Just four more days until it is ‘officially’ Spring in Canada. I must confess that I spent much of early March curled up beside my fireplace reading, writing, and watching snow descend upon Vancouver Island. Although snow in March is just plain wrong, the cold weather did allow me to indulge in some awesome books.
Jane Austen
Emma
My Rating: 4.5
Rating on Goodreads: 4.04
Rating on Amazon: 4.5
Pages: 464 (13 hours on audible).
Jane Austen has been famously quoted as suspecting no one but herself would like her heroine, Emma Woodhouse. To this, I quietly raise my hand and say that I liked her. Yes, Emma’s flawed. Yes, she’s spoiled and vain. And yes, she has an undeniable penchant for manipulation.
But we get to witness as she struggles with her mistakes and her careless treatment of others. Her agony is so vividly drawn that it is impossible not to feel for her. This novel is wonderfully witty and wickedly funny. It brilliantly showcases Austen’s mastery of both character development and social commentary.
I read Emma with my Classics Book Club, where we end our reading and discussions by baking something inspired by the book. This time we made ‘Cranachan.’
A Scottish dessert inspired by an English novelist? Yup! Emma’s father, Mr. Woodhouse, ate little but oats heated in milk. Also, one of the key scenes took place at a strawberry-picking party. Thus, this was the perfect choice for us. It was an easy recipe that could be made within our timeframe. Win-win-win! (Missing from our photo is Sue, book club member and cohost of this linkup).
Charles Dickens
The Cricket on the Hearth
MyRating: 4
Rating on Goodreads: 3.45
Rating on Amazon: 4.2
Pages: 96 (3 hours on audible).
This has been a very Dickens month for me. I have begun reading Great Expectations with my Classics Bookclub. We read in sections, so I will post my full review of GE next month. I have also continued to read Dickens’ Christmas Novellas as part of the challenge hosted by Yvette, Trent and Marsha.
This month, I read Crickets on the Hearth, the second of Dicken’s Christmas novellas. Despite not directly referencing Christmas, it captures the holiday’s essence through themes of family, hope, and love tied together by the central character, a cricket. Often criticized for sentimentality, I enjoyed this heartwarming tale that was full of magic and whimsy. Still, the final paragraph did leave me puzzled. Who was the narrator? What was the meaning of the characters vanishing into thin air? Was it an expression of life’s transience or simply a reminder that this is a fairy tale? If you have any thoughts on this, I’d love to hear them.
If you’d like to join this novella challenge – it’s fun, easy and time-friendly. You only need to read one of Dickens’ novellas (less than 100 pages) between now and June. It’s a great way to connect with Dickens’ writing (without committing to one of his 900+ page novels). And you get to meet some fabulous new people along the way!
Jessie Burton
The Muse
MyRating: 4
Rating on Goodreads: 3.85
Rating on Amazon: 4.3
Pages: 417 (13 hrs, 20 min on Audible)
The Muse weaves together two storylines – one set in Spain in 1936, the other in London thirty+ years later. Burton’s captivating writing and detailed research brought this historical fiction to life. Despite some predictable moments, I never wanted to put the book down.
Annie Proulx
The Shipping News
MyRating: 4
Rating on Goodreads: 3.87
Rating on Amazon: 4.3
Pages: 368 (13 hours on Audible).
Proulx’s prose is wonderfully poetic, strikingly fragmented, and brilliantly laced with similes and metaphors. Her vivid descriptions of the rugged Newfoundland landscape and its quirky characters kept me engaged throughout.
This darkly comic story with supernatural elements was simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming. The themes of family, community, and redemption were expertly woven together. The sudden but satisfying ending left a strong, lasting impression.
I read The Shipping News as part of my Reel Bookclub (where we read the book and watch the movie adaptation). The movie version had an outstanding cast who were each convincing in their roles. I loved the visual impact of the breathtaking Newfoundland scenery. I was relieved that it stayed true to the book.
During one of my rabbit hole tumbles, I read that the author, Annie Proulx, was convinced the film would be a “wicked piece of slop” and was relieved to discover that it was “an extraordinary piece of filmmaking”….”with the character and direction of the book intact.”
