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Wedding Chronicles: Volume 1
Life’s a wedding for Bobby Bo, who’s traveled to nearly 100, from Tenerife to Singapore and Chile to Iceland. He’s been best man, groomsman, “father” of the bride, and bridesmaid—but always the single guy, whether with a girlfriend, flying solo, breaking up, meeting a new flame, or witnessing an ex take her vows.
A colorful cast of diverse personalities from all rungs of the socioeconomic ladder entangles him in a kaleidoscope of comedic conversations and adventures that unveil the wounds and wonders of the places, cultures, and religions he encounters. Quirky, elegant, and quickly moving dialogue roams from agribusiness to colonialism, war to world trade, yielding insight into the state of world affairs. There’s even the odd sexcapade thrown into the mix. Each wedding features a music playlist that sets the mood and may provide clues as to what’s really going on.
Fueled by his and others’ experiences, Bobby Bo humorously offers the occasional wedding “how-to” and receives usually unasked-for advice on marriage and relationships, all the while being pressured to join “the club.” Will it ever end? He seems in no rush to be a groom.
This first novel in a trilogy is a roller-coaster romp through 13 weddings spanning two decades. It’s a genre-defying mashup best described as an edgy Wedding Crashers meets a gritty Up in the Air crossed with a biting, male Eat, Pray, Love on a James Bond backdrop.
A colorful cast of diverse personalities from all rungs of the socioeconomic ladder entangles him in a kaleidoscope of comedic conversations and adventures that unveil the wounds and wonders of the places, cultures, and religions he encounters. Quirky, elegant, and quickly moving dialogue roams from agribusiness to colonialism, war to world trade, yielding insight into the state of world affairs. There’s even the odd sexcapade thrown into the mix. Each wedding features a music playlist that sets the mood and may provide clues as to what’s really going on.
Fueled by his and others’ experiences, Bobby Bo humorously offers the occasional wedding “how-to” and receives usually unasked-for advice on marriage and relationships, all the while being pressured to join “the club.” Will it ever end? He seems in no rush to be a groom.
This first novel in a trilogy is a roller-coaster romp through 13 weddings spanning two decades. It’s a genre-defying mashup best described as an edgy Wedding Crashers meets a gritty Up in the Air crossed with a biting, male Eat, Pray, Love on a James Bond backdrop.
446 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2013
1 person is currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Bob N. Boguslavski
1 book19 followersBorn and bred in YUL, Canuckistan, (source of the first peanut butter patent and Wonderbra trademark), of Ukrainian / Polish heritage on both sides, Bob N. Boguslavski has been a bit of a world wanderer the last decades. Life, career and school have taken him to places such as Egypt, India, Spain, The Netherlands, UK, and USA. He has been to many other spots on the planet for work, pleasure, and a seemingly ungodly number of weddings. Along the way, he has successfully managed to dodge his own marriage bullet(s), and collect a mass of raw fodder for literary porpoises [sic]. Having worked in many sectors and positions for companies massive, tiny and sizes in-between, some of his friends (and family) persist in thinking he was once (and maybe still is) some sorta spy or sumpin’ like that. His real-life experiences and observations form the basis of a unique, eclectic and humorous writing style. For some strange reason he can’t understand, cats dig him (he wishes it would work just as easily and well with women) and if he could jar and sell it, he’d be really wealthy.
He currently resides on the Left Coast of North America in YVR, and when he’s not busy attending a wedding somewhere, or writing about it while listening to very loud house music, he has the semblance of a normal life and job. Sorta. Kinda. He likes being misunderstood in different languages he has butchered and warehousing inane information and factoids upstairs until Alzheimer’s or dementia sets in to make it all disappear. One of his favorite sayings is “your next best friend is someone you haven’t met yet” and it’s a philosophy he tries to apply as he mucks and muddles about.
