Books, What's On Your Bookshelf?

What’s on Your Bookshelf? Big Library Read & More!

Retirement Reflections


Have You Heard About ‘The Big Library Read’ Initiative?

Big Library Read (BLR) is a global reading program that connects readers from around the world with the same ebook at the same time without waitlists or holds. Initiated by OverDrive in 2013, BLR typically takes place three times a year, with each event lasting for approximately two weeks. Titles are selected through publisher submissions and votes from library patrons and staff. Readers can join discussions and participate in various activities related to the book through the Big Library Read website and social media platforms. The overarching goal is to bring a sense of community to the reading experience by enabling discussions among readers globally.

Have you participated in BLR? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts on it. If not, and if you would like more information, you can check out their website here.

The current BLR is Twighlight Territory by Andrew X. Pham. The pluses for me were taking part in a world-wide reading program and beginning with a book I (and my book clubs) would not have chosen, thus pulling me out of my reading comfort zone.

While this book never completely won me over, I was happy to have read it and to participate in broader discussions. (Although I must confess, I often had difficulty getting my comments to go through. They were not inflammatory or AI-generated, honest!.)

If you are interested, there is still time to join in. Simply borrow the title digitally from your local library and join in here.

My Other Reads Since I Last Posted:

5+ Stars for Emma Gatewood.
3 Stars for this version of her story.
I am grateful that Ben Montgomery helped spread Emma’s story to more people, and I greatly admire his research. Sadly, the writing did not grab me as I had hoped. I found the transitioning and pacing to be cumbersome and unbalanced. Still, I am glad I read this, as Emma’s story is an inspiring one.

4 Stars I initially admired the lyrical prose of “This is Happiness” but found the slow pace and excessive detail challenging. After setting the book aside and returning weeks later, I found that this novel more deeply resonated with me. It explores themes of family, friendship, sorrow, making amends, and self-discovery, revealing significance in the seemingly mundane and offering profound insights into the human psyche.

4 Stars This book provides a thorough exploration of the challenges and opportunities associated with increased longevity. The author emphasizes both societal and personal changes required to leverage longer lifespans.
Key takeaways include:
• Be longevity literate.
• Invest in your skills/health.
• Be intentional and proactive.
• Cultivate social integration.
• Pay it forward for future generations.
• Don’t underestimate your later years.

4.5 Stars I loved this book and could not put it down. I found myself sneaking in “just one more chapter” every chance I got. The premise is clever and instantly compels readers to cast their own ‘stars.’ The story engages with many twists. Its lively characters add to the fun storyline. I found the ending to be too smoothed out – like it was trying to please as many readers as possible. Despite that minor disappointment – this is a delightful summer read.

5 Stars I am a huge fan of Jill Weatherholt, both as a writer and as a person. This recent release is a heartwarming tale that pulls the reader into a journey of community, friendship, love, and healing. Jill’s writing is imbued with warmth and authenticity. With its engaging plot, endearing characters, and happy ending, “Her Son’s Faithful Companion” is a delightful read that will leave a lasting impression on animal lovers and romance enthusiasts alike.

5 Stars I read this for an online book club that I’m in with my cohosts. The story and the writing left me speechless. Turner’s prose is rich, clever, and utterly captivating, smoothly transitioning from wit and humour to intense drama and profound tragedy. I seriously had not seen the ending coming. I highly recommend this book to you for its captivating storytelling and vivid portrayal of Australian life in the late 19th century.





I requested this book from my local library without knowing its focus was wellness, mental health, and how our childhood relationships shape us. It was not the book I had expected. Although I tried to persevere, too many things combined to make this a less-than-satisfactory read for me. I made it to only 13% before calling it quits. This is my first DNF since joining Goodreads twelve years ago (and my only DNF in my memory).

What’s been on your bookshelf lately? My cohosts and I would love for you to join us.
Sue @ Women Living Well After 50
Deb @ Deb’s World
Jo @ And Anyways

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
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Feature Photo and Twilight Territory Image are courtesy of Big Library Read Marketing Materials.

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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.

71 thoughts on “What’s on Your Bookshelf? Big Library Read & More!”

  1. I haven’t seen The Big Library Read promoted here but am going to the library on Saturday so will have a look. The Elin Hilderbrand sounds like something for my current mood which needs lifting up a bit. Thanks for hosting!

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    1. Hi, Barb – If you are looking for a fun, light, summery read (I know its winter there), the Elin Hilderbrand book is a great choice.

      My understanding is that Big LIbrary Read is all done online (via Libby or Overdrive). But if you are popping into your local library, they should definitely have more info on this.

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  2. Hi Donna, I enjoyed The Five Star Weekend which I read a few months back. The book about longevity is interesting. I will be interviewing Rodrigo Perez next week about his new book The Art of Longevity. Thanks as always for your thoughtful reviews and for being a fabulous co-host at #WOYBS? Have a lovely weekend. x

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    1. Thanks, Sue – I believe that I received my recommendation for ‘The Five Star Weekend’ from you. Thank you for that. I greatly enjoyed it.

      The ‘Longevity Imperative’ was an extremely thought-provoking read, parts of it really gave me pause.

      I look forward to hearing more about ‘The Art of Longevity.’ With the average lifespan increasing worldwide, we now need to be much more proactive and intentional in our approach to aging.

      I hope that all is well for you.

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  3. I hadn’t heard of the Big Library Read. I might look into it later – I love the concept – but I already have way too many books stacked up for me to read. I had read another of Elin Hilderbrand’s novels (The Hotel Nantucket) for book club and wasn’t a fan, but now I wonder if I should give her another chance. I’m looking forward to discussing This Is Happiness. 🙂

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    1. Hi, Janis – I know all about books stacking up and not knowing where to begin. BLR only takes place three times per year so that helps keep it more manageable. Looking forward to seeing you very soon! ❤

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  4. i have not heard of the BLR. Sounds interesting and challenging. Do you have a recommendation for a better Emma Gatewood story. My friend is walking the trailer in pieces and would love to know her atory

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  5. I had never heard of the Big Library Read before but it sounds like a wonderful program. I enjoyed 5 Star Weekend too; it’s such a cute story.

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  6. Hi Donna – I saw an interview on youtube with Elin Hilderbrand and thought her books looked like they’d be fun to read – after you recommendation I might download one – I’m in a bit of a “what on earth do I read next?” phase.

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    1. Hi, Leanne – ‘Five Star Weekend’ wasn’t my typical read but I really enjoyed it. Sue L recommended it and it did not disappoint. For me, it was a perfect summer read. But I’m sure it would be a great winter read too! ❤

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    1. Hi, Neil – Thank you for dropping by. I think The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone was also a movie with Warren Beatty? And Vivien Leigh? I don’t remember much about it other than it was very, very sad. Hopefully the second half gets better for you.

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  8. Such a mix this month from you. I’ve had a couple of DNF’s this year. It used to take a lot for me to choose not to persevere with a book but these days I’m being a tad more brutal. Usually though, it’s me not the book that the problem is with.

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    1. I don’t think I’ve actually become better at choosing to discard a book to the DNF pile. This book was not for me on so many different levels (writing, content, psychology…) that I just couldn’t do it. Maybe this first DNF will help me to be more discerning in the future. If so, it would have been totally worth it! 🙂

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  9. Hi Donna, an interesting post. This is the first time I’ve heard about BLR. I started reading The Lady with the little dog and other stories by Anton Chekov last night. It’s very interesting to date. Seven Little Australians sounds excellent.

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  11. I haven’t heard of BLR Donna but will be off after this to check it out. I haven’t read any of these books but they all sound like books I would enjoy. More for that ever growing list

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  12. Honest, insightful, reviews all. I’m pleased that Jill Weatherholt got 5 stars. If I had read everything in my own library I would be very tempted by Seven Little Australians. I doubt I would have time to join with BLR

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    1. Hi, Derrick – I love your rule about reading everything in your own library first. I will shortly begin The World According to Garp that has been sitting on my shelf since 1978 (I did read it then but had planned to reread it much earlier than now) I really need to do this more often!

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  13. Hello Donna.
    A little bit of Summer reading in Winter is fun…the library up here has a copy of The Five Star Weekend which will come ‘home’ with me soon.
    The BLR book is only a 14day loan so I borrowed it via my library (still on Libby) for the usual 21 days. With 798 pages I might get through it and possibly have a chance to renew if I don’t.
    Thanks for hosting the monthly link up.

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    1. Hi, Dorothy- That is so true about book clubs. They really help expand our reading horizons – both in selection and in discussion. So far, I’ve been disappointed with the BLR discussion (difficult to post comments-atleast for me, and very few comments so far). Hopefully this will pick up soon.

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  16. I have heard similar programs to BLR–love the idea though I’ve never participated. You and I read a few of the same books of late– Emma Gatewood. What a story that was!

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  17. Holey Moley! You actually did not finish a book!?!?!? I didn’t think that was even possible 😁. Thanks for the recommendations, my friend! I did read and enjoy (maybe not the right word, but I got a lot out of it is what I am trying to say…) Twilight Territory, and I will look into the 5 Star Weekend, definitely!

