Books, What's On Your Bookshelf?

What’s On Your Bookshelf – February 2023

Retirement Reflections

Here are my condensed reviews of the books I have read this past month. I have also included a challenge for you! Just for fun, one of my reviews was completely computer generated (for free) by ChatGPT*. You can find my reviews for each book via the “here” links. Can you tell which one was written by a chatbot? If so, what was the biggest giveaway?

A Man Called Ove, Frederick Bachman
Book’s Blurb: “A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.”
Source: This book had been sitting unread on my bookshelf. Why? I have no idea!
MyRating: 5
Current Rating on Goodreads: 4.37
Current Rating on Amazon: 4.6
My Review: Here

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, Deesha Philyaw
Book’s Blurb: “Philyaw’s stories are addictive while also laying bare the depth and vulnerability of Black women.”
Source: Skip the Line, Vancouver Island Regional Library
MyRating: 4.5
Current Rating on Goodreads: 4.22
Current Rating on Amazon: 4.4
My Review: Here

Homecoming, Kate Morton
Book’s Blurb: Adelaide Hills, Christmas Eve, 1959: A local delivery man makes a terrible discovery. Instantly, the small town of Tambilla becomes embroiled in one of the most shocking and perplexing murder cases in the history of South Australia.
Source: Netgalley
MyRating: 4.0
Current Rating on Goodreads: 4.35
Current Rating on Amazon: No rating yet.
My Review: Here

November 9, Colleen Hoover
Book’s Blurb: “An unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.”
My Rating: 4
Source: Skip the Line, Vancouver Island Regional Library
Current Rating on Goodreads: 4.24
Current Rating on Amazon: 4.6
My Review: Here


Milk Street Tuesday Nights Mediterranean, Chris Kimball
Source: Vancouver Island Regional Library
MyRating: 4
Current Rating on Goodreads: 4.12
Current Rating on Amazon: 4.7
My Review: Here

Book’s Blurb: “The Mediterranean diet is so much more than olive oil, grilled fish, and just-harvested vegetables—or its well-earned reputation for health. It is a diverse cuisine that encompasses the cultures and traditions of Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The food is direct, simple, and honest, served without disguise or embellishment. Every recipe delivers big flavour with minimal cooking time.”

The Battle of Life, Charles Dickens
Source: Project Gutenberg
MyRating: 3.5
Current Rating on Goodreads: 3.20
Current Rating on Amazon: 3
My Review: Here
I read this as part of the Dickens Novella Challenge hosted by Yvette, Trent and Marsha. Check out their links. There is still PLENTY of time to join in!

Book’s Blurb: “The Battle of Life: A Love Story is the 4th of Dickens’ five Christmas Books. This is the only one of the five that has no supernatural or explicitly religious elements. It ends with a romantic twist.”

Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography, Laurie Woolever
Book’s Blurb: “An unprecedented behind-the-scenes view into the life of Anthony Bourdain from the people who knew him best.”
Source: Libby, Vancouver Island Regional Library
MyRating: 3.5
Current Rating on Goodreads: 4.23
Current Rating on Amazon: 4.7
My Review: Here

The Ultimate Stock Investing For Beginners Playbook, Megan Reed
Book’s Blurb: “This concise book focuses on giving women a basic understanding of seven primary components of stock market investing.”
Source: BookSirens.
MyRating: 3
Current Rating on Goodreads: 4.33
Current Rating on Amazon: 4.6
My Review: Here

*I am definitely not suggesting that you use ChatGPT to write your reviews or blog posts. 😀 But ChatGPT does have incredible uses. This handy chart was adapted from Ditch That Textbook and created by my friend, Jeri Herd, Teacher-Librarian at Branksome Hall Asia. The creative and positive uses are endless!
Please join my cohosts Jo, Debbie, Sue and me. We would love to hear from you.

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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.

