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What’s On Your Bookshelf – March 2025?

Retirement Reflections

March has been filled with travel, family, friends, and good food. I’ve been reading more news and travel guides (not included in this post), but I still managed to sneak in some excellent books. I’ve saved my two most recent reads to share next month to prevent this post from being too long—and your eyes from glazing over. The opening book, How to Survive a Bear Attack by Canadian author Claire Cameron, was truly 5-stars plus.

5 Stars
I recently had the opportunity to listen to an Advanced Listener’s Copy of How to Survive a Bear Attack by Claire Cameron, a memoir that seamlessly blends true crime, non-fiction, and speculative fiction. At its heart is the real-life 1991 Bates Island bear attack, in which a couple camping in Algonquin Park tragically lost their lives. Woven throughout is Cameron’s own battle with cancer, drawing a striking parallel between the wilderness within us and the wilderness surrounding us.

Told with meticulous research, insight, and compassion, Cameron presents multiple perspectives—including that of the bear, which was incredibly effective. This quintessentially Canadian story held me captive from start to finish. Not a professional narrator, the author’s voice enhances the listening experience, lending an intimate, chatting-across-the-kitchen-table feel. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Publication Date: March 25, 2025

4 Stars
Having repeatedly heard many literary critics call One Hundred Years of Solitude “the best book ever written,” I kept it on my TBR pile for quite some time. I finally took the plunge.

At 20%, I considered abandoning it (which is extremely rare for me).
At 40%, I became intrigued.
At 60%, I was in a hallucinogenic state.

At 80%, I kept a list of the 71+ characters close by. There were 23 Aurelianos (including Colonel Aureliano’s 17 illegitimate sons), 5 Arcadios, and 3 Remedioses and that’s just for starters. No wonder my head was constantly spinning.
By 100%, I thought the ending was brilliantly crafted, tying everything together cleverly. I was pleased to have finally read this classic.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone (’cause I kinda wanna keep the friends I have). But if you appreciate masterfully crafted experimental fiction—one that weaves a rich tapestry of magical realism, family saga, and profoundly human themes—this could be a great choice for you. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey that promotes deep reflection on the nature of human existence, with characters that linger long after the final page has been turned.


4 Stars
Upon finishing My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin, I was left with numerous questions:

• How did the novel’s heroine, Sybylla, become so accomplished in the arts despite having so few opportunities?
• Why did Harold so calmly and continually tolerate Sybylla’s verbal (and physical) outbursts and inconsistencies?
• To what extent is this novel autobiographical?

  • Was the author herself as much of a conundrum—and at times as frustrating—as her heroine?

And these were just a few of my many questions.

Some parts of the novel reminded me of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Despite their different cultural contexts, Franklin and Alcott shared many commonalities. Both were fiercely independent, held strong feminist views, and drew heavily from their own lives in their writing. Interestingly, neither ever married, adding another layer of similarity between their personal experiences and the stories they told.

Finally, I hadn’t quite seen that conclusion coming. The digital copy I was reading included numerous pages of publication notes at the end, which I hadn’t realized. So when I thought I still had 4% of the novel left, I advanced my screen—only to find the book was finished. While the bittersweet ending made a lasting impression, highlighting the cost of personal integrity, it also felt abrupt. I was left wondering what became of Sybylla and whether she ever regretted her choices.

Westmount Public Library

The feature photo and the photos on the left are from the Westmount Public Library in Montreal (where Richard and I recently visited). This library is housed in a picturesque red-stone building with a gabled roof and a peaked tower.

Built in 1899, it is the oldest municipal library in Quebec. Its interior boasts coffered wooden ceilings, high walls divided into sections, marbleized columns, leaded-glass windows, and functioning fireplaces. The grounds contain a 12-foot totem pole from British Columbia, a charming dollhouse-like Children’s Library, and a peaceful atrium/greenhouse.

There is also an impressive collection of old and rare books in both French and English, 80 donated works of art—including a collection of Rembrandt etchings—and 40,000 historic postcards reflecting the history of Westmount, Montreal, and Quebec. I was green with library envy when I visited.

While there, I also picked up a discarded illustrated hardcover copy of Stephen Leacock’s Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, in mint condition. This was my absolute favourite book when I was in 10th grade. I greatly look forward to the reread.

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What’s been on your bookshelf lately? Please join us at InLinkz or share in the comments below. My cohosts and I would love to hear from you.
Donna
Sue
Debbie
Jo (currently on holidays)

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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.

78 thoughts on “What’s On Your Bookshelf – March 2025?”

    1. I am so sorry to hear about your former colleague. Fatal black bear attacks don’t occur very often but they do happen which should give pause to all of us living or visiting bear areas (bears virtually live in my neighbourood…or rather I live in theirs). Once again, my deepest sympathies to your friend and her family.

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  2. What great reviews. Love the first–“the wilderness within us and the wilderness surrounding us.” That had me thinking. And the next which you almost abandoned and then became addicted to. I’ve had that experience. Thanked God and the Universe for not letting me give up.

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    1. Thank you so much for this lovely feedback, Jacqui. I’m delighted that I did not give up on ‘100 Years’ which I was very, very close to doing (especially since a reviewer whom I adore was reading this book at the same time that I was, and he gave up at 20%…something he seldom publishes that he has done).

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  4. Phew, where to start? I giggled when I read your take on 100 Years of Solitude. I read it long ago, in college. I think your take is pretty accurate. 😉 Oh, what a library! Be still my trembling heart. And it’s great you found a favorite book from childhood. How to Survive a Bear Attack sounds like a compelling.read.

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  5. How to Survive a Bear Attack sounds so intriguing – and especially in light of you giving it 5 stars! I’ll be watching for it.

    I know what you mean when you’re reading a digital book and all of a sudden it’s over. That’s happened to me several times. I love my Kindle but there are some drawbacks about not getting to quickly flip through the pages of paper.

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    1. Hi, Lisa – I thought of you while reading Claire Cameron’s memoir because I know how much you enjoy non-fiction. I think this books offers much that you would like. Despite the dire subject matter, it is compassionately handled. If you get a chance to read it, I would love to know your thoughts.

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  6. I have library envy! Our local library feels like a little beggar boy in comparison 🙂 Such a lovely place to visit and to escape from those snowy days while you were over there.

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    1. I hear you, Leanne. Our town library is not overly inviting either. But the staff is friendly and they provide great service. Both of our neighbouring towns have super cute libraries. I’m always a tad jealous of that! ❤

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  8. Hi Donna. How to survive a bear attack sounds like a book that I’d love. I’m a bit surprised that I haven’t read My Brilliant Career. I remember them that I loved the movie.

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  9. You do wonder what the criteria is for deeming books to be removed from the catalogue. Lucky you to be in the right place at the right time.

    I found my little copy of My Brilliant Career recently…tucked in between two larger books. The cover is coloured black with red writing so I’m wondering how it managed to get lost in amongst the big boys. It’s due for a reread sometime soon. I’ll be interested in the reviews from your Stunners Book Club

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    1. Thanks, Cathy – I’m looking at my copy of Sunshine Sketches of a LIttle Town that I recently picked up from the Westmount Library. It was never catalogued or labeled. My guess is that it may have been a donation that they already had copies of, or decided against for some unknown reason. Regardless, it was a definite win for me!

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  11. I read One Hundred Years of Solitude a very long time ago. I don’t remember much about it, so maybe time to re-read it? Or accept that it isn’t on my list of all-time favorite books? Decisions, decisions…

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  12. Books & music – so subjective in what appeals to one. I pay attention to your recommendations, as I do to a cousin who is an active book club member. I’ve recently read The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. It reminded me of history; the account depends upon who wrote it. I went so far as to make a Madeira cake (often referenced in the book) using a recipe from the Downtown Abbey cookbook. I also read The Story of 840 CFCW by Jo-Anne Christensen, the history of the 70-yr old Alberta radio station that I adore. I’ve become a bit of a book snob ’cause I think the latter wasn’t that well-written but the content was great. I was able to watch a few installments of Canada Reads this past week. The 2nd last book chosen was Dandelion by Jamie Chai Yun Liew. That’s the next book TBR. So many books; so little time.

