Recommended Reads

I was a book junkie when I was younger. Okay, probably not the worst addiction in the world. I would fly through the makeshift libraries at the back of the classrooms in my primary school so fast that they sometimes had to borrow books from the other classes to keep me satisfied. Jacqueline Wilson was my absolute favourite, those charismatic Nick Sharratt illustrations are probably the icons of my childhood. When I reached my teens, I stopped reading so enthusiastically and I missed out on some of the incredible literature for teens. I used to read Agatha Christie as a way of dealing with the stresses of school but apart from that, I missed the Vampire/Fantasy fiction of the 2007/2008 period. I got back into it about two years ago, catching up on my missed teenagerhood with the Hunger Games, as a way of taking a break from the reality of the Leaving Cert (*shudder*).

Now, maybe it's because I work in a bookshop, or maybe because I have a bit more time to read lately as college is less demanding of my time than school (should be spending those free hours studying but...nah) but I have returned to my pre-teen self as a book junkie. I'll read anything and everything (as demonstrated below, no doubt!), from biographies of historical figures to easy going romantic fiction. My go-to stress free book when I've tons of work to do is Paul Howard's ever brilliant Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.

So, I've listed below a few recommended reads as well as a few reads that I'm really looking forward to divulging myself in over the coming months. 

The Story of Lucy Gault - William Trevor

This book is a stunning masterpiece. I read it whilst on holidays not too long ago and absolutely fell in love with the story line. Not only is the plot heartbreaking, the historical context gives you a real feel of what life was like for the Anglo-Irish landlords during the Irish War of Independence (even for that reason, you should read!). It will keep you on the edge of your seat/bed/whatever makes you comfortable right until the end!

Buddy - Philip Norman

My boyfriend would play the music of the 1950s rock and roll pioneer, Buddy Holly, at the beginning of our relationship a good bit. I didn't pay him much attention apart from the odd song I'd hear (Holly that is, not my boyfriend, that'd be disastrous). Recently though, I've decided to give Buddy a go and try and understand why he was so popular and influential for so many big artists including the Beatles. This biography is just out of this world. I'm currently reading it at the moment and it's not only a history of Buddy's very short life (died at 22, so incredibly tragic) but a social history on Texas and New Mexico during the 1940s and 1950s. Norman goes into great detail about even minor things such as what radio stations played what and proves he researched this topic really well when he includes detailed histories of the lives of the other major and minor characters in Buddy's life. You don't even need to be a fan to read it, it's like you're reading a novel, not a biography, and that is a major plus! 

3. Skippy Dies - Paul Murray

Before I read this book, I had heard great things and terrible things. My Mother read it first and absolutely loved it but I have some friends who really couldn't stand it. What drew me to it was the setting: two schools, one all-male, the other all-female, in South County Dublin and the trials and tribulations associated with it. Well that rang loads of bells for me, it was where I spent most of my time growing up. Skippy Dies is not however, a simple, light hearted look at South Dublin life with girls screeching "Oh My God!" and boys playing rugby 24/7. It is a stark realistic view on the less pretty side of teenage life with drugs, eating disorders and mental illness all making an appearance. I can definitely see why some people were not enamoured with it. But it's not all gloom. It has its light hearted comic relief and climatic moments that just take your breath away. A definite read.

4. The Engagements - J. Courtney Sullivan

This was recommended to me by a colleague and I'm really looking forward to reading it. Being an easy going read about an engagement ring and its journey throughout the years from woman to woman, it'll be a nice change from the sombre outlook on the life other books I have read recently have. Anything with a vintage touch, I just love! I cannot wait to take this on holidays with me.

5.  The Visitors - Sally Beauman

I was attracted to this book for the cover (look how beautiful it is!) and when I read the plot line, I was even more in love. Set in 1920s Egypt, it's a tale about a young girl caught up in the obsession surrounding Tutankhamun's tomb. Just even the historical setting alone is enough to get me to read it but that plot looks really intriguing! What's more, it's earned a 4.5/5 stars on Goodreads so there's a good chance it'll be a good read! Can't wait!

So, that's all for now on the reading front. Have you read any of these? Any recommendations? Let me know below!

Happy Sunday! x