Books, Link Ups, What's On Your Bookshelf?

What’s On Your Bookshelf – May 2025

Retirement Reflections


Over the past month, my bookshelf has seen a little bit of everything—book club selections, short reads, chunky novels, timeless classics, fresh non-fiction and a captivating beta read. How about you? My cohosts and I would love for you to join the conversation—drop a comment or link up with us through InLinkz below. And don’t miss the invitation to our upcoming book club chats at the end of this post. We’d love for you to participate!

5 Stars
Oliver Twist, Dickens
I loved this book from start to finish. Dickens’ melodic prose, sharp wit, and scathing social critique make Oliver Twist truly unforgettable. It’s a powerful, heartbreaking reflection of Dickens’ era that sadly remains relevant today.. It deserves its place as a timeless classic.

This book was recently discussed in both of my book clubs. Their verdict? Both groups agreed that the writing was brilliant but that they often had to take breaks while reading because of the story’s sadness. We were all relieved with much (but not all) of the final outcome.

5 Stars
Witness for the Prosecution, Christie
The Witness for the Prosecution is the first Agatha Christie book I’ve ever read—and damn her, I was fresh out of five-star ratings. But I had no choice. This one was absolutely flawless: clever, zigzagging, and masterfully told.

4 Stars
The Comfort Book, Haig
A warm hug, a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, freshly baked cookies—and wise words from a trusted friend. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig is all of these things and more. When you need a lift or a moment of peace in a chaotic world, this is the book to reach for.

4- Stars
The Uncommon Reader, Bennett
What if the Queen of England developed a passionate love of reading later in life, and it changed everything? In The Uncommon Reader, Alan Bennett explores this whimsical premise with wit, cheek, and quiet humour, taking book lovers on a delightful literary adventure along the way.

4 Stars
The Book of Hygge, Thomsan Brits
I listened to the audiobook while prepping for houseguests. The narrator’s voice felt like hygge itself. The author’s insights turned my chores into unexpected moments of contentment. Curious about the book? Go for the audio—whether you’re folding laundry or curled up by the fire, it’s the perfect match for the message.

3+ Stars
Careless People, Wynn-Williams
This memoir offers a rare insider’s view of Facebook (now Meta). Wynn-Williams raises important questions about accountability in tech, but at times, she sounds gossipy, with a tone of personal score-settling. Still, I’m glad I read it. Despite its flaws, Careless People is a bold and timely contribution to the ongoing conversation about power, greed, and ethics in Silicon Valley.




3 Stars
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Rowling
This was my first time reading anything by Rowling. I quite enjoyed this small taste. These Grimm-style tales packed a surprising punch; a few even made me gasp. The stories varied in appeal, but Dumbledore’s commentary didn’t do it for me. Bonus points: 90% of profits go to Lumos, Rowling’s charity to end child institutionalization.

3- Stars
Women Who Run With Wolves, Estes
This book simply wasn’t for me. Early on, the author calls out Grimm’s Fairy Tales for biased retellings, yet proceeds to do much the same herself—irony at its finest. That said, I understand what she was trying to convey and appreciate that her ideas have been meaningful and inspiring to many.

Murder in the Mangroves is the second book in the Whale Bay Mysteries—a romantic and cozy whodunnit series with a touch of tarot and astrology. Author (and friend) Jo Tracey has a gift for drawing readers in with authentic, complex, and highly believable characters.

This time, Clementine Carter’s world is shaken by the arrival of her boyfriend’s not-quite-ex-wife and the discovery of a body in the mangroves. What unfolds is a twisty, satisfying mystery that explores loyalty, unspoken truths, and the complicated ties that bind.

One of my favourite things about Jo’s writing is how she lets her characters lead the way—often not knowing whodunnit herself until late in the process. In fact, this time she was only two chapters from the end when the real killer revealed themselves. That spontaneity keeps the plot fresh, surprising, and far from predictable.

I was delighted to be a beta reader for this book, which is set for release on August 20, 2025. Readers can preorder their copy at Indigo, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

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Coming Soon…

For the past four years, the Simply Stunning Classic Book Club – that’s Sue, Debbie, Jo, and me – has been meeting regularly to talk about books. Not just any books, mind you – classics.

