Books, What's On Your Bookshelf?

My (Almost) Empty Bookshelf

Retirement Reflections

What’s been on my bookshelf in late August and early September? Sadly, nothing.

In August, I was madly scrambling to prepare for our September Camino in Portugal and to squeeze in the last bits of summer activities on Vancouver Island. (If you missed that post, you can find more details here.)

In early September, I was madly scrambling to undo the above-mentioned Camino planning (details here).

As I am still kind of scrambling (having a husband with a broken dominant arm can do that to a gal), my bookshelf may have remained completely empty a while longer if it was not for Philly.

While preparing for Portugal, I received an Advanced Readers Copy of “Philly Barker is on the Case” by Jo Tracey. This is the second book in the Philly Barker Cozy Crime Series. I absolutely loved the first book, “Philly Barker Investigates,” so I tried hard to resist this second book until I truly had time to relax and enjoy every word. Although I am not great at reading on planes, I took a quick peek at the copy I had on my phone, thinking I would read just a wee bit.

I’d seen a dead body before; several, in fact. Over the course of twenty years on the police force – with most of those years spent in London – the occasional corpse was, sadly, part of the job. Poor Bally, however, had not….

With just one glance at the above prologue, I was once again drawn into the delightful world of Philomena Barker. I didn’t resurface until I had devoured every last word. Every aspect of the book, from Philly herself to the meticulously crafted characters who felt like old friends, the tantalizing recipes tucked away at the end, the skillful research, and the witty prose, had me utterly captivated. Honestly, I couldn’t help but feel a tad envious—how does Jo do this?

If you haven’t yet read the first book in this series, I highly recommend it. You can check it out here. That being said, another plus of this second book is that it works perfectly as either a standalone or a series continuation, giving the readers both choices.

Philly Barker is on the Case
Author: Joanne Tracey
Genre: Cozy Crime
Publication Date: October 26, 2023
Available for presale: September 18, 2023 (Amazon)
Books Blurb: When Chipwell antique dealer Philomena Barker is asked by Detective Inspector Robbie Dawkins to assist with identifying some stolen antiques, she’s only too happy to help. It’s not long before Philly and Robbie identify a pattern – someone is breaking into the homes of elderly farmers in North Yorkshire and stealing their treasured antiques. The investigation takes a deadly turn when their prime suspect is murdered, and Philly and Robbie will need all the help they can get if they’re to solve this puzzle. With Robbie due to retire, this case will be his last, but with the murderer one step ahead, can Philly solve the case before it’s also her last?
Rating: *****

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Now on a roll, and with more airplane/airport time ahead of me, I listened to the 1937 classic “Out of Africa” by Karen Blixen (pseudonym: Isak Dinesen). More than 35 years ago, and in my late 20’s (seriously, how can that be?), I saw the 1985 movie adaptation with Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. I don’t remember much about the film except for a vague image of the magnificence of the African landscape and its absolutely stunning vistas.

In line with the above, my biggest takeaway from the audiobook was also the magnificence of the African landscape. While listening, I was instantly captivated by the sheer beauty of Blixen’s prose. Her lyrical descriptions repeatedly painted vivid, evocative pictures of Africa from long ago.
As much as I appreciated the elegance of Blixen’s writing, I somehow felt a sense of detachment from her. While Blixen painted a brilliant portrait of the Africa around her, I yearned for a deeper connection with her as a person and wanted to know more about her (as well as her barely mentioned husband).

I also had to continually remind myself that this book was written over 90 years ago, in a very different time. Still, the colonial perspective was often hard to swallow.

In conclusion, despite its shortcomings, this compact book is a worthy read (or reread) on numerous levels. The pride and melancholy conveyed in its opening line alone are bound to captivate your mind and soul:

“I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills….”

Out of Africa
Author: Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen_
Original Publication Date: 1937
Genre: Memoir
Books Blurb: In 1914, Karen Blixen arrived in Kenya with her husband to run a coffee farm. Instantly drawn to the land, she spent her happiest years there until the plantation failed…. Written with astonishing clarity and unsentimental intelligence, Out of Africa portrays a way of life that has disappeared forever.
Rating: ****

This post concludes my September blogging break. But with things still being somewhat crazy here, my reading may remain interrupted for a while longer. I hope to get into routine again soon. I look forward to seeing fellow bloggers on their sites shortly.

So, how’s your reading going? What’s been on your bookshelf lately?

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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.

80 thoughts on “My (Almost) Empty Bookshelf”

    1. Hi, Barbara – Being an avid follower of your blog, I am impressed that you did any reading at all this past month. You’ve definitely had LOTS of your plate.
      When you have more time for reading again, I highly recommend Jo Tracey’s books. They are always fun, with well-drawn characters who feel like old friends and they are very cleaverly written. You can find all of your books on her author’s blog (joannetracey.com/books). I believe that they are also all available on Amazon as well as Barnes and Nobel.

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  2. Hi Donna, what great reviews you’ve written and while under some stress too! I am enjoying listening to the lyrical prose of Out of Africa. I absolutely loved Jo’s latest Philly book and again, I agree with you, how does she do it?? Thanks for popping in with your post despite all that’s going on in your world. You’re such a fabulous co-host!

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  3. Hi Donna, Thank you for sharing your book reviews with us. I have read blogs, online articles and travel books this month. I hope to get back to my leisure reading routine soon too. I have a similar recollection of the Out of Africa film. I hope Richard’s recovery is going well and you have more relaxing days ahead.

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    1. Thanks, Natalie – I can totally relate– blogs, online articles and travel journals took up all of my reading time this past August. Thank you for checking in on Richard. He still has much pain so we are taking it one baby step at a time.

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  4. Hi Donna – I’m sure Jo will be thrilled with your review and you also reminded me that I saw Out of Africa a million years ago too. I’ve never read the book though. Glad you’re safely back and navigating your new normal. I hope Richard is coping well with his arm out of action and that things heal quickly. x

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    1. Hi, Leanne – 1985 didn’t seem like too long ago…until I started doing the math. Seriously, how does time fly by so quickly. Thank you for your kind words and warm wishes. Richard and I are hoping for a quick and healthy healing as well! 😀

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  6. I don’t remember much about the movie except I loved Meryl Streep in it. It may have been my first exposure to her. Hopefully your husband is healing and will not need any surgery or anything else. Welcome back!

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  7. No one can blame you for barely reading. I think you’ve still read more books this month than a lot of people read in an entire year! As for me, I’ve been plowing through a bunch of books lately – having a TV on the fritz will do that (even though I only use it for streaming). Looking forward to diving into Out of Africa again – it’s been years!

    Deb

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    1. Thanks, Jill – I didn’t think I could quiet my mind enough to read — even on the plane. Luckily both books that I had on my phone were so absorbing that they did the trick. Thank you for our kind words. Richard and I are getting into our new routine one step at a time! ❤

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  9. Sorry to hear about your husband breaking the dominant arm, Donna! It must be hard to write with the other hand. With your busy schedule, you still managed to have two book reviews. How wonderful! Take care of yourself and your husband. Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thanks, Mariam – Richard has not been able to write at all. He needed to fill out a simple form by hand and I completed the whole thing for him — ditto doing up his watch or any buttons/zippers, tying his shoes, etc. For teethbrushing, we got him an electric toothbrush which has been helpful. I haven’t yet tried completing simple tasks solely with my left hand. Watching Richard struggle, it is much more difficult than I originally understood. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words.

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      1. Yes, it’s harder than we can imagine, Donna. When I had the right shoulder surgery, I had to do things with my left arm but at least I could move the fingers. I can’t imagine not being able to use the entire hand and arm.

        A friend’s husband broke both knees. The knee of the polio leg is unrepairable. He got a brace for that leg and learned to walk. It’s been two years. She had to do everything plus help him.

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      2. I broke my right arm when I was 12 and learnt to write with my left. Strangely enough I’ve hung on to the skill. But yes take away your dominant arm and its a challenge.

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      3. Hi, Miriam – I’m sorry to hear about your shoulder surgery. Breaking both knees would be incredibly painful and so difficult to cope. Richard and I are very aware that things could be so much worse. We are taking things one day at a time and know the improvements will come.

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  10. Hi Donna – your life has certainly been hectic so no wonder you haven’t got much reading done. However I’m very envious that you have already dived back into the world of Philly Barker – I’m looking forward to the release date.
    Although young at the time, I loved the Out of Africa film and remember it being all about the scenery. Even in the film I felt Karen Blixen felt a bit aloof/cold but maybe that was the only way you could survive being uprooted to make a new life in a completely alien country. Might go and watch the movie again!

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    1. Hi, Janine – Your uplifting comments always make me smile. I’m impressed that you remembered so much about OOA despite watching it at such a young age. Definitely bookmark the release date of Philly Barker. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

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  13. So sorry to hear about your husband’s arm! But I can not wait to read the next Philly book; Jo’s books never disappoint. I have never read (nor watched) Out of Africa but I do love a book that brings a gorgeous setting to life.