The Moosewood Collective
Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home
MyRating: 4
Rating on Goodreads: 4.05
Rating on Amazon: 4.6
Pages: 416
This is a delightful book to read cover to cover. So far, I have tried several recipes from this book including, Greek Fish in a Packet, Muffin Madness (apple version), and Fudge Brownies.
Each recipe used minimal, simple ingredients, was easy to prepare and could be made in under 40 minutes. The muffins were quite basic, but I loved the other dishes I made (and have already made the fish a second time). I am desperately trying to downsize the number of cookbooks that I own (amongst other things)! Thus, I predominantly borrow cookbooks from our local library or read recipes online. I borrowed my current copy of this cookbook from a friend. Despite all of the above, I plan to purchase my own copy of one of the Moosewood cookbooks. That alone speaks volumes!
Joanne Tracey
Christmas In Manus Ridge
I was honoured to serve as a beta reader for ‘Christmas in Manus Ridge’ by Joanne Tracey.
Ainsley, who readers previously met in ‘Careful What You Wish For’, now receives the spotlight. She has made some mistakes, hits a low point, and is given a chance to grow and redeem herself.
Ainsley is surrounded by a cast of diverse characters – not all with her best interest at heart. This is exactly the kind of book I love to curl up with during the holidays – beautiful writing, engaging twists and turns, meaningful takeaways and characters who stay with you long after you have finished reading.
Watch out for it this coming Christmas. You won’t be disappointed.
What’s Been On Your Bookshelf?
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.
What’s your weather been up to lately? Sneak in any good books?
We’d love to hear from you.
Deb at Deb’s World
Jo at And Anyways
Sue at Women Living Well After 50
Donna
Retirement Reflections 
Always great to read your round up of books, Donna! A nice blend of modern with classic literature. Spring is minutes away and in my area the temps hit 51F, happy dance…hope your weather is similar. Now you’ll have to digitally brush off those audiobooks!
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Hi, Terri – I am absolutely joining you in that Spring Weather Happy Dance. As I type this, our weather is 46F and sunny. I just came back in from a hike. Not having to pile on a million layers was Heaven!
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Thanks for the shout-out… I’m glad you enjoyed Ainsley’s story – I wasn’t going to write it, but she really nagged me until I did!
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Hi, Jo – I am glad that Ainsley was persisent. It is a wonderful story that I look forward to reading again this Christmas!
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I’m reading all 5 of Dickens “Christmas” novellas (yeah, no all are Christmas) and just finished The Cricket on Tuesday. The crickets did show people visions of the past and possible future, so with the hint about the broken toy, was the narrator the baby as an older adult? Not sure – I did wonder a few times as the story progressed and assumed he would say at the end instead of giving that riddle…
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Hi, Trent – Thanks for adding this. I did think about the baby (now older) as a likely narrator. I believe that the riddle allows us to reflect on a great deal while being wrapped in what Dickens has subtitled a fairy tale. I greatly look forward to discussing this (and the other novellas) further this June!
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The discussions on the novellas should be fun 🙂
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I am greatly looking forward to them!
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I am so glad you liked Emma! As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, she is my favourite Austen heroine. The other one on your list that I have read is The Muse which my book group did, I’m astonished to see from my list, exactly 5 years ago in March 2018. I enjoyed it, but subsequently read The (more famous?) Miniaturist and liked that even more.
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Hi, Anabel – I remember that you mentioned that Emma was your favourite Austen Heroine. I can see why. She is richly complex and convincing. Thank you for mentioning The Miniaturist. I have also heard great things about it!
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The Muse is new to me, but you definitely made it sound intriguing and it’s going on my read-next list! It’s funny, because the book I’m reading now received a bad review from the blog I read about it, but even though the blogger un-recommended it, it sounded fantastic to me, and I’m enjoying it 🙂
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I love that about books (and so many other things) our responses to them are so individual and unique. I am currently reading Steibeck’s Grapes of Wrath. It is literally taking my breath away!