We started with the Brontë sisters (yes, all of them), moved on to Jane Austen, and we’ve branched out from there. Over time, our reading list has grown to include Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, Aldous Huxley, Evelyn Waugh, Oscar Wilde… and that’s just for starters.

Some of the books we’ve adored. A few we’ve endured. Others have surprised us – either in the moment or in hindsight – and more than once we’ve found ourselves saying, “That is frighteningly relevant today.” Some have been rereads, others are first-timers, and a few fall into the glad I’ve read it but once was enough” category.

What they’ve all had in common is this: they’ve sparked brilliant conversation. Not just about the books themselves but also about the authors, the context, the history, and the occasional rabbit hole we tumble down while reading. We’ve learned so much. About literature, about the world, and about each other.

We invite you to participate – virtually, of course. Starting with our next book, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, we’ll be recording our Zoom chats and releasing them as a podcast on Substack.

We’d love to have you join us. You can subscribe here.

Classics We’ve Read Together So Far Plus Our Current Read, Wind in the Willows
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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.

72 thoughts on “What’s On Your Bookshelf – May 2025”

  1. Donna, your consummate literary achievements are unparalleled. Thank you for your many reviews, which place many books on my “must read” list. It will take me years, not weeks to read them, but I look forward to being moved by them as you have been. Regards, Don

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    1. Hi, Don – Thank you so much for dropping by, and for your kind words. When are you guys free for a visit next? Richard was just saying “If Cranbrook won’t come to us, we will have to go to Cranbrook.” ❤

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  2. I read an Alan Bennett this month too – I really like him, though I know he’s not very taxing. there’s just something very appealing about it. If I recall correctly, I loved the Uncommon reader (I do mix his books and plays up a bit), which I guess given his longevity as a writer, is bound to happen.

    I also have read a lot of Christie. I’ve read that book and seen the paly and still can’t remember what happens. I might try to reread it (or track down the audio if it’s one that Christopher Lee read. I love his book narration – and he did a lot of Christie).

    I just wrote my review for Burn Book, so I might track down careless People too, as this way tech shapes us, and they way people use it, is fascinating.

    Good picks!

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    1. Yes to picking up Jo’s book when it comes out in August. It’s a fantastic continuation in The Whale Bay Series (but can also be read as a standalone). And yes to The Comfort Book – a healing balm that we all could use right about now. (I also loved Oliver Twist but it was tragic, sad, and disturbing…although it mostly ends well). When are you and Paul coming back to Parksville? Rock the Park is the beginning of August (just sayin)!

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  5. Two warm hug books in there Donna – good for soothing the soul in these troubled times. Fun too that you guys are going to record your book club discussions – I hope it reflects all that you guys bring to the table when you get together – it should add a bit of a spark to the discussion!

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    1. Hi, Leanne – Somehow, especially leading up to our recent Federal Election, I found myself repeatedly reaching for comfort books (better that than copious amounts of comfort food) 😀 I highly recommend both The Book of Hygge and The Comfort Book to help add a bit of calm in times when chaos repeatedly streams all around us.

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    1. Hi, Jacqui – I totally agree that it is absolutely wonderful to read something great for the first time. The one thing about my reading is that I seldom read multiple books from the same author…although there have been a few exceptions! ❤

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  7. There are <50 pages to go in Kate Quinn’s “The Rose Code” – the story of 3 female codebreakers in WWll. I’ve read The Huntress by Quinn as well. Good reads. I realize the last few books I’ve read have been about the misogyny women face throughout the ages, from Sue Monk Kidd’s The Book of Longings set in the 1st century; Pip Williams’ The Dictionary of Lost Words set in the early 1900s; The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon set in the 18th century; and now The Rose Code. I read Women Who Run With The Wolves in the 90s. I’m always reminded that sometimes a women needs to sit back and pant like a wolf and just wait.