137 thoughts on “What’s On Your Bookshelf – February 2023”

  1. What a great variety of topics, Donna. I read a Colleen Hoover book recommended by my daughter this month so will look for November 9. I’m also a Kate Moreton fan and A Man Called Ove has been on my list for ages so I think I will use it for one of my prompts in the 52 Book Challenge – ‘A book you meant to read last year’ Thanks for co-hosting and I love this link up. I’m looking forward to reading what everyone has read this month. Happy Reading! xx

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    1. Hi, Sue – I love this linkup too! I always get such great book ideas from here. Like you, I had ‘A Man Called Ove’ on my TBR list for a very long time. I have no idea why I waited so long to read it – it truly is wonderful. I also think that you will like ‘The Homecoming’ and ‘November 9’. ‘The Homecoming is to be released this April but both Goodreads and Netgalley have been offering Advanced Reader Copies. Wishing Happy Reading right back to you! 😀

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    1. Thanks, Barbara – I agree that the Bourdain book may be less confusing on audio – there are a huge variety of speakers intermingling throughout. Still, my rating 3.5 star rating was based upon the feeling that there were definitely some overshares (airing some one-sided family laundry) and an editorial decision to exclude the voice of Asia Argento, Bourdain’s last girlfriend. The latter made the book seem incomplete.

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  3. I’ve no idea what GhatGPT is but I loved the poem it wrote for you on Valentine’s Day :). I enjoyed A Man called Ove and believe it’s been made into a movie but haven’t seen it yet. I’m keen to read Colleen Hoover as Sue mentioned her books in her post too, I’m taking that to be a sign! I’m also keen to read Kate Morton’s Homecoming. Off to read your reviews now – I love how our WOYBS opens me up to new authors and genres. Thanks for being a stunning co-host, I always look forward to these posts.

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    1. Hi, Debbie – You always write such uplifting comments. A big thank you for that!!
      I asked Chatgpt “What is Chatgpt?” Here was the reply: “I am ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI. I have been trained on a diverse set of texts and have learned to generate human-like responses to a wide range of prompts. I can answer questions, carry out conversations, and provide information on a variety of topics. My purpose is to assist and provide helpful responses to users who interact with me.” You can find out more at: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/
      P.S. – A Man Called Ove has been made into a Swedish film (with subtitles). I recently watched it via Appletv. I believe that it is also available on Hoopla, Tubi TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube. At the cinema, I also recently saw “A Man Called Otto” (an American version with Tom Hanks as Ove – renamed Otto). All were a delight!

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  4. I enjoyed the first book (… Called Ove) as a rather interesting retelling of a standard situation. The characters were well done and lifted what might have been a ho-hum, predictable situation up several notches. No idea which one was AI-written, unless it was the stock market book. Numbered lists in a review?!

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    1. Hi, Del – Thank you for dropping by and for checking out all eight of my full reviews. That is very impressive. That’s a good point about including a numbered list in a review — but that review was written by me. It was an Advanced Readers Copy and I was trying to give clear feedback to the publisher. (That’s my defence and I am sticking with it!). 😀 I hope that all is well for you.

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  5. What a unique variety of books you’ve read, Donna! My TBR is ridiculous these days, but I did just finish Hemingway’s The Old Man and The Sea. I read it in high school and remembered very little. This time, I was very sad at the end. I also read that this book is one of Hemingway’s top-read books, and won the Pulitzer prize. Even better for me because I borrowed the e-book from the library. I always think of you as I know you are a big borrower from the library 🙂

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    1. Hi, Terri – I adore ‘The Old Man and the Sea”. I am not one to reread many books twice, but this is a book that I am always happy to read again and again.
      You are absolutely right – I am a huge library fan. They have so much to offer and if we don’t use them, we lose them!

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    2. Terri and Donna, I stayed at a hot springs resort with a friend and their library (messy and cluttered – but rich!) had a copy of the od man and the sea and so I read parts of it with morning coffee – and hope to maybe dive in and read it in full after reading these comments about it

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      3. Hi, Yvette – After a long career in Education (I began as a HS English Teacher), I have seen wonderful teachers lead students onto a lifelong love affair with literature and other great things. Sadly, the best intending teacher or curriculum can unwittingly turn kids off of these same things for a long variety of reasons (wrong book, wrong time, wrong age, homework equating drugery, etc. etc.) I didn’t read Old Man and the Sea in HS, but I did read Farewell to Arms in 10th Grade. I adored my English teacher that year so anything he said or presented was golden! 😀

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      4. Oh I enjoy learning more about you!
        My HS friend, Kim, had a passion for certain literature and it had a delayed rippling effect (like i remember her raving about Farewell to arms in fact!)
        And the right teacher is crucial – I think your 10th grade teacher sounds like a huge gift
        – my senior year had a teacher that brought Shakespeare to life for us
        –

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      6. Ah, Mr. Purcell! I wonder if her ever knew the difference he made in the lives of so many students (including me)! I am glad to read that you had a similar teacher in your Senior Year.
        I greatly appreciate the connection, and learning more about you as well. 😀