His debut novel, Wedding Chronicles, is the first in a trilogy, with hopefully many more novels to come thereafter if fate, karma, and destiny allow.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 31, 2016
I really wanted to like this book because the author provided it to me for free and was very nice about it, but I just found it painfully boring. It was trying to be a sort of sociological look into weddings in different cultures, but it didn't really provide any insight into those cultures, it just showed you dull conversations that happened to occur at those weddings. It was also trying to tell some interesting wedding related stories, and it failed at doing that too. I also got really annoyed by the borderline asinine level of detail provided about each wedding that the author couldn't possibly have remembered (exact number of guests, as an example) and which no one cares about anyway. He references people that you don't know as if you do, and generally just writes way, WAY too much. There's potential for the book to be decent if it were tightened up a LOT, but until about 50% is cut out, it's just too clunky. I couldn't finish it.
December 3, 2025
This book is a fast moving and entertaining trip through weddings around the world. Bobby Bo’s experiences, the people he meets, and the cultural moments he runs into make the story fun, reflective, and full of unexpected lessons. The writing blends humor, travel, and personal insight in a way that keeps the story engaging from start to finish. It is an interesting mix of comedy, life observations, and global adventure that makes the reading experience feel fresh and unique.
January 2, 2014
'This a work of f(r)iction, where fact and fiction rub up against each other, and nobody wants to know it regardless.'
From the moment the cover for this book is studied and the credits are listed (Bob N. Boguslavski, author, George-Thérèse Dickenson, editor, Toten Creative, Translator, and Anouk Jansen and Cathy Angus-Healey, illustrators) the idea that this is full frontal farce is fairly obvious. Trying to piece together some sort of biographical data on the author Bob N. Boguslavski points out more comedy: he is (apparently) of Ukrainian Polish heritage, born in YUL (that's the moniker for the Montreal-Trudeau airport) Canukistan (Soviet Caunukistan being the epithet for Canada) and now living in YVR (the Vancouver airport designator) raises an eyebrow. Apparently Bob (or Bobby Bo as his memoiresque book names him) has traveled from Canada thru the USA, UK, Egypt, Spain, India, The Netherlands and if this book has a trace of fact to it he has attended weddings in just about all of these places and more. 'He enjoys being misunderstood in different languages he has butchered and warehousing inane information and factoids upstairs until Alzheimer's or dementia sets in to make it all disappear.'
At any rate, Bob N. Boguslavski is funny - and his writing is hilarious, a bit naughty at times, a tad pungent, but the manner in which he gently mocks the concept of marriage and relationships and the general state of the world today supplies many hours of loud guffaws. The `chapters' (or better yet `Chronicles'), sometimes in the form of formatted isolated stories and other times in the ether of emails, are each weddings, and each wedding its standardized by introductory listings by couple, date, location, place of ceremony and reception, number of guests, honeymoon, first dance, and playlist of music for the wedding. It is what happens on the way to, at, and the aftermath that keeps this little book singing with laughter. His play with words and languages entertains while poking a bit of fun at both sides of a conversation. And unexpectedly perhaps there is enough commentary about world events and differences of cultures and religions and just about every topic that can be parodied to make this more than just a travelogue of wedding parades.
At book's end, Bobby Bo shares the following: `Kidding aside, deep down, my relationships have been like all my other life experiences: they immerse themselves into the mix like new ingredients in an ever-evolving simmering stew. They are combined with my ongoing exposure to the world's ways, my deciphering of what the news media says supposedly happens out there, friendly advice (sometimes delivered with mixed messages), and crossed signals, all exerting their collective influence on me. I am--infiltrated by all, inculcated by none.' This is a fine comedy writer who seems to be the type that will catch on with the public. Let's see what comes up next.