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    1. Hi, Mona – I’ve read a few Kate Quinn books (The Huntress, The Alice Network and The Briar Club). I haven’t read The Rose Code but I have heard good things about it. I’ve also read The Dictionary of Lost Words (which I loved), but no other books on your list (at least not yet). I hope that all is well for you and that spring has been good to you so far (and continues to be so)! ❤

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  8. I enjoyed Matt Haig’s “The Comfort Book” too. I borrowed it from the library when I read it, but it would be a good one to have around the house to pull out when I need a lift. That’s exciting that you all will be sharing your book club with everyone.

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    1. Hi, Lisa – Thank you for your kind words. I read almost all of my books from the library (or Libby) or ARCs. That’s such a wonderful way to read, environmentally friendlier and reduces my dilemma of which books I keep and which books I give away! ❤

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  9. Have scrolled thru’ your list twice and feel discomfited somehow – what on earth has happened to my reading! Read the Dickens in my teenage years arriving as a migrant kid from Europe, read the Christie soon after .. . . looking at your tall list of classics, the only ones I have not read are ‘Shirley’ and ‘Mrs Dalloway’ . . . but do not have a clue what happened after . . . lack of time, lack of money, nose in the small and large screens, the bilateral cataracts I did not realize were there for the longest time . . . ? Good to get a wakeup call such as your lists and have to think . . . well, the first I want to get in my hands is ‘Hygge’, followed by ‘Careless People’ – odd choices perchance but . . . have a wonderful weekend . . . oops you have more time to go than me . . .

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    1. Hi, Eha – You always write such thoughtful comments that definitely get me pondering. I am sorry that my book list caused you any discomfort at all (it was meant to do quite the opposite). I LOVE books and still this past six weeks was my first time reading Agatha Christie, JK Rowling, Alan Bennett and more. Truly, so many books, so many literary rabbit holes to explore, and never, ever enough time. ❤

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      1. Oh Lordie – no, no, no! There was absolutely NO discomfort of any kind (had there been I would NOT have commented!) . . . I just wondered to myself how the use of my time had changed ! In my younger years Mom’s usual comment was ‘Eha, you cannot read every book printed!’ and now other facets of life seem to have taken over to such an extent I look at titles of books others have read and shake my head at my current ignorance! But in NO way does it upset me!!! But I am laughing that I genuinely have read all the books bar two on that pile of yours . . . 🙂 ! I remember having almost no English arriving in Australia as a 13-year-old. We lived with my great-uncle, a simple man in his mid-60s, who took me to his local library up the street and asked the lovely librarian to recommend something (he had had no kids!)(for money in those days) . . . so I was handed ‘Anne of Green Gables’ AND somehow managed and asked for ‘Anne of Avonlea’ next week and the two smiled 🙂 !!!

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      2. Hi, Eha – Thank you for the clarification. That is so cool that you didn’t start speaking English until you were thirteen years old but still preceded to devour books, many of them in English! Fun fact: I, a Canadian, never read Anne of Green Gables until we read it for this book club last year. I am the only Canadian in that reading group, and the only one who had not read it. You are absolutely correct, that different facets of life take over at different times for us, and I believe that is absolutely how it should be….at least most of the time!  ❤

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  12. Hi Donna. I can’t believe I haven’t read this Matt Haig book. He’s the author I usually go to as soon as he has a book published. I loved Oliver Twist, but it was many years ago. I’m excited for your about the podcast, and look forward to listening.

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer! ‘The Comfort Book’ was exactly what I needed the moment that I was reading it. It also included Matt’s discussion of some of his background — none of which I knew. I highly recommend it.

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  13. I’m delighted to know you enjoyed Oliver Twist. My second favourite book and musical. I think I know which part of the ending upset you but it was the correct and most likely outcome, wasn’t it? I’ll look for the Christie

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    1. Hi, Robbie – You are right. It was the most likely outcome. But…one of the things that I loved about this book was that after all of that misery and heartbreak, the good MOSTLY were rewarded, while the baddies MOSTLY got their comeuppance. It’s the MOSTLY that was double-heartbreaking. 😦

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  14. Hi Donna, you have been busy reading! I had downloaded the Matt Haig book a while ago but always seem to bypass it for some reason. I’m looking forward to our Book Club Podcast although I will have to be on my game and do my homework! Thanks as always for your insightful reviews. I haven’t read Jo’s book yet and as for Agatha Christie, I remember seeing the movie Witness for the Prosecution years ago. I read And Then There Was None recently and loved it. She was so clever and also has an interesting back story. Sue L x

