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 at 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 
I am not an Austen fan, I have never enjoyed her books although I have read a few including Emma. I liked your commentary about the Dickens Reading Challenge. I enjoyed The Cricket on the Heath. The opening scene was terrific.
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Hi, Roberta – I wholeheartedly agree with you about the opening of Cricket on the Hearth.
“The kettle began it! Don’t tell me what Mrs. Peerybingle said. I know better. Mrs. Peerybingle may leave it on record to the end of time that she couldn’t say which of them began it; but, I say the kettle did. I ought to know, I hope! The kettle began it, full five minutes by the little waxy-faced Dutch clock in the corner, before the Cricket uttered a chirp.”
With that introduction, I was fully engaged in reading – hook, line and sinker!
BTW – I do also love Austen, but I definitely appreciate that she is not to everyone’s taste.
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Such a wonderful beginning. These novellas were worth reading just for their amazing beginnings. I don’t like Austen because I don’t like silly females who fall for horrible men. It just irks me. I did love Jane Eyre and The Scarlett Letter.
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I agree about the brilliant beginnings of Dickens’s novellas. I also understand your point about females falling for horrible men. My Classics Bookclub has had great discussions on that exact point!
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