyond the troubling clichés in that, and/or if you are a devotee of the golden age of sci-fi, you'll like this.
Worth reading not just as a curiosity for devotees of Dumas, but also as a sci-fi classic. A sci-fi classic of the fifties, mind, with all that implies - i.e. lots of bits that make me cringe, and some that are just plain nasty - but also wacky imagination, wackier characters, and a reader who's assumed to be intelligent. An implied rape scene (actually, I was rather more disturbed by Neil Gaiman's foreword, regretting that the reader had to do more work in the fifties) and a society in which women are kept behind closed doors - but several well-drawn female characters and an explicit acknowledgement of how broken that society is. Some terrible racial stereotyping, a disabled antagonist... it's of its time, yes. Problematic. But when it wasn't doing that, I did enjoy it.
Worth reading not just as a curiosity for devotees of Dumas, but also as a sci-fi classic. A sci-fi classic of the fifties, mind, with all that implies - i.e. lots of bits that make me cringe, and some that are just plain nasty - but also wacky imagination, wackier characters, and a reader who's assumed to be intelligent. An implied rape scene (actually, I was rather more disturbed by Neil Gaiman's foreword, regretting that the reader had to do more work in the fifties) and a society in which women are kept behind closed doors - but several well-drawn female characters and an explicit acknowledgement of how broken that society is. Some terrible racial stereotyping, a disabled antagonist... it's of its time, yes. Problematic. But when it wasn't doing that, I did enjoy it.
Journal Entry 74 by elstaplador at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, March 10, 2012
Released 12 yrs ago (3/9/2012 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posted on to MKtiny. Enjoy!
Journal Entry 75 by MKtiny at Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Monday, March 12, 2012
Arrived in the post today and going to the top of the pile. Thanks for sharing.
At last I've finished reading this book - apologies being such a slow reader. This is a fabulous book - its reputation is well deserved. I'm so glad I signed up for this one. Gully Foyle is one of those characters who really does live beyond the pages of the book and will stay around for ever. His is a classic journey from darkness to light.
In terms of sci-fi technology, it feels very contemporary, but the portrayal of women gives it away as a book of the 50's. I think the principal women themselves are feisty, complicated and very modern, it's just the manner in which they are written about in relation to the men is dated.
With the advances in CGI, I think this book is ripe for a big screen adaptation. Done well, it could be just brilliant.
Thanks for sharing, VictoriaWagtail has asked to be skipped, so it will be on its way to RonOren this week.
P.S. Found a Tiger! Tiger! postcard to accompany it on its travels :)
In terms of sci-fi technology, it feels very contemporary, but the portrayal of women gives it away as a book of the 50's. I think the principal women themselves are feisty, complicated and very modern, it's just the manner in which they are written about in relation to the men is dated.
With the advances in CGI, I think this book is ripe for a big screen adaptation. Done well, it could be just brilliant.
Thanks for sharing, VictoriaWagtail has asked to be skipped, so it will be on its way to RonOren this week.
P.S. Found a Tiger! Tiger! postcard to accompany it on its travels :)
Just arrived; thanks for sending this through, MKTiny. I'm currently reading another ring, which is looking to be pretty heavy going, so am looking forward to this as a little light relief afterwards. Should get to read this and journal it in a week or two, I'd think.
Love the Tiger! Tiger! card, by the way. I think I'll leave it in and give at least one more person the opportunity to smile at it :-)
Love the Tiger! Tiger! card, by the way. I think I'll leave it in and give at least one more person the opportunity to smile at it :-)
I really enjoyed this book! It's well-written, fast-paced and has a couple of pretty decent plot twists. Of course, it borrows a lot from the Count of Monte Cristo (although I wouldn't go so far as calling this a re-telling of that story); but that's one of my favourite books, so you won't hear me complain.
But what I liked most about this book is that, despite it being 60 year old SF novel (and as Neil Gaiman points out in the introduction - nothing dates as quickly as the future), it doesn't seem that dated at all. True, a few details are rooted in the '50s (such as a Soviet Union extending to Shanghai), but the main story, the main morals (or lack of, if you wish) are timeless.
I must say that I'm now quite interested in Bester's other novel, The Rat Race; especially considering that's not supposed to be a SF. He seems a good enough writer to pull off different types of genres...
All in all, a very enjoyable read, so thanks ever so much for offering me the opportunity to get into this! I'll get in touch with han_cat and send the book (and postcard) on its travels soon.
Update 18 June: sent to han_cat. Hope you'll enjoy it!
But what I liked most about this book is that, despite it being 60 year old SF novel (and as Neil Gaiman points out in the introduction - nothing dates as quickly as the future), it doesn't seem that dated at all. True, a few details are rooted in the '50s (such as a Soviet Union extending to Shanghai), but the main story, the main morals (or lack of, if you wish) are timeless.