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      7. Yes, Mrs George made so many stories “interesting” by pausing to share her enthusiasm – many of us rolled our eyes or observed her distantly –
        But for me at least – it was contagious and dropped seeds of joy and she modeled getting worked up and excited about story elements
        Oh grateful for her – on the other hand – Mr glassman – the other man kit teacher – was so average and just missed a spark –

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      9. I wonder that too
        but the teaching i have done over the years – off and on and then across different subjects, ages, and settings – (sigh – that has truly been part of my story – “variety” – and I never picked that path – it found me )
        anyhow, there were times that I remembered the way teachers have that lasting impact – and it fueled or encouraged me. My sixth grade teacher was actually the most influential in my life and i never had the chance to tell him. By the time I realized I wanted to let him know, I looked him up and he had passed away a few years before that – so it was too late –
        but i do think many teachers NEVER have a clue of their true impact (and sadly this could be in a negative way too – because some teachers are so crabby they impact students by killing the spirit and demanding only compliance)

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      11. yes! and as we wind it down – cheers to the many teachers of the world who give and give. It is truly an under-appreciated job – when we should be paying them millions for the way their impact can ripple
        — have a nice day

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  6. Hi Donna – another diverse set of reading for you. Interesting what you shared about ChatGPT at the end – it’s been given a very bad rap here because students use it to cheat-write their essays, I didn’t realize it had so many other uses – the internet just keeps on evolving doesn’t it?

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    1. Hi, Leanne – Chatgpt certainly has been the topic of much discussion around here as well. From the start, when people have asked me how I believed schools would handle it, I maintained that good schools and good teachers would embrace it and quickly develop ways to deter its abuse, while helping students to benefit from its use. I was delighted to wake up to Jeri’s chart this morning. She shared tons of great ideas — and they are likely just the tip on the iceberg.
      I hope that all is well for you!

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    1. Hi, Kate – I read a post a couple of week’s ago that claimed that book reviews written by Chatgpt were too basic and boring. I actually don’t think that they are boring at all. I am delighted that no one has guessed the correct chatbot-written review yet. (Hey, wait a minute….unless that means that my reviews are all duds! 😀 )

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      1. It’s more likely the subject matter. A brief on a book is usually straight forward. Your writing is lively especially when it’s about food, walking, family, well–you get the idea. I don’t think bots can capture that.

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  10. It’s been a number of years since I read a Colleen Hoover book…so I’m behind. I loved A Man Called Ove and enjoyed your review. There’s been a lot of chatter in the publishing world about ChatGPT. As someone who prefers to write with a fancy pen and nice journal, I’m hoping all of these technologies take off after I’m gone. Some of it freaks me out!😉

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    1. Hi, Mona – Firstly, thank you clicking on, and reading, each of my reviews.
      Secondly (and quite sadly) I hate for you to lose your bet – but the Bourdain review was written by me. I am delighted that you have helped prove my point. Three people who know my writing style quite well have now guessed incorrectly. This has actually made my day.

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  12. Someone else said that the exclusion of Asia Argento made the Bourdain book feel incomplete – especially as there was so much oversharing. I think I’m the only person in the world who hasn’t read a Colleen Hoover book yet. As for ChatGPT – I’ve heard a bit about it, but haven’t looked into it…

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  13. Wow Make me feel like a slacker. Guess I need to spend less time on twitter. My most recent read is Kate Atkins “ When will there be good news”. I gave it a 4 because I have to go back and read it again so I understand what happened. I haven’t read any in your list. I have a big pile ahead of my from the Rotary Club book sale. Looks like a long cold wet February so maybe I can catch up on my reading.

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    1. Hi, Ann – Say it isn’t so about the cold and wet February! At least, half of the month is gone, so there’s that! 😀 As soon as Musk was in charge of Twitter, I was out. I really never used it much anyway, so there was no noticeable difference. (But I did receive a #goodbye from them)!

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      3. Interesting. Yes opens from my phone too but i use my ipad most of the time. Could be a jerpack problem. I often find i can’t see photos in my pad on some blogs either. Too many devices so little time.