Grady Harp
From the moment the cover for this book is studied and the credits are listed (Bob N. Boguslavski, author, George-Thérèse Dickenson, editor, Toten Creative, Translator, and Anouk Jansen and Cathy Angus-Healey, illustrators) the idea that this is full frontal farce is fairly obvious. Trying to piece together some sort of biographical data on the author Bob N. Boguslavski points out more comedy: he is (apparently) of Ukrainian Polish heritage, born in YUL (that's the moniker for the Montreal-Trudeau airport) Canukistan (Soviet Caunukistan being the epithet for Canada) and now living in YVR (the Vancouver airport designator) raises an eyebrow. Apparently Bob (or Bobby Bo as his memoiresque book names him) has traveled from Canada thru the USA, UK, Egypt, Spain, India, The Netherlands and if this book has a trace of fact to it he has attended weddings in just about all of these places and more. 'He enjoys being misunderstood in different languages he has butchered and warehousing inane information and factoids upstairs until Alzheimer's or dementia sets in to make it all disappear.'
At any rate, Bob N. Boguslavski is funny - and his writing is hilarious, a bit naughty at times, a tad pungent, but the manner in which he gently mocks the concept of marriage and relationships and the general state of the world today supplies many hours of loud guffaws. The `chapters' (or better yet `Chronicles'), sometimes in the form of formatted isolated stories and other times in the ether of emails, are each weddings, and each wedding its standardized by introductory listings by couple, date, location, place of ceremony and reception, number of guests, honeymoon, first dance, and playlist of music for the wedding. It is what happens on the way to, at, and the aftermath that keeps this little book singing with laughter. His play with words and languages entertains while poking a bit of fun at both sides of a conversation. And unexpectedly perhaps there is enough commentary about world events and differences of cultures and religions and just about every topic that can be parodied to make this more than just a travelogue of wedding parades.
At book's end, Bobby Bo shares the following: `Kidding aside, deep down, my relationships have been like all my other life experiences: they immerse themselves into the mix like new ingredients in an ever-evolving simmering stew. They are combined with my ongoing exposure to the world's ways, my deciphering of what the news media says supposedly happens out there, friendly advice (sometimes delivered with mixed messages), and crossed signals, all exerting their collective influence on me. I am--infiltrated by all, inculcated by none.' This is a fine comedy writer who seems to be the type that will catch on with the public. Let's see what comes up next.
Grady Harp
January 26, 2014
CIA meets Peter Pan
Bob is an engineer cum storywriter. The result is “Wedding Chronicles”, a really different, inspiring and fun read. Basically, this book is about a sequence of very diverse weddings all over the world. You get to know the highlights of each ceremony (which is not necessarily the wedding dress) and become witness of conversations related to the region or to important events at the time of each wedding.
Lots of witty wording (not by “coink-e-dink”), naming and conversations, like the one where a friend (himself married three times already) talks about the greatness of marriage and asks Bob when he finally thinks to get settled … this book makes you laugh!
Bob’s initial and final musings about weddings give the reader the chance to reflect on his own experiences, while Peter Pan ignores that his time for decision making won’t last forever. But hey, if you work for the CIA – as most of his friends apparently believe – your priorities must be set somewhere. Or maybe the sheer number of weddings equals a decent vaccination against marriage.
This is also a book about a friend of his friends, where Bob is the big gatherer of his friends’ weddings, while forgetting about hunting down his own.
It is hard to believe – as the author claims - that there were no notes taken for all the detailed descriptions. In any case Bob mastered a serious issue of data gathering.
The format makes it possible to put the book aside … you don’t lose track if you leave time between reading the chapters. And if you want to completely immerse, with each chapter Bob has created a fine set of music playlists, which will put you in the right mood while reading.
Extraordinary!
Bob is an engineer cum storywriter. The result is “Wedding Chronicles”, a really different, inspiring and fun read. Basically, this book is about a sequence of very diverse weddings all over the world. You get to know the highlights of each ceremony (which is not necessarily the wedding dress) and become witness of conversations related to the region or to important events at the time of each wedding.
Lots of witty wording (not by “coink-e-dink”), naming and conversations, like the one where a friend (himself married three times already) talks about the greatness of marriage and asks Bob when he finally thinks to get settled … this book makes you laugh!
