Books, What's On Your Bookshelf?

Late Summer Reads

Retirement Reflections

I initially struggled to get into The Buccaneers. (I hear that moan across continents, Jo!) However, a third of the way through, I was hooked by Edith Wharton’s eloquent prose and well-crafted characters. Regrettably, there was a noticeable shift in language during the novel’s final chapters. Even though the ending was something I had been rooting for, it didn’t feel quite right.
I realize I stand in the minority here, but I would have preferred to read this book as Wharton had left it, allowing me to ponder the endless possibilities of her tragically unfinished tale.


River Mumma is a captivating, magical realist novel by Toronto-based writer Zalika Reid-Benta. It seamlessly weaves Jamaican folklore into a contemporary Toronto setting, taking readers on a mesmerizing journey. The story follows Alicia, a second-generation Caribbean Canadian millennial who is thrust into a time-sensitive quest for a Jamaican water deity

Reid-Benta’s exhilarating, fast-paced narrative keeps readers engrossed, making Jamaican culture and folklore accessible to all. Her fresh and engaging voice breathes new life into age-old tales, offering a unique perspective. If you’re looking for something different, River Mumma is an excellent choice. It is scheduled for public release in August 22, 2023. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the Advanced Readers Copy.

Kerry Clare is another incredibly talented Toronto based writer. Her soon-to-be-released novel, Asking for a Friend, takes the reader on an emotional journey through the complexities of female friendship. Spanning two decades, the story delves into the highs and lows of Jess and Clara’s enduring bond, from their youthful adventures to the challenges of adulthood. Clare masterfully captures the essence of growing up, growing apart, and finding the way back to those who truly matter. Her writing style is engaging and captivating.

The depth of the story surprised me, touching on important topics such as women’s rights, abortion, pregnancy, loss, heartbreak, the bonds that unite us and the bonds that slip away.

I highly recommend picking up Asking for a Friend when it hits bookshelves on September 25th. It is bound to evoke nostalgia and leave you pondering the bonds that define your own life. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada, Net Galley, and Kerry Clare for this gripping and insightful ARC.


Richard Wagamese, an Ojibwe Canadian author left behind an enduring legacy. Indian Horse, written in 2012, delves into the harsh realities of Indigenous peoples, exploring themes of identity, cultural displacement, trauma, and resilience. Through vivid storytelling, Wagamese exposes the painful legacy of assimilation policies and intergenerational trauma, making it a powerful and necessary read for all Canadians.

The masterful ending serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of cultural identity. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to readers of all backgrounds, urging us to reflect on our shared humanity and the need for true compassion and understanding. 5 Stars (I’d give it more if I could).

AUDIBLE.COM

In preparation for my upcoming Camino from Lisbon to Fatima, I listened to this book on Audible. The author examines the Fatima apparitions and their significance over the past century. You can find my full Goodreads review here.

NETFLIX

I also watched Fatima, the 2020 movie, on Netflix. From my understanding, it stays true to the history (in condensed form) and honours believers while including a balanced view. Although reviews of the film have been mixed, I found it worth watching. Now I simply need to continue my hill climbing practice and squeeze my essentials into a single lightweight backpack!

What I’ll Be Reading Next:

I am currently taking a short reading break (to get in as much hiking and last minute Camino prep as possible). Here’s what I’ll be reading next. I greatly look forward to digging into both books. Philly Barker is on the Case will be released this October. This is How We Grow is currently available here.

Sue, Debbie, Jo and I would love for you to share what you have been reading lately. You can do so in the comments or via the handy link below. We hope to see you here!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js…

Unknown's avatar

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.

83 thoughts on “Late Summer Reads”

  4. I always enjoy your posts Donna because most of the time the books you have recommended haven’t been on my radar. I need to read a book by a Carribean author so not sure if River Mumma fits that criteria. Is the author Canadian or from the Carribean originally? I enjoyed The Buccaneers more than I thought I would.

    Can you believe we are celebrating 2 years of WOYBS? Thanks for being a fabulous co-host and fabulous friend! x

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Sue – I know! How is it two years already?! Time has zipped by at incredible speed!
      Zalika Reid-Benta is a Canadian author of Caribbean heritage. Caribbean culture and stories are strongly interwoven into her work. Knowing her works, purpose and heritage, I would say that River Mumma should count for your challenge. Caribean folklore is the focus of that book.
      I am glad that you enjoyed The Buccaneers. I liked most of it but would have preferred to have read it unfinished. The ending just didn’t sit right with me. I will have to take Jo’s advice and watch the mini-series!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. Interesting seeing all the Canadian writers that you’ve been reading Donna. I don’t really enjoy reading Australian authors (or watching Australian movies for some reason) but I do enjoy the references to places I’m familiar with. You certainly had a well rounded bookshelf this month.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Leanne – I usually greatly enjoy books by female Canadian writers. But I do have to put in the caveat of ‘usually.’ Some of our most famous Canadian female writers sadly are not my copy of tea. Way too harsh for my sensitive soul! 😀

      Like

      Reply

  7. Nice selection of books and good, honest reviews, I think I’d enjoy a couple of them. I’m curious about The Buccaneers… I don’t know the background: was it finished by another writer?

