Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of our library patrons! We are excited to celebrate this festive holiday with you by recommending some great books that will transport you to the Emerald Isle.
First on our list is Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. This memoir tells the story of a young boy growing up in poverty in Limerick, Ireland. Despite the challenges he faces, the book is filled with humor and hope, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Irish culture. Try the downloadable audiobook on Overdrive and Hoopla.
If you’re looking for a great mystery, we recommend Faithful Place by Tana French. This novel takes place in Dublin and follows the investigation of a missing person case. French’s writing brings the city to life, and the twists and turns of the plot will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s available on CD, as a downloadable audiobook, and an eBook.
For a subtle, introspective, and bittersweet novel we suggest Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín. It is a novel that follows the story of Eilis Lacey, a young woman who leaves her small town in Ireland to start a new life in Brooklyn, New York in the 1950s. As Eilis navigates the challenges of adapting to a new culture and falls in love with a young Italian-American man, she must also confront the pull of her Irish roots and the complexities of the immigrant experience. Try the downloadable audiobook. If you watch the movie on DVD you can decide if the book is better or the movie.
If you’re in the mood for some non-fiction, we recommend How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill. This book explores the role that Irish monks played in preserving classical literature and learning during the Dark Ages.
No matter what kind of book you’re in the mood for, we hope these suggestions will help you get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. And don’t forget to wear your green when you stop by the library to check out these titles! Happy reading, and have a great holiday.
