I was on my Blogging Break in April and missed last month’s #WOYBS. As I managed to sneak in a few books while travelling (especially during my 13-hour flights to and from Hongkong), I have lots to catch up on. I’ve sorted these reads by my star ratings. While all books listed have received much critical acclaim (or best-seller status), there were a small handful that were less-enjoyable for me. Let’s start with my favourites!
My Five-Star Reads
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. What’s it about in a word? Transformation.
Why 5 Stars? Dickens dramatically captures the sharp contrast between what makes us happy and what we come to believe will make us happy. This thought-provoking tale repeatedly spotlights the true value of life. Once again, Dickens has proven himself to be a master of evoking time and place. His vivid, exquisite writing is intoxicating. This story has stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Movie Bonus: I watched the film with Gwyneth Paltrow, Ethan Hawke, Robert De Niro and Anne Bancroft. Although generally not well-reviewed by critics, I enjoyed it. As reviewer Dan DiNicola stated, it has a “contemporary hipness” and is “more of a meditation on its source than a filming of it.” I found it to be a creative and provocative adaptation of how this story might look if taking place in current times.
Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.
What’s it about in a word? Resillience.
Why 5 Stars? Through his masterful storytelling and rich character development, Steinbeck takes readers on a powerful journey with a working-class family during the Great Depression. The novel brilliantly highlights the resilience and perseverance of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity. It showcases the power of community and solidarity in times of crisis.
Sadly, the themes of social justice, poverty, and inequality are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published in 1939. It is absorbing and gutwrenching, with an ending that never leaves you.
Movie Bonus: Made in 1940 in black and white, this film remains brilliant, timely and haunting. More info here.
My Four-Star Reads:
Why Shoot the Teacher by Max Braithwaite
This autobiographical novel spotlights the trials and tribulations of a young schoolteacher in rural Saskatchewan in 1933.
Why Read It? It’s unflinchingly candid while simultaneously heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny.
Movie Bonus: This 1977 Canadian comedy-drama is cost-free to watch on Youtube. It was shot on-location in Hanna, Alberta. It won a 1978 Canadian Film Award as well as a Golden Reel Award (for attaining high box-office gross revenues). The film remained faithful to the book (albeit a condensed version).
A Room with a View by E.M. Forster.
This is a well-crafted novel that skillfully explores complex themes of social class, cultural differences, and personal freedom. Although I enjoyed it, it wasn’t quite a 5-star read for me. The characters were well-developed, but I found myself not fully invested in their outcomes, and the resolution of their conflicts felt disjointed.
Movie Bonus: This 1985 adaption has an all-star cast, great music and beautiful photography. It is effectively slow and thoughtful. Spoiler alert: the pond bathing scene is hysterical!
The Chimes by Charles Dickens: As always, Dickens’ vivid writing is thought-provoking and emotive. His characterizations are masterful. Although the majority of this tale is sombre, meant to provoke both apprehension and rage, the reader is given a choice at the end. I wholeheartedly choose to side with the protagonist’s optimism:
“We must trust and hope, and neither doubt ourselves, nor doubt the good in one another.” What better message could there be?
Movie Bonus: Youtube offers this free 23-minute stop-motion clay animation (2020). It’s incredibly clever, witty and remarkably true to the story (with the focus on a happy ending). There is also a 1914 British Silent Film which I have not yet seen.
A Year of Living Kindly by Donna Cameron
I’ve had this book on my ‘To Be Read Pile’ for quite some time. Finally caught up with my book club reading, I gave myself the luxury of reading this book slowly and mindfully. Although I don’t typically reread books, this is a powerful read that I plan to revisit yearly. Its well-deserved awards and nominations are listed below.
2020 New York City Big Book Awards Winner in Motivational
2020 14th Annual National Indie Excellence Award-Winner in Self-Help/Motivational
2019 IPPY Gold Medal Self Help
2019 Nautilus Book Awards Gold Winner in Personal Growth & Self-Help
2019 Next Generation Indie Book Gold Medal Winner in Motivational
2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in Nonfiction Self-Help
2019 Eric Hoffer Award Self-Help
2019 Independent Author Network Book of the Year First Place in Self-Help
2019 Chanticleer I & I Book Awards for Instruction and Insight Finalist
2019 International Book Finalist, General
2019 Nancy Pearl Best Book Finalist in Memoir
2019 Eric Hoffer Montaigne Finalist
2019 Foreword Indies Adult Nonfiction―Self-Help
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2018
Three Stars:
While each of these books has its own merit and its own strong following (especially Mrs. Dalloway), they simply weren’t for me. In a word or two, I found Dicken’s The Haunted Man too dark and heavy-handed, Sex and Vanity too over-the-top, and Mrs. Dalloway too disjointed (especially when trying to read it on vacation). You can find my full reviews here, here and here.