    Thanks for the reminder to pick up both Jo’s book and This Is How We Grow!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Janis – “The Buccaneers” is Edith Wharton’s final novel, set in the 1870s. Unfinished at the time of her death in 1937, it was posthumously published in 1938. The story centers on nouveaux riche American girls marrying cash-strapped English gentlemen during the London Season. In 1993, Wharton scholar, Marion Mainwaring, completed the novel based on Wharton’s outline. It became a miniseries in 1995. A new Buccaneers tv series is set to premier on November 8, 2023.
      Definitely don’t miss Jo or Yvette’s books! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. Yes, I did moan out loud – I’m reading this in my lunchroom at work and people looked up. (#nothingtoseehere). I also went down the Fatima apparitions rabbit hole… so thanks for that!

    Like

    Reply

      1. Never be sorry about rabbit holes. Where would we be if we didn’t follow our curiosity? We’d certainly never make our way to Wonderland, that’s for sure.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. I read Indian Horse a few years ago. It’s a look inside, something we all need to do. I will look for the female friendship book — I am a huge fan of female friendships!! Looking forward to following along on your trip. Thanks for hosting. Bernie

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Bernie – I completely agree with you about Indian Horse. It invites deep reflection and open discussion that we all desperately need.
      Thank you for being willing to join me vicariously on the Camino. I am super excited about that trip!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. Hi Donna – these books all sound like they provide interesting perspectives on other cultures. Another great list of books to add to my list. Thanks for sharing and I hope the Camino trading goes well. When are you off on your adventures?

    Like

    Reply

      1. How very exciting! I will look forward to seeing your updates. I feel I should be doing some ‘big’ walks but worry whether I’m physically up to it. I guess that’s where the training and preparation comes in. Have a fantastic trip

        Like

  11. An interesting range. You may know that I have a elf-imposing ban on acquiring more books (which I broke recently) because I already have more than I am likely to have time left to read 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  12. Hi Donna, I always enjoy the variety of books you bring to WOYBS and this month is no exception! Your Canadian authors are doing a great job. Looking forward to our discussion on The Buccaneers but I feel bad for saying I didn’t really notice the change in writer – I’m sorry!! Thanks for a great 2 years of books between us all 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  13. Hi Donna, I typically like women bonding books and have just finished ‘In Someone Else’s Shoes’ by JoJo Moyes. It is a departure from her usual topics, but I found it enjoyable overall. The first 25 pages are a tall ask and almost turned me off, but I kept going and found it highly entertaining.

    ‘Asking for a Friend’ sounds just up my alley and of course, I’ll be ordering Jo’s book.

    Like

    Reply

  14. Donna,
    You’re great to share your recent reads with the rest of us. All look very interesting, but Indian Horse grabbed my attention. I’ll check it out! I know you’re excited about your upcoming trip…I’m excited for you. Have a great weekend! Joe

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Anabel – I loved House of Mirth. Years later it continues to haunt me.
      It took me a while to get in The Buccaneers. Shortly after I did, the writing changed — not for the better. Other members of my book club absolutely loved this book, and the miniseries. That is the great thing about so many things. One person’s 5-star is another person’s ‘meh’! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  18. Hi Donna, a fantastic selection of books. I have never read any books by Edith Wharton although I know I should. I am currently reading The Frozen Hours by Jeff Shaara. It is about the war in North Korean from the perspective of the USA. Jeff Shaara is a brilliant writer and does incredible research. I hope you enjoy This is how we grow when you get there. 💗

    Like

    Reply

  19. The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton is one of my favorites. I know that her style of writing doesn’t appeal to everyone, plus her topics can seem antiquated, but I like her too. I just picked up a copy of Who Ate The First Oyster by Cody Cassidy. It is going to be a fun informative read. Not so deep as to be scholarly, not so light as to be insipid.