I must say that I'm now quite interested in Bester's other novel, The Rat Race; especially considering that's not supposed to be a SF. He seems a good enough writer to pull off different types of genres...
All in all, a very enjoyable read, so thanks ever so much for offering me the opportunity to get into this! I'll get in touch with han_cat and send the book (and postcard) on its travels soon.
Update 18 June: sent to han_cat. Hope you'll enjoy it!
Recieved in the post yesterday. Really looking forward to reading this one, looks like something my stressed-out brain will enjoy :)
So sorry to have kept onto this, I absolutely loved reading this book. My first actual 'science fiction' and it's really converted me to a new genre. Really glad I signed up for this ring.
Released 11 yrs ago (7/23/2012 UTC) at Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sending out to lunatum who's next on the ring today
The book arrived today. It may take longer than a month, because I'm quite busy at the moment...
When I read the prologue, I almost stopped reading the book. Luckily I contunued, because I enjoyed the rest of the book. One wouldn't have believed that the book was written 50 years ago.
Thank you for sharing the book with us. I'll send the book forward next week.
Thank you for sharing the book with us. I'll send the book forward next week.
Released 11 yrs ago (10/10/2012 UTC) at Savukoski, Lappi / Lappland Finland
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I sent the book forward last week.
Journal Entry 85 by kasenka at Rautjärvi, Etelä-Karjala / Södra Karelen Finland on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The book is here, thank you!
Journal Entry 86 by kasenka at Rautjärvi, Etelä-Karjala / Södra Karelen Finland on Wednesday, April 3, 2013
I liked this book but not as much I hoped. I'm glad I read it, though.
I'm not sure how many more readers this copy can take anymore as it is quite tattered and it's falling apart...
I'm not sure how many more readers this copy can take anymore as it is quite tattered and it's falling apart...
Journal Entry 87 by kasenka at Rautjärvi, Etelä-Karjala / Södra Karelen Finland on Sunday, April 7, 2013
Released 11 yrs ago (4/8/2013 UTC) at Rautjärvi, Etelä-Karjala / Södra Karelen Finland
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I'll send this book tomorrow to erpax who wanted to read it regardless of the condition. She also promised to consult lii5a for possible repairs.
Happy trails!
This release is a part of 52 weeks -release challenge which is hosted by Appelsiini on Finnish forum. This weeks theme is Tiger! Tiger is a very important part of the plot of this book and Finnish volleyball team Tiikerit (Tigers) are in the national championship finals which start this week :-)
Happy trails!
This release is a part of 52 weeks -release challenge which is hosted by Appelsiini on Finnish forum. This weeks theme is Tiger! Tiger is a very important part of the plot of this book and Finnish volleyball team Tiikerit (Tigers) are in the national championship finals which start this week :-)
The book has been waiting for me. Many thanks, kasenka! :)
Edit: varattu seuraavaksi Thalasselle. :)
Edit: varattu seuraavaksi Thalasselle. :)
Lii5a has kindly promised to give some first aid to this book before it losts any of its pages. It may take some time but after these urgent operations Gully Foyle is able to travel again.
En aio lukea - liian paljon englantia minun taidoilleni :)
Lupasin korjailla kirjaa. Saa nyt nähdä, puranko kirjan ja teen koko liimauksen uudestaan vai annanko kirjalle vain ensiapua. Sen verran nyt kuitenkin yritän paikata, että kaikki sivut pysyisivät kansien välissä.
Lupasin korjailla kirjaa. Saa nyt nähdä, puranko kirjan ja teen koko liimauksen uudestaan vai annanko kirjalle vain ensiapua. Sen verran nyt kuitenkin yritän paikata, että kaikki sivut pysyisivät kansien välissä.
Anteeksi - jotenkin on mennyt ohi, että tätä kirjaa odottaa seuraava lukija, ja kirja on jäänyt sivuun. Yritän korjata kirjan ensi viikolla.
Kirja jäi minulle luvattoman pitkäksi aikaa. Anteeksi.
Ajattelin ensin vain vähän paikata kirjaa. Ajattelin, että voisin kiinnittää vain irronneen sivunipun - mutta totesin, että irronneet eivät olleet vain yksi yhtenäinen nippu, vaan myös erillisiä sivuja. Samoin oli nähtävissä, että lisää on irtoamassa. Niinpä purin koko kirjan - irrotin sivut kansista ja myös kaikki sivut toisistaan.
