The holiday is booked, the case is packed, and now it's time for the most important question of all... what book are you taking away with you?
There's not much better than relaxing with a great read in hand (and a cold drink sitting next to you) but it can be hard to know just which book to pick.
With so many great books having been released of late, not to mention those we've been meaning to get around to reading, what should you read this summer? Here are a few we'd recommend diving into...
Girl With A Fork In A World Of Soup by Rosita Sweetman
Don't fancy a fiction read? Why not dive into Rosita Sweetman's memoir, which is a hard-hitting portrayal of her turbulent upbringing and marriage.
Rosita's memoir captures that feeling of being slightly out of step but there’s also real strength in finding your way.
The Girl With The Fork doesn’t give up - maybe learning to tilt the bowl a little or finding new techniques no one else has thought of.
It’s about owning your difference, making it work and even finding pride in being the one who figures things it out the hard way.
Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell
In the tender and contemporary novel Nesting, a woman navigates new motherhood while rebuilding her sense of home, physically and emotionally.
Roisín O'Donnell deals with themes of self-discovery, familial bonds and the search for stability are interwoven in a narrative that celebrates everyday rituals and maternal identity.
In this tense and uplifting novel, Roisin goes through all stages of love and care every mother has for their own child, and how they would do anything to protect them.
Fair Play by Louise Hegarty
Described as Sally Rooney meets Secret Mystery, this murder thriller sees close siblings Abigail and Benjamin party it up in a grand do for Benjamin's birthday.
Only Benjamin doesn't wake up. As a detective arrives to try and solve the murder, Abigail sets out on her own journey of trying to find out what really happened to her beloved brother. As truths begin to unfold, Abigail starts to question if she really knew her brother..
This ingenious novel sets out for us to solve the mystery of what happened, while also dealing and uncovering the real truths of life.
Barren by Byddi Lee
Barren is a beautifully woven tale spanning two very different worlds, yet connected by grief, resilience and the mysterious power of a bronze axe.
It is a story of two women defying time and tragedy, reaching across epochs to find connection and hope. It’s a haunting, heartfelt exploration of motherhood, loss and the lengths we’ll go to forge healing - for ourselves and those we love.
Of Land & Greed by Denis Cronin
Like your fiction a bit darker? This book is a dark, character-driven historical novel set in early 20th-century West Cork.
It follows Seán Óg Crowley, whose obsession with land ownership and securing a male heir leads to betrayal, family feuds and hidden secrets.
Against the backdrop of Ireland’s struggle for independence, Cronin captures both the beauty of rural life and the destructive pull of pride and power.
Snappin’ Twine by Ursula Kane Cafferty
If you're looking for something you can dip in and out of while away, short stories can be a great way to go and we'd recommend checking out Ursula Kane Cafferty's collection.
Snappin’ Twine is a warm, nostalgic collection of poems and stories capturing life on Dominick Street, Mullingar, in the 1960s. It’s a heartfelt tribute to community, resilience and the quiet strength of the local women in Ursula’s neighbourhood.
Desert Bonds by Dermod & Denis Dwyer
Another non-fiction suggestion, Desert Bonds is a unique captivating travel memoir of a father and son’s 3,500 km road trip across the Middle East.
The book offers a rare, personal glimpse into Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Palestine shortly after regional conflicts. Rich with vivid descriptions and striking photography, it highlights the history, culture and resilience of the people they meet along their incredible journey.
Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang
Yellowface was a viral hit following its release and will definitely get you thinking as you read. It's a fascinating, sharp, satirical novel about identity and cultural assumptions in the publishing world.
It follows June Hayward, a white author who steals her late Asian American friend’s manuscript and publishes it under a pseudonym. As the book becomes a hit, June faces the consequences of her actions.
Let Me Go Mad In My Own Way by Elaine Feeney
Let Me Go Mad In My Own Way is another hit novel from author Elaine Feeney. Elaine's novels usually have a historic tone to them, and her latest is no different. The story follows Claire, a young Irishwoman who has moved back from bustling London to the quiet Irish countryside to care for her dying father.
As if moving home wasn't hard enough, Claire finds out her ex Tom has moved close to her. The book deals with issues like violence, historic repercussions and harboured guilt, Elaine's novel is 'bursting with tenderness and is absorbing'.
Life is a Cycle by Sinead Kennedy
An inspiring memoir about overcoming burnout through solo cycling adventures. At 32, overwhelmed by life, Kennedy found empowerment and happiness on the road.
Her honest and heartfelt story offers motivation and resilience for anyone facing challenges. A must-read for those seeking to reclaim their purpose in life.
Poor by Katriona O’ Sullivan
A moving memoir about overcoming poverty and hardship. Growing up in Coventry, Katriona faced early motherhood and homelessness but found hope through education and supportive mentors.
Her journey from struggle to earning a PhD at Trinity College Dublin shows incredible resilience.
This book sheds light on the impact of poverty and the power of community, inspiring readers to think about social change.