So what’s been on your bookshelf lately? Please let me know in the comments below. If you have a book post to share, please include it here.
Retirement Reflections 
What a combo this was… Room With a View is one that’s been on my list to read… maybe I should do just that.
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Thanks, Jo – I liked Room with a View but wasn’t blown away by it the way that I thought I would be. It is a quick read (and fun to follow up with Sex and Vanity). If you read them, I’d LOVE to know your thoughts!
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You are such a voracious reader. And the classics. Love Grapes of Wrath. I finally finished Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Nearly Everything. YEEAAHH!!!!! I’ve read Five Little Indians by Michelle Good & am currently reading Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers.
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Hi, Mona – You are very kind! I’d love to know what you thought of ASHoNE. I recently discussed Five Little Indians with one of my local bookclubs. It was the one book that we all agreed on, and all were very moved by. There were many tears during our discussion.
Malcolm Gladwell is a good friend of good friends of mine!
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I confess to never having managed to yet finish a Dickens. Room with a View – read it in my 20s and therefore probably needs a re-read given that wasn’t yesterday! I thought the Kevin Kwan a good ‘beach read’ if you follow.
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Hi, Barbara – I totally know what you mean by “that wasn’t yesterday.” That has been happening to me far too often lately. 😦 I love, love, love Dickens but recognize that his writing is not for everyone. I liked Room with A View but not as much as I thought that I would.
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Very highbrow reading this month Donna! You put me to shame (I’ve been reading an Urban Fantasy series about an assassin!) I’m glad you added A Year of Living Kindly onto your list because it reminded me that I need to read it too. Great having you back in the blogosphere. 🙂
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Hi, Leanne – Your comments always make me smile – in a very good way! I highly recommend A Year of Living Kindly. That’s a book that I will definitely be revisiting again and again. Thank you for your welcome back. It’s great to be here.
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Hi Donna, Thank you for your book reviews. The Grapes of Wrath has been on my TBR list. I’ll add The Year of Living Kindly to my list.
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Hi, Natalie – Great to hear from you, I know that you will love both books. If you read them, I’d love to hear your thoughts on them.
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Good to have you back
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Thanks so much, Antoinette – It is great to be here!
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That is serious reading! I’m impressed.
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Thank you, Jacqui – You are very, very kind.
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Haven’t written a book review post in a couple of months. But will try to put one together to join you gals. I applaud you for (re?)reading some of the classics. I think I probably read Great Expectations in school and think I enjoyed it if memory serves.
A Year of Lively Kindly sounds like a fabulous read. I don’t reread many books but this sounds like the kind of book that could revisit on the regular and always find something worthwhile to take away. Off to see if the library has a copy and, if not, to put it in my Amazon cart.
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Hi, Leslie – It’s great to hear from you, I enjoy your book reviews and would love for you to join us if you can. I couldn’t find A Year of Living Kindly in our local library but it was well worth the Kindle purchase. I think that you will really enjoy that book. It is filled with brilliant gems and important reminders.
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Have purchased. Thank you for the recommendation!!
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Awesome! Please let me know what you think when you are finished. I always LOVE to chat about books!
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Donna, I always love reading your book reviews and recommendations, so I eagerly clicked to your blog today. What a luscious surprise to find my book listed and recommended among so many tremendous books—some of them lifelong favorites. I am honored and ever so grateful that you read and liked A Year of Living Kindly, and I can’t thank you enough for your gracious words. I would tell you that you’ve made my day, but, in truth, you’ve made my whole month! Thank you!
~Donna
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Hi, Donna – It is wonderful to hear from you! Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I’m honoured to feature A Year of Living Kindly on this month’s What’s On Your Bookshelf. From the comments received, I believe that this book will be of great interest to readers. I recommend it highly.
