Recommended Reads - Non Fiction
Salt Path by
Raynor Winn
Published by Michael Joseph in 2018
This uplifting memoir is about a couple who embark on
a long coastal walk after becoming homeless.
It is an honest and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief
and the healing power of the natural world. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of
home, and how it can be lost, rebuilt, and rediscovered in the most unexpected
ways.
"Winn’s book about homelessness and the power of nature to heal shows us that no matter how bad things get, there is always hope". - Recommended by a Clare County library staff member
On the Plain of Snakes by Paul Theroux
Published by Hamish Hamilton in 2019
The legendary travel writer drives the entire length of the US–Mexico border, then goes deep into the culturally rich but troubled heart of modern Mexico. Driving through the country and meeting its people with lovely descriptions of its landscapes and insights into the country's history and literature, Paul Theroux gets under the skin of Mexico.
"An ideal read in these times when we can’t travel, Theroux transports us beyond our four walls with vivid descriptions of the landscapes and people he encounters on his trip through Mexico". - Recommended by a Clare County Library staff membe
The M word: everything you need
to know about the menopause, before, during and after by Philippa Kaye
Published by Vie Books in 2020
The M Word is a complete one-stop guide to the peri-menopause and menopause, covering everything from understanding symptoms to managing relationships to which treatments really work.
“It is not the most medical menopause book but it is one I would like our daughters, sons and partners to read. It is a one-stop guide covering symptoms, treatments and managing relationships. It’s a book for the bedside locker to pop in and out of as a reminder that you are not going mad….” - recommended by a Corofin Library staff member
The Boy Between: a mother and
son’s journey from a world gone grey by Amanda Prowse and Josiah
Hartley
Published by Little A in 2020
Josiah was nineteen with the world at his feet when things changed. Without warning, the new university student’s mental health deteriorated to the point that he planned his own death. His mother, bestselling author Amanda Prowse, found herself grappling for ways to help him, with no clear sense of where that could be found. This is the book they wish had been there for them during those dark times.
“A true account of a boy’s battle with depression
written from both the mother and son’s point of view. Would be a
good starting point for talking about depression. I found this book easy
to read – it’s not heavy or technical at all – just
a family account of depression.” – recommended by a Clare
County Library staff member
The Day that Changed My Life:
inspirational stories from Ireland’s women by Caitlin McBride
Published by Black and White Publishing in 2019
The Day That Changed My Life is a remarkable collection of stories of Ireland's women and the extraordinary moments which transformed their lives. There are stories of the marvels of motherhood and coming out, leaps of faith and determined entrepreneurship. Stories of crazy highs, such as Oscar nominations and being elected into office. And stories of brave fights against illness and triumphs against all odds. All are united by a strength in adversity, courage and resilience, and an ability to find humour in the darkest places.
“Inspirational stories from women you may or may not have heard of before but each story will leave you wanting to know more about these special people. This book is s gem to pick up and pass on to your fellow women.” – recommended by a Corofin Library staff member
Clare and the Civil War by Joe
Power
Published by Wordwell Books in 2021
The Irish Civil War was contested as bitterly in Clare as in any other part of Ireland. The pattern of the war in the county was similar to the military conflict at national level, with a brief conventional phase when the Free State government forces captured all the main cities and towns, which was followed by a longer period of guerrilla warfare. This work examines the nature of that bitter conflict in this historic county.
“I found this book a very good read for anyone
interested in this period of our history. The reader gets an excellent
understanding of the mood in the County after the Truce in July 1921 when
the War of Independence ended, through to when tensions began to emerge
between the Pro and Anti Treaty sides that ultimately led to the Civil
War breaking out in mid 1922.
Many of the incidents that took place in the County during the Civil War
are detailed. I think both sides in the Civil War will regard it as an
objective and impartial outline of the Civil War period in Co. Clare.”
- recommended by a Tulla Library reader
Published by Constable in 2020
The new autobiography of Francis Rossi, lead singer and guitarist of rock band Status Quo. A very funny, honest account of the bands amazing highs and lows during their 50 year career. Rossi gives a great insight into his complex friendship with fellow band member Rick Parfitt, and having sold 100 million records worldwide, this book is a must read for all their fans.