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  14. I’m in the process of lightening the load on our bookshelves. I’ve got piles of have been read books [HBR?] ready to sell to Half-Price Books. Thus my answer to your question of “What Is On Your Bookshelf?” is: a lot less. 😉

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    1. Hi, Ally – I love your answer. I do try to only keep hard copies of books that will fit on my bookshelves…but there may be a few extra free standing stacks in our bedroom and office. I like your abbreviation for HBR. I looked it up to see if was official. Here were (some of) Google’s suggestions: Horseback Riding, Hydrobromide Acid, House Budget Resolution, History, Biography, Religion and Hyperbilirubinemia (newborns). 😀

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  15. Hi Donna – I hope you are settling back home again and that your husband’s arm is healing. Thanks for sharing these reviews. Cozy mysteries are fun and this sounds like a good one. I’ve never read Out of Africa and I never saw the movie so I appreicate learning more about it. I just started reading Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane – I’d never read anything by him and wow it is good! Happy reading and happy fall!

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      2. Hi Janis – yes! I read it for my book club which meets next month. We’ve never read anything like it – it will be a good discussion. I’m glad you enjoyed it too! Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂

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  16. I’ll put these on my list to read. I saw the Out of Africa movie in 1985 too…and can’t remember anything about it other than Meryl Streep stepping out of a house dressed all in brown.

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  17. Out of Africa is one of my favourite books (and movies). It is somewhat autobiographical. I’ve read other things she’s written as well. She is a wonderful writer. I so loved her relationship with Denys Finch Hatton. There is also a biography of Karen Blixen by Judith Thurman which is excellent.

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  21. Thanks so much for the shout out to Philly. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve never seen the movie for Out of Africa and am about to start the book this weekend. Hugs to Richard.

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  22. That you even had time to read or post says a lot about you (and Jo’s book!). I honestly can’t recall a single thing about OOA but I like my characters with vim and viger and seems maybe this is lacking?.I really must figure out how to get Jo’s books. Thanks for hosting, need to get my post written.

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    1. Hi, Bernie – Jo’s books are all available on Amazon, Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble at very affordable prices. A friend of mine in Kelowna, BC said that six of Jo’s books are available digitally at her local library. Sadly, they are not currently available at Vancouver Island local libraries.

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      1. Are they all ebooks? I don’t actually have an app other than Libby. I have requested them in my region, but who knows how long that will take. Perhaps I will try to buy it as a paperback. Don’t have any of those accounts, but I suspect my son would let me use his.

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  23. Hi Donna with all you’ve had going on it is a wonder that you had time for reading at all. I loved Philly and the latest offering from Jo is at another level. I’m also looking forward to our book club meeting to discuss Out Of Africa. I listened to the audio and read the book and it was a wonderful choice of yours.

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    1. Hi, Sue – I agree that Philly Barker is on the Case” is the best of Jo’s books yet — and I have truly loved every single one of the others. I saw your review for “Out of Africa” on Goodreads. It was so well-written. I look forward to our discussion!

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  24. I’m not surprised that you haven’t had much reading time lately Donna. I am very excited for the new Philly book. This is the first time I’ve seen the cover and I love it. Just seeing it is making me feel impatient for the release. I read Out of Africa many years ago but don’t remember much about it. Could be a possiblity for a re-read.

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer – I agree that the Philly cover is fabulous. And the book truly makes you feel like you are chatting with a friend — one who has an ordinary life — until it isn’t! OOA could be a good reread. It is interesting what new takeawys there would be a second time around.

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  26. Hi Donna – the Philly Barker books sound enticing and a delight to read … one day for me. I’ve read a fair amount (eclectic variety) this month – just need to write them up. I’m glad you had some downtime in between ‘life’ … I hope all goes well in that direction, sounds like it is progress as best can. Take care – cheers Hilary

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  29. I can well imagine how you had to scramble recently. Phew, what a time you had! I appreciated your comment about colonialism in Blixen’s book. Books written during that time are often rife with racism and other nasty ideas. A sign of the times, I know, but they can be hard to take.

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  30. Oh, an almost empty bookshelf would have me quivering in fear, Donna!😀 I love the sound of Philly Barker series and you reminded me of the the wonderful Karen Blixen – thank you! Out of Africa was one of my favourite books and you have me wanting to dig out my old copy! xx

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