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That’s spectacularly high praise! May I ask what you find so amazing about the book?
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Steinbeck’s writing is pure magic. So much so, I found myself applauding (yup, applauding to a book) at the end of Chapter 3. And it has continued to get even better from there! I am now just over half way through and find myself trying to sneak in a few more pages (when I trule should be doing other things).
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It has been years since I read The Shipping News but loved it at the time I remember and also liked the film. I had considered The Muse so good to read your review.
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Hi, Barb – It is amazing to think that The Shipping News was published 30 years ago. Time has an incredible way of simultaneously standing still and blurring by at light-speed. I think that you would like The Muse. It is a great story that also drops many gems for reflection.
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Emma is my favorite Jane Austen novel. How rich, isolated, and dominated by her father is Emma. No wonder she tries to control others. I have that Moosewood cookbook, and it is worth owning.
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Hi, Laurie – Those are wise thoughts on Emma. Her pain in reflecting on her carelessness with others is palpable. She seems to be a character that readers tend to love or hate. I am definitely on your side of the camp here!
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Well, she’s no Elizabeth Bennet, but there’s a lot to Emma.
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That’s very true!
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Thanks for the reviews. I remember reading The Shopping News but I don’t remember a thing about it. That seems odd to me, but there you go. I’d like to read The Muse. It sounds intriguing.
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Hi, Ally – That doesn’t seem odd to me at all. The Shipping News was published 30 years ago. I believe that the books we read are like our human relationships. Some are meant for a season, some for a specific reason, and the very special ones for a lifetime. (My apologies to Brian Chalker for messing up his poem). ❤
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Hi Donna – what an assortment! From the Victorian era through to the future (seeing Jo’s book’s not published yet). A great overview and nice to see you finding time in your busy life to keep up with the reading.x
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Thanks, Leanne. That’s what I love about Book Clubs and Reading Challenges. They often nudge me out of my reading comfort zone and encourage me to read widely. Life is never too busy for reading (or hiking)….she says as a retiree with time on her hands! ❤
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That’s a very interesting and varied list of suggestions/reviews. Thank you.
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Hi, Thomas – Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I greatly appeciate you stopping by!
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Great list. Thank you for sharing. I don’t agree with your rating on The Shipping News, with its hilarity, heartbreak and heavy undertones, not to mention what I think is one of the funniest scenes in literary history. One of my top 10 novels ever. But that’s OK; we all pull different things and feel different things… er… differently, which is one of the pure joys of fiction, isn’t it? Again, thank you for sharing.
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Hi, Martin – Thank you so much for dropping by and commenting. I wholeheartedly agree with you. Books offer such different things to each of us, with someone’s favourite book of all time, being quite forgettable to another. I still don’t get those who don’t love Bill Bryson’s ‘A Walk in the Woods.” That book never fails to make me laugh out loud (quite uncontrollably). Thus, I can never ever read it on a plane or on the subway! 😀
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So it is for me with Steinbeck’s “Tortilla Flat”
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I am currently half way through Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath. His writing continues to blow my mind!
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By the way, just picked up “A Walk in the Woods.” Thank you for the recommendation. 😀
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Awesome! I’d love to hear what you think about it when you are finished reading it!
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What a list of books! Most of my reading has been to prepare for my next novel. I’ve been having a great time with it.
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Hi, Jacqui- I am so glad that your prep for your new novel is going well. Wishing you much continued success with your writing.
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I will check out the Moosewood cookbook. I have heard several bloggers enjoying the delightful recipes found in it.
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It’s a cool cookbook. A definite classic. I think that you will like it!
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Hi Donna, I remember really loving Shipping News. I read it when it was newly released and it stayed with me for a long while. I haven’t read The Cricket On The Hearth and have to admit that I didn’t realise it was a Christmas Book. It’s now on my list. Emma I also read long ago and loved. I wouldn’t mind doing a re-read
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Hi, Jennifer – Christmas on the Hearth is not Christmassy at all. Actually, if I didn’t already know it was one of Dickens’ Christmas Novellas, I wouldn’t have guessed. Still, it is well worth the read anytime of the year (as is a re-read of Emma). Thank you for being a regular at What’s On Your Bookshelf. It is greatly appreciated.