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    1. Hi, Mona – As you know, I love your comments and always rush to read them when they pop up. I learn so much from you. I’m glad that you read Dicitonary of Lost Words. Your observations are spot on — it really does matter who recorded the ‘history.’ I will look up Dandelion. Thank you for mentioning it.

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  14. I love libraries. When I was in high school, I “interned” in the school library. Joyful hours spent there but it was pretty plain jane. Now they build them with creative architecture. Just beautiful and then there are the books!

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  16. Hi Donna, the library looks and sounds amazing. Our libraries hardly exist and it’s a great shame. I remember visiting the wonderful library in Auckland in 2016 and thinking you can tell a lot about the mindset of a nation from its libraries. The UK also has some incredible libraries. How nice you got a childhood favourite book. I often buy childhood favourites from antique stores. I read a lot of very old books as a kid because my dad got a truckload full from a second hand book store that closed down. My bedroom was literally full of books. I read them all. I think I may have mentioned before that I cataloged them and created my own library.

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  17. Looking forward to reading the bear book when it comes out! I read One Hundred Years of Solitude many years ago, did enjoy it, and laughed at the way you described your reading experience as it was similar to mine 😂.

    Deb

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  19. Hi Donna, All these books look intriguing and great to see an Australian author featured. I have seen the film (years ago) but not read the book. I wonder how it differs, if at all? I think it is always better to read the book first when it comes to the film adaptation. When Miles Franklin died, her estate funded a literary award which continues today.

    I loved your description of the One Hundred Years of Solitude – perserverance paid off. I now give books 100 odd pages to grab me. Once upon a time ( no pun intended) I would read every book until the end even if I hated it – hoping to find some redeeming feature, but often I was disappointed.

    Thus, I value reviews such as these. Thanks,

    Amanda

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    1. Hi, Amanda – I need to learn from others like you. In my memory, I only DNF’d one book. Until recently, I was in five book clubs, so that was often my excuse to keep on reading. In the case of ‘!00 Years of Solitude’ I am glad that I persevered. But with so many other books, that has not always been the case. 😀

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      1. I think that if you are in five other bookclubs, ditching the ones that fail to capture your attention would be a ‘must.’ So you inspire me that it is only one book you have failed to read. You must be a speed reader!

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      2. Thanks, Amanda – I was in five bookclubs bought bravely brought this down to two booksclubs recently. While I believe I have the ability to read quickly, I much prefer to take books slowly and really enjoy every word and nuance. And book rabbit holes? I spend an unspeakable amount of time falling down those! 😀

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  20. Love My Brilliant Career and I am obsessed with One Hundred Years, why? Because I didn’t care about keeping the characters straight, I read it not rushed but quickly to become as you said hypnotized and dizzy. The second time I realized how through the family sagas the life of a country or the stages of Latinamerica with their cycles and repetition of the archetypes are portrayed. The fantastical gets mixed in a sort of mythology or story of the beginning of a nation. It’s captivating and all while inventing a new way of narrative and novel that for the first time involves the senses, stretches reality and creates a new world of symbolism that unites pre Colonial and modern.

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  21. You read some great books! I’m pleased you finished One Hundred Years of Solitude. The library in Montreal looks amazing. I love visiting libraries when I travel. xo

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  22. Hi Donna, some interesting books this month and you did well despite travelling. I am almost finished My Brilliant Career and have some questions as well for our Book Club. I’m going to watch the movie again. Not sure I could attempt 100 years of Solitude at the moment as it sounds like a challenging book that requires devoted time. The library in Quebec looks wonderful and I know I could spend happy hours there. Thanks for co-hosting #WOYBS? and provided well written reviews. x

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    1. Hi, Sue – Thank you for your kind words. I will see if I can find the movie for My Brilliant Career and watch it before our discussion. I’d love to compare the book and the film.
      About the library in Montreal. I could spend many happy hours there as well. I truly did not want to leave! 😀

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  25. The bear book isn’t one I would normally pick off the shelves, Donna, but you’ve sold me. I’m quite a slow reader and never seem to have long enough to just…read! But I get there in the end. Thanks for the reviews and have a great week!