“A very entertaining read, especially for the times we are in, with the music industry having been wiped out with Covid, even affecting Status Quo tour planned for last year, 2020. Nice to look back over happier music years!” - recommended by a Kilrush Library member.
Ghost in the Throat by Doireann
Ní Ghríofa
Published by Tramp Press in 2020
Poet Ní Ghríofa grew up in Clare. Her book weaves an eloquent story inspired by a poet of the 1700s and her own life as a young mother. A poem by Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill has long fascinated the author who decides to investigate its story more closely. This beautifully written work has received rave reviews regarding the freshness of its voice and honesty.
“This amazing story combining the life of Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill with the author’s personal experience results in a truly compelling read. “ – recommended by a Clare County Library staff member.
Ok, let’s do your Stupid
Idea by Patrick Freyne
Published by Penguin Ireland in 2020
A predominantly light-hearted essay collection from the Irish Times journalist including a story of an unusual camping trip with his Army father in the Wicklow mountains and stories of his summer jobs in Germany. Freyne also includes an essay on his mental health struggles which adds depth to his honest recollections.
“Comic, moving and deeply humane.” – recommended by a Clare County Library staff member.
Clare and the War of Independence
by Joe Power
Published by Wordwell in 2020
In this comprehensively researched and scholarly work, the author tells a story that highlights the particular role of the men and women of Clare in the national conflict, which offers unique insights into the major events, successful ambushes, Black and Tan reprisals and controversial IRA executions during the national struggle for independence.
“A forensic examination of the events of the War of Independence in Clare.” – recommended by a Clare Local Studies staff member.
Published by Gill Books in 2020
In his fascinating and thought-provoking new book, Professor Luke O'Neill, one of the leading voices of authority during the COVID-19 pandemic, grapples with life's biggest questions and tells us what science has to say about them: Do we have control over our lives? Can we escape working in bullshit jobs? Must we vaccinate our children? Are men and women's brains different? Will we destroy the planet? Covering topics from global pandemics to gender, addiction to euthanasia, the professor’s easy wit and clever pop-culture references deconstruct the science to make complex questions accessible.
"An entertaining book which makes science accessible for the non-scientists
amongst us." – recommended by a Clare County Library staff
member.
Published by Gill Books in 2020
In December 1996, the beautiful French film maker Sophie Toscan du Plantier was brutally murdered outside her holiday home in West Cork. Her death remains one of Ireland's greatest unsolved murders. For many years, the name Ian Bailey has been linked to the case, but he has consistently protested his innocence and he claims that attempts have been made to frame him.
This new publication by journalist Ralph Riegel provides a fascinating forensic analysis of the events surrounding Sophie's violent murder and the major developments in the case.
“It provides an insightful look into the Irish legal system and ultimately it is fair to everybody involved. A thought provoking book, it may cause us to re-evaluate how we feel about this tragic case.” - recommended by a DeValera Library staff member.
Published by Ebury Press in 2020
If you want to know what a white, heterosexual, middle-aged man thinks of getting old – from the struggle to stay fit, keep hold of your friends or stay relevant – this book could very well be exactly what you have been looking for. You might even find it a bit funny.
"I am a big fan of John Bishop. As I read his story I could hear his Liverpool accent. This book is humorous, irreverent and a nice lazy read. It’s not for the easily offended and made up for me not getting to see him in Glor Theatre in 2017." – recommended by a Kilmihil Library staff member.
Published by William Collins in 2019
Say Nothing tells the story of thirty years of conflict in Northern Ireland by focusing on four people whose lives intertwined for one horrific event in 1972, the killing of Jean McConville. Radden Keefe’s, book is a story of the tragedy of war and the sacrifices made in the name of a cause. It is well researched history with impeccable sources and Radden Keefe manages to draw the threads of the stories of the protagonists and hold the readers interest all the way through. He did not judge his subjects, he listened to them and they in turn trusted him with their extraordinary truths.
"A sometimes harrowing story but hard to put down." - recommended by a Kildysart Library staff member.
Published by Harper Collins in 2019
"I am not usually a lover of short stories but The Personals is way more than that. Brian contacted those who placed an ad in the paper or on Done Deal and tells their stories to the reader. Some of the stories are quite emotional and very personal. It’s a journey into the lives of Irish people. Brian has searched the Classified ads and brought out the human element in the emotional stories behind the ads that most of us just glance at".
