My name is Adrian, living in Ireland, ta fáilte romhaibh (you are all welcome) to my blog, which I began in September of 2021.

I started it because I am passionate about reading and talking to others about books. I enjoyed writing reviews on Goodreads and a blog seemed like the way to go.

I have recently moved and bought two brand new bookcases, some of the shelves of which I am going to fill as this blog progresses.

One of the things I love to do is recommend books. I’m the person who chats to you, looks at my bookshelf, and pushes a book into your hands. It’s one of my favourites things to do and a large part of the reason for this book blog. Just let me know and I'll pick a book for ye.

I enjoy literary fiction, popular fiction, crime thrillers, classics, audiobooks such as autobiographies read by the author, books on spirituality (in particular Buddhism and meditation), History and society, music biographies, philosophy, books on Bob Dylan….and I’ve left a good few out I’m sure. There are some genres that don’t do it for me but I’m usually willing to try a well written book.

There will be a particular focus in this blog on Irish fiction and non fiction because that’s where I’m from and where my interest lies. And because Ireland is producing some great authors at the moment, (though we always have).

I am a freelance copywriter and health and wellness content writer. I am currently taking on clients and if you like what you see and think we might work well together, drop me an email at bookshelfdiscovery@gmail.com and I’ll be in contact as soon as I can. I’m particularly interested in working with clients in the areas of mental health, self improvement, veganism, healthy living and sustainable and ethical lifestyles.

I’ve ghostwritten a book on yoga that was published and can be found here.

As a Beta reader I will provide you with honest and constructive feedback. Whether it's that important first chapter and you want to know if all the elements are there to engage the reader, or it's the final polish and you want someone to spot any last minute snags, I'll help you with that. I read bestselling fiction, literary fiction, non fiction and everything in between, so I'm widely read across genres. We'll work together to make your book the best that it can be.

I’m also taking on editing work so can help with proofreading and copy-editing.

I started a bookclub with some friends in 2012, which meets once a month. We read a variety of books, everything from best sellers to forgotten classics and lots of stuff in between. If it’s a title everyone is talking about, we’ll probably end up reading it. I enjoy the comhra and craic at my book club meets.

I try to support my local independent bookseller as much as I can, even though he is forty three miles away. I use my local libraries because the books are free and they provide a vital service. I grew up in the North of Ireland during the worst of the troubles and my small local library was a sanctuary that allowed me to develop my lifelong love of books. I can clearly remember waiting for the library to open in the morning during the summer holidays, borrowing books and reading them quickly, before returning in the evening to exchange them so I had something to read that night. Like I say, I have a love of books. I used to eat them. If you’re in Ireland, here are some bookshops to visit:

No Alibis in Belfast is always my first port of call whenever I visit the city. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and a fine collection of books from local authors and Irish Literature, Politics and Culture. There’s also a general selection of popular titles but they are well known for specialising in all things mystery/crime.

And if you find yourself a little further north, in Carrickfergus (yup, same as the song) be sure and call into The Secret Bookshop.

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, one of my favourite bookshops in Melbourne is the Sunbookshop in Yarraville. Great selection of titles and really friendly staff.

Please enjoy this bookblog responsibly and thanks for stopping by.