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    1. Hi, Jo – I always read slowly as well as I never want to miss anything, and I love to linger over beautifully written passages. I had read about that bear attack when it happened in the early 1990s as I lived relatively close by at the time. Although a terrifying topic, the author handles it so compassionately and sensitively. ❤

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  26. What a gorgeous library. You have me intrigued about Sunshine Sketches in a Small Town. How to Survive a Bear Attack sounds like a good stocking-stuffer for one of my crew (and, hopefully, I will have time to read first). I am a 19th Century Literature fan – My Brilliant Career might be an interesting read. I’m diving back into the Brontes after a 15 years right now.

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    1. Thank you for reading and commenting. Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, Stephen Leacock (1912), is a series of vignettes dramatizing the comedy of day-to-day life in Mariposa, a bustling small town on the shores of the magnificent Lake Wissanotti (Orilla, Ontario – with the names changed to protect the innocent). I loved this book when I was 15. I look forward to the reread many decades later. How to Survive a Bear Attack and My Brilliant Career are also very worthy reads.

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  27. Hi Donna, I loved your reviews and given my upcoming trip to Canada maybe I’ll read ‘How to Survive a Bear Attack’ beforehand. I’m not sure the 100 years of Solitude is one I’ll pick up but I do admire you for continuing despite the slow start you described. I love the library you visited especially the sound of the charming children’s doll-house library section. Thanks as always for the reviews, I’m almost finished My Brilliant Career, and yes I have some questions too!

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    1. Thank you so much for dropping by. I read most of my books on Libby and I am lucky to belong to five different library regions that are all on Libby. Recently, I’ve been reading a novella a day just to have a break from the doom and gloom news. I hope all is well for you!

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    1. Hi, Carol – How to Survive a Bear Attack had me hooked throughout. It was the first time that I had ever listened to an audio book through NetGalley. The book will be published at the end of this month. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

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    1. I’ve read one of the Gamache books for a book club. Although I enjoyed it, I am not much of a series reader so I never went on to other Louise Penny books.

      Yup, Westmount Library definitely includes fireplaces. I wish that our library did too! ❤

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  32. Oh, I bet the Children’s Library is so quaint and inviting. I always wanted a doll house. And have always loved libraries of all sizes, shapes and collections. Combining the two would be a dream come true. Would enjoy having all my grands around me for a read-aloud story in that setting.

    Thank you for sharing the first book, How to Survive a Bear Attack. Sounds like this book has a little bit of everything – nonfiction, historical fiction, memoir. I think having the author read their work adds something to the narration that others can always bring to the table. I enjoy Joyce Maynard’s memoirs and fiction-based-on-her-life and she reads the books herself which makes them feel more authentic.

    Off to see where I can find How to Survive…I guess maybe as a pre-publication purchase? Thank you for introducing it to us.

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  33. Hi, Leslie – You seriously write awesome, detailed comments (which I appreciate greatly). I have no idea how you find the time to do this — Wonder Woman staus! ❤
    BTW – How to Survive A Bear Attack was released 4 days ago so should now be available at the usual places! 😀

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  34. Hi Donna – oddly I’ve just bought Marquez’ ‘Love in the time of Cholera’ a pertinent read after our recent experience of Covid.

    Your trip to Montreal and Quebec province … must have been so informative and interesting – another area of Canada I’d love to visit. Wonderful library … while fascinating to learn about Stephen Leacock’s Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town – enjoy and I look forward to reading your review – cheers Hilary

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      1. I tried to read it before … but I must do some serious reading over the summer – so will give it another go …

        This time ‘the like’ button worked from the email link across … I just get on with it – if I can, I do … if not, after a few tries, I give up … c’est la vie.

        Happy Easter and onwards in VI’s summer … cheers H

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