Recommended by a Kilmihil Library staff member
Published by Picador in 2019
Adam Kay – author of the bestselling This is Going to Hurt - delves back into his diaries for a hilarious, horrifying and sometimes heartbreaking peek behind the blue curtain at Christmastime. Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas is a love letter to all those who spend their festive season on the front line, removing babies and baubles from the various places they get stuck, at the most wonderful time of the year.
Burren Dinners: From the Chefs
and Artisan Food Producers of North Clare by Trevis Gleason
Published by O’Brien Press is 2019
The author asked the chefs and food producers of North
Clare to share their recipes for the three-course dinner-party menus they’d
serve in their own homes. The result is a beautiful book showcasing the
Burren and the food and food producers of the area. Recipes for everyday
favourites like smoked haddock , potato chowder and Doolin bog pie to
special occasion dishes like roast Glencarn suckling pig with herb and
apple pan sauce, folk festival jambalaya and Irish whiskey sherry trifle
are provided as well as the back-stories of these creative, passionate,
hard-working lovers of food at its best.
Published by Gill Books in 2019
From the daily basics such as brown bread to more adventurous sourdoughs
and fabulous occasion cakes and treats, The ICA Book of Bread and Baking
answers all your baking needs.
Some recipes have been handed down through generations; others are less
traditional. All are delicious.
Published by Hachette Books, Ireland in 2019
In her memoir Overcoming, Vicky shares her remarkable personal
story, from a life-threatening accident in early adulthood through to
motherhood, a battle with depression, her devastating later discovery
that her cancer had returned in shocking circumstances - and the ensuing
detective-like scrutiny of events that led the charge for her history-making
legal action.
An inspiring story of rare resilience and power, Overcoming is
an account of how one woman can move mountains - even when she is fighting
for her own life - and of finding happiness and strength in the toughest
of times.
Published by Canongate in 2019
Lemn Sissay is a much lauded poet who was named the official poet of
the 2012 London Olympics.
This is the story of his childhood spent in the British care system -
a story of neglect and determination, misfortune and hope, cruelty and
triumph. The memoir is interspersed with facsimiles of the social workers’
reports that give the institutional version of events alongside Lemn’s
interpretation of those same events.
This moving memoir is the result of a life spent asking why and of a child’s
simple yearning for love, a home and a sense of self.
Published by Picador in 2018
Wilding is part memoir, part diary of a fascinating experiment of the
rewilding of a West Sussex farm which in turn saw the return of an amazing
variety of wildlife to this part of Britain. Author Isabella Tree and
her husband Charlie Burrell realised in 2000 that they could no longer
farm their land as they were moving closer to bankruptcy. So they handed
their farm back to nature. The result has been a fascinating journey of
reintroducing free roaming animals which in turn stimulated new habitats
and resulted in a return of rare species including turtle doves, peregrine
falcons and purple emperor butterflies.
The Knepp project is now a leading example of conservation and shows that
nature when given the lead can restore both land and wildlife.
'A passionately personal, robustly argued and uplifting book . . .
One of the landmark ecological books of the decade.' Sunday Times
'Books of the Year'
Chris Packham says …’this should be conservation’s
salvation; this should be its future; this is a new hope.’
This is a must read for anyone interested in conservation, nature, the
environment and the future, so a must read for all.
Recommended by a Clare County Library staff member.
Then it Fell Apart by
Moby
Published by Faber & Faber in 2019
What do you do when you realise you have everything you think you've ever wanted but still feel completely empty? What do you do when it all starts to fall apart?
In summer 1999, Moby released the album that defined the millennium, Play. Like generation-defining albums before it, Play was ubiquitous, and catapulted Moby to superstardom. Suddenly he was hanging out with David Bowie and Lou Reed, Christina Ricci and Madonna, taking ecstasy for breakfast (most days), drinking litres of vodka (every day), and sleeping with super models (infrequently). It was a diet that couldn't last. And then it fell apart.
The second volume of Moby's extraordinary life story
is a journey into the dark heart of fame and the demons that lurk just
beneath the bling and bluster of the celebrity lifestyle. At times shocking
but always entertaining, Then it Fell Apart is an honest account
of the true cost of fame.
The first volume of Moby’s memoirs, Porcelain, was published
in 2016.
