What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
I was on my Blogging Break in April and missed last month's #WOYBS. As I managed to sneak in a few books while travelling (especially during my 13-hour flights to and from Hongkong), I have lots to catch up on. I've sorted these reads by my star ratings. While all books listed have received much… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf May 2023?
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
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
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:Â Creighton Connolly.Publisher:… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf this September?
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?
I've been thinking a great deal about female friendships recently -- the ebb and flow, the inexplicable ties that bind, the diversity -- and how each relationship (despite its length or size) adds to who we become -- often without us realizing it. While reflecting on friendship, I began to notice this topic explored in… Continue reading Female Friendships in Life & Literature
The above question was overheard in a Vancouver Island coffee shop during a blustering snowstorm. A young female barista and a middle-aged male customer bantered how they each might spend their snowed-in weekend. This question (actually, I believe it was a statement) surprised me. I began to wonder how many others would feel the same.… Continue reading “Who Even Reads Books Anymore?”
Retirement Reflections 