Book Review - On Bloody Sunday - Julieanne Campbell
Julieanne Campbells powerful book, using oral testimonies from survivors, eye witnesses and relatives, tell the the story of the terrible events of the 30th of January, 1972 and its aftermath.
Book Review - I am an Island - Tamsin Calidas
A tough but inspiring memoir about surviving grief, loss and extreme loneliness on a remote Scottish Island.
Book Review - Trespasses - Louise Kennedy
Powerful, evocative and incredibly readable story of a love affair told against the backdrop of Ireland’s troubles.
Audiobook Review - The end of the affair - Graham Greene, read by Colin Firth
Graham Greenes story of a love affair in Post War London is masterfully narrated by Colin Firth.
Rejuvenation Book 1 (The Rejuvenation trilogy) - Byddi Lee
It’s 2034 and the world has been devastated by an Alien attack, resulting in rising oceans and humanity adapting to survive. Dr Bobbi Chan notices new symptoms in her elderly patients, in this rip roaring dystopian sci fi thriller.
Book review - The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present - Paul McCartney, edited by Paul Muldoon.
McCartney’s immersive memoir reads like he’s sitting down next to you, talking through his songs and showing you his handwritten lyrics and family photographs. Moving and thoughtful, an absolute delight.
Book Review - These Days - Lucy Caldwell
Lucy Caldwell’s book, set amidst the Belfast blitz, is an emotional, haunting and beautifully woven story.
Audiobook Review - Greenlights - Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey’s mix of memoir and homespun philosophy is an exuberant and infectious book, best enjoyed on audio.
Book Review - The Salt Path - Raynor Winn
Inspiring story of a couple who, after receiving devastating medical news and losing their home, set out on a journey of redemption through nature.
Book Review - Sing Backwards and Weep - Mark Lanegan
Mark Lanegan’s autobiography is a raw and unflinching account of a life lived as a singer and drug addict. Superbly written, it’s one of the best music autobiographies I’ve ever read.
Book Review - The Paris Apartment - Lucy Foley
From the bestselling author of ‘The guest list’ comes another mystery thriller, this time set in a Paris apartment block with some of the residents trying to prevent dark secrets being revealed. How does it compare to Lucy Foley’s previous effort?
Audiobook Review - The Lonely Century: How to Restore Human Connection in a World That's Pulling Apart - Noreena Hertz
Noreena Hertz’s book is well researched and incredibly readable about the growing threat of loneliness this century, full of fascinating statistics and anecdotes. But what can we do about it?
Audiobook Review - Walking with Ghosts: A memoir - Gabriel Byrne
This is an evocative and moving memoir from the actor Gabriel Byrne, who is a naturally lyrical and gifted storyteller.
Book Review- Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May
A thoughtful and wise book about drawing on the power of winter to rest and recuperate.
Book Review - Dance Move - Wendy Erskine
Eleven new stories from Wendy Erskine, acclaimed writer of previous collection ‘Home.’ More tales of ordinary people told with clarity, humour and warmth, the characters feel all too real.
Book Review - Utopia Avenue - David Mitchell
Four people come together 1960’s London to form a band in this exuberant and enjoyable novel about friendship, love and music, during a tumultuous period of social history. Lots of great cameos as well.
Book Review - The Saints of Swallow Hill - Donna Everhart
Strong work of historical fiction, following Rae Lynn and Del Reese in the turpentine camps of North Carolina, during the Great Depression. With both strong characters and a sense of place and time, could this be this years ‘Crawdads’?
Book Review - Boys Don’t Cry - Fíona Scarlett
Gritty and emotional tale of two brothers living in flats complex in Dublin. After Finn falls ill, gifted student Joe finds his world falling apart.
Book Review - The Art of Living - Thich Nhat Hanh
Practical and comforting book based on a series of talks by renowned Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, on how to bring mindfulness into our daily lives. Compassionate and wise, a self help book to return to.
Book Review - Let Me Be Frank With You - Richard Ford
Four Stories make up this fourth instalment of Frank Bascombe, finding him dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and old age in his inimical funny, moving and wise way. Written in Ford’s trademark style, luminous and pitch perfect, he’s one of the America’s finest novelists.
