Books, Link Ups

What’s On Your Bookshelf?

Retirement Reflections

Welcome to What’s On Your Bookshelf (#whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge), hosted by Sue Loncaric, Debbie Harris, Jo Tracey and me. The simple purpose of this challenge is to share a love of reading. We hope that you will join us. Basic guidelines are at the bottom of this post.

It’s been a while since I last shared what I’ve been reading (quite a while, actually). That gives us a pile of books to catch up on. So, grab your reading glasses and let’s go!

I’m currently in three book clubs (two are local, and one is with my co-hosts). The following books were all read for book club, except for my most recent read by author/blogger/all-around-amazing person, Jill Weatherholt. If you haven’t met Jill before, you can read more about her here.

Sue, Debbie, Jo and I have been reading our way through the Brontë sisters. We divide each book into three or four sections, then read, discuss, read, discuss, read, discuss and then bake! Yup, that’s no typo. After we have finished reading and discussing, Jo (chef extraordinaire) leads us in baking something from the time period of our novel. For our current novel, it will be Bakewell Tarts. Wish me luck–says the non-baker who does not currently own the proper pan to bake these treats. Shh, don’t tell Jo!

Being a member of multiple book clubs (at the height of our COVID lockdown, I was in five), I love reading ahead and leaving a short review summary on Goodreads that I can refer back to later. This strategy has also come in handy for this post. Without further review, here’s what’s on my bookshelf.

What I’ve Read Recently:

Here are the Summaries:

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë (currently reading).

A Dream of Family by Jill Weatherholt.

Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.

Sea Trial by Brian Harvey.

The Mistress of Nothing by Kate Pullinger.

Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris.

The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah.

Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis.

Extraordinary Canadians by Peter Mansbridge.

Where I Belong by Alan Doyle.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.

Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë.

The Colony of Unrequited Dreams by Wayne Johnston.

All the Devils are Here by Louise Penny.

Happy Ever After by Joanne Tracey. (Yup, the same Jo that is our co-host and chef-extraordinaire). One of my local book clubs read ‘Happy Ever After’ and then invited Jo to join us on Zoom to briefly answer any of our questions. We all had a great time. Even Jo. 😀 Highly recommended!

And here’s the stockpile of books currently sitting beside my bed. Some of these books have been long since read, while others have been patiently awaiting their turn. It’s time for me to update this stack. Do you have a similar accumulation near your bed?

What’s On Your Bookshelf Guidelines:

What: What’s On Your Bookshelf (#whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge).
When: Third Thursday PM (Northern Hemisphere)/ Third Friday AM (Southern Hemisphere).
Why: Share a love of reading.
Where: Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other Social Media.
Who: This linkup is open to everyone.
How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the hashtag #Whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge so that we can find you and include your link in our posts.

But Wait, There’s (Even) More!

To show our appreciation to all participants, contributors are welcome to display this badge on their blog, website or social media. Cool, Huh?!
Simply take a screenshot of the image below, and follow these easy-peasy instructions here. Prefer a jpg? Drop me your email, and I’d be happy to email one to you.

So, what’s on your bookshelf? We’d love to know!

Check It Out:
Jo’s Shelf
Deb’s Shelf
Sue’s Shelf
Lydia’s Shelf
Deborah’s Shelf
Retired Introvert’s Shelf
Widow Badass’s Shelf
Natalie’s Shelf
Laurie’s Shelf

Feature Photo courtesy of Alfons Morals, Unsplash.

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

67 thoughts on “What’s On Your Bookshelf?”

  1. Pingback: What’s on your Bookshelf #1 – Deb's World

  2. Yay we’ve launched our own little book chat challenge Donna and i couldn’t be happier to see what others are reading and get some ideas. Your list is truly impressive!

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    1. Thanks, Debbie – This is a longer list of books than I will likely have for future posts. I tend to baby every book that I read. And, I’ve gotta include time for those Rabbit Holes!
      I look forward to hearing what everyone shares — and adding recommendations to book pile that is growing beside my bed!