Your comment about making your month left me with a huge smile!
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Hi Donna what a great selection of books and as always I admire your reviews and your writing. A Room with a View and Grapes of Wrath have long been on my list of books to read. Like you, I found Mrs Dalloway and little stilted although I persisted twice more – listening to the audio book which Julia Stevenson narrated and I watched the movie with Vanessa Redgrave as Mrs Dalloway. Both Julia and Vanessa brought the book to life and I now have a much better understanding.
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Hi, Sue – Thank you for your kind words. I greatly admire you for persevering with Mrs. Dalloway while I ran away screaming. I highly recommend Grapes of Wrath. While it is not an uplifting read – it does speak strongly to strength of character, our capacity for endurance and the power of community.
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HI Donna, I did prefer the audio and the movie much more than the book and gained a better understanding of Clarissa.
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Hi, Sue – I am super impressed by your perseverence. That is an incredibly admirable quality that shines through in all that you do. (Yup, I’m still running away screaming)! 😀
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Wow! You read some awesome books. I did like Mrs. Dalloway but I agree it is not a holiday book. Super reviews. Welcome back!
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Thanks so much, Darlene. I admired the literary merit of Mrs. Dalloway but did not enjoy the reading experience. Like you say, definitely not a holiday read. I hope all is well for you!
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I read To The Lighthouse and had trouble getting through it. The writing was quite different back then.
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Thanks, Darlene – I did see the movie (TTLH) which was very depressing. I gave the book a miss!
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A good decision. As I struggled with the book, I gave the movie a miss. LOL
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Hi Donna. I love Room With A View. You’ve reminded me of it. It’s many years since I read it so putting it on my list. I have Great Expectation on my list for a reread. I haven’t heard of Year of Living Kindly, but it sound like a book that I would enjoy. It’s going on my list also. Thanks for the recommendations.
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Hi, Jennifer – Thank you so much for stopping by. I think that you will greatly enjoy Year of Living Kindly. I highly recommend it. And a reread of Dickens and Forster is always a good thing! I’m off to read your book post shortly. See you there!
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I took my then 88 year old neighbour to watch The grapes of Wrath when it was shown at the library one night. At the end, she announced “Well, that was a downer…” so whenever I see the book now, I start to chuckle….because, as brilliant as that book is, it is also “a downer” Hehehe.I love that you snuck in a bit of modern junk (the Kwan) along with all your very high brow other reading…
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Hi, Lydia – The comment from your 88-year old neighbour made me laugh out loud (and is kinda true). Thank you for the morning smile. Sex and Vanity was recommended in one of my book clubs as s a modern day rewrite of Room with a View. The person recommending also commented on a very vivid sex scene. So, of course, I had to read it! 😀
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You certainly appear to be going on a literary journey of some the classic stories from the past. I love your recommendations/reviews of the film versions when available. Thank you for sharing
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Hi, Janine – The majority of the books on this list were book club picks and I read the Dickens’ novellas as part of Trent, Yvette and Marsha’s Dickens’ Challenge (open until June 6). I love the classics (or at least many of them) so this was a wonderful indulgence!
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Wow! That’s some reading, lots of classics all at once. I’ve had trouble reading since covid but am currently, while camping, reading The Latecomer by Jeff Korelitz. It was slow going, though oddly interesting. I had to skim some parts but I am determined to finish a book! Now, with 3/4 read there was an “aha!” Moment and pieces are fitting and I’m enjoying it.
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Hi, Dawn – So many people that I know lost their reading desire during COVID. I was the exact opposite (it was a great way for me to shut out the rest of the world). Your experience with The Latecomer is one of the reasons why I seldom don’t finish a book that I am reading. I’m always waiting for that ‘aha’ moment! 😀
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It’s lovely going back to the classics, especially if they were force-fed in high school!
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Hi, Dorothy – I was lucky that I had great high school English teachers and the books that they chose were accessible and compelling (The Great Gatsby, The Pearl, Farewell to Arms come to mind). But I do know exactly what you are talking about. Compulsive reading in HS with books that are not easily accessible or by teachers who are unable to bring them to life for their students can lead to a lifelong dread of some very amazing books. That’s a true tragedy!