Bob’s initial and final musings about weddings give the reader the chance to reflect on his own experiences, while Peter Pan ignores that his time for decision making won’t last forever. But hey, if you work for the CIA – as most of his friends apparently believe – your priorities must be set somewhere. Or maybe the sheer number of weddings equals a decent vaccination against marriage.
This is also a book about a friend of his friends, where Bob is the big gatherer of his friends’ weddings, while forgetting about hunting down his own.
It is hard to believe – as the author claims - that there were no notes taken for all the detailed descriptions. In any case Bob mastered a serious issue of data gathering.
The format makes it possible to put the book aside … you don’t lose track if you leave time between reading the chapters. And if you want to completely immerse, with each chapter Bob has created a fine set of music playlists, which will put you in the right mood while reading.
Extraordinary!
December 25, 2014
I won this book through a giveaway here on GoodReads.
I really wanted to like this book, not only because it seemed interesting, but also because the author spent so much time and efforts to trace it, since it seemed lost, and I really wanted to reward him with a good review.
Unfortunately, I cannot do so. I really tried to enjoy it, but I was not able to understand his purpose in all this. The characters were boring and, honestly, sometimes I even felt disgusted by them. Even though he travelled all around the world and he dealt with many different kind of people, I could feel sometimes prejudices and bigotry, not to talk about the machismo. I think this is a book that only Canadian or American people could read, because they are the only ones that could properly understand it. The main character says the he is not ready to get married, but I think that he is just one of those forever irresolute people, unable to make decisions.
I decided to give it 2 stars because the descriptions of the different lifestyles around the world are very interesting.
The writing style is well-built, but in some parts the author uses so much slang that it is almost impossible to understand him for a non native English speaker like me. However, I will not blame him for this, because I am sure that it was due to my partial knowledge of the language.
I am sorry to write a review like this, but this is not a book I would recommend since it communicate me nothing.
I really wanted to like this book, not only because it seemed interesting, but also because the author spent so much time and efforts to trace it, since it seemed lost, and I really wanted to reward him with a good review.
Unfortunately, I cannot do so. I really tried to enjoy it, but I was not able to understand his purpose in all this. The characters were boring and, honestly, sometimes I even felt disgusted by them. Even though he travelled all around the world and he dealt with many different kind of people, I could feel sometimes prejudices and bigotry, not to talk about the machismo. I think this is a book that only Canadian or American people could read, because they are the only ones that could properly understand it. The main character says the he is not ready to get married, but I think that he is just one of those forever irresolute people, unable to make decisions.
I decided to give it 2 stars because the descriptions of the different lifestyles around the world are very interesting.
The writing style is well-built, but in some parts the author uses so much slang that it is almost impossible to understand him for a non native English speaker like me. However, I will not blame him for this, because I am sure that it was due to my partial knowledge of the language.
I am sorry to write a review like this, but this is not a book I would recommend since it communicate me nothing.
November 9, 2013
Bobby is a character that has the feeling of being well known to the author. He seems a bit jaded on the surface but the reader knows that deep down beats the heart of an optimist and one who believes in love. Usually a first novel will be weak as the author is getting to know his or her character and really over sharing with the audience in the process. Boguslavksi presents Bobby as someone he’s known all his life and so have we. We were there for his first go as a best man. We are by his side as he strives not to anger the Icelandic Andre the Giant. Bobby is a great character and his interactions are true to his characters.
The co-star of Wedding Chronicles is the unique situational humor that Boguslavksi weaves through his narrative. Bobby is traveling the world from wedding to wedding. This is not simply a book about wedding and marriage but one of travel, politics, relationships and life. There is a light tone and spirit in the novel reminding us not to take life too seriously. I can only liken my experience in reading this novel to sitting in front of a favourite comedy of the 60’s. Deliciously enjoyable and a novel I would love to read again and again.