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  15. Is the chatGPT one the milkstreet one?
    by the way, sometimes I watch some channel that has MilkStreet recipes –
    –
    On my list – is a Dickens novella and Ready Player One
    – and then some magazines with research and stuff like that

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      1. wow – you have it in two books – that is a sign you were meant to read it – and I am so happy to see that review here too
        not sure what the giveaway was –

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      2. Sadly, I didn’t include a giveaway on this one. I’m really never sure how to do that. But you did win all of my respect and admiration (okay, well you already had that – but you now have even more). Does that count?

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  17. Colleen Hoover keeps popping up in full display on shelves in bookshops. I’ve never read her. Is she really that good?
    I read each of your reviews with an eye to detecting the chatgpt. I’d guess the stock investing one. Why? Lengthier?
    I enjoyed all the reviews thank you.
    Have a wonderful weekend ❣️

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    1. Hi, Susan – Thank you for reading each of my full reviews. You are the second person to guess that the Stock Investing one was AI-written. That one was written by me. It does help prove the point that I was hoping to make — it can be very hard to tell.
      I’ve only read one Colleen Hoover book so far, but I did enjoy it. Close friends of mine have read other books of hers and have enjoyed them as well. Still, as with many authors, there are mixed reviews of her books on Goodreads. If you are in the mood for a quick, easy and relatively light read, I’d definitely recommend giving her a a try. I hope that all is well for you there.

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      2. Hi, Susan – I agree that it can be very difficult to tell. Especially since you can request as many inclusions that you like (in the case of the Mediterranean Book, my only inclusion was that I had borrowed it from our public library). Still, ChatGPT is far from perfect. In a Valentine’s Day poem to my husband, it said that I loved him with all of my house! 😀

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  18. Donna, I’m not sure why but I couldn’t connect to your links. Just kept getting messages saying that Goodreads refused to connect. I have Man From Ove on my list to read. You know, that list that keeps getting longer!

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    1. Hi, Jennifer – I’m sorry that the links did not open for you. Technology can be a friend and a foe in the exact same moment! 😦 Since we are friends on GRs, if you ever have a dull moment, the reviews included in this post are my most recent one (except for two that I will include next month). I’m glad that A Man Called Ove is on your list. I think that you will greatly enjoy it.

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  20. Hi Donna, It has been interesting to read your experience with ChatGPT. The NYT wrote an extremely disturbing article about it this week. I, also, have had Ove on the to be read list for some time. I am looking for vacation books, so thanks for the review and I will be giving it some room in my suitcase.

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    1. Hi, Bernadette – I tried to find that article but do not have a NYT’s subscription so could not acces it. Enjoy your upcoming holiday. A Man Called Ove would be a perfect vacation read…as would a Moosewood Cookbook or two (just saying)! 😀

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      2. Great minds think alike. I’ve read my Moosewood book as well, and prepared three dishes from it: Greek Fish in a Packet, Muffin Madness (the apple-cinnamon version) and Spicy Tomato Soup. I will write my post including the first two.
        Thank you so much for sending me the NYT article. It was a fascinating read!

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  21. I have read nothing but good things about A Man Called Ove. Glad to hear the movie is good as well. My 16-year-old granddaughter loves Colleen Hoover so I’ll keep this one in mind for her. Great reviews,

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    1. Hi, Darlene – Thank you for checking out my reviews. I greatly appreciate it. I love grandmothers and grandchildren reading and sharing books together. Depending on the interests and maturity level of your granddaughter, Colleen Hoover’s ‘November 9’ is filled with complex themes, including tragedy, betrayal, suicide, grief, sex, etc. etc. l believe that Goodreads included some trigger warnings for this book. I went into this book suspending belief (and judgement) and treated it as a lighter read and greatly enjoyed it from this point of view.

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      1. Thanks for that info. She is very mature for sixteen, she had to grow up quickly. But still, I think I might wait a couple of years to give her this one. Some of her other books seem a bit lighter.

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      2. Thanks, Darlene – I think that waiting a couple years to give your granddaughter this book makes sense — just in case. You never know how a book is going to be interpreted. (I still have nightmares about The Devil in the White City — where my other friends absolutely loved that book). 😀

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    2. Sorry for butting in here…..but reading about your teenage granddaughter reminded me of two books I read last month. I found them on my daughter’s bookshelf in her old room. She’s 23 and on her own now but some of her things are still here. If your granddaughter hasn’t read these yet, I’d highly recommend two YA novels by Markus Zusak: The Book Thief and I am the Messenger. I didn’t know they were YA books until after I’d finished them. No matter, loved them both!