    Deb

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  18. Hey Donna! Like a lot of others I had never heard of Big Library Read. And I think the idea of a world wide book club sounds fascinating. But more than that, I always appreciate your suggestions because with so many books to read it can be hard to decide which to spend our time with. Thanks for that…and looking forward to seeing you soon!!!! ~ Kathy

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  21. I hear about the Big Library Read via you. Seems I’ve always wanted to belong to a book club and never have perhaps this is my chance!! LOL. I have ear marked The Longevity Imperative. Someone mentioned it a while ago.

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    1. Hi, Bernie – The Longevity Imperartive was very provocative. If you do read it, I’d love to know your thoughts about it.

      BLR is definitely worth checking out. Eventbrite also offers some free online bookclubs. I joined one of them during the pandemic and found it fascinating.

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  22. I’ve not heard about Big Library Read (BLR). It sounds useful if you use an e-reader for books. I really need to read something by Elin Hilderbrand. She’s mentioned everywhere I go. Thanks for the nudge.

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  23. Thanks for sharing how the Big Library read works. I think I have seen posters in my library but haven’t discovered more about it. To be honest I have such a big TBR pile of books, I just need to focus on reading those.
    You have an interesting range of books again in your reviews. I will be looking out for Seven Little Australians! Sounds very intriguing

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    1. Hi, Janine – Seven Little Australians is a brilliantly written book. It was hard to believe that this was the author’s first book, and that she wrote it when she was only 24. Reading a bit more about her life, she was a truly incredible person. I love books like that leave me wanting more and cause me to leap down numerous rabbit holes.

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  24. The Five Star Weekend is going on my list, your review as made me curious! Sadly I could not get into This is Happiness either and it’s for our bookclub. The description of all the rain for the first few pages didn’t grab me!

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    1. Hi, Alison – I also read This is Happiness for Book Club. Our group hasn’t discussed it yet, but one of our members recently told me how much she is enjoying it. I liked it much better on my second attempt…but after being one-quarter of the way in, I literally had to stop, take a two-week gap, and then start again at page 1. 😀

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  27. Hi Donna, you always have such interesting books to review and this month is no exception with great comments! The BLR sounds like a great but surprising to see you had a DNF, but that proves you’re only human after all 🙂

    The Five Star weekend appeals to me so many thanks for the great recommendations.

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  28. The Big Library Read was a new concept to me as well, Donna! As usual you share your honest feedback and I appreciate knowing if a book might not read well.

    I have a huge TBR as a result of the free kindle book each month. I began reading one of them and like you, found it cumbersome and slow. It takes place in the UK, which ordinarily is delightful to read, but sadly the jargon and descriptions of places/setting in the novel made me feel like an outsider. With only 13% read, I had to quit. I don’t feel so bad knowing its OK to stop.

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  30. Donna, it must feel amazing to be part of a global book club of the Big Library Read albeit frustrating at times trying to get your comments on. I’m definitely intrigued and will take a look – I think my kindle paper white will not accept overdrive books so that might be a negative. The books look like an eclectic and intriguing mix. Lovely to see Jill’s latest featured, a prolific and gifted writer, and I must take a look at the Elin Hildenbrand book. Happy Reading and Book Discussing! Annika 😀📖

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    1. Hi, Annika – I agree that a Global Book Club is very cool. And the good news is that the team at Libby (previously Overdrive) has done an excellent job in responding to the technical issues. My comments there have now gone through as have numerous others. I highly recommend checkingn it out.

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    1. Hi, Kirstin – Thank you for dropping by. Emma Gatewood’s story is incredibly inspiring. I have not yet found another book written about just her, but there are numerous articles online about her. They are wellworth checking out.

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  32. That’s a broad selection (on different topics). It’s been fun seeing the different opinions on Seven Little Australians in your book club…which is very much how books work…

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  33. Hi Donna – oh well I’m way behind the times … too much tennis, Olympics etc and of course rabbit holes for Africa … I will have to do a book post soonish. I will also do an email note … just am mildly slow to put it together … brain not so, the rest?? Interesting to read this – I don’t think I could join in – but note you definitely read something unexpected. Thanks – I enjoyed my Canadian book club, but really haven’t felt inspired over here … so just keep plodding along in my erratic way. Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi, Hilary – I can’t adequately express how much I enjoy your comments and your posts. You always make me think. Tennis, Olymoics and rabbit holes for Africa sound like a very good use of time. I am off to check your recent post now. See you there!

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