Normal People by Sally Rooney
In my view Normal People is with Sally's wonderful debut Conversations with Friends. This is joy to the ears of her fans and for people to still discover her writing, a treat…
He Is Mine and I Have No Other by Rebecca O’Connor
Set in 1990’s small town Ireland this is a quiet yet captivating novel about teenage love, grief and pain that I adored reading. In the novel we meet 15-year-old Lani Devine who…
Her Kind by Niamh Boyce
Having read and enjoyed Niamh’s first novel, The Herbalist I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of HER KIND. (Thanks Penguin Ireland). This novel is set in Kilkennie in 1324 and…
The Fire Starters by Jan Carson
This is a novel with writing that dazzles and have you enthralled from the first chapter. In this second, magical novel from Jan Carson she tells the story of Dr Jonathan Murray…
Constellations by Sinead Gleeson
Constellations is a powerful collection of essays from Irish journalist Sinead Gleeson. A glorious work covering topics from birth to first love, pregnancy to motherhood, terrifying sickness, old age and loss to…
Dignity by Alys Conran
A story of what home means, what belonging means. A book that questions who we are, and lays bare the Britain of today. It’s the story of three women: Evelyn, an engineer’s…
Inventing Ourselves by Sarah-Jayne Blakemore
At first glance this fascinating book might seem like a read only for parents. However, having read it and heard Sarah-Jayne talk about her findings I would suggest it is a read…
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
As a fan of Jess’s writing I was thrilled to receive an early copy of her new novel, THINGS IN JARS, thanks Canongate. What a treat that was. Jess's previous novels, HIMSELF…
M is For Mammy by Eleanor O’Reilly
A thoughtful, funny and engaging debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. M is For Mammy is the story of The Auggusts: Annette, Kevin and their two children 10-year-old Jenny and 5-year-old Jacob.…
Ann Devine: Ready for Her Close-Up
A hilarious and charming tale of small-town Ireland that is fun to read. With a fantastic array of characters supporting Ann Devine this is a book in which you will recognize friends…
Last Ones Left Alive by Sarah Davis-Goff
If dystonia fiction is your like, then this gripping and beautifully written debut novel is for you. The writing is superb, the storytelling engaging, the language beautiful and as I said gripping.
The Wych Elm by Tana French
WOW, that’s the word I’d use to sum up this sensational novel from one of my favourite authors. Tana French is an author under many people’s radar, although not so many as…
If Only I Could Tell You by Hannah Beckerman
An adorable, beautiful and thoughtfully written novel that I read in two sittings. I would urge you to order your copy now for a book and be totally absorbed in this modern…
My Coney Island Baby by Billy O’Callaghan
A book that I’ve recently read and loved is My Coney Island Baby by Billy O'Callaghan. . What’s the book about On a bitterly cold winter’s afternoon, Michael and Caitlin escape their unhappy marriages to…
When All Is Said by Anne Griffin
When All Is Said is the story basically of one man, Maurice Hannigan, he is 84 years old and over the course of a Saturday night in June, orders five different drinks at the local hotel, the Rainford House. The hotel is one of…
January 2019 My Recommended Reads
Each month I'll pick out books that I've read and loved to tell you about. https://youtu.be/bYpZCx6ZUdw In this video I am recommending: Music, Love, Drugs and War by Geraldine Quigley Darkest Truth…
Music, Drugs, Love and War by Geraldine Quigley
What’s the book about? The end of the school year is approaching, and siblings Paddy and Liz McLaughlin, Christy Meehan, Kevin Thompson and their friends will soon have to decide what they're…
Milkman by Anna Burns
Milkman is set in an unnamed town with unnamed characters and without chapters. It is an astonishing book in which issues such as stalking, power, community, religious divide and first love are…
A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne
What’s the book about? A chance encounter in a Berlin hotel with celebrated novelist Erich Ackermann gives Maurice Swift and our lead character an opportunity to ingratiate himself with someone more powerful…
Dirty Little Secrets by Jo Spain
Six neighbours, six secrets, six reasons to want Olive Collins dead. In the exclusive gated community of Withered Vale, people's lives appear as perfect as their beautifully manicured lawns. Money, success, privilege…