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      1. Hi, Toby – Thank you so much for sharing this. My grandchildren are currently 4, 6 and 7. I love reading with them! Your recommendations sound like great options for young adult readers. I greatly appreciate you mentioning them.

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  22. I have been interested in “A Man Called Ove.” It is now on my TBR list. Also, the Mediterranean cookbook sounds good. One of my favorite cuisines, and I was taken by the description of the range of regions that qualify as Mediterranean.

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    1. Hi, Laurie – I also had ‘A Man Called Ove’ on my TBR list for an incredibly long time. I seriously do not know what took me so long to read it. So many books – such little time! One of the intentions of the Milk Street cookbook is to showcase the expansive region of the Mediterranean. I greatly appreciated that aspect.

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  23. Another reviewer with a love of variety! I keep hearing about Colleen Hoover and must give her a try. Anthony Bourdain wasn’t terribly well known in the UK, though he’s accessible to us via Netflix. I suspect ChatGPT will put us all out of business over the next few years!

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    1. Hi, Gail – Thank you for joining us for What’s On Your Bookshelf. I agree that variety is the spice of life — and the spice of reading! Somehow I don’t think ChatGPT can ever threaten great writers or thinkers. I believe that it is wonderful as a production tool. But think and feel it cannot! 😀

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  24. Hi Donna, I read A Man Called Ove a few years ago and loved it. It’s one of those books that I read in one sitting. I also listened to The Secret Lives of Church Ladies last week; a powerful collection of short stories. I’d give both books the same ratings like yours. I’m about to finish February by Lisa Moore, longlisted for the Man Booker Prize; another excellent novel, based on an actual event (the Ocean Ranger that sank off the coast of Newfoundland on Valentine’s Day in 1982). Regarding ChatGPT, WordPress block editor has an AI block, experimental atm although I’m sure it will improve over time. Have you tried it?

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    1. Hi, Natalie – That is impressive that your read Man Called Ove in one sitting. I read it over a week. In my defense, I was also reading Jane Austen’s Emma at the same time. I’m glad (and relieved) that you enjoyed Church Ladies. When someone chooses a book based on my recommendation, I am always delighted and nervous at the same time! Lisa Moore’s book sounds fascinating. I tend to like Canadian stories based on real life events (as long as they are not horror or otherwise terrifying).
      Thank you for letting me know about the WP AI block. I didn’t realize that it had one but will now look for it. Against my will, I just converted to JetPack…and am already regretting that decision! 😦

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      1. I normally read one book at a time. I’m in awe that you read more than one book at the same time. I have similar feelings when someone chooses a book based on my recommendation. IMHO, the author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies deserves all the awards for that book. JetPack conversion against your will? I hope it doesn’t give you headaches.

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      2. Thanks, Natalie – In my Classics Bookclub, we only read one section of a book at a time and then meet and discuss before going onto the next section. So I often have that book on the go, and read another book along side it. Jetpack and I have not been off to a blissful start. Hopefully it will only get better from here. I am super thrilled to try out that AI block. I am off to investigate it right now!

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  25. So many books and what a clever challenge! I tried ChatGPT and was satisfied-not-wowed with the results. Not my voice, but how could it be? No, I couldn’t pick the ChatGPT review.

    Loved the list of how students can use it. Teachers (including me): Writing homework just took a sharp left turn!

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    1. Hi, Jacqui – I agree that AI will never replace a writer with a great voice. As you say, how could it?
      As for homework, I have now noticed several ‘AI content detection’ programs on line, so this will likely become standard teacher fare as well. I loved Jeri’s chart and agree that teaching students how to critically analyze and properly employ AI for production or brainstorming (not for thinking, creating or deicision making) is the way to go.

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  26. Hi Donna!

    Great minds think alike. AI has obviously been on my mind lately (as evidenced by my blog post that posted this morning.) There is SO-O much happening in the world of AI that I think all of us bloggers/writers need to familiarize ourselves with what it is, what it is capable of, and where it is going. Clearly the world is changing and just being aware of that is critical.

    That said, I read A Man Called Ove years ago and agree that it is a 5. I’m curious about the recent movie about it but heard that it wasn’t nearly as good. Are they ever.

