There’s nothing like taking a bit of time out to read a good book, whether it’s on your Kindle or a good old fashioned analog offering.
Obviously, there’s been so many great books published this year, and this is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a good starting point if you’re looking for some literary inspiration..
P.S. Try if you can to support small Irish bookshops, like The Gutter Bookshop in Dublin and Charlie Byrne’s in Galway!
Irelandopedia – Fatti and John Burke
This is an absolutely gorgeous book from Waterford-born illustrator Fatti and her retired teacher father John. Every page is beautifully illustrated and takes you on a 32-county tour of our little island, with plenty of fascinating facts about each county. A must-buy for yourself, or if you have any kids in your life.
A Little Life – Hanya Yanighara
A heartbreaking and devastating coming of age story about four friends Malcolm, Willem, JB, and Jude who have just graduated college in New York City. It’s a harrowing and sometimes difficult but so worthwhile.
The Green Road – Anne Enright
Booker prizewinner and Irish author Enright delivers an emotional novel about a fractured family reunion, with children returning from lives abroad as their mother announces her intention to sell the house in the West of Ireland.
The Life- Changing Magic of Tidying Up – Marie Kondo
Kondo runs a successful de-cluttering business in Tokyo and for the first time has outlined her method in this bestseller. She extolls the benefits of throwing away unneeded belongings and only keeping the ones that ‘spark joy’. If you want to spring-clean your life, this is the book for you.
Humans Of New York Stories – Brandon Stanton
The Facebook portrait photography phenomenon has resulted in millions of fans and a second book, which takes a closer look behind the faces with more in-depth interviews. A great coffee table book.
Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl – Carrie Brownstein
Musician, actress and writer Carrie Brownstein’s memoirs chronicle her time in iconic riot-grrrl band Sleater Kinney, and her unconventional upbringing. She writes brilliantly about anxiety, the realities of touring and being a fan as well as an artist.
Between The World And Me – Ta-Nehisi Coates
Coates writes this book in the form of a letter to his teenage son about the feelings and struggles that come with being a black man in America today. Considering the unrest and problems with race in the US, this is essential reading.
The Story Of The Lost Child – Elena Ferrante
The final installment of the Neapolitan novels is stunning, and the perfect end to a series which has dealt with female friendships, class and romance with great honesty.