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  3. Ummmm what was that about the wrong sized tin???? (lol) Thanks for inviting me along to your book club, I loved talking about Happy Ever After – I especially loved how talking about it made me more aware of my process.

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  4. Congrats on your first WOYB? post! Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors. Her The Lacuna is the only book that I have ever given a solid 5 rating to in my book club (I’m a tough audience… 5s don’t come easy). I loved The Poisonwood Bible too. The Nightingale is the only other book on your list that I’ve read so far… so thanks for the TBR list!

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  5. You’ve read some great books! I loved The Mistress of Nothing by Kate Pullinger and The Poisonwood Bible. I just finished The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes and The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier. Both excellent.

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  6. I’ve been reading more self-improvement books lately. I like Anne Bogel’s Don’t Overthink It and would recommend it. Sound advice. I re-read Brenda Ueland’s classic If You Want To Write. I read it in college and while I get why it is a classic, it’s dated but kind of charming.

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  7. Hi Donna! We have started our own challenge YaY! I so enjoy our online book discussions and now starting the #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge is an extension of that. I am always interested in what others are reading and I know that I was so happy with your recommendation of Hamnent – a book I will reread for sure. I so admire your ability to discuss books on a deeper level and have learned so much from you. #myprofessor Looking forward to reading more and sharing with you. xx

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  8. I’m so impressed, Donna. You did a fantastic job with this post! Thanks so much for the shout-out! I loved The Poisonwood Bible and The Nightingale. I’m working on a book right now, so I’m reading a few craft books. Once I get the first draft written my reward will be diving back into my Kindle…and boy is it packed!

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    1. Hi, Lydia – Thank you so much for dropping by. I’ve added your link to the ‘shelves’ above. I am a real coddler of my books and although I consider myself a fast(ish) reader, I’m continually slowed down by ‘rabbit holes’ (i.e. things from the book that I feel compelled to Google). The pile of books from above are more than a month’s worth – but its been a while since I shared so I’ve included them all here. Next month will be a much trimmer selection. 😀

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  10. Congratulations Donna, I have been keeping up with the group’s on line baking and reading too. I used to be a prolific reader but these day I am a listener…to many non fiction titles as I like to learn and hear others’ life stories. I will be keeping an eye out for the monthly posts. Warm wishes Denyse.

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    1. Thanks so much, Denyse. I consider listening to books simply another form of reading. I’m delighted that you’ve been keeping up with our online reading and baking. This month it will be Blackwell Slices (instead of Blackwell Tarts) because someone did not have the right pans! 😀

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  11. Wow, there are actually two books on your list that I have read: The Nightingale (last year) and The Poisonwood Bible (many years ago). I so enjoyed both of them. And, I enjoyed reading your lovely review of Jill’s latest as well.

    Fun feature, Donna and crew. I can’t wait to start reading books again after my rush of summer and many projects! 🙂

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  12. I’ve only read a couple on your pile. Jo’s – of course; and The Poisonwood Bible. I used to read a lot of Barbara Kingsolver’s work and think there was a book of short stories I loved.

    I think I had the Kristin Hannah but didn’t read it. I don’t know why but for some reason her books haven’t appealed as much as I expected.

    I’ve linked up as well! https://www.debbish.com/books-literature/what-im-reading-august-2021/

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    1. Hi, Deborah – Thank you for dropping by. Jo speaks of you often (and fondly) so I already feel like I know you well. I absolutely love that you have a Bath Book Trolley. How cool is that? I’ve added your link to the ‘shelves’ above!

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  13. Pingback: Gilead [Book Review] #WhatsOnYourBookShelfChallenge | Reading Ladies
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      1. Hi Donna, My pingback doesn’t appear on your blog. I’m wondering if it’s pending your approval or a WordPress hiccup? I know pingbacks don’t always work.

