The Bookshelf Cafe News

Many years ago, when I was in elementary school, a story I wrote was published in my rural community newspaper. … More The Craftsman (short story) by Leanne Dyck →

‘Flowers in the Fall’ photo by ldyck Where are the must-read books? What book should you read next? Who will … More 20+ Book Bloggers (list) →

On October 10th this blog will be nine years old. Do you believe it? Nine. To celebrate, I re-read the … More Writing about Writers (list of quotes) →

The Pearl (a 90-page short novel written as a parable) opens with a heart-warming yet simply written scene–the morning activities … More Book Review: The Pearl by John Steinbeck (short novel) →

In elementary school, I wrote a poem that was published in my school’s newsletter and a short story that was … More My first writers’ group (short story) by Leanne Dyck →

This book’s message:  How you feel about me is none of my business. How I feel when I’m around you … More Bunny: A Novel by Mona Awad (literary fiction) →

At the end of part one of this two-part short story, I was just about to read my story about my … More Afi (short story) by Leanne Dyck (2 of 2) →

I’m blessed with a wonderfully supportive family–and friends–who have nurtured my writing. Here’s an early example… a photo of my … More Afi (short story) by Leanne Dyck (1 of 2) →

What would you do if you felt a friend was being treated unjustly? Buy this book  I received my copy … More Book Review: The Princess Dolls by Ellen Schwartz (historical fiction) →

The case of the mysteriously disappearing woman… on Vancouver Island photo by ldyckThe Invisible Woman The first time it happened … More The Invisible Woman (short story) by Leanne Dyck →

In 1934, during the Great Depression, the birth of the Dionne quintuplets charmed Canadians and the world. The sisters were … More Book Review: The Quintland Sisters by Shelley Wood (historical fiction) →

This summer I had an opportunity to meet and share my writing with Ellen Schwartz. She helped me to greatly … More Guest Post: Author Ellen Schwartz →

A father and a son prepare to leave their homeland and cross the ocean to–what they hope will be–a safe … More Book Review: Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini →

What have you discarded? Why? Do you miss it?It was just another Tuesday afternoon in May. I sat at my … More The Toy (short story) by Leanne Dyck →

‘No matter what happens, the past has a permanence. The past is safe.’ (p. 235)  An Ocean of Minutes is … More Book Review: An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim →

When I started to write I wanted to share my stories with everyone but… photo by ldyck Jim West cut … More Sharing Your Writing (short story) by Leanne Dyck →

Set in the year 1979, That Time I Loved You:  Life is Never as Perfect as it Seems is a … More Book Review: That Time I Loved You by Carrianne Leung →

You, the writer, continue to listen and I, the muse, tell you a story about an elderly woman who…Linked to … More Playing With Your Muse (short story) (2 of 2) by Leanne Dyck →

Do writers sleep soundly? What makes them toss and turn? Who do they wake up for–too early in the morning? … More How a writer sleeps (short story)(1 of 2) by Leanne Dyck →

This 49-page illustrated short novel packs a powerful punch. Buy this book I purchased my copy from Bolen Books Illustrated … More Book Review: Fox 8 (illustrated short novel) by George Saunders →

photo by ldyck When you think about someone who is disabled you may envision someone who is weak. You may … More Emphasizing the ‘ability’ in disability (list) by Leanne Dyck →

Milkman by Anna Burns is set in Ireland during the 1970s, during the time of the troubles. “Everyone” is afraid and … More Book Review: Milkman by Anna Burns →

What would you do to make a dream reality? This short story was inspired by The Perfect Nanny by Leila … More Annie (short story) by Leanne Dyck →

Unlike many of the books I review, I’ve found it impossible to review Bellevue Square without spoilers. Sorry… Published in Canada by … More Book Review: Bellevue Square by Michael Redhill →

Do you judge a person before you get to know them? Haven’t we all–at one time or another? Do you … More Baby Rescuer (short story) by Leanne Dyck →