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    1. Hi, Sue – This comment was so helpful to me in numerous ways. It reminded me that I also have some homework to do before our next discussion. I then went to double check the discussion date in my calendar and realized that the date was missing (I had a calendar mishap last week but thought that all missing dates had been recovered — now I realize that other dates may be missing too). So I am off to try to sort this all out. I’m grateful that your comment sparked all of this! I hope that you are having a fantastic Saturday! ❤ ❤ ❤

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  15. Tempting as it is, I just don’t have time to join your group, but will always enjoy reading these summaries. Of your Classics list above I have read all but My Brilliant Career, The Alchemist, The World According to Gary, Seven Little Australians, and Out of Africa.

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    1. Hi, Derrick – That is so impressive that out of the 33 books that we’ve read for Book Club (some of them very randomly chosen) there are only four selections that you have not read. There is absolutely no pressure to join in. Debbie, Jo, Sue and I have been discussing classic books together for quite some time and thought we would put our discussions on a podcast and see what happens. Stay tuned for that! ❤

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  16. I seldom reject a book once I’ve started reading. Sometimes they feel like a waste of my time, but sometimes they ‘turn a corner’ and I become hooked. My current read, by Ali Smith (How to be both), is hovering somewhere in the middle but it keeps me turning the pages. Maybe it’s too clever for me. Anyway- I digress. A good list, Donna. Thanks for the suggestions xx

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    1. Interesting, Jo. Until recently I had only read two Ali Smiths – Hotel World and The Accidental. I found them … weird. Then we had Autumn for this month’s book group and I found it weird but very enjoyable, so much so that I immediately started Winter. Still weird, not enjoyable! I think I’ll give up on Ali Smith.

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    2. Hi, Jo – Same here! As soon as I begin a book I usually stick with it. FOMO at its finest. Since I retired 10 years ago, I only DNF’s one book. That book was not for me on so many levels — but the clincher was that the writing was weak and inconsistent. One can only yell “where in the heck was the editor” so often. ❤

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  17. Pingback: Those Elusive Five-Star Reads [Discussion] #BookX #BookSky #BookBlogger #5StarReads #booklist #WOYBS #bookcommunity #readinglife - Reading Ladies

  18. What a wonderful reading month! I’ve added Witness for the Prosecution to my TBR list. Careless People is already on it.

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    1. Hi, Olivia – Thank you so much for stopping by. ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ is short, sharp and brilliantly executed. I thought it was flawless! Careless People was a mixed read for me, but I am very glad that I read it.

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  19. You read some awesome books. I read Women Who Run With the Wolves in the 1990s. I liked it then but may not like it as much now. Our tastes change especially with those sort of books.

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    1. Hi, Darlene – I totally agree with you that books (movies, etc, etc) that we previously loved don’t always strike the same chord when we are older (and vice versa). Some books that I read as a young teen, I would never admit to reading now. 😀

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  21. In my youth there was no such thing as teenage or YA fiction so I went straight from the comfort of Enid Blyton to Agatha Christie! I read every one I could get my hands on. Occasionally I have reread one as an adult and I still enjoy them, though my images of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are now heavily influenced by my favourite onscreen performances (David Suchet and Joan Hickson).

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  22. Donna,

    Your reviews are as well-written and any I’ve ever read by people who do reviews for a living. I’m not the reader you are, but I’ve added several books to my “must read” list and give you the credit, including the Christie short story. Thanks much! Joe

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    1. Hi, Joe – Thank you so much for your kind words. If I wrote reviews for a living I would surely drive myself crazy. I previously was in five bookclubs (I’m now in three) so I started reading ahead so that I would never get caught short. That’s when I began writing Goodread reviews for every single book that I read, so that I remember how I felt immediately upon finishing each book. These Goodread reviews then became very handy for my WOYBS posts (although I usually shorten them significantly). 😀

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  23. Working my way through many of your suggestions from last month. I have 2 in print form from the library, finished one Before the Ever After, a few weeks ago. Thank you!!