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Welcome back! I’ve never read any Dickens and now I think I will after reading your reviews. And as you might see in my post, not everything an author writes will be appealing to a person which you have shown here with Dickens. I’ve gotten some great recommendations from this group of readers and now I’m going to add Why Shoot the Teacher and A Year of Living Kindly to my bookshelf. Great sum-up and thanks for sharing 🤗
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Thanks for the welcome! It is great to be back. I agree that some readers’ 5-star reads are other people’s 1-star or DNF. That’s what I love most about books and discussing them with others. My favourite book club chats are when different readers share diverse opinions about a book read (civilly, of course). 😀
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I do enjoy reading others’ comments 👍 Some day I might even join a book club.
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I highly recommend that. Book clubs come in all shapes and sizes so it is usually easy to find (or create) one that is just right for you!
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Oddly enough I have a Dickens novella on my shelf right now. I’m starting to read Cricket on the Hearth. Don’t know why I downloaded it other than I need something different to read. Maybe I was sensing your Dickens vibe from afar!
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Hi, Ally – Cricket on the Hearth is a great choice. If you read it by June 6, you may wish to drop by Priorhouse Blog, Trent’s World or Always Write as Yvette, Trent and Marsha are hosting a ‘Dickens’ Novella Challenge’. It is a great place to share opinions and spark ideas. Oh, and when you read it, if you have any answers to these questions about the ending, I would love to hear your thoughts. 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?
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Great reviews, my friend! Definitely going to check out Why Shoot The Teacher. I don’t know how I missed this one.
Deb
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Thanks, Deb. It’s a fun read. And the movie is a great one to curl up to (with Bowser of course) after a long day of gardening! ❤
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That’s quite a line-up. Especially as you were traveling. Wasn’t Bud Cort in Harold and Maud? That was one crazy movie! I feel exactly the way you do about Virginia Woolf. She just isn’t my cup of tea. Her writing is like a woven net that keeps me from getting close to the characters. And for me, characters uber alles.
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Hi, Laurie – You are GOOD! Yes, Bud Cort played Harold in ‘Harold and Maud’. I breathed a sigh of relief when you said that VW also was not your cup of tea (misery loves company1) 😀 You’re right about her keeping readers away from the character (yet my belief that was her writing was supposed to do the opposite). Wonderful to hear from you!
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Glad you’re back! Always enjoy reading your posts. As for Virginia Woolf…I know she is considered one of the great writers of the twentieth century. Not to put too fine a point on it, but she is definitely not for me. Out of step with her, I guess.
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Definitely not for me either. Other book club members chose to listen to this book on audio, which they much preferred. Me? I ran away screaming! 😉
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As always, quite the selection!
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Thanks, Kate! I hope that all is well there. I am off to your site now to check in.
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Welcome back from your blogging break, Donna. This is quite a reading list. I am currently reading Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin (nonfiction) and The Hidden Child by Louise Fein (fiction). Both are good reads, though The Hidden Child is pretty heavy and sad.
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Hi, Christie – Those both do sound like good reads (even the sad one). Like so many others, I read The Happiness Project several years back. Since then, I lost track of this author. Time for me to check in on her writing again!
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Just finished The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads. Family saga takes place in India.
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Hi, Ann – Someone else recently told me that they were reading The Covenant of Water and were really enjoying it. Thank you for the recommendation. I will check it out!
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I love the snippets of movie bonus! Some serious reading done….I’ve never read The Grapes of Wrath, one for the list.
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Hi, Gail – Thanks so much for dropping by. I am not usually much of a TV movie gal but these books+movie combos have been very fun and thought-provoking. ❤
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Hello. The Grapes Of Wrath is one of the best novels I’ve ever read. I’ve read a fair amount by Steinbeck, and this one exceeds the others by far, in my opinion.
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I completely agree with you about Grapes of Wrath. I just finished reading Cannery Row which was good but not remotely the same impact. I also plan to read Sweet Thursday and to reread My Travels with Charlie. I will let you know how they go.
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Thirteen hour flights!!! I’m not sure I could survive one that long. 😬 A former boss of mine reads “Great Expectations” every other year, he loves it that much. I’m currently reading “Atonement” by Ian McEwan. Good to see you back blogging! – Marty
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Hi, Marty – It’s great to hear from you. I admire your former boss’s dedication. I very seldom reread books. But I do usually reread ‘A Christmas Carol’ each December. Maybe it’s a Dickens thing! I’m off to your blog now to see what I have missed!