The co-star of Wedding Chronicles is the unique situational humor that Boguslavksi weaves through his narrative. Bobby is traveling the world from wedding to wedding. This is not simply a book about wedding and marriage but one of travel, politics, relationships and life. There is a light tone and spirit in the novel reminding us not to take life too seriously. I can only liken my experience in reading this novel to sitting in front of a favourite comedy of the 60’s. Deliciously enjoyable and a novel I would love to read again and again.
October 28, 2014
Exposé into a band of professional wedding attendees that makes a fascinating read
This is a fascinating look at a person's life who loves attending weddings, really fancy weddings. It is very well written. I found myself so absorbed by this book, I finished it in less than 24 hours. The book describes how a group of individuals who met in Spain at business school got together in weddings around the world. Some strong characters emerge putting you on the edge of your seat as the book, like a good crime or suspense novel, transitions from one interesting cultural situation to another. At the same time you gain stunning insight into different places, different ways of thinking and some world events that were happening at the time. It is also quite funny in parts. I keep wondering what would cause someone to spend so much effort and expense to attend so many weddings. I guess the weddings were really fun!
This is a fascinating look at a person's life who loves attending weddings, really fancy weddings. It is very well written. I found myself so absorbed by this book, I finished it in less than 24 hours. The book describes how a group of individuals who met in Spain at business school got together in weddings around the world. Some strong characters emerge putting you on the edge of your seat as the book, like a good crime or suspense novel, transitions from one interesting cultural situation to another. At the same time you gain stunning insight into different places, different ways of thinking and some world events that were happening at the time. It is also quite funny in parts. I keep wondering what would cause someone to spend so much effort and expense to attend so many weddings. I guess the weddings were really fun!
October 28, 2013
This is a really funny book; I loved the character Bobby Bo and his escapades through the world of weddings. Most of us have been to more than one wedding and can see where the humour comes from; there is something in here for everyone to tune in to. I enjoyed the thoughts of Bobby Bo and felt that the book just flowed along. There is a good sense of time and place through various destinations and settings. It is a lovely writing style with good characterisations; there are loads of different personalities offering different perspectives on the subject of weddings. It is clever and witty with well-crafted dialogue. This is the first book in a trilogy and I look forward to the next two.
November 25, 2013
With this book, Bob has defined a new way of writing: witty, funny, (geo)politically involved and without needing the boring details of a plot.
You can read it in a few goes or, like I did, in little chunks. The conversations are funny, the style is, at times, mind boggling. The background thoughts about marriage and the world all together are entertaining and definitely give you food for thought.
The continuous alliterations are razorsharp and after reading the book, I guess everybody wants to have a "beer, booze and some banter with Bobby Bo and Dr LoveSexy!"
Looking forward to the second part of the trilogy.
You can read it in a few goes or, like I did, in little chunks. The conversations are funny, the style is, at times, mind boggling. The background thoughts about marriage and the world all together are entertaining and definitely give you food for thought.
The continuous alliterations are razorsharp and after reading the book, I guess everybody wants to have a "beer, booze and some banter with Bobby Bo and Dr LoveSexy!"
Looking forward to the second part of the trilogy.
September 20, 2014
I did win Wedding Chronicles from the author, therefore i read it for free, however i do think the book is well written, like it is quite interesting and as a reader i did quite feel like i was apart of Bobby's journey. But i did feel like despite the whit and humor of the character some parts of the book were dragged out unnecessary making the book seem longer. This was different read from a lot of the other books i read and i enjoyed the change. I would definitely recommend wedding chronicles to most of my friends if they were looking for a light hearted read.
October 25, 2013
This is absolutely hilarious, and a very different book from any other. You won’t stop laughing out loud and being surprised by the intelligent and fresh humour throughout. If you’re looking for comedic escape delivered with insight into relationships, cultures, and political issues against a global wedding backdrop, this read is a must.
October 19, 2013
Smart, funny, and full of surprises. WC is like listening to great jazz music or to Bach, there's something new to discover with every read! And the book even has its own playlists - awesome!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews