I found this at the annual Children's Hosspital Book Market yesterday. I couldn't pass up a book by the author of Bachelor Brothers' Bed & Breakfast, now could I?

Bill Richardson has humour, a keen sense of observation, imagination, and a way with words. This collection of assorted columns is not in the same league as his fictional Bachelor Brothers' Bed & Breakfast but it was quick and entertaining reading. The articles ranged from the amusing and downright funny to somewhat thought-provoking and sad, as well as occasionally somewhat weird. I was quite taken with "doomed proposals: 2" in which he suggested that some level of administration should implement a program to award badges to grownups. Who wouldn't want to go for their "Pilot Light Reignition Badge?!!

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Gypsysmom came by for a visit this afternoon, and since I'm unable to attend the local Bookcrossing meet-ups these days, she kindly agreed to take some books on my behalf. I told her she can have first dibs if any of the books appeal to her. If the books don't get taken home by one of our members, they'll be left on the shelf of the OBCZ (Official Book Crossing Zone).

Welcome to Bookcrossing! I hope you'll enjoy this book and explore the Bookcrossing site. It's loads of fun, as you can track your released books in their travels, possibly all over the world! Please let us know that you've found the book, what you thought of it and if possible, where you might re-release it when you're done so it can continue its journey. You may remain anonymous, but if you choose to join up I hope you will consider using me, mrsgaskell, as the one who referred you.

Hi mrsgaskell! We missed you at the meeting but sent along some of those famous BC vibes. ~~~~~~~~Did you feel them? ~~~~~~~ Hope that all goes well and that you're be back in the swing of things before long.

Thanks for releasing this book. I always enjoy Bill Richardson and this book is quite appealing for its short snappy articles - just the thing when you're really too tired to read before bed but you just have to or you wouldn't be able to sleep!

Well, I devoured this book in about three days in January. Given mrsgaskell's previous comments that it was not "in the same league" as the B B B & B, I wasn't expecting to be bowled over, but to tell the truth, I loved this book. Perhaps I was in a deranged mood (winter can do that) but some of these bits made me laugh out loud when I read them and made me snicker to myself in the coming days at work.

The book as a whole reminded me of the journal I wrote as a required component of a creative writing course I took many moons ago. The class took place one evening per week. I don't journal, so the thing ended up being more than a little contrived. I'd neglect my task for six days of the week and then the morning of my class I'd be madly trying to think of seven topics upon I could wax eloquent.

Clearly though Bill Richardson has a much wilder imagination than I.

I also enjoyed "doomed proposals: 2" although I would not get the "Pilot Light Reignition Badge". I have yet to master that skill. I am proud to say though that I am entitled to the "nice little badge for anyone who read *Middlemarch* or *The Age of Innocence* before they came to the screen". In fact, I read both so I should really get two badges, or maybe a little star to add to the first badge to show just how accomplished I am.

But my favourite of the doomed proposals was #1 - developing a workshop to help potential urine drinkers overcome their fear of "chugging the stuff back". I mean it does make you think. If drinking your own urine can cure tuberculosis and ensure you live to at least 99, why is it that we've been taught to wash our hands after using the loo?

As gypsysmom's Canada Day challenge is just around the corner, I plan on hanging on to the book for a little longer and a few more snickers before letting it run wild.

Thanks mrsgaskell for this fun read!

I had thought I'd hang on to this gem for release in the Canada Day challenge, but then thought I ought give the Bill Richardson fans at our monthly meetings first dibs. So, I'll bring it to the meeting tonight just to play fair. If no takers, I might just take it back home with me and release it for the challenge - after all it's by a Canadian author and already labeled and ready to go.

To the finder of this book:

Welcome to the wonderful and wacky world of BookCrossing! Here you'll find a unique and worldwide community of book lovers sharing their books. This book is now yours! Read it, enjoy it. Keep it or pass it on to someone you know or even release it back into the wild as I did. If you make a journal entry (either anonymously or as a BookCrossing member) all previous readers of this book will be notified by e-mail and can follow this book on its travels. BookCrossing is free to join, completely confidential (you are known only by your screen name and no one is ever given your email address) and whole lot of fun!

I hope you enjoy this book and the BookCrossing experience.

This book is currently sitting on the Winnipeg Official Bookcrossing Zone bookshelf in the loft of The Park Theatre & Movie Café, 698 Osborne Street, Winnipeg MB.

It is waiting there for a new reader to take home, read, and release back into the wild!

Winnipeg bookcrossers meet at my location on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm to chat about books, swap great reads, and release on the OBCZ shelves. Please join us! We love to see new faces! You will enjoy the comfy atmosphere, the fabulous coffees and teas, and the yummy treats!

*This book has been taken home! Hope to hear from it soon!

Enjoy!

This book is currently sitting on the Winnipeg Official Bookcrossing Zone bookshelf in the loft of The Park Theatre & Movie Café, 698 Osborne Street, Winnipeg MB.

It is waiting there for a new reader to take home, read, and release back into the wild!

Winnipeg bookcrossers meet at my location on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm to chat about books, swap great reads, and release on the OBCZ shelves. Please join us! We love to see new faces! You will enjoy the comfy atmosphere, the fabulous coffees and teas, and the yummy treats!

This book has left the OBCZ shelves. Hope to hear from it soon.