    I hope all else is well with you! ~Kathy

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    1. Hi, Kathy – I just checked out your post. It was very timely, thought-provoking and well-written. I did leave a reply but did not see it go through. If I it not awaiting moderation, or hiding in your spam folder, please let me know.
      I hope that all is well with you too. ❤

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  27. I read A Man Called Ove and enjoyed it. Looking forward to seeing the movie someday. I’ve had a couple conversations about Dickens lately, not because of Yvette’s challenge. And the issue becomes can we read his works now without applying our 21st sensibilities to it? And if we do, is that a bad thing? No answer, just funny to me that Dickens has dropped into my life seemingly out of nowhere.

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    1. Hi, Ally – I copied your full comment into ChatGPT and asked it to reply. Here was its (rather lengthy) reply. Not the best response I have received from this Chatbot, but definitely not bad! 😀

      “It is impossible to completely separate ourselves from our modern sensibilities when reading literature from the past. As readers, we bring our own experiences, values, and biases to the text, which can shape our interpretation and reaction to it. However, it is possible to approach older works of literature with an awareness of the historical context in which they were written and the cultural norms of the time. By doing so, we can strive to understand the author’s intended meaning and engage with the text on its own terms.

      When reading the works of Charles Dickens, it is important to consider the social, political, and economic circumstances of Victorian England, which greatly influenced his writing. His works often addressed issues such as poverty, social inequality, and the plight of the working class, and were intended to raise awareness and promote social reform.

      At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that Dickens’ views and attitudes were shaped by his own experiences and the values of his time, which may not always align with contemporary perspectives. For example, some of his works contain stereotypes that are not acceptable today. It is possible to acknowledge and critique these elements while still appreciating the literary value of his works as a whole.

      In short, while we cannot completely divorce ourselves from our modern sensibilities when reading literature from the past, it is possible to engage with older works in a way that recognizes and understands their historical context while still applying a critical lens to the values and perspectives presented. This approach allows us to appreciate the works for their literary and cultural significance while also recognizing and addressing problematic aspects.”

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      1. However, it is possible to approach older works of literature with an awareness of the historical context in which they were written and the cultural norms of the time. And there you have the basis of my undergraduate degree in English Lit. 🙄

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  28. Hey there girlfriend! I am back from my travels but yet brain-dead. Loving all the book recommendations from you and the rest of the WOYBS gang. I got myself a Toronto Public Library membership when I was visiting with Joanne and I have to say it’s already been worth the $120. Not to diss VIPL, but the number of books on hold that I have been waiting for months to read and that I COULD AND DID read immediately during my vacation were astonishing. Talk soon!

    Deb

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    1. Hooray!! I am so glad that you had safe travels back. Do you still have that TO library membership? Are you able to keep in while in BC?
      Get plenty of rest, and Bowser time, so that we can go on a big adventure soon. I’ll be ready when you are! ❤

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  29. Pingback: Books by Black Authors On My Bookshelf #BlackHistoryMonth #WhatsOnYourBookshelfChallenge #WOYBS - Reading Ladies

  31. I feel like it was the numerical review because it was so different from the rest. I see from comments that it wasn’t. So is it a good thing that a computer can fool us. Imagine that in these politically unstable times we live in…. 😳

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    1. Hi, Bernie – I was delighted that the Chatbot Review was not obvious; I admit that some of its responses are much better than others. But it always gives the user the option to regenerate the answer or to add further directions (e.g. make it spicier). Still, I don’t see myself using this or AI blocks for further blog posts unless to help brainstorm or double check the mechanics of my writing. I do however see the benefit for commericial bloggers who need to get info out quickly, and are focused on a product, as opposed to personal expression.

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    1. Hi, Antoinette – Thank you so much for checking out my reviews. I greatly appreciate it. Despite all of the current buzz on ChatGMT and the like, I do think that they have their place a a tool for us to use (just like spell checker, Grammarly, AI driven photo apps, etc. etc) as long as we remain in the driver’s seat for thinking, creativity and decision-making. Sadly, I believe that there will be much misuse of these devices as well.

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  33. Wow what a wide and diverse bunch of books! I’m a big Kate Morton fan and am looking forward to her latest novel. I wasn’t sure which of your reviews was the ChatGPT one. I really do need to check it out. My teenage boys have been discussing it as their school has been teaching them how to use it effectively for their school work without just using it as a form of cheating. I love the information sheet on it from your friend. Thanks for sharing such a wide selection of books

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    1. Hi, Janine – Thanks so much for dropping by. I am glad to read that your boys’ school have been teaching students how to use ChatGPT effectively, and how not to abuse it. The ChatGPT chart that I got from my teacher-librarian is free for sharing. If you think that your boys school may be interested in it you are very free to pass it on to them.
      Oh, and back to books — that Kate Morton book is a good one. I highly recommend it to you once it becomes available!