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    1. I’m so glad that you are enjoying your new bookclub. I have been in several. It has always amazed me how different and distinct they are from each other. But, I still have loved them all (….okay, all but one — but that’s a completely different post) 😀

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  18. Love this! Thank you ladies, for coming up with this idea. I am putting together a post so I can join in on the fun. I also grabbed the badge.

    Deb

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  19. Well, shoot! I thought it was the third Friday, and that’s how I marked it in my calender book. Even had a picture for my post. A day late and a dollar short, as the old saying goes. 😉 Better luck next month, I hope. 😉

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  20. Pingback: What’s On My Bookshelf – August 2021 – THE WIDOW BADASS BLOG

  21. Hi Donna – these are great to know about … I’ve got three Bronte books here … but I’ll definitely need to look into the others.

    Have fun with the baking … Bakewell Tart – I had the real thing a few years ago in Bakewell … where the recipe is framed and printed up … the picture of the tart (I’m glad there was cream with it) would be worthy of an amateur cook today – ie no specific pan needed … see my post of 11 Oct 2014 (Peterborough, Bakewell, Malvern, Barnsley, Gloucestershire of Rosemary Verrey fame … the pub had outstanding food!

    I was going to join in – but lots going on … so for now will hold in abeyance to join in later …

    Great idea though – and gosh five bookclubs … you must love reading lots … cheers and I’m off to see the others – Hilary

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    1. Hi, Hilary – I do love reading — and I also love discussing books and sharing ideas on what was read. That really takes reading to a whole new level for me.
      I’ll keep you posted on the Bakewell baking. Fingers crossed!

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  22. Pingback: What’s on My Bookshelf? | Notes From the Hinterland

  23. The Poisonwood Bible is a book I had meant to read for years, but something kept putting me off. Finally, last year, and having enjoyed other Barbara Kingsolver books, I got round to it and although I found the different viewpoints tricky at first, I was soon flying through it and loved it.

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  24. HI, Anabel – I have books like that too. I planned to read them — and then they sat on my bookshelf to the point that they required dusting! A few friends whose book-related opinions I deeply trust, gave ‘Poisonwood’ negative reviews. So, I approached it cautiously. (It was for bookclub so it was a must-read). I was good with the multiple points of view and ended up really enjoying it. When times got tough – Rachel kept me going (and smiling)!

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  25. That’s quite a collection of books you’ve read, Donna. Of those, I have also read Nightingale, The Poisonwood Bible, and Happy Ever After…all of which I enjoyed. I most recently read Anxious People, Pretty as a Picture, and When She was Good.

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    1. Hi, Christie – Thank you for joining in. I’m glad that you read Happy Ever After. I am patiently awaiting Jo to release another novel…she says with fingers tapping! 😀
      I just read your recent Bucket List post — very inspirational!

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  27. Wow! Donna, I’m in awe of your read books and reviews! That is fantastic! How great to be in so many reading clubs and I’m smiling at your read, discuss … and bake! An inspired idea! I recently read Jill’s ‘A Dream of a Family’ and totally agree with your review! One of my favourites of hers too! Happy Reading! 😀

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  28. What a fun idea! I am knee-deep in the beginning of the school year (and a new position as department lead), but I am going to make it a New Year’s Resolution to participate in this. It seems like a fun way to connect and relax–both of which I could definitely use! 😉

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  29. OMG Donna – you are so fun and creative with your book clubs! It’s great to see Jill on here too – she is amazing. I’ve read a couple of her books, but not A Dream of Family yet. I’ll have to hop on that! I’ve read a couple of books by Kristin Hannah, but not The Nightingale. I just found out she’s coming to our local bookstore for a book signing!

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  30. Pingback: Do Hype, Book Buzz, and High Expectations Affect Your Reading Experience? #WhatsOnYourBookShelfChallenge #LetsDiscuss2021 | Reading Ladies
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