BookCrossing: Windmills of the Gods

We often find ourselves heading south to the States on September 11. We don't plan it - it just happens. So it goes that I released Windmills of the Gods at Seattle Premium Outlets on September 11, 2010. The journal entry came in just over a month later; made by a new member from Merritt, B.C.:

My son and husband were waiting for me outside a store at the tulalip outlet mall when they found the book.

Biscotti's BookCrossing Catches

Biscotti goes by SmellyBelly on BookCrossing.
Here's a list of catches from her wild releases.
Click a title to view that book's journey on BookCrossing.
(days in wild) journey summary [catch date: dd.mm.yyyy]

Challenge of the Clans (340) released in a knight's arms at the PNE in Vancouver, B.C., then found in Port Alberni, B.C.; "I found this book at the bank at a book table exchange. I put money in a donation cup. Money well spent. It will be hard to do but I plan on returning it to the bank with a note of my own in hopes that someone will pick it up there and read it, enjoying it as much as I do. Besides books are meant to be read, not collect dust. A room without books is a room without a soul." [07.08.2008] (See the blog post here.)

The Corsican Gambit (2) released in Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C.; "Caught it in Stanley Park while playing with nieces during recent visit to this mahvelous city! Released at home in Saint John (first book to be released in Saint John from bookcrossing.com)." [18.04.2004]

Dare to Kiss a Cowboy (37) released somewhere in Vancouver, B.C. (the release notes have gone missing!); "i looked at the cover and it made me not want to read it" [04.11.2007]

The Great Gatsby (5) released inside a Georgia Straight newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "Found book!!! In 24hour box on corner of Hemlock and Broadway! Plan to read it and will be back for another entry once finished!" [07.02.2011]

The Highest Tide (1162) released via craigslist in Vancouver, B.C.; "Love this book! My friend Karen gave it to me last summer - and I'm enjoying it now as my late Summer read. She studied Marine Biology, as did I: and passed it onto me as a kindred marine loving spirit. I work at the Aquarium, and am loving the gorgeous analogies that Miles makes about the weird and wonderful animals he collects and discovers in his Bay. Great easy, lovely read. Not ready to part with it just yet!" [03.10.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Winds of War (2) released inside a Westender newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "Just found it, Read the first chapter. liked it, going to continue. Thanks" [27.10.2007]

The Wrath of God (9) released inside a Westender newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "Caught it in the Westender box at 14th and Main. I had heard about the book crossing before but this is the first book I caught, and it was a nice way to start the day. I read it on the plane immediately after finishing Snow by Pamuk and it was nice to launch straight into a page-turner after the weight of that one. I'll probably bring it with me to Spain next weekend and leave it in Barcelona while I'm visiting." [13.10.2007]

-----------------------------------------------
Stats:
Wild releases = 64
Wild releases caught = 7
Percentage = 10.9375

BookCrossing: The Highest Tide

My beautiful wife got a catch recently. She released The Highest Tide on July 30, 2007, and a journal entry arrived in her inbox on October 3, 2010. I'll save you the math and tell you that the book was in the wild for 1,162 days. Well done, SmellyBelly! Less than two weeks earlier I had received a catch for Social Things which had been in the wild for 1,108 days. She beat me, dammit! But that's okay, because just one week after her record-setting catch was when I received a journal entry for In the Green Star's Glow, which clocked in at 1,163 days - I beat her by a day!

Anyway, this post was supposed to be about my babe and her obliteration of her previous release-to-catch length of 340 days (but my competitive side took over). From less than a year to over three years! Congrats, Biscotti! And the catcher's journal entry is great - here it is:

Love this book! My friend Karen gave it to me last summer - and I'm enjoying it now as my late Summer read. She studied Marine Biology, as did I: and passed it onto me as a kindred marine loving spirit. I work at the Aquarium, and am loving the gorgeous analogies that Miles makes about the weird and wonderful animals he collects and discovers in his Bay. Great easy, lovely read. Not ready to part with it just yet!

sick and wrong and illegal

"I don't want to be here at all." [Wallace Wells]

"No it's cool. Chill out. It's like in Trainspotting." [Scott Pilgrim]

"Okay, first of all, in Trainspotting, remember how he was freaking out and all worried? That was because he knew it was sick and wrong and illegal. Secondly, remember how she was coercing him into dating her?"

"No, dude, it's not like that at all."

"You just said it was like that!"

"Okay, maybe I didn't watch that movie very carefully."

-- Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life (Vol. 1) by Bryan Lee O'Malley

BookCrossing: In the Green Star's Glow

Hip, hip, hurrayyyyy! Two consecutive super-long-time releases-to-catches! First Social Things was caught after going 1,108 days unheard from in the wild, then just two-and-a-half weeks later In the Green Star's Glow was caught after going 1,163 days unheard from in the wild. I'd released it on August 5, 2007, in an area accessible only by a several-hour hike north of Whistler, B.C., and it was caught October 10, 2010, in a laser tag facility in Richmond, B.C. (the same facility in which Justin Bieber allegedly assaulted a 12-year-old boy just five days after the book's journal entry was made). The catch:

Just found this all the way in Richmond B.C. at my workplace: Planet Lazer.

thanks goes to jblueafterglow, this looks wacky and entertaining. I'll drop it off downtown somewhere when I'm done with it.

BookCrossing: Social Things

Way back in September 2007 I released Social Things onto the OBCZ (Official BookCrossing Zone) shelves at the Starbucks located at Oak Street and W 22nd Avenue in Vancouver, B.C., and over three years later - on September 22, 2010 - a journal entry made by a new BookCrossing member arrived in my inbox (and the book has since been rereleased):

I'm currently reading this book, and I'm finding it enjoyable. I recently graduated from UBC, and learning about Sociology is helping me deal with my not-going-back-to-school-September-nostalgia. I have no idea where I got this book, though I suspect I found/caught it a couple of years and it's been in my to be read pile since then. Will be released soon!

BookCrossing: The Naming of the Dead

My wife and I were walking with our two kids in the Olympic Village area of False Creek in Vancouver, B.C., on August 10, 2010, and I released The Naming of the Dead on a chair near the water. The catch (made by someone from Portland, OR, according to the email) came a month and a half later:

Quite the coincidence - found on my way to Europe and a visit to Edinburgh Scotland. Enjoyed reading place names that I was visiting. Plan to read other Rankin books. Let loose in Philadelphia.

BookCrossing Controlled Releases

Last updated on October 15, 2019.

Click a title to view that book on BookCrossing.

6 Rainier Drive -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, in August 2010.

A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius -- a loan that became a gift, I handed this to Leluzza at a BookCrossing meetup in Vancouver, B.C., in April 2004 and a journal entry was made.

A Man and a Dog -- handed to my mama in Vancouver in April 2016.

The Art of Racing in the Rain -- handed to my mama in Vancouver in April 2016, then a journal entry from an AnonymousFinder in August 2017

At Large and At Small: Confessions of a Literary Hedonist -- handed to B&L in Malaysia in February 2010 as part of their wedding gift.

The Beginner's Goodbye -- left at my mama's in Vancouver in March 2013.

Benediction -- left at my mama's in Vancouver in March 2013.

Blackmailed into the Italian's Bed -- hidden in June 2010 in Port Moody, B.C., on my SIL's bed which she shares with her Italian husband!

The Boleyn King -- handed to my mama in Vancouver in March 2013.

Cat's Cradle -- received from Leluzza at a BookCrossing meetup in Vancouver, B.C., in April 2004, mailed to carolyn81 in September 2004, and multiple journal entries have since been made.

Catch-22 -- handed to cexylizziepants in Malaysia in February 2010.

The Catcher in the Rye -- mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to Phyllbabe in Massachusetts in February 2004 and a journal entry was made.

The Choice -- handed to cexylizziepants in Malaysia in February 2010.

Circle of Life: Poems by James Ross Hinds -- received by mail from fanclub as part of a wonderful bookring started by sstich79, and mailed to nwpassage in April 2004 as the ring continued.

City of Glass: Douglas Coupland's Vancouver -- Handed to B&L in Malaysia in February 2010 as part of their wedding gift.

The Communist Manifesto -- received by mail from firrantello - I was the first stop on a bookray - and mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to literarylover in Florida in December 2005 as the ring continued.

The Couple Next Door -- handed to starbytes in Coquitlam on September 12, 2018, and a journal entry was made

The Curious Case of Sidd Finch -- handed to Tias in Vancouver, B.C., in December 2004 and a journal entry was made.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time -- received by mail from ResQgeek, and then mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to seacloud49 in September 2006 to complete a bookring.

The Dark End of the Street -- handed to starbytes in Coquitlam on September 12, 2018.

The Death of Grass -- mailed from Coquitlam to cexylizziepants in Calgary in January 2011.

The Dreaming -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, in August 2010.

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim -- received by mail from ScrappyCat58, and then mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to literarylover in December 2005; multiple journal entries have since been made as part of a bookring.

The Dry -- mailed from Coquitlam to starbytes in Calgary on October 15, 2019

e -- mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to cexylizziepants in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in June 2007 and a journal entry was made.

e Squared -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, in August 2010.

The Eagle and the Rose -- mailed from Coquitlam, B.C., to Hazellie in Malaysia in November 2014, and journaled in March 2015

Eleanor Rigby -- mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to polliwog on Lopez Island, WA, in January 2006, and put into a BookCrossing bookbox in April 2010.

The Empty Chair -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary in August 2010.

Fahrenheit 451 -- handed to a craigslist book-trade person (who subsequently became new member Elanrmt) in Vancouver, B.C., in March 2005, and a journal entry was made.

Galapagos -- received by mail from sqdancer as part of a bookring started by icekween01, and mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to bandaids in September 2005 as the ring continued.

The Horse Whisperer -- handed to cexylizziepants in Malaysia in February 2010.

How to Be a Canadian: Even If You Already are One -- received by mail from anderal who started the book's ring, and mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to Catwoman in Sherwood Park, AB, in February 2004.

If Dogs Could Talk: Tongues Unleashed! -- handed to my mama in Vancouver, B.C., as an add-on Christmas gift on December 25, 2010.

In A Sunburned Country -- received by mail from sgscarcliff as part of a bookring started by jamesmum, and mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to EMA375 in July 2004 as the ring continued.

Join Me -- handed to PaRo in Vancouver, B.C., in April 2008.

Light on Snow -- handed by me to my mama and then handed by my mama to my uncle in New Zealand in October 2007, and a journal entry was made.

Little White Lies -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, in August 2010.

The Lost City of Z -- handed to my mama in Vancouver in April 2017.

The Lovely Bones -- mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to surfenkitten in October 2004, and multiple journal entries have since been made.

The Magicians -- mailed from Coquitlam, B.C., to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, for her birthday in October 2010.

Man and Boy -- I found this at the Starbucks OBCZ at Oak & 22nd in Vancouver, B.C., - released there by hannahsc5 - and handed it to goatgrrl in April 2004; multiple journal entries have since been made.

Me Talk Pretty One Day -- handed to college classmate muppetmania in Vancouver, B.C., in April 2005; multiple journal entries have since been made.

The Mother Tongue -- half-hidden for ifyouknew in Calgary, AB, in August 2010; a journal entry was made and then the book was wild released.

The Natural -- received by mail from perryfran and handed to baseball teammate #7/44 in Vancouver, B.C., in October 2007.

The Night Circus -- handed to my mama in Vancouver in April 2016.

Oh, the Places You'll Go! -- handed to B&L in Malaysia in February 2010 as part of their wedding gift.

On the Road -- handed to Leluzza at a BookCrossing meetup in Vancouver, B.C., in April 2004; a journal entry was made and the book was rereleased.

One Hundred Years of Solitude -- half-hidden for ifyouknew in Calgary, AB, in August 2010, and a journal entry was made then the book was wild released.

Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World -- handed to teacart in Vancouver, B.C., in July 2004 and a journal entry was made.

Player One: What is to Become of Us -- mailed from Coquitlam, B.C., to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, for her birthday in October 2010.

The Pleasure of My Company -- mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to sstich79 in Kentucky in August 2004 and a journal entry was made.

Possession -- handed to cexylizziepants in Malaysia in February 2010.

Riley -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, in August 2010.

Roughing It in the Bush -- half-hidden for ifyouknew in Calgary, AB, in August 2010, and a journal entry was made before it was wild released.

Scruples Two -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, in August 2010.

Some Kind of Hero -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, in August 2010.

Spadework -- mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to ScrappyCat58 in November 2005, and a journal entry was made.

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk -- handed to my mama in Whistler, B.C., in November 2010 as a birthday gift.

Sushi for Beginners -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, in August 2010, and it's been rereleased.

There's No Toilet Paper... On the Road Less Traveled -- half-hidden for Viks in Vancouver, B.C., in June 2007 - found but no journal entry yet.

Trial and Error -- mailed from Coquitlam, B.C., to Hazellie in Malaysia in November 2014.

Ulysses -- received from goatgrrl in April 2004, then mailed from Vancouver, B.C., to Quez45 in New Jersey in July 2008, and a journal entry was made.

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader: Plunges into Music -- Handed to B&L in Malaysia in February 2010 as part of their wedding gift.

The Vancouver Stories: West Coast Fiction from Canada's Best Writers -- handed to cexylizziepants in Malaysia in February 2010.

Vancouver Then and Now -- handed to my mama in Vancouver, B.C., in April 2010.

Vancouver Then and Now -- handed to my sis and bro-in-law in Coquitlam, B.C., in July 2010.

Velocity --  mailed from Coquitlam, B.C., to Hazellie in Malaysia in April 2016, confirmed arrived early July 2016

Waiting for Godot -- received by mail from carolyn81, and then half-hidden for my bro in Vancouver, B.C., in October 2004 - no journal entry yet.

Walk to New York -- handed to my mother while she visited us in Coquitlam, B.C., in June 2012. Then, "... not sure how the book got from BC to Toronto, but it has had previous readers here & was just passed on to me. I'm about to take it to Iceland! What better tent-reading, during our 6-day trek?"

Whale Rider -- received by mail from KarenBC - I was the first stop on a bookring - and handed to summerbreeze in Vancouver, B.C., in January 2006 as the ring continued.

The Woman in Cabin 10 -- handed to my mama in Vancouver, B.C., in October 2017.

Yellow Rose -- handed to cexylizziepants in Calgary, AB, in August 2010.

You or Someone Like You -- handed to cexylizziepants in Malaysia in February 2010 and a journal entry was made.

e Squared by Matt Beaumont

An entertaining follow-up to e, Beaumont's debut novel from 2000, e Squared didn't quite capture me the way the first one did. I liked it - I liked it a lot - but it felt too outrageous. As much as I liked the many electronic ways through which Beaumont moved the story along (including emails, texts, and eBay postings), there seemed to be less focus this time on the office side of things. It has been several years since I read e, so maybe that one was the same way. The thing from e Squared that stands out the most, the thing I liked the most, is the staffer who was always away at some conference or retreat, and therefore always had a different out-of-office email reply. Those never failed to make me smile, and I wish I'd jotted a few of them down to share here now.

e Squared on BookCrossing.

BookCrossing Catches

Last updated on January 18, 2019.
 

All 111 catches thus far from my wild releases.
Click a title to view that book's journey on BookCrossing.
(days in wild) journey summary [catch date: dd.mm.yyyy]

776 Stupidest Things Ever Said (7) released at St. James Community Square in Vancouver, B.C., then "We found it in our kitchen" on Bowen Island, B.C. [05.02.2004]

79 Park Avenue (2) released on King Edward Ave in Vancouver, B.C., and rereleased in Mexico; "It was a fun book to read"; multiple journallers [26.08.2006]

A Certain Justice (1) released in the Sanctuary area at the PNE in Vancouver, B.C.; ":) yettoread. :)" [31.08.2006]

A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali (1) released at the Vancouver Art Gallery and caught the same day; "Looking forward to reading it and I'll leave it in the next city to which I travel. Perhaps on my next trip to Idaho!" [18.06.2014] (See the blog post here.)

Affliction (3) released on a bench at Spanish Banks in Vancouver, B.C.; "interesting read so far. planning to take it to california this summer and drop it there." [04.07.2008]

An Indecent Obsession (12) released on a bench in Emery Barnes Park in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "same content like thorn birds. too much detail thats really not needed but does have an interesting story line. predictable ending" [14.11.2010]

The Awakening (5) I received this from my mother and I released it at Trout Lake in Vancouver, B.C.; "it was great!" [13.05.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Aztec (5) released at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA; "Left at the Business Center at Terminal A /Tampa Int. airport in one of the cubicles." [12.09.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Best of Eric Nicol (4) released inside a Westender newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "When I went to pick up a copy out of the newspaper box, I also found this book!! I was delighted. I have not read it yet, but will do so and pass it on." [30.01.2011] (See the blog post here.)

The Birth of Venus (75) released at "Word on the Street" in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "I plan to give it to a friend to read and take to Amsterdam to release it there." [10.12.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Bitterroot (16) released inside a Westender newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "What a nice surprise... Curl up with this fluff of a book on a rainy day"; rereleased [16.11.2007]

Blood Royal (12) released in Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member from Alberta; "Too bad the book was SO horrible!"; multiple journallers [08.10.2008] (See the blog post here.)

Blue Belle (1) released in Pinetree Village in Coquitlam, B.C., and caught by a new member; rereleased in Florida and caught again! [26.11.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Blue-jeaned Prince (7) released inside a Westender newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "read it aloud to each other in the park"; rereleased on Salt Spring Island [24.07.2008]

The Book and the Brotherhood (2) released in Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, B.C.; "I knew about this because of the email alerts from last night, so I went out around 1 pm today to see if it was still there, and it was! When I first found them, there was a family sitting beside the books (there were 2) on the bench, so I walked around the lake, hoping they wouldn't take them, and when I got back they were still there alone! I'm probably a little too excited about the idea of this site, but it seems so fun! Book sounds interesting, if a little outside my usual genres, but I'll give it a shot!" [16.09.2012] (See the blog post here.)

Brat Farrar (1) released at the Space Needle in Seattle, WA: "haven't read it yet but it looks interesting" [05.08.2018] (See the blog post here.)

The Business (105) released on a bench in Pinetree Village in Coquitlam, B.C.; "It was an interesting book. Not my normal read but I enjoyed it. Left it in the Vancover International Airport Nov 15" [15.11.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Caroline Masters (3) released in Seattle, WA, and caught by a new member from Germany; "book arrived Vancouver... welcome back ;-p" [25.07.2008]

Cordina's Royal Family: Gabriella & Alexander - Affaire Royale and Command Performance (14) released in Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, B.C., - my first Town Centre Park catch! "I am taking it on holidays to the interior will leave it with a friend after I have finished." [20.07.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Courage, Dana (2) released in Brentwood Town Centre in Burnaby, B.C.; "I never knew this existed! What a fun find!" [13.04.2011] (See the blog post here.)

Danger on Shadow Mountain (5) released during an attempted hike to the summit of Coliseum Mountain in North Vancouver, B.C.; "I spotted three books. I wish I was more uncouth and grab all three of them, but I decided to share this experience with two other people. It is quite weird. Books were in plastic bags. I am going to read the book, and release it"; multiple journallers [27.06.2007]

Darwin's Radio (20) released in Coquitlam Centre mall in Coquitlam, B.C., and caught by a new member from Edmonton, AB; "the book has gone from van to edmonton alberta. i'm going to read it and pass it on." Then, 11 months later, a journal entry by a new member in Saudi Arabia: "found at small library in al khobar at expat compound saudi aramco workers from around the planet" [15.12.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Daughters and Mothers (1,195) released at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA; "been meaning to read it, but haven't gotten around to it seeing as its a sequel in a series and im a stickler for reading books in order. so instead of keeping in any longer in hopes of getting around to it i will be releasing it back into the wild soon." [18.12.2013] (See the blog post here.)

The Day of the Storm (23) released at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA, and caught by a new member who took it to Abbotsford, B.C., then to Tennessee; "This is such a great idea" [03.11.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Dead Solid Perfect (15) released 11 years to the day after registration (unplanned, noticed that after the fact!), then caught and taken to Sydney, Australia; "I picked up the book on a table in Starbucks located on Parkway Blvd in Coquitlam, BC Canada. On May 24th. It was days before our family vacation to Australia, so I decided to take the book on my plane ride and leave it in Sydney Australia. I found the book to be very easy reading and as a golfer myself it was very funny! This book is now left on a table in a Sydney Starbucks!" [05.06.2018] (See the blog post here.)

Death du Jour (33) released in Las Vegas, NV, and caught a month later and taken to Anaconda, Montana; "i am about half-way through the book, and like it so far" [24.07.2011] (See the blog post here.)

Deepsix (18) released at the Starbucks OBCZ at Oak & 22nd in Vancouver, B.C.; multiple journallers [17.10.2006]

Different Seasons (5) released inside a Georgia Straight newspaper box at Metrotown in Burnaby, B.C. [04.02.2009] (See the blog post here.)

The Dogs of Babel (31) I received this from Seferim and released it at "Word on the Street" in Vancouver, B.C.; multiple journallers; "So many narratives in the city." "This is one of the best books i have ever read, and to think, it came from a bench!!!" [26.10.2004]

Don't Cry Now (7) released outside MGM Grand's lion habitat in Las Vegas, NV; "Will be reading soon" [29.06.2011] (See the blog post here.)

Dragonslayer (11) released inside a Georgia Straight newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "This is very cool. I've been reducing my library - I'll release a few gems to the Universe soon." [23.02.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Dynasty (5) released in MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV, (release notes now missing) and caught in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas; "As an avid reader i hought it was a neat idea so picked it up. I am going to read it and pass it on" [27.03.2009] (See the blog post here.)

The Ebony Swan (24) released in Whistler, B.C.; "found it while on holiday! ... will release it while out shopping in oxford somewhere!" [05.08.2007]

Every Breath You Take (19) released on King Edward Ave in Vancouver, B.C., and taken to Mexico; "I really enjoy it, and also practiced my english." [12.09.2006]

Fahrenheit 451 (3) released as part of a trade via craigslist in Vancouver, B.C.; "It was Amazing. This book should be read. I may be biased, as I already hate television, and the dumbing down of canada by the press. These are topics raised in this book. ... Anyways, a must read. Don't be afraid." [05.03.2005]

Fall on Your Knees (1) I received this from my mother and released it inside Denny's in Kelowna, B.C., where it was caught by a new member; "I'll be sure to read it & pass it along!" [16.08.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Fear The Worst (7) released at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA; "I can't wait to finish the book and pass it on. This is a great idea."; rereleased at Cultus Lake, B.C., found there, then rereleased again on October 31, 2011, at Ladner Leisure Centre in Ladner, B.C. [21.08.2011] (See the blog post here.)

Feather in the Wind (66) released in Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, B.C.; "Book passed to me by a friend and I will pass it on to another friend." [03.11.2007]

The Fencepost Chronicles (1) part of a mass Stanley Park release in Vancouver, B.C., to celebrate BookCrossing's 3rd birthday; "I left one of my books in its place." [17.04.2004]

Fine Things (105) released at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA; "I planned to take it to Hong Kong in December 2009. However I got no time to finish reading it. So I brought it back to Canada again. Right now I have read throug it and found that it's quite good. I decide to leave it in the boat as I have joined a cruise in Japan coming May 2010. It's a lot of fun - reading and circulating the book." Then, 10 months later, a journal entry by a new member in Nanaimo: "I found this book on a seat on the Horseshoe Bay Ferry to Nanaimo. Thank you for sharing this book and sending it on its journey and to those who read the book and continued to 'bless the world' by making it available to others. What a wonderful way to share books with other book lovers!" [25.01.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Fireside (The Lakeshore Chronicles) (1) released at Metrotown in Burnaby, B.C., and a one-word catch - "Interesting" - was documented before I was able to make release notes. [17.12.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Forgotten Range (76) released in Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, B.C.; "Found this book at Lougheed Mall. Planning to pass it on." [19.09.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Fraud (3) I received this from teacart and released it at "Word on the Street" in Vancouver, B.C.; rereleased in August 2007 at "Blendz on Robson & Burrard. Enjoy." [28.09.2004]

The Gammage Cup (1) released at Granville Island in Vancouver, B.C.; "Where will you go next little book?" [08.07.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Gathering of the Winds (10) released in Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "It provided my friends and me with much amusement after the fireworks at English Bay. Many thanks!" [24.07.2008]

Getting Rid of Matthew (1) released at Granville Island in Vancouver, B.C.; "oh no, this book found me at the wrong time. i am simply too busy right now for this book, although it seems like a wonderful romance. so, i will have to set it free once again!" [15.07.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Gold Mine (2) released on King Edward Ave in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a Mexican; "Caught three books, this is one of them. I will read and release them." [26.08.2006]

High Country (126) released at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA; "Found on a ferry crossing from Victoria BC to Vancouver BC. Travelled to Phoenix with me where I had intended to release it but I didn't finish it until flying home. I will set the book free in downtown Victoria in the near future." [05.02.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Hotel du Lac (2) released in Oakridge Centre in Vancouver, B.C., and caught there by a new member; "I think it is really cool! I plan to read the book and then see if I can send it to the uk as I am heading that way soon!" [01.10.2006]

In Pale Battalions (1) released - and caught - at a bus stop in downtown Vancouver, B.C.; "I have begun reading it, not sure where I plan to leave it." [16.02.2009] (See the blog post here.)

In the Dark (45) released at the Starbucks OBCZ at Oak & 22nd in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "Worth a read. Good above average. Will be releasing soon in the UBC area." [13.11.2006]

In the Green Star's Glow (1,163) released at Joffre Lakes near Pemberton, B.C., and caught in Richmond, BC; "this looks wacky and entertaining. I'll drop it off downtown somewhere when I'm done with it." [10.10.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Invasion (16) released at the Stanley Park totem poles in Vancouver, B.C.; "found the book and will release" [18.08.2008] (See the blog post here.)

Kaleidoscope (99) released - then caught - at IHOP in Port Coquitlam, B.C., "it was a great page turner." [27.02.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Kingmaker (424) released at the Starbucks OBCZ at Oak & 22nd in Vancouver, B.C.; rereleased in Puerto Rico; "Not a bad book, reminded me of books written by Arthur Hailey. This one is the fictionalized account of the power structure that helped push Ronald Reagen into the California Governer's office." [27.11.2007]

Last Summer at Barebones (6) released inside a Georgia Straight newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "was delighted to find this book waiting there. Looking forward to what looks to be a good read!" [07.01.2016] (See the blog post here.)

Letters from a Nut (2) my first BookCrossing release - inside a newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "Super laugh-out-loud funny funny funny! This wild book is worth the hunt!"; rereleased [10.11.2002]

Life of Pi (100) I received this from my mother and released it in Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, B.C.; "I found the first section quite dry even though I'm an Indiaphile but the second section was quite absorbing... and then zingo came the third section. I spent a week thinking about the ending!"; rereleased [30.09.2008] (See the blog post here.)

Lonesome Dove (23) released in Metrotown in Burnaby, B.C.; "Found this book on the bench while last minute Christmas shopping..." [13.01.2011] (See the blog post here.)

Lord of the Flies (1) released inside a Georgia Straight newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "Found at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop on Main Street, plan to read and release back into the wild!" [11.12.2008] (See the blog post here.)

Lost Island (116) released on a park bench in Vancouver, B.C.; "Im going to read it, and then let you know!" [29.10.2007]

Man Crazy (2,910) released at Vancouver's PNE and caught in Richmond by new member bookjunkie10; "I was delighted to find this book. I really enjoy Joyce Carol Oates' writing. A few years ago, I met her at the Vancouver Public Library when she was on a book tour to promote her non-fiction memoir: "A Widow's Story". After she read out a part of her book, I bought a copy and got her to sign it." [07.08.2014]

The Mandrake Scream (135) released at Red Robin in Vancouver, B.C., and found by a new member from Cranbrook who was in Vancouver for the first time; "Being an avid reader I couldn't stop my self from picking it up.When I am done reading The Mandrake Scream I plan on taking it to the local hospital for someone else to read" [21.02.2007]

Milk and Honey (1) released in the Sanctuary area at the PNE in Vancouver, B.C.; "sat down at a picnic table under the trees to rest and seen the book on another table. ... I think it is a neat idea."; rereleased in Maple Ridge, B.C., by uppity; multiple journallers [31.08.2006]

Myths to Live By (11) released at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA; "Will leave it to be found near Amsterdam." [19.09.2005]

The Naming of the Dead (43) released in Vancouver, B.C., at False Creek's 2010 Olympic Village; "Quite the coincidence - found on my way to Europe and a visit to Edinburgh Scotland. ... Let loose in Philadelphia." [21.09.2010] (See the blog post here.)

New Rules (33) I received this from polliwog and released it at "Word on the Street" in Vancouver, B.C.; "I had no money for books that day so this came as a blessing."; multiple journallers [26.10.2006]

Night Train (252) part of a mass Stanley Park release in Vancouver, B.C., to celebrate BookCrossing's 3rd birthday; multiple journallers; "I caught the book about half a year ago.I knew then that I'd be travelling to London & I thought it'd be cool to take the book along." "This is my first ever experience of bookcrossing - what a great idea! I live in Reading, UK, so will release it there, or perhaps in Oxford." [24.12.2004]

The Open Door (107) released in Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham, WA; "My daughter in Custer, Wa. found the book on a mall bench and was amazed! ... She loved the book, the whole idea and mailed it to me in Alaska. ... Just a wonderfully fine read"; multiple journallers [15.03.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Overload (36) released at the Starbucks OBCZ at Oak & 22nd in Vancouver, B.C.; "taking it with me on a trip"; rereleased in Miami, FL, but those release notes now absent [04.11.2006]

Pawleys Island (69) released in a downtown Vancouver, B.C., park; "There is nothing like a retreat to an Island, away from it all. I like the sound of silence. It was well written; a book of kindness amongst folks and strangers. I'm glad I found and read this book." Then, two months later: "I enjoyed it very much, but it couldn't compare to a Fanny Flagg book (as has been done)." (See the blog post here.) [10.01.2011]

Poseidon's Gold (11) released in Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham, WA; "Definitely not going to read this thing.. I was helping a friend move out of her dorm at Western Washington University, and we found this lonely book thrown on the ground in front of the elevator." [08.06.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Prince (12) I received this from froggiepopple and released it at the Starbucks OBCZ at Oak & 22nd in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "I have been intending to read it since graduate school--what luck!" [22.09.2007]

The Prince of Deadly Weapons (1) released in Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, B.C.; "Found the book on the bench at Town Centre Park shortly after it was released. Will read and release back into the wild!" [13.08.2012] (See the blog post here.)

The Prodigal Daughter (14) released in Whistler, B.C.; "Good book however not very realistic. I will be dropping this book off in Toronto Ontario for the next person" [18.10.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Pure Drivel (135) I received this from buttonbright and released it inside a Westender newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "I think I enjoy Steve Martin more as an actor than a writer. It has the flavour of Woody Allen's writing."; multiple journallers [17.09.2005]

Reader's Digest Select Editions (104) released at the Starbucks OBCZ at Oak & 22nd in Vancouver, B.C.; "I love book crossing!" [26.09.2009]

The Red Badge of Courage (1) released at Spanish Banks beach in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "I found this book on a bench at the Spanish Banks, while I was taking a break from my bike ride. It looks interesting, so I'll be reading it."; multiple journallers [05.07.2003]

Return to Wuthering Heights (58) released near Metrotown in Burnaby, B.C.; "A classic I havent read....Thanks!! Very excited to see where this one goes and plan to add a few myself..."; caught in - or caught by someone from - New York City [26.06.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Rich are Different (25) released in Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "My sister picked this book up off a bench in Vancouver BC and she took it on our annual vacation to Europe. ... I plan on taking a last minute deal to Egypt or Tunisia and I plan to leave this book there even though it has already been in a different continent and country than it started in. To the next person that finds this book..Enjoy:)" [09.07.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Riding the Iron Rooster: By Train Through China (2) released in Metrotown in Burnaby, B.C., and the finder is "saving the book to read on plane to Malaysia Jan.22." Then, "Liked book a lot,too bad that it is so old.Picked up book at Metrotown and left it in the Rumah Bali resort in Bali on Feb.25 2011." [23.12.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Rising Sun (92) released at the MGM Grand pool in Las Vegas, NV, (release notes now missing); "picked it up and brought it home to Northants, UK ... Finished it now and we are going away on the weekend so going to leave it in the hotel in Yorkshire. Happy travels." [24.06.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Rock Springs (3) released on Main Street in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "A lovely little find at car free day on Main Street. I'll be sure to pass on the gift." [16.06.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Room (90) released in Port Moody, B.C.; "This is my first book crossing book. I loved the film, and as I usually enjoy the books more than I do the films that are based on the books I was ecstatic when I saw this in the little "take a book, leave a book" house in front of the Port Moody Arts Centre." [20.07.2016] (See the blog post here.)

Scorpius (6) released at the PNE in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "It was the first time I have heard of 'bookcrossing', and the idea excited me. The book didn't." [25.08.2006]

Shampoo Planet (35) released on a Westender newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "when I noticed it from a short distance I felt a tingle. I KNEW it was a bookcrossings book. ... Off to some other lucky reader. I will release it today, most likely on the bus." [07.10.2003]

Siege (32) released at Lynn Headwaters in North Vancouver, B.C.; "I read it and plan to send it off on its travels soon." [02.10.2006]

Silence Speaks for Love (936) released at Coquitlam Centre in Coquitlam, B.C., and "found in the return bin of the New Westminster Public Library". [18.06.2012] (See the blog post here.)

Silver Bells (5) released at Metrotown in Burnaby, B.C.; "I put down my Christmas gifts and bags, and slowly picked it up. I'm so happy I'm part of this, and can't wait to share it with someone else. Thanks for sharing!" [08.12.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Silver Bells (185) released at Tulalip Casino in Tulalip, WA; "Haven't read it yet. Picked up the book at Hidden Shores." [01.06.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Simmer Down (45) released in Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "We found this book while walking our dog towards Spanish Banks. ... I'm going to read it, and release it soon." [03.08.2008] (See the blog post here.)

The Sisterhood (2) released in Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, B.C.; "I knew about this because of the email alerts from last night, so I went out around 1 pm today to see if it was still there, and it was! When I first found them, there was a family sitting beside the books (there were 2) on the bench, so I walked around the lake, hoping they wouldn't take them, and when I got back they were still there alone! Might be more the taste of a friend of mine, though, so I might pass it along to her!" [16.09.2012] (See the blog post here.)

The Sisters (2) released inside a Georgia Straight newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "plan to read" [16.01.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Skin of Culture (2) I received this from goatgrrl and released it at "Word on the Street" in Vancouver, B.C.; "I was very pleased to find this book. ... Maybe this will inspire me to re-read some McLuhan too. Once I'm done with it, I'll pass it on. ... some provocative ideas about the potential of electronic culture."; rereleased [27.09.2004]

Social Things (1,108) released at the Starbucks OBCZ at Oak & 22nd in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "I recently graduated from UBC, and learning about Sociology is helping me deal with my not-going-back-to-school-September-nostalgia."; rereleased in Vancouver [22.09.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Sword of the Demon (6) released inside a Georgia Straight newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C.; "She grabbed a newspaper out from under a paperback and then closed the door. We started to walk away when I said, "Wait..." and returned to the box. "Maybe it's a BookCrossing book!" It was!"; rereleased in Duncan, BC, and caught again! [20.08.2008] (See the blog post here.)

The Telling of Lies (5) released in Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, B.C.; "it has been moving". [11.07.2012] ** My 100th catch! ** (See the blog post here.) 

The Third World War (21) released in Whistler, B.C., and caught by a new member from Manly, NSW, Australia; "very excited to find it confirmed the story told to my lunch companions regarding the existence of a public library being created "some people in england, i think". I have yet to read the book but will be passing it on again soon." [02.08.2007]

Towards Zero (7) released at the MGM Grand pool in Las Vegas, NV, (release notes now missing) and caught by a new member from New York state; "I had just finished a book I received as a gift and was getting desperate for something, anything to read. And there he was getting all sunburned & needing my attention. So I enjoyed his company for the rest of my trip & brought him with me to Coram,Long Island, New York" [30.03.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Tuesdays with Morrie (1) released in Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, B.C.; "Just picked up this book on a local park bench while I was out walking with my 11 month old son. Look forward to reading it and sending it on its way!" [17.07.2012] (See the blog post here.)

Unbound (28) released at Kingsgate Mall in Vancouver, B.C.; "I loved all the details about rare books. Wasn't so fond of the conspiracy." [30.04.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Venetian Playboy's Bride (43) released in Pinetree Village in Coquitlam, B.C.; "I feel like I learned a bit of the history of Venice" ... "Not much into Harlequin Romance, but I like the concept of how I got the book!" [07.01.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Villa (25) released at Granville Island in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member from Winnipeg, MB; multiple journallers and rereleased in Mexico, twice! [03.06.2009] (See the blog post here.)

Visions of Sugar Plums (95) released in the Sanctuary area at the PNE in Vancouver, B.C.; "Mildly amusing sprinkled with dysfunctional family & holiday hijinx." [03.12.2006]

Voodoo River (14) released at the MGM Grand pool in Las Vegas, NV, (release notes now missing) and caught by someone from Victoria, B.C.; "a lovely gesture ... i was already immersed in a book but look forward to enjoying this - thanks canada!!" [02.04.2008]

Waking Raphael (246) released during Car-Free Day on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, B.C.; "I've now read it and released it in Hua Hin, Thailand." [15.02.2009] (See the blog post here.)

What Remains (26) released inside a Georgia Straight newspaper box in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a new member; "Wasn't typically the kind of book I'd pick up and read but did anyways. ... Will release this afternoon near Cambie & Broadway somewhere..." [24.09.2007]

Windmills of the Gods (20) released at Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, B.C.; "I came across this book as I was walking through the park one evening trying to calm my thoughts down. I was to be at the hospital very early in the morning for a long test. I had forgotten to go to the library and get something to read as the test requires sitting quietly for 3 hours waiting... Such a blessing to see a book - just what I needed." [03.08.2008] (See the blog post here.)

Windmills of the Gods (33) released at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA, and caught by a new member from Merritt, B.C. [13.10.2010] (See the blog post here.)

Yang the Second and Her Secret Admirers (2) released at Granville Island in Vancouver, B.C.; "When i go to Seattle ill leave the book somewhere. im too lazy to read it though, sorry." [09.07.2010] (See the blog post here.)

The Yemenite Girl (2) released on King Edward Ave in Vancouver, B.C., and caught by a Mexican [26.08.2006]

-----------------------------------------------
Stats:
Wild releases = 782
Wild releases caught = 111
Percentage = 14.194373401534527

BookCrossing: Forgotten Range

Another catch from a Town Centre Park release! I left Forgotten Range on a park bench on July 6, 2010, and the catch arrived on September 19, 2010. Here it is:

Found this book at Lougheed Mall. Planning to pass it on.

DVD players in vans

We were standing in the kitchen, having a drink of water.

"That thing you said, about DVD players in vans being a sign of the end of civilization?" I said.

"Yeah?"

"You might be onto something."

-- Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay

BookCrossing: Aztec

I released Aztec on September 11, 2010, at the Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA, and a catch came in the very next day. The book has already been re-released at Tampa International Airport in Florida. Here's the catch:

Found on a bench outside Restoration Hardware (Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, Washington USA) at 1:30 p.m. on September 11, 2010

three times since

I checked to see whether there were any messages now. The thing was, I had already checked for messages three times since Lorna and Dell had sat down across from me. When I was at my desk, I checked about every three minutes.

-- Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay

BookCrossing: Fall on Your Knees

Last month my wife and I packed up our two kids and hit the road. Destination: Calgary. It was a furtive trip, with no friends and only select members of our respective families knowing, because two friends of ours absolutely could not find out we were going. Those two friends were arriving at the Calgary airport - making a permanent move to Canada from Malaysia - on August 17, 2010, and we wanted to surprise them with an in-person welcome.

Having grown up in Vancouver, I've spent a fair amount of time in the Okanagan area. However, before last month's roadtrip the furthest east I'd been in Canada was Nelson, B.C., except for a flight to Toronto about ten years ago to attend a wedding, followed by a flight back to Vancouver, which, in my books, doesn't really count. Being the devoted BookCrosser that I am, I made sure to have a stash of books to release en route. We planned on making it to Calgary in one day and left our Coquitlam driveway at about 4:20 a.m. on August 16 to make that happen. That meant we were sitting in a booth at Denny's in Kelowna at 9 a.m. - normally the time we start driving anywhere! I released two books at the Denny's, and one of them was journaled by a new member before we even got to our Calgary hotel that evening at approximately 7:30 p.m. (We made pretty good time from Coquitlam to Calgary, eh?)

In fact, by the time I logged on to make release notes 12 hours after the fact, meggantough had not only journaled Fall on Your Knees, s/he had also joined BookCrossing, registered two of his/her own books, and released one of those two books in Kelowna's Orchard Park Mall! Adding to the coolness of this catch: Fall on Your Knees was registered by my mama. The catch:

I found it at work in Denny's. I'll be sure to read it & pass it along!

Generation A by Douglas Coupland

I have the hardcover, and on the dust jacket's front cover book flap there is a quote from Kurt Vonnegut, from his Syracuse University commencement address on May 8, 1994:

"Now you young twerps want a new name for your generation? Probably not, you just want jobs, right? Well, the media do us all such tremendous favors when they call you Generation X, right? Two clicks from the very end of the alphabet. I hereby declare you Generation A, as much at the beginning of a series of astonishing triumphs and failures as Adam and Eve were so long ago."

This is a story about stories, or as put on Coupland's website: "Generation A mirrors the structure of 1991's Generation X as it champions the act of reading and storytelling as one of the few defenses we still have against the constant bombardment of the senses in a digital world."

There were many wonderful scenes and moments in the story, and the surprise of my parents' hometown as a key setting was tops among them for me.

Generation A on BookCrossing.

a tarantula dressed as a stewardess

From: Bill Geddes
To: Kazu Makino
Sent: 5 January 2009, 11.59
Subject: Re: Don

His fear of flying is matched only by his terror of spiders. He has a recurring nightmare about flying long haul and being served chicken/beef by a tarantula dressed as a stewardess.

-- e Squared by Matt Beaumont

BookCrossing: Cordina's Royal Family: Gabriella & Alexander - Affaire Royale and Command Performance

It's my first catch from a Coquitlam Town Centre Park release! Since moving to Coquitlam in June 2009, most of my Coquitlam releases have been on benches in that park. I was surprised, what with the amount of books I had released, that I hadn't yet had a catch. Before moving I had released many books in Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, and had had pretty good success there. Here's hoping this first Town Centre Park catch (for Cordina's Royal Family: Gabriella & Alexander - Affaire Royale and Command Performance) is a sign of more catches to come. The catch:

Rec'd Cordina's on July 15th friend found it on concrete bench @ Town Center I am taking it on holidays to the interior will leave it with a friend after I have finished.

when the humans read books

One day the lieutenant made the observation that human beings who read large numbers of books tended to taste better than humans who didn't. This intrigued the commander: "I'm listening, Lieutenant."

"Sir, when the humans read books, it gives them a sense of individuality, a sense of being unique - a sense that something about their existence is special or, as they like to say, 'magical.' Reading seems to generate microproteins in their bloodstreams, and those eons give them that extra-juicy flavour."

-- Generation A by Douglas Coupland

BookCrossing: Getting Rid of Matthew

As part of our 4-year wedding anniversary celebrations, my beautiful wife and I went to see The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - an Arts Club production on Granville Island. It was an incredibly entertaining show. Before we entered the venue, I released Getting Rid of Matthew on a bench by the water just outside the entrance. When we got home later that night, I was going to make release notes for the book but was excited to discover that there was already a journal entry catch! The catcher was short and brief and to the point:

Still to be read

masturbation of the brain

"Jeez, Harj, could you be any more depressing?"

"Zack, to create a happy ending for its own sake is no different than masturbation of the brain."

!!!

Okay.

Sometimes you're travelling along through this wacky thing we call life, when you're assaulted by an idea so potent that it obliterates all other forms of stimulus. The notion of neuromasturbation was precisely one of those ideas.

Harj and the others kept on talking, but I'll never know about what. I was trying to figure out what would be the brain's equivalent of lube or movies of Croatian nurses engaged in fourgies.

-- Generation A by Douglas Coupland

BookCrossing: Yang the Second and Her Secret Admirers

After the Granville Island catch of The Gammage Cup on the evening of July 8, the second catch of the three books I released mid-day on July 8, 2010, was for Yang the Second and Her Secret Admirers. That catch came in at 6:35 p.m. on July 9 (despite the entry's date-stamp saying July 10). The catch:

I found this book at Granville Island yesterday!! When i go to Seattle ill leave the book somewhere. im too lazy to read it though, sorry.

BookCrossing: The Gammage Cup

On July 8 I biked from home in Coquitlam to Granville Island in Vancouver to meet my mom and brother and bro's girlfriend. Our meeting point was the Trans Canada Trail display that is near False Creek Community Centre, and the plan was to then bike to my place along said trail. However, an unfortunate mishap occurred and the bike ride back was made by just my mom and me. She did amazingly well, especially considering it was - at that point - the hottest day of the year, and we were biking during the hottest part of the day. I did manage to release three books at the display, and two of them were caught within 24 hours! The first one -for The Gammage Cup - hit my inbox at 11:55 p.m. that same day, 12 and a half hours after the release (so please ignore the July 9 date-stamp on the catch's entry; it should read July 8). The catch:

Hello! I captured this book at about 1:20 on July 8, 2010 at the bridge by False Creek Racing Canoe Club on my way to dragon boat. Where will you go next little book?