Published by Transworld in 2019
Documenting nine journeys from nine different moments in her life, Elsewhere reveals how exploring the world – and those we meet along the way – can dramatically shape the course of a person’s life. Boland says that you might know from guidebooks what you can expect to see but you can never know who you will meet.
From death-defying bus journeys through Pakistan to witnessing the majestic icescapes of Antarctica to putting herself back together in Bali, Rosita experiences moments of profound joy and endures deep personal loss.
Her tales of near-death experiences may not lure you from your package holiday but they do show how rewarding it can be to occasionally venture off the beaten track.
Recommended by a Clare County Library staff member.
Published by Granta in 2012
Author and academic Sarah Moss had just published her first novel, Cold Earth, when she, her husband and two sons relocated to Reykjavik as she was to take up a teaching post there. Sarah had always been fascinated by Iceland and had previously spent time travelling there when she was a teenager. This book recounts their journey, experiences, trials and tribulations of relocating country with small children. She explores local cuisine, her difficulties in sourcing fresh fruit and vegetables and finding alternatives for her children. They relocated just after the financial crisis, and the effects are still very fresh there. She looks at the consequences of that time on the local economy.
She is ultimately keeping a diary of her feelings, the changing seasons, migratory birds and the magic of the Northern lights. I love how her children easily learn to speak Icelandic from their school experiences in contrast to the difficulties the parents experience in being foreign and navigating new systems.
Sarah has since gone onto write five other novels, with Ghost Wall her most recent. The Guardian recently said she will be the next big author of note and compares her with Hilary Mantel, Kamila Shamsie & Tessa Hadley. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Recommended by a Clare County Library staff member.
Published by Orion Books in 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am not usually a fan of biographies. The first part of the book brought alive rural Ireland, reminding me of my parents and grand-parents and the sheer hard work and toil that went into small farming. The book then moves to the UK, where I was surprised to learn of the author’s foray into acting before settling down to veterinary work. The latter section on Mr Fitzpatrick’s current veterinary career covering the advances in surgical techniques and the possibilities this raises for human medicine was fascinating. I do recommend this book.
Recommended by Jacqueline , a member of Kilmihil Library
Published by Viking in 2018
Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it - in her own words and on her own terms. An inspirational book.
Recommended by a Clare County Library staff member.
Fighter
by Andy Lee with Niall Kelly
Published by Gill Books in 2018
This is Andy Lee’s story from growing up in a trailer in England, listening to singsong taunts in the schoolyard to become the middleweight boxing champion of the world. This biography of the man described as the nicest man in boxing is a great read, even for those with no interest in the sport.
Recommended by a Clare County Library staff member
In Extremis: The Life of War Correspondent
Marie Colvin by Lindsey Hilsum
Published by Chatto and Windus in 2018
Marie Colvin travelled to and stayed in the most dangerous places in the world, fulfilling her professional journalist role and shining a light on the suffering of ordinary people in war in countries such as Israel and Palestine, Chechnya, East Timor, Sri Lanka, Iraq and Afghanistan. She almost lost her life on many different occasions before she was fatally injured and died in Syria 2012. In Extremis, written by her friend and colleague from The Sunday Times, Lindsey Hilsum, is as much a page-turning account of Marie’s personal life as an enthralling story of her encounters with dictators and presidents including Colonel Gaddafi and Yasser Arafat, whom she knew well.
Hilsum’s story of the most daring war correspondent of our times was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week and a Sunday Times Book of the Year.
All-American Murder by
James Patterson & Alex Abramovich with Mike Harvkey.
Published by Century in 2018
This is a true crime story about NFL New England Patriots’ star Aaron Hernandez - a gifted athlete adored by fans, with a multi-million dollars contract and sponsorship deals - who led a disturbing secret life and ended up in a maximum security jail accused of murder.
“I didn’t know anything about this case, hadn’t followed it in news but have since found out that it was a case that gripped the American nation. A very interesting read, a tragic story - will be ordering more of these true crime stories to read in future.”
Recommended by a Kilrush Library staff member
Why Be Happy When You Could Be
Normal by Jeanette Winterson
Published by Vintage in 2012
This is a memoir of Winterson’s early life growing up in Northern England with her adoptive family of Pentecostal fanatics. Zealous and passionate Jeanette seems destined for life as a missionary, but then she falls for one of her converts. At sixteen, she decides to leave the church, her home and her family, for the young woman she loves. Innovative, punchy and tender at times this book can be so funny and then at times can be brutally sad. It's an interesting look at one woman's path to being herself while fighting those around her.
“I listened to this audio book on Borrowbox. Narrated
by Jeanette Winterson herself it is a short, clever witty book and I loved
it.”
Recommended by Tara, a Scariff library staff member.
This is Going to Hurt: secret
diaries of a junior doctor by Adam Kay
Published by Picador in 2017
This is a non-fiction book, written in diary form by a junior doctor who works 97 hour weeks, makes life and death decisions and says that even the hospital parking meter earns more than him. Even though it's a serious subject matter the reviewer described it as 'hilariously funny and well worth reading'.
Recommended by a Corofin library member
Published by Penguin Ireland in 2016
2FM DJ and cancer survivor Louise McSharry writes about everything from surviving a messed up childhood, to crashing out of education and still making it, to figuring out sex, weight, feminism, make-up, friendship, workplace politics and a whole lot more. This book is an honest read that provides the reader with a multitude of emotions throughout the chapters.
"McSharry is funny and open and even though it is in the adult section,
it could be a recommended read for TY students. I will certainly be recommending
it to readers here in Kilmihil library". - a Kilmihil Library
staff member
Published by Hutchinson in 2018
Tara Westover grew up preparing for the End of Days, watching for the sun to darken, for the moon to drip as if with blood. She hadn’t been registered for a birth certificate. She had no school records because she’d never set foot in a classroom, and no medical records because her father didn’t believe in doctors or hospitals. As she grew older, her father became more radical, and her brother, more violent. At sixteen she decided to educate herself.
A riveting account of growing up in a world where violence is part of everyday life and the emotional toll it takes on a child. A testament to the incredible, potent power of education to haul oneself out of even the most difficult of circumstances.
"A brilliant memoir". - a Sixmilebridge Library member
Mary Berry Fast Cakes
Published by Headline in 2018
Mary Berry’s latest publication is a collection of recipes for cakes, sweet breads and biscuits that can be made quickly and easily with the minimum of fuss and trouble. She says that there is no need to bother with fancy tins or piping bags to produce an informal yet professional finish to all kinds of teatime specials.
With lots of pictures - a feast for the eyes as well
as the palate. - a Clare County Library staff member
100 Poems by Seamus Heaney
Published by Faber and Faber in 2018
Seamus Heaney had planned to compile a personal selection of his poems but unfortunately died before accomplishing this. Now his family have selected 100 of their favourite poems for this book. Readers will find his most loved and celebrated poems alongside newer works including a poem which is dedicated to his granddaughter, written only 12 days before his death.
Including favourite poems such as Digging and Mid-term Break the book will serve as an introduction for people who haven’t read much of Heaney’s poetry before, or who are unsure about where to start. For long-time readers, the book plots a course through Heaney’s life, times and work: from the early portrayals of the people and places of his native rural Derry, through the turbulent years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and blossoming into the mature voice and mastery of his later work. - a Clare County Library staff member
The Doctor’s Wife is Dead
by Andrew Tierney
Published by Penguin Ireland in 2017
This non fiction read is based on the murder of Ellen Langley, the wife of a prosperous doctor, in 1849, who was buried in a pauper’s grave. She had been confined to the attic space of her own home and then expelled to a rented house in an impoverished part of the town. There was a public outcry during the time of the trial.
"A great read, based on a true story of a murder case in Nenagh. Local and interesting, it gives a great insight into life in the local area around Nenagh during the time of the famine. There is a twist in the tale!" - a Clare County Library staff member
I Found My Tribe by Ruth Fitzmaurice
Published by Chatto and Windus in 2017
Simon Fitzmaurice, a filmmaker, was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2008 and was given 4 years to live. His wife Ruth was 32 years old at the time. In I Found My Tribe Ruth chronicles their life together following the diagnosis and she touchingly recounts the impact of Simon's condition on the family.
Set in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ruth’s ‘tribe’ is her husband, 5 children, family and friends. These close friends are a huge support to her and she shares their therapeutic experience of swimming daily in the sea together. In an honest and moving account we learn that Simon eventually lost the use of all movement other than his eyes, yet managed to communicate by using an eye gaze computer. He