One-Sitting Reads – Retirement Reflections

Animal Farm, George Orwell, 1945, 140 pages. The animals of Manor Farm overthrow human oppressors in search of self-governance. Their newfound power is soon corrupted. The pigs seize control, lie, manipulate and rewrite history to serve their own greedy interests. Intended as a parody of early communist Russia, this fable remains eerily relevant today.

The Yellow Wall-Paper, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, 1892, 62 pages.
Brilliant and terrifying, The Yellow Wallpaper explores with masterful economy the oppression, grave misunderstanding, and willful dismissal of women in late nineteenth-century society.

The Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff, 2003, 176 pages. Before picking up my library copy of ‘The Tao of Pooh’ earlier today, I couldn’t have confidently answered much on a pop quiz of ‘What is Taoism?’ Shhh, don’t tell. I greatly appreciated the clever introduction and now have plenty of insights to carry forward.

Foster, Claire Keegan, 2010, 89 pages.
Originally published in Ireland, this novella deals with grief, despair, hope, kindness and childhood innocence. It is a masterclass in restraint and quiet power. This moving and atmospheric story proves that sometimes, the quietest voices leave the most lasting impression.

The Grownup, Gillian Flynn, 2015, 64 pages. This is an intricately layered, gripping page-turner that will have your heart racing in a single sitting — guaranteed. Clever, creepy and thrillingly fun!

Before the Ever After, Jacqueline Woodson, 2020, 176 pages. Woodson explores CTE, a degenerative brain disease often found in athletes who have had repeated head injuries. It offers deep insights into the challenges faced by those experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline. Classified as Middle-grade fiction, this poignant and poetic novel is equally powerful for adults.

Long Way Down, Jason Reynolds, 2017, 306 pages (in verse). Fifteen-year-old Will steps into an elevator. The story then channels A Christmas Carol–with a modern twist. By the time he reaches the lobby, both Will and the reader must decide: Is Will coming? Beautifully written, deeply powerful and utterly heartbreaking.

Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan, 2021, 128 pages.
Once again, this is a story that speaks profoundly to our current times. “Was it possible to carry on along through all the years, the decades, through an entire life, without once being brave enough to go against what was there and… still face yourself in the mirror?”

And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer, F. Backman, 2015, 97 pages. I had difficulty getting into this book. Partly, that was my literal mind trying to figure out what was reality and what was memory. Mostly, my defence mechanisms were hard at work. Dementia hits very close to home. Steeling myself, I didn’t think I would cry — I seldom do with books. But as the story unfolded, my literal mind let go…and I wept.

The Sleeper and The Spindle, Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell. 2014, 68 pages. I read this reimagined fairytale in digital format, so I didn’t get the full impact of Chris Riddell’s brilliant artwork. If you’re getting a copy, go for print—this is definitely a story where the physical format enhances the experience

Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity, Reilich and Knell 2024, 320 pages. A feel-good collection of 101 real-life stories, perfect for dipping into on the go. It didn’t quite hit five-star heights for me—likely because I binge-read it all at once. Still, it’s a warm, hopeful reminder of the quiet power of kindness in tough times. Best enjoyed in small, bite-sized pieces.

How to Have a Happy Birthday, Tamar Hurwitz-Flemming, 2024, 148 pages. Tamar encourages readers to reclaim their birthdays as a personal new year—an opportunity for mindful celebration, reflection, and growth. The accompanying workbook deepens the reading experience with prompts to help readers lessen their discomfort surrounding aging and focus on fulfillment. Inspiring and insightful, Tamar’s passion radiates off of each page.