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I vaguely remember reading Grapes of Wrath in high school and enjoying it a lot (waaay more than The Old Man and the Sea!). I find Dicken’s books can be real hit or miss for me too but I think I’m that way with most authors.
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Hi, Joanne – I’m impressed that you enjoyed Grapes of Wrath in High School. It’s a very heavy read. I read The Old Man and the Sea last year and loved it — but am not sure that I would have loved it if reading it in High School. I agree about the hit and miss. I absolutely LOVED Great Expectations, Bleak House and A Christmas Carol. I just finished reading the four remaining Christmas Novellas and my enjoyment of them was quite varied!
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I’ve put A Year of Living Kindly on my TBR! Thanks for sharing!
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Hi, Carol – That’s a powerful book. I believe that you will really enjoy it!
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Hi Donna – I’ve put your books on my library list … I need to read them. I’ve just read Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea; the Cat Who Saved Books – loved this – Sosuke Natsukawa; the latest Louise Penny: The Madness of Crowds … very informative about societies today. I’m reading more than I was – a dangerous occupation! Cheers Hilary
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Hi, Hilary- Once again you have put a smile on my face! Reading truly can be a dangerous occupation! The Cat Who Saved Books sounds interesting. I will check it out!
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I love what you did here Donna, you’ve succinctly summed up the books you read, rated them and told us your honest thoughts :). You have a lovely way with words and the reading you do is reflected in your posts. Thanks for being a great co-host for WOYBS, I always enjoy your posts :). and by the way I agree with your review of Mrs Dalloway although our bookclub discussion made it more palatable in some ways.
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Hi, Debbie – I am very impressed that you have been keeping up with your blogging and blog reading while visiting family. That’s a lot of balancing!
Thank you for your kind words. I greatly look forward to continue following your updates.
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All your books sound lovely Donna. I’m reading John Boyne: a Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom.
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Hi, Susan – Thanks so much for dropping by. A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom sounds very appealing. I am off to check out your blog now.
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I always enjoy your honest reviews, Donna. You sure immersed yourself in classic literature! I like it when a book is so good it sticks with you after you’ve read it. The classics should do that 😀
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Hi, Terri – It’s great to hear from you. I’m in a Classics Book Club and other book clubs that I am in have recently chosen Classics as well. I have currently fallen down a John Steinbeck rabbit hole and am sinking deeper and deeper. Grapes of Wrath led to Cannery Row which led Sweet Thursday which led to Travels with Charley which led to Mad at the World. It’s been quite the journey…and I cannot guarantee that it will stop there! D
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Hi Donna – thanks for sharing your reviews – I’m sure a 13-hour flight gave you plenty of time to read! It’s interesting to me that you recently read Dickens because my SIL and I just decided tonight to read David Copperfield together (also reading Demon Copperhead). I’ve only read A Tale of Two Cities which I thought was excellent. And you don’t need to convince me that The Grapes of Wrath is a 5-star read – it’s one of my favorite books Hope you’re doing well 😊
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Hi, Barb – I haven’t read David Copperfield but it’s on my (very long) list! I saw your GoW review on Goodreads. It was excellent! Enjoy DC and DC. Reading together with your SIL sounds like a very fun adventure!
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Thanks, Donna!
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Donna, you write the greatest reviews. Short, succinct, and honest. I rated The Chimes slightly lower than you did, about 3.5. The Haunted one I tried to read about three times and didn’t ever finish. I agree with you wholeheartedly about Great Expectations. I love this analysis. GE relates “the sharp contrast between what makes us happy and what we come to believe will make us happy.” How true that was. Time reveals many things to us about that topic. Dickens took the space in his book to allow much time to elapse. The same is not true of the short stories. I think he does a better job with his longer works.
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Hi, Marsha – Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback. I wrote slighly more details of Dickens’ novellas on my Goodreads site. There, I linked to you, Trent and Yvette. I greatly looking forward to the upcoming discussion of the novellas. I read all five. My GR review for Haunted Man is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5510640833. The Chimes is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5512875989.
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Thank you so much. I will link them to my last post.
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