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      1. Yes my eldest boy was worried that school might insist on hand written exam papers so that students couldn’t cheat (which might still happen I guess) but at the moment school does appear to be taking a proactive stance of educating the kids to use it as a tool. TBH they need to know how to use it properly as when they are employed it will be freely available and probably encouraged. The whole AI subject is very thought provoking

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Hi, Janine – My entire career was in education in both Canada and China (teacher, Middle School Principal, Deputy Director). Taking a proactive stance is definitely the way to go. Our youngest son was fortunate to have a student laptop program in both his Middle School and his High School. When he went to University he could immediately tell the students who had not had school laptop programs and those who had. The former group was busy playing with their devices and were constantly distracted by them, as opposed to the later group who viewed their laptops simply as a tool and got right down to business! 😀

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  34. What a list! I was intrigued by the small blurb here about A Man Called Ove, plus all the comments here from people who loved it, so I checked my local library and all 10 copies are out and there are 49 waiting to check it out! Guess I’ll get in line as this sounds like a great story.

    I also saw some comments about The Old Man and The Sea. I had never read any Hemingway and hubby suggested this one years ago and I did read it but I don’t remember liking it. We watched the PBS series about Hemingway and then I wanted to read For Whom the Bell Tolls so hubby bought me a paperback for Christmas a few years ago. I read one chapter at that time and never finished it. I recently re-started it and am just over halfway through it and am enjoying it. I think I’ll re-read The Old Man and The Sea and see if I like it any better, also based on the many comments here about that book. I’m going to guess I’ll have a better perspective and will like it the second time around. Now that I’m retired I’m finding more time to read books and I’m loving it!

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    1. Hi, Toby – Thank you for dropping by and sharing this thoughtful comment. Your local library sounds like mine — long waiting lists for popular books! I believe that A Man Called Ove is well-worth the wait.
      I’m glad that you are giving Hemmingway another try. I am a true fan (at least of his books…I definitely would not have wanted to be married to him). 😀
      Congratulations on your second retirement. I’ve been retired for 7.5 years, and even though I loved my career, I still wake up each morning thinking “Yipee, I’m retired”!

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      1. Thanks! I’m actually still not quite done but that’s a story for another day. I’m working again for my old department but hope to be done(again, heh) soon! I’m pretty sure nobody else’s retirement story is anything like mine! Can’t wait to read more and get back into my blog as well as reading blog posts of those I follow like yours 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  35. “A Man Called Ove” has been on my TBR for years. Last year I read “Anxious People” and I even watched the mini-series on Netflix. I thoroughly enjoyed both!

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  36. We read or listened to A Man Called Ove years ago and then recently enjoyed the movie with Tom Hanks and the earlier movie with English subtitles, as well. On a Christmas road trip PC and I listened to So Long, Chester Wheeler and it is very, very good and along the same lines as Ove. You might give it a go. Pinned some of your titles for consideration with my book club. Church Ladies in particular caught my eye.

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  37. Hi Donna, I learned so much reading your post today. Not only that, I discovered, rather late in life that your challenge is on a tab called #Tags, so I clicked on it. It pulls up everyone who uses that tag. I get caught up in my own way of doing things, and forget to look around for different ways. Yours is the only challenge I found under tags, but I entered mine, and it pulled up posts from some of the folks that use my #WQ tag. I think they have to be WP users, though.

    Secondly, I enjoyed the read and the discussion about ChatGPT. I’d never heard of it, so I read its response to Ally’s comment. I learned that Ally is an English Lit major. Finally, I learned what books you’ve been reading. I would agree about your rating of Dicken’s novella is, and the reasons you stated so eloquently earlier in a post.

    Thanks for being so “with it” with technology and with WP. You’re helping to keep me current! Have a fabulous week. 🙂

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  38. Pingback: Title Talk 02.2023: What's on My Bookshelf - Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

      1. Ah, thanks for loving my posts, Donna. I write from the heart with a titch of humor. That big gift was time-consuming, but I am so pleased with how it turned out and how much he loved it. Bernie

        Liked by 1 person

  41. Pingback: What’s Been Happening | February 2023 – Natalie the Explorer
  42. Pingback: Variety is the spice of life…and so it is with reading #WOYBS – Deb's World

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