    Tempted to try to join you gals in reading Wind in the Willows. I have never read it. But I am so slow. I guess, if I finish in time to discuss, I can join you.

    The Hygge book is of interest to me. Thank you for suggesting it in audio version. Years ago, a fellow teacher recommended I read Women who Run… struggled to read it and kept wondering why it was she thought I needed to do so. Was I a wild woman archetype? Or was it because of the Grimms fairy tale references? Never was sure.

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    1. Hi’, Leslie – I’m delighted that you downloaded a couple of the books that I recommended last month, and that you finished and enjoyed ‘Before the Ever After.’ That book was so heartbreaking and so relatable on many levels.
      I’m excited that you may consider reading ‘Wind in the Willows’ book with us. It’s 270 pages, about a 3 hour read (if I remember correctly) and is also available on audio. I’ll keep my fingers crossed! ❤

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  24. I have long been a fan of Agatha Christie mysteries, but I don’t think I’ve read The Witness for the Prosecution. With so many titles to her credit, I don’t always recognize the story from just the title though. The Alan Bennett book looks like a fun read, I think I’d like that one!

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    1. Hi, Kym – Great minds think alike. I just returned here from reading your recent blog post. The Witness for the Prosecution was absolutely fabulous. Short, sharp and very twisty. I highly recommend it. The Alan Bennett book is also such a fun read — perfect for all avid readers and book lovers!

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  25. Looks like I need to speed up my reading. I’m lucky anymore if I can get one book read in a month. I know that sounds crazy, I used to read so much, but somewhere along the line I now fall asleep reading. But many of these sound great. I remember not liking Oliver Twist as a kid when we read it in school. I don’t know that I’d have the ability to read it these days, but some of the others I might.

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    1. Hi, Dawn – I totally get the falling asleep while reading part — that happens to me quite frequently. One book a month is great. When I worked I usually didn’t even come close to that. When I retired ten years ago, I began with one book a month (who knew retirement would be so busy). My reads have built up from there — mostly because I have been trying desperately to avoid our current news media. ❤

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  26. I love all things Hygge!
    Off topic….I’m hosting a bookish blog collaboration this summer (Deb participated last year)….basically a book rec and a 1 paragraph blurb…..I’d love to have you! If you email me at readingladies1@gmail.com I can send you the info to look at. No worries if you’re got too much on your plate already!

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  28. Women Who Run With Wolves, Estes
    This book simply wasn’t for me.

    You said and I agree. I wanted to like it and my friends were enthusiastic about it, but somehow…

    Best of luck with your podcast.

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    1. Such a great collection Donna, some of which I’ve read but others I’d like to. The Agatha Christie sounds good, is she a classic author do you think?

      Thanks for bringing so much to our book club discussions, it just wouldn’t be the same without your insights!

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      1. Hi, Debbie – Thank you for your warm and uplifting words. Agatha Christie is our next classic read after WITW. Agatha is considered a classic author due to her enduring popularity, innovative plotting and significant influence on the mystery genre.Her books, especially those featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, are known for their intricate mysteries and engaging characters, which have captivated readers for generations. Beyond her popularity, Christie’s writing style and storytelling techniques have had a lasting impact on the world of mystery fiction.  ♡

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  29. Hi Donna – what a great range of goodies to get our heads into … I’d like to do the Zoom tie in – but feel I need to bow out … to many other mixes in my life. I note Villette … a book I hung onto for ages, but am fairly certain it went off to Camilla’s our local 2nd hand book store, I do so look forward to reading your thoughts and comments – cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi, Hilary – It is so interesting to me that Villette is one of the books that you most remember hanging on to. Your comment made me want to know more about your thoughts on this particular book. Villette was the one Charlotte Bronte book that I found to be quite frustrating….brilliant but definitely maddening. With its unreliable narrator, long untranscribed passages in French, and many “coincidences” that the plot relied upon, I found that this particular Bronte book demands much of its reader. ♡♡

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  31. Pingback: ⭐🌟PRIORHOUSE INTERVIEW with Donna Connolly @Retirement Reflections⭐🌟 – priorhouse blog

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