Napauttelin sivunippua pöydällä että sain sivuista mahdollisimman tasaisin nipun ja laitoin sen tiukkaan puristukseen lautojen väliin niin, että selkäpuolelta muutama milli oli lautojen ulkopuolella. Raaputin tylpällä veitsellä vanhat liimat pois ja liimasin selän uudestaan. Selän kuivumisen jälkeen tein selkään kolme vakoa, laitoin hiukan liimaa vakoihin ja upotin niihin kuusisäikeiset langanpätkät. Sitten liimasin koko selän toiseen kertaan.
Kun liima oli kuivunut, yhdistin kannen ja sivut liimaamalla. Availin hiukan lankojen säikeitä ja liimasin lankojen päät kansiin. Lopuksi liimasin kansien ja sivujen taitteisiin vielä japaninpaperia (ja suojasin liimauksen muovilla että kansi ja sivu eivät tartu toisiinsa - tämä vinkiksi, jos aiot korjata kirjasi tämän kuvauksen perusteella). Kirja sai vielä olla painon alla kuivumassa.
Nyt kirja on palautettu Erpaxille ja jatkaa matkaansa. Olisi kovin mukavaa, jos kirja saisi matkata ainakin jonkin aikaa kontrolloidusti, ettei korjaustyö mene hukkaan, jos kirja joutuu heti villisti vapautettuna suihkulähteeseen tai revittynä katun varteen.
Ajattelin ensin vain vähän paikata kirjaa. Ajattelin, että voisin kiinnittää vain irronneen sivunipun - mutta totesin, että irronneet eivät olleet vain yksi yhtenäinen nippu, vaan myös erillisiä sivuja. Samoin oli nähtävissä, että lisää on irtoamassa. Niinpä purin koko kirjan - irrotin sivut kansista ja myös kaikki sivut toisistaan.
Napauttelin sivunippua pöydällä että sain sivuista mahdollisimman tasaisin nipun ja laitoin sen tiukkaan puristukseen lautojen väliin niin, että selkäpuolelta muutama milli oli lautojen ulkopuolella. Raaputin tylpällä veitsellä vanhat liimat pois ja liimasin selän uudestaan. Selän kuivumisen jälkeen tein selkään kolme vakoa, laitoin hiukan liimaa vakoihin ja upotin niihin kuusisäikeiset langanpätkät. Sitten liimasin koko selän toiseen kertaan.
Kun liima oli kuivunut, yhdistin kannen ja sivut liimaamalla. Availin hiukan lankojen säikeitä ja liimasin lankojen päät kansiin. Lopuksi liimasin kansien ja sivujen taitteisiin vielä japaninpaperia (ja suojasin liimauksen muovilla että kansi ja sivu eivät tartu toisiinsa - tämä vinkiksi, jos aiot korjata kirjasi tämän kuvauksen perusteella). Kirja sai vielä olla painon alla kuivumassa.
Nyt kirja on palautettu Erpaxille ja jatkaa matkaansa. Olisi kovin mukavaa, jos kirja saisi matkata ainakin jonkin aikaa kontrolloidusti, ettei korjaustyö mene hukkaan, jos kirja joutuu heti villisti vapautettuna suihkulähteeseen tai revittynä katun varteen.
The book has gone through an extreme makeover, many thanks lii5a! The pages are tightly attached to to the spine of the book, and lii5a has also prepared torn pages with special paper. Looks like new!
I will have to refresh my memory and write the journal entry.
I will have to refresh my memory and write the journal entry.
Journal Entry 94 by 
erpax
at To Fulfill A Wish, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, November 11, 2014
erpax at To Fulfill A Wish, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Released 9 yrs ago (11/11/2014 UTC) at To Fulfill A Wish, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book has been sent to Thalasse.
Journal Entry 95 by -solaria- at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Thank you very much for the book (and the beautiful cheetah postcard), erpax! I see it's a well-traveled book! I had almost forgotten that I asked for this book, but now I'm looking forward reading it. I read the Finnish translation "Määränpäänä tähdet" many times in my teens and I remember I found it very impressive. Let's see how I find it now...
Journal Entry 96 by -solaria- at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Wow, what a novel! I enjoyed it immensely; Gully Foyle is an unforgettable character. Like previous readers said, the book has aged very well. Of course some things reminded me that it was written 59 years ago, but in general it didn't feel as old.
Lii5a has asked that this book would continue its travels via controlled releases.
Lii5a has asked that this book would continue its travels via controlled releases.
Journal Entry 97 by -solaria- at Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Friday, July 24, 2015
Released 8 yrs ago (7/25/2015 UTC) at Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book will be travelling to the next reader at the big Bookcrossing Summer Meet-up. Happy reading!
Wow, this book sure has travelled around! I got it from Thalasse. Thank you!
I'm either giving or lending this book to adepas soon.
Thank you Kemppu for the book. You'll get it back as soon as I've read it.
