Schatje's Shelves
@dcyakabuski.bsky.social
Book blogger, traveller, amateur photographer
The book highlights the effects of trauma, racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and xenophobia. See my review of MISSING SAM by Thrity Umrigar: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
Review of MISSING SAM by Thrity Umrigar (New Release)
4 Stars This novel, set between July 2019 and March 2020, focuses on Aliya (Ali) Mirza and Samantha (Sam) O’Malley, a gay couple living in...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:05 PM
The book highlights the effects of trauma, racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and xenophobia. See my review of MISSING SAM by Thrity Umrigar: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
The author claims this is his last book. I hope it's not, but if it is, it's a good one to mark the end of his career. See my review of DEPARTURE(S) by Julian Barnes: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
Review of DEPARTURE(S) by Julian Barnes (New Release)
4 Stars Julian Barnes turned 80 on January 19, the day before this book was published. And it is so very much a Julian Barnes book, one ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:43 PM
The author claims this is his last book. I hope it's not, but if it is, it's a good one to mark the end of his career. See my review of DEPARTURE(S) by Julian Barnes: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
The book is sometimes an uncomfortable read because the reader knows things cannot end well, but it is very thought-provoking and so I have to recommend it. See my review of GOOD GUYS by Sharon Bala: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
Review of GOOD GUYS by Sharon Bala (New Release)
4 Stars I read Sharon Bala’s debut novel, The Boat People ( https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2018/05/review-of-boat-people-by-sharon-...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:50 PM
The book is sometimes an uncomfortable read because the reader knows things cannot end well, but it is very thought-provoking and so I have to recommend it. See my review of GOOD GUYS by Sharon Bala: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
I’m afraid this slow-paced novel about spiritual quests was not for me. See my review of EVELYN IN TRANSIT by David Guterson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
Review of EVELYN IN TRANSIT by David Guterson (New Release)
3 Stars David Guterson is best known for his debut novel, Snow Falling on Cedars , which, like most people, I loved. Over the years, I’ve...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:43 PM
I’m afraid this slow-paced novel about spiritual quests was not for me. See my review of EVELYN IN TRANSIT by David Guterson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
This novel, set in 1869 on both sides of the India-Tibet border, follows two explorers venturing into the Forbidden Kingdom. See my review of THE LAST OF EARTH by Deepa Anappara: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
Review of THE LAST OF EARTH by Deepa Anappara (New Release)
3.5 Stars This novel is set in 1869 on both sides of the India-Tibet border. At this time Tibet was closed to Europeans, this policy of i...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:52 PM
This novel, set in 1869 on both sides of the India-Tibet border, follows two explorers venturing into the Forbidden Kingdom. See my review of THE LAST OF EARTH by Deepa Anappara: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
I highly recommend this book. Its fluid writing style, complex characterization, thematic depth, and the tension maintained throughout ensure a great reading experience. See my review of #ScarsOfSilence by Jo Gustawsson from @orendabooks.bsky.social : schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
Review of SCARS OF SILENCE by Johana Gustawsson (New Release)
4 Stars I loved Yule Island , the first book in the Lidingö series, so was anxious to read this second one. It did not disappoint. At th...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:03 AM
I highly recommend this book. Its fluid writing style, complex characterization, thematic depth, and the tension maintained throughout ensure a great reading experience. See my review of #ScarsOfSilence by Jo Gustawsson from @orendabooks.bsky.social : schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
This book relies on the trope of “a storm is coming” in both a literal and figurative sense. See my review of THE STORM by Rachel Hawkins: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
Review of THE STORM by Rachel Hawkins (New Release)
3.5 Stars This book relies on the trope of “a storm is coming” in both a literal and figurative sense. St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama, is known...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:44 PM
This book relies on the trope of “a storm is coming” in both a literal and figurative sense. See my review of THE STORM by Rachel Hawkins: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
Anyone who grew up reading Nancy Drew novels will enjoy this book. It’s witty and entertaining but also possesses some thematic depth. See my review of THE NANCYS AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING NECKLACE by R.W.R. McDonald from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
Review of THE NANCYS AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING NECKLACE by R. W. R. McDonald
4 Stars This cozy crime story was a great way to begin the new year of reading. Eleven-year-old Tippy Chan lives with her mother Helen in...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Anyone who grew up reading Nancy Drew novels will enjoy this book. It’s witty and entertaining but also possesses some thematic depth. See my review of THE NANCYS AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING NECKLACE by R.W.R. McDonald from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...
My year-end list of best books always includes several titles from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/scha...
Schatje's Favourite Books of 2025
Schatje’s Favourite Books of 2025 Of the 106 books I read and reviewed this year, here are among my favourite ones published in 2025. I...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:44 PM
My year-end list of best books always includes several titles from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/scha...
It was a great day of reading. See my Best of 2025 list: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/scha...
Schatje's Favourite Books of 2025
Schatje’s Favourite Books of 2025 Of the 106 books I read and reviewed this year, here are among my favourite ones published in 2025. I...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:55 PM
It was a great day of reading. See my Best of 2025 list: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/scha...
The book is about the implications of one’s decisions and about domestic abuse and its long-term effects on family members. See my review of THE NAMES by Florence Knapp: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of THE NAMES by Florence Knapp
3.5 Stars I listened to this book on my morning walks, but I wish I had read a physical copy. Cora, though married to a well-respected ph...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:03 PM
The book is about the implications of one’s decisions and about domestic abuse and its long-term effects on family members. See my review of THE NAMES by Florence Knapp: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
This is the eighth Cormoran Strike novel. As the series continues, my enjoyment of the books is lessening. I’m not sure how much longer I will continue. Perhaps I’ll just stream Strike. See my review of THE HALLMARKED MAN by Robert Galbraith: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of THE HALLMARKED MAN by Robert Galbraith
3 Stars This is the eighth Cormoran Strike novel; it’s not the longest of the series but has over 900 pages. A mutilated and dismembered ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 26, 2025 at 5:28 PM
This is the eighth Cormoran Strike novel. As the series continues, my enjoyment of the books is lessening. I’m not sure how much longer I will continue. Perhaps I’ll just stream Strike. See my review of THE HALLMARKED MAN by Robert Galbraith: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
The author excels at creating the tediousness of dissatisfied people living isolated lives. But for me, the book was often a tedious read. See my review of THE LAND IN WINTER by Andrew Miller: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of THE LAND IN WINTER by Andrew Miller
3 Stars I picked up this book because it was shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize and won the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:25 PM
The author excels at creating the tediousness of dissatisfied people living isolated lives. But for me, the book was often a tedious read. See my review of THE LAND IN WINTER by Andrew Miller: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
This is more a novella than a novel, yet it has so much in it. I can understand why it has been applauded so widely. See my review of SEASCRAPER by Benjamin Wood: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of SEASCRAPER by Benjamin Wood
4 Stars This novel was brought to my attention when it appeared on the 2025 Booker Prize longlist. The novel is set in the early 1960s in...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:34 PM
This is more a novella than a novel, yet it has so much in it. I can understand why it has been applauded so widely. See my review of SEASCRAPER by Benjamin Wood: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
I recommend the book but advise that readers set aside considerable time to read it; it deserves to be read slowly and to be given careful thought. See my review of FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi
4 Stars This novel caught my attention when it appeared on the shortlist for the 2025 Booker Prize. In 1978, ten-year-old Louisa Kang goes...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:10 PM
I recommend the book but advise that readers set aside considerable time to read it; it deserves to be read slowly and to be given careful thought. See my review of FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
The novel has an original premise, but its execution is unimaginative. See my review of NOT QUITE DEAD YET by Holly Jackson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of NOT QUITE DEAD YET by Holly Jackson
2.5 Stars After some heavy reads with complex themes, I decided to pick up some light reading. I chose this book because it has an intere...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:27 PM
The novel has an original premise, but its execution is unimaginative. See my review of NOT QUITE DEAD YET by Holly Jackson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
I especially liked the characterization, the occasional touches of humour, and the cultural elements. See my review of CURSED DAUGHTERS by Oyinkan Braithwaite: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of CURSED DAUGHTERS by Oyinkan Braithwaite
3.5 Stars I loved the author’s first novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer , so was curious to read her second one. The Falodun women are cu...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:56 PM
I especially liked the characterization, the occasional touches of humour, and the cultural elements. See my review of CURSED DAUGHTERS by Oyinkan Braithwaite: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
The novel depicts teen girls very realistically. See my review of NEEDLE LAKE by Justine Champine: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of NEEDLE LAKE by Justine Champine (New Release)
4 Stars This is a coming-of-age story. Fourteen-year-old Ida lives with her mother in the small logging town of Mineral, Washington. Her...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
The novel depicts teen girls very realistically. See my review of NEEDLE LAKE by Justine Champine: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
The book offers insight into Christianity in medieval times: mysticism, beguines, and anchorites. Unfortunately, the pace is slow so it is sometimes difficult to maintain interest. See my review of CANTICLE by Janet Rich Edwards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Review of CANTICLE by Janet Rich Edwards (New Release)
3 Stars This historical novel is set in the late thirteenth century in Bruges, Belgium. Aleys is an unusual child. From early childhood, ...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The book offers insight into Christianity in medieval times: mysticism, beguines, and anchorites. Unfortunately, the pace is slow so it is sometimes difficult to maintain interest. See my review of CANTICLE by Janet Rich Edwards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...
Readers who have read previous books by this author will find much that is familiar, but what impresses me is his deep understanding of the human condition and human behaviour. See my review of SONGS OF LOVE ON A DECEMBER NIGHT by David Adams Richards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of SONGS OF LOVE ON A DECEMBER NIGHT by David Adams Richards
4 Stars David Adams Richards is a Canadian author whose books I always purchase as hardcovers as soon as I learn of a new release. This is...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Readers who have read previous books by this author will find much that is familiar, but what impresses me is his deep understanding of the human condition and human behaviour. See my review of SONGS OF LOVE ON A DECEMBER NIGHT by David Adams Richards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
I loved this novel set in Venice at the turn of the twentieth century. See my review of VENETIAN VESPERS by John Banville: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of VENETIAN VESPERS by John Banville
4 Stars I loved this novel set in Venice at the turn of the twentieth century. Evelyn Dolman, a self-described “Grub Street hack,” is marr...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM
I loved this novel set in Venice at the turn of the twentieth century. See my review of VENETIAN VESPERS by John Banville: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
For my hometown newspaper, The Madawaska Valley Current, I've written my annual article recommending fiction titles to gift at Christmas or to include on a to-read list. Go to madvalleycurrent.com/2025/11/20/n... to read my suggestions which include both Canadian and international titles.
November 22, 2025 at 7:59 PM
For my hometown newspaper, The Madawaska Valley Current, I've written my annual article recommending fiction titles to gift at Christmas or to include on a to-read list. Go to madvalleycurrent.com/2025/11/20/n... to read my suggestions which include both Canadian and international titles.
If you like memoirs, consider DID I EVER TELL YOU? by Genevieve Kingston: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of DID I EVER TELL YOU? by Genevieve Kingston
3.5 Stars I don’t especially enjoy memoirs and read this one only because it was chosen by my book club. I hate reviewing the genre becaus...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:33 AM
If you like memoirs, consider DID I EVER TELL YOU? by Genevieve Kingston: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
This novel, first published in Dutch in 2023, is thought-provoking. See my review of LISTEN by Sacha Bronwasser: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of LISTEN by Sacha Bronwasser (New Release)
4 Stars This novel was first published in Dutch in 2023 ( Luister ). The narrator is Marie living in Paris in September of 2021. She loo...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:02 PM
This novel, first published in Dutch in 2023, is thought-provoking. See my review of LISTEN by Sacha Bronwasser: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
When a book lingers in my mind after I finish reading it and when I’m considering re-reading it, I have no hesitation in recommending it to others. See my review of BENBECULA by Graeme Macrae Burnet: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...
Review of BENBECULA by Graeme Macrae Burnet (New Release)
4 Stars I’ve read a couple of this author’s books: His Bloody Project ( https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2016/08/review-of-his-bloody...
schatjesshelves.blogspot.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
When a book lingers in my mind after I finish reading it and when I’m considering re-reading it, I have no hesitation in recommending it to others. See my review of BENBECULA by Graeme Macrae Burnet: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...