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Hi Donna – you are waiting for Spring whilst here in Queensland we are waiting for Autumn. Today has been a scorcher – 32c but with the humidity felt like 37-40c (100f ish). I expect though I will soon be moaning that it’s freezing but not by your standards! You have read a wide range of books again this month with many classics that I should revisit but I always get distracted by the new shiny books coming out! Thanks for sharing
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Hi, Janine – If only you could bottle up some of your warm weather and send it this way — it would be greatly, greatly appreciated. I agree about the temptation shiny new books bring. It is definitely my book clubs that keep me on track! 😀
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I love your reviews. I am a huge Jane Austen aficionado and belonged to The Jane Austen Society of North America when I lived in BC. Emma is my favourite of all her amazing books. Like you, I felt for her. I think she was very real and meant well.
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Hi, Darlene – My Classics Bookclub just finished reading and discussing each of Austen’s completed novellas. I am very grateful for this deep dive with friends. I agree with you on Emma. It was a wonderful book for our group to end with. ❤
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I always enjoy your reviews! I wish I could read as much as you do!
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Thanks, Kate – My goal often is to read less. Mostly because when I’m reading, I’m not hiking. I need to incorporate audiobooks into my hikes but I am always afraid that I will miss something on both counts!
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I should do audiobooks too. Easy and won’t make my eyes tired.
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I loved The Shipping News way back when, and recommended it to many over the years. I also loved Emma.
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Hi, Dorothy – Thank you for reading and commenting. Both books are definitely classics in their own way.
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I’m pretty sure we got more snow in March than any other month this winter and I was saying the same thing– snow in March is just wrong. I can’t wait for Joanne’s book; that sounds wonderful. So far she has yet to write a story I didn’t enjoy.
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Hi, Joanne – You will absolutely love Christmas at Manus Ridge. I believe that Jo is doing preorders this June. I will definitely be rereading it this Christmas. I’m so glad that Ainsley had a chance to have her story told.
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HI Donna, I’m always inspired by the way your write your reviews. You bring the books and the authors alive. I was sorry to miss the Baking session but I’m very interested in the Novella challenge. Where do you find all of your ideas?? Thanks for being a Stunning co-host of What’s On Your Bookshelf? I’m checking out The Muse and also the Dickens novella from your recommendations. Thanks! x
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Hi, Sue – Thank you for your very kind words. I’m so glad that you are interested in the Dickens’ Challenge. The requirements are simple. You just need to read one of Dicken’s five Christmas novellas and link in with Yvette, Trent or Marsha by June 9. I highly recommend Cricket on the Hearth. I’d love to know what you think of the ending.
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I’ve never heard of that Dickens book – will have to look for it! Looking forward to discussing The Shipping News with you and Paula in the near future. See you in poetry class, my friend!
Deb
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Thanks, Deb – I’m greatly looking forward to that discussion as well. Paula and her husband stayed in the B&B where Annie wrote this book. They have a bunch of cool inside details about this! ❤
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I haven’t had much free reading time these days, but I enjoyed your list, Donna. Emma has always been a favorite of mine.
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Hi, Jill – I hope that all is well and that you are busy with your writing (this anxious fan eagerly awaits). Sending warm thoughts your way.
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I remember reading The Shipping News years ago when my mother passed it on to me after finishing it and loving the story. I’m not sure that I saw the film, but I sure enjoyed to book. I probably read Emma years ago too, but I don’t recall the plot… it seems that I need to pick it up again. I’m looking forward to reading Jo’s new book also. I love her wonderful writing and characters.
I (successfully this time) added a new favorite book to your linky party. Yay, me!
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Definitely yay you! I am off to check your link right now. See you there!
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Hi Donna, Thank you for sharing your books and reviews. I’m reading and enjoying The Furrows by Namwali Serpell.
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Hi, Natalie – Thanks for sharing your current read. I haven’t heard of that book but am off to look it up right now. ❤
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Hi –
I really like how you do book reviews (succinct and detailed)
–
also, thanks for sharing about your book for the #Dickenschallenge and for inviting folks to join in 🙂
If I read this one – I will give you my feedback on the ending – but that question about the endings is also perfect for the June chats that unfold – we will see what others have to say
XX
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Thank you for your kind words. ❤ I greatly look forward to that June chat. So far I have read three of the novellas and hope to get at least one more in (she says with confidence)!
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☀️😊
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That’s a different perspective from reading a book and then going on to watch the movie via a book club. The Shipping News novel looks exciting, and the movie has one of my favourite actresses, which is a big incentive to watch. Well done to Jo for another book being published. Amazing.
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Thanks, Suzanne – I love that my book clubs each have a very different focus. I think that you would like The Shipping News. All of the actors and actresses were incredibly convincing, especially Judi Dench, Julianne Moore and Cate Blanchett. 😀
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Love Emma!
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Hi, Carol – Me too! It was an absolutely wonderful read!
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Hi Donna, I’m finally catching up with you all for WOYBS and as always I loved all your reviews!! You capture the tone and message of everything your read and share with genuine delight, it’s just a pleasure to read your words 🙂 Emma challenged me but I ended up liking her character and could see her many layers come though in our discussions. I loved Jo’s book too, we’re so privileged to get an advance read! Thanks for sharing your reads this month and a few, like The Muse, really appeal to me.
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Hi, Debbie – Thank you for your very kind words. I agree that we are very privileged to be able to advance read Jo’s books (and I try very hard not to be fired from this position). 😀 I think that you would like The Muse. It was a very compelling read!
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Oh my gosh, The Shipping News! That was such a strange but wonderful book. I’d forgotten that I read it until I saw your post. I need to enter it into GoodReads, now that I’m actually trying to keep up with what I read! I just finished The Sleeping Car Porter, which I saw in a link of top 25 historical fiction reads, by Canadian writer Suzette Mayr. Interesting premise and writing style. Still processing the overall approach to the story, but it seems well researched.
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Hi, Tracey – That’s exactly what I love about book recommendations and sharing book with friends. Not only is that a great way to discover new books, it also helps us to reflect on our reads from the past. The Sleeping Car Porter sounds very interesting. I love book that keep me thinking long after I have closed the final page.
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Donna,
I appreciate your comment regarding Book Clubs and how they nudge you out of your comfort zone. Perhaps I should give it a try. I slipped into my comfort zone and finished another John Grisham (The Appeal) while on our current trip. I’m reading J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century by Beverly Gage. At 755 pages, it’s a handful, but so far, it is an excellent combination of 20th Century history and a biography of a flawed man who served eight presidents. I’m impressed by the number of your readers who have read The Shipping News. I’ll look into it. Have a great week. Joe
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Hi, Joe – Without book clubs, I definitely not read as widely as I currently do. Still comfort zone books offer us so much, as do big thick books that we can immerse ourselves in over a chunk of time. THe Shipping News (first published in 1993) has definitely been a popular novel. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1994). The US National Book Award for Fiction (1993), The Irish Times International Fiction Prize (1993) and was listed by BBC News as one of the 100 Most Inspiring Novels of All Time (2019). I hope that your travels are continuing to go well for both you and Helen.
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I’m ordering it now! Thanks muchly!
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Fingers crossed that you like it! Everyone that I know did…but 3,933 (2%) did not.
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I love your book selections. I will put The muse on my list.
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Hi, Antoinette – Thanks so much for dropping by. I think that you will quite like The Muse. It definitely is a page turner!
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I agree, snow in March is just wrong. and in April or even May, though snow in May is definitely rare but I’ve experienced it here! 5/3/13, I’ll never forget it. But I digress. I love reading these book reviews because I get ideas for more books to read. I think I would like The Muse so I put it on hold at my library and it’s already ready! Going to pick it up tomorrow. I also saw comments here about another book by the same author, The Miniaturist so I added that one to my bookshelf at my library. So thank you for these suggestions. Looking forward to it!