    Like

    Reply

  21. I was raised Catholic and studied the Fatima apparitions in school. I didn’t realize there were historical books (what I read in grade school were specifically written for Catholic school libraries) and movies. We are all looking forward to your big hike. We will be there will you in spirit!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Kate – Over the 100+ years since the Fatima apparitions there have been numerous research, books, films and articles produced. The 100th anniversary was in 2017. In that year, two of the youngest visionaries (Jacinta and Francisco) were officially canonized by Pope Francis. Lucia, the oldest of the three, died on February 15, 2005. Portugual has declared this a national day of mourning.
      Thank you for joining me in spirit on the Camino. The encouragement greatly helps!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  22. “River Mumma” sounds as though it is right up my alley. I have put it on my TBR list. I am reading two books—one in the afternoon and one before bed. My afternoon book is “Endling” by Katherine Applegate. “Endling” is supposedly aimed at middle readers, but it is pretty heavy, dealing with humans trying to drive a species to extinction because that species — Dairnes, talking dog-like creatures—can always tell when someone is lying. Intense but a compelling read. My nighttime book is “World of Wonders” Aimee Nezhukumatahil, a poet and essayist. In “World of Wonders,” Aimee writes about various creatures—fireflies, whale sharks—and her emotional connection to them. A beautiful, soothing book.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Laurie – I love that you have an afternoon book and a nighttime book going on at the same time. That is a wonderful way to divide up your reading.
      I think that you would enjoy River Mumma. It offers a fast-paced, fabulous adventure (with many opportunities for Caribbean culture-based rabbit holes if you are so inclined)!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  25. Good luck on the Camino – huge challenge!
    I’ve read a lot of Edith Wharton but not The Buccaneers. One for my long term list.

    Like

    Reply

  26. Hi Donna – I’ve read a few books recently – one of which would interest you and your readers … it’s The Personal Librarian – by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray … about Bella da Costa Greene who is hired by JP Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books and artwork for JPM’s new Pierpont Morgan Library. Mostly true – but brought to life through using the norms of the era – it’s fascinating … and I need to read up more about the art etc in it. I’d love to visit the Library – unlikely sadly. Others will appear at some stage on my blog … cheers and just enjoy the Camino – looking forward to following you both along that journey – Hilary.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Indian Horse is an excellent ‘truth-story’ – I saw the film when I was out on VI …now I must get the book … thanks! Cheers Hilary

      Like

      Reply

  28. Hi Donna, I’m interested to read The buccaneers, and I’ll see if we have Fatima on Netflix here. Didn’t link up this month due to my eye problems, but had to pop in to see what you’ve been reading. Happy Camino training!

    Like

    Reply

  29. Just popped on to say we again enjoyed our time on Vancouver Island. Our favorite hike was Comox Lake to Nymph Falls. Stopped by the excellent museum in Campbell River. We went to Hornby Island and loved walking around Helliwell Park. A family of river otters were playing in a pool by the rocks, and we could have spent hours watching them. Qualicum Beach was a great place to stay–lots of walking trails for evening walks. Next year we’re walking the Cotswold Way so we probably won’t be back to Canada for a bit. Thanks for providing such great information on hiking there.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Sheila – Thank you so much for letting me know. I am delighted that you have had excellent hiking experiences on Vancouver Island…and that my posts helped a bit. That’s super exciting about your plan to walk the Cotswold — that’s high on my bucket list. My husband and I are currently preparing for our 5th Camino (6th if you include the one around PEI). As the days are getting closer, our feet are getting itchier and itchier. I will share highlights of that walk (Lisbon to Fatima and beyond as time allows).

      Like

      Reply

  30. Just started reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides – the story of Calliope Stephanides & 3 generations of the Greek-American Stephanides family. “To understand why Calliope is not like other girls, she has to uncover a guilty family secret, and the astonishing genetic history that turns Callie into Cal…” Many of the books I read are recommended by my son, who in spite of his cowboy background, is one of the most well-read people I know. We live in an area affected by the aftermath of Indigenous peoples’ residential school experiences and colonization. There is much gang activity & crime. I know people who have been shot at. We keep everything locked up & our insurance paid and live in hope that the police will come in a timely fashion.

    Like

    Reply

  31. I’m a bit behind on my reading but I’ve just finished The Seven Ages of Death by Dr Richard Shepherd (audiobook) and I’ve just started I’m Not As Well AAs I Thought I Was by Ruby Wax.

    Like

    Reply

  34. Thanks for sharing these reads, Donna. I’d be interested in reading Asking for a Friend and Indian Horse. I’ve only read The Age of Innocence by Wharton. Too bad The Buccaneers disappointed. I had to look that up – I didn’t realize it was her last/unfinished work.

    Like

    Reply

  35. Donna, thank you for sharing all these books and Indian Horse is straight on my list of books to read! As for Edith Wharton – I have never been able to get into her books. I was hooked by the film trailer – this looks incredible and one I look forward to seeing. Have an amazing time on the Camino! xx

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment