What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
Just four more days until it is 'officially' Spring in Canada. I must confess that I spent much of early March curled up beside my fireplace reading, writing, and watching snow descend upon Vancouver Island. Although snow in March is just plain wrong, the cold weather did allow me to indulge in some awesome books.… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf – March 2023?
Here are my condensed reviews of the books I have read this past month. I have also included a challenge for you! Just for fun, one of my reviews was completely computer generated (for free) by ChatGPT*. You can find my reviews for each book via the "here" links. Can you tell which one was… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf – February 2023
Recently I joined another book club (I know, I know!) This one is focused on reading, reviewing and preparing-sharing one recipe each month or so (depending on our schedules). Cookbook Confidential is led by Bernadette from New Classic Recipes. Each month, book club members read the same cookbook. We then each prepare one of the recipes, share… Continue reading What’s On Your Plate: Greek Baked Vegetables (Briam)
Blooper! Last week, this post accidentally published itself one week early (I swear it did it all by itself). If you are a subscriber (thank you!), my sincere apologies for the dead link you received. Without further ado, here is the post -- hopefully with a live link this time! Christmas Reads For a quick… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf – My Year in Books 2022
A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens: It's that time of year again. The season wouldn't be complete without rereading A Christmas Carol. I find something new to love about this Dickens classic every single time. This year, I listened via audiobook. I couldn't help but banter with the narrator. "Marley was dead.""How dead was he?" "Deader… Continue reading December Reads
Ever feel confined by a five-star book rating system and wonder what the ratings actually mean? As it turns out, even major players in the book rating game mean different things when using the five-star system. For example, when comparing Goodreads' star rating definitions with Amazon's, we quickly see that Goodreads' three star-rating is Amazon's… Continue reading Confused About Book Rating Systems? Me too!
I had planned to take a Reading Break this month (lots going on). But somehow, I could not resist sneaking in these four books. Once again, they comprised a very mixed reading bag. My September Reads began with a very Proud Mama moment! Title: The Political Ecologies of Landscape: Governing Urban Transformations in Penang.Author: Creighton Connolly.Publisher:… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf this September?
Netgalley Sometimes I swear that I live under a rock--a very big one. I just discovered Netgalley... and that the world isn't flat. Seriously, who knew?! For others unfamiliar with Netgalley, it helps readers discover and recommend new books. Publishers provide free digital review copies to the Netgalley community in exchange for honest reviews. Win-win!… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf? Netgalley and More!
Bleak House, Charles Dickens • My apologies for being MIA in recent weeks. I went from a planned blogging break to a family emergency which has required much time and attention. I am hoping to gradually re-enter the blogging world with this post. In honour of Charles Dickens' June 9 birthday, Yvette from Prior House… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf? The June Edition.
Book Club/Reading Benefits (according to research) Boost Memory and Cognition (Source)Increase Social Skills (Source)Reduce Stress and Anxiety (Source) (Source)Increase Longevity (Source) (Source) Improve Your Quality of Life (Source) Book Club Benefits (according to me) A Chance to Discuss Your Recent Reads/Share a Love of ReadingConnect SociallyMake New FriendsAfternoon or Evening OutExpand Your Reading HorizonsGain New… Continue reading Why Join A Book Club?
Retirement Reflections 