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I absolutely loved your comments about snow. Snow in March is just plain rude, but snow in May. What the heck?!! That is totally wrong on all counts! 😀
I’m delighted that you were able to get a copy of The Muse from your local library. I have also heard great things about The Minitaurist. I would love to hear what you think of both books when you are finished.
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Ha! Thanks 🙂 I googled about snow in May and one item said “about every 30 years” so it’s been 10 since the last one. Hope I’m not here for the next time! I started my own post about what I read in the last month and hope to finish soon. Hoping to keep at it but we will see, the best laid plans and all that…..so hopefully you’ll see my thoughts on those books next month. 🤞 (marking down the date so I can get started earlier…)
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I look forward to your post!
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Hi Donna what a sumptuous feast of reading! I’ve just had a quick squizz on my bookshelves to see where those 3 Jane Austen books are as well as the Shipping News which I remember was brilliant. I don’t see them right now – I’m a little perturbed but I’m sure to find them when I look harder.
I read John Boyne’s ‘All the Broken Places’ recently – a very fine book. Irish writer. I’d never read him before. I picked up his ‘A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom’ the other day … it looks wonderful.
Happy Spring! 🙂
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Hi, Susan – ‘All the Broken Places’ recently and ‘A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom’ both sound like books I would like. Thank you so much for sharing them here.
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You did get a lot of reading done, Donna! Thanks for the roundup. I recently read The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner, which I loved, and The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult, which was also a good read. Both were heavy subject matters, but also highlighted the resilience and hopefulness of the human spirit. I am currently reading True Spirit by Jessica Watson, which is the true story of an Australian teenager who sailed around the world solo, non-stop. So impressive. I’m afraid I lack that spirit of adventure, but I admire it in others.
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Hi, Christie – Thank you so much for sharing your recent reading with us. All three books sound great and I have repeatedly heard good things about The Storyteller.
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I’ve never read The Cricket on the Hearth but always enjoyed Dickens so it might make my holiday list. I’m afraid I have never liked Jane Austen! Too many bonnets. On a side note, Vancouver Island was featured heavily in a new BBC series, Race Across the World – I don’t know if it’s available in Canada yet. Will make a lot of people want to visit your lovely country.
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Hi, Gail – The “too many bonnets” gave me a great morning giggle. 😀
Thank you for letting me know about Race Across the World. I am off to look for it right now!
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Hi Donna – it’s fun to see what you’ve been reading. I’ve only read 1 Dickens book in full (A Tale of Two Cities). I read an abridged version of Great Expectations in high school, thinking it was the full version (I was clueless). That’s a big book! I may need to re-read Emma – I read it so long ago – so I can remember if I liked her! I was also pleased to see The Shipping News on your list – I really enjoyed that book, and it was one of the first books my book club read over 20 years ago. We joke about it now because no one else liked it – I still try to convince them!
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Hi, Barb – That’s cool that Shipping News was the first book read by your book club. I am surprised that others did not like it. I haven’t personally met anyone who hadn’t liked it (but as you know, there are always those on Goodreads who rate with 1 star).
For my Classics BookClub, we always divide a book into sections and read, discuss, read, discuss, read, discuss + bake. So no book seems too large or overwhelming. 😀
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That’s a good strategy – my book club is meeting soon to talk about These Precious Days, but we’re only picking a few essays to discuss.
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Crazy life for the last couple of weeks and somehow I totally missed this post and the link up. Oh well I did not read a heck of a lot for most of the month anyway. As usual you have an eclectic mix of books in the read pile! Bernie
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Hi, Bernie – Thanks for dropping by. I never close off the comment sections of my post so that readers can drop by whenever is convenient for them.
Your life definitely has looked busy lately – but mostly in a very good way!
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I don’t think I’ve actually read any dickens. Obviously I know almost all the stories. Or read ‘children’s’ editions. Might track that down as it’s short and I can only vaguely remember it.
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Hi, Lydia – Thanks so much for stopping by. You can read Cricket on the Hearth free online in numerous places. It’s short, sweet with Dickens’ wonderful writing!
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