There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book, especially on an autumn evening. Irish Book Week is the perfect time to catch up on your reading, so THE GLOSS editors share some recommendations of their recent favourites …
A survey by the European and International Booksellers Federation has revealed some interesting statistics about our reading habits in Ireland. Not only has 81 per cent of the population bought a book in the last year (a much higher percentage than the USA, UK,Canada, Australia, Spain and Germany), but also that paperbacks are the most popular books in Ireland with the top five genres being fiction, lifestyle, memoirs, non-fiction and education books.
The survey coincides with Irish Book Week, a nationwide celebration of Irish bookshops, Irish books, publishers, writers, illustrators and poets. It runs from Saturday, October 19 to 26, with numerous (free) events happening in bookshops across the country. Dawn Behan, chair of Bookselling Ireland says, “We would encourage everyone, young and old, to visit their local bookshop during Irish Book Week and further explore our love of books.”
On October 19, activist and author Easkey Britton is visiting Liber Bookshop in Sligo for a book signing, as part of the shop’s celebrations. On October 23, Chapters Bookshop in Dublin is hosting an evening of Macabre, Magic and Mayhem with author Courtney Smyth. Such is the popularity of Irish books that, over in London on October 24, authors and publishers Hewson Books is hosting a special event in association with the Irish Culture Centre, and writers Carmel McMahon and Martina Evans, who will discuss and read from their books In Ordinary Times and The Coming Thing.
As for what to read, THE GLOSS editors share what’s on their bookshelves …
Edel Coffey, Books Editor
I’m currently re-reading Jilly Cooper’s classic 1988 bestseller Rivals to coincide with the new TV adaptation. I had an urgent desire to re-read it last week, so I dashed into my local Eason’s and picked up a copy. I also recently splurged on an armful of writing books when I discovered that Raven Books in Blackrock in Dublin has an incredibly well-stocked section on creative writing. As a result, I am currently switching between Cooper’s fizzy sex and media romp, with the stoic encouragements of Annie Dillard’s The Writing Life, while I finish writing my third novel.
Sarah Halliwell, Beauty Editor
I was lucky to nab a proof copy of Ben Shattuck’s The History of Sound, a collection of stories (Swift Press). I’ll admit that I was first drawn in by two lines on the back of the book: “Soon to be a major movie starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.” Mescal, after all, rarely chooses a dud script (or tote bag, for that matter). These 12 stories captivated me; I love the way the finest golden threads interweave throughout the book, making connections across the centuries. You can tell Shattuck is also an exhibiting artist, too – images are vivid and memorable, pulsating with life, and you’ll be fully transported to the New England settings. I won’t do that thing where people say “you must read this … ” and then outline the entire plot. I just highly recommend you treat yourself to this gem and immerse yourself in its classy, beautiful writing. It’s currently out in hardback, but will be available in paperback from November.
My favourite place to buy books at the moment is Kennys in Galway. They’re brilliant at shipping copies fast, free and well-priced; I even managed to get a lovely signed copy of Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo there. I’m also very into collecting the Fitzcarraldo Editions of Annie Ernaux’s work (find them at bookshops, including Bridge Street Books.)
Patricia Marinho, Art Director
I’m reading Long Island by Colm Tóibín; I’ve just finished Brooklyn (I haven’t seen the movie yet). I started reading Long Island as I identify a lot with the main character, in the sense of being an immigrant.
I’m also reading the new book by Pedro Almodóvar, one of my favourite filmmakers, called The Last Dream. He has always refused to write his autobiography or have someone write it for him, so he published this book instead with a series of stories he wrote throughout his life. It’s the perfect gift for any Almodóvar fan. I love to visit Hodges Figgis on Dawson street or Raven Books in Blackrock when browsing for my next book.
Rachel Healy, Digital Editor
I’ve always been a fan of Graham Norton, since his Father Ted days and, of course, his ever popular talk show, but I was a bit late to get around to reading his books as I thought they couldn’t be as good as the hype claimed. (I’ve been caught out before…I fell for the P.S. I Love You ‘critical acclaim’ accolades in both book and film form, but hated both…sorry Cecilia).
I’m not a huge rom-com fan, so these books seemed more up my alley as I I love anything true crime – books, podcasts, documentaries, films – you name it. I finally bit the bullet during the summer and ended up finishing all four books on a week’s holiday as they’re so easy to read. They’re simple and very Irish – while reading, I did wonder how other nationalities would take some of the colloquialisms! – but they’re not formulaic, like a lot of crime novels. They have unique storylines and plot twists, which I wasn’t expecting.
It’s hard to believe that Norton could be such a good writer on top of his effortless presenting skills, but it’s clear to see now why everyone raved about his new career as an author. Is there anything he can’t do?! Each book would certainly work on the big screen, either as standalones or as a series, and I’m looking forward to reading his latest iteration, Frankie. I may even listen to his memoirs as I enjoy autobiography audiobooks, hearing stories in the subject’s own voice.
I buy a lot of kids’ books for bed-time stories, so I find Eason’s easy navigatable, in store and online. I always donate them to the school or via swaps groups on WhatsApp, which can be great for recommendations and second-hand books that are normally in perfect condition.
Penny McCormick, Contributing Editor
I’ve just started reading Clare Chamber’s Shy Creatures, Orion Books, and am savouring every page. I loved her 2020 novel Small Pleasures. This book, set in suburban England in 1964, is as beautifully written, quietly quirky and based on a true story. Two stories intertwine in the novel involving the central protagonist, an art therapist in a psychiatric hospital in Croydon. She is having an affair with one of the charismatic psychiatrists. They both come across a mute man, who has been shut up indoors for at least ten years, alongside a frail relative. I am intrigued to find out how Helen’s attempts to connect with him will evolve. I picked up a signed copy of this gorgeous book (the cover illustration is by artist Anna Higgie) in Books, Paper, Scissors, Belfast. It’s close to the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum and, as the name implies, in addition to a great edit of books it has stationery too.
Need to Know: For further information on Irish Book Week 2024 and all the events that will be taking place keep an eye on Bookselling Ireland’s social media platforms; Facebook: @BooksellingIreland, X: @BooksellingI and Instagram: @booksellingI and the campaign hashtags #IrishBookWeek #IrishBookaDay and #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks
SEE MORE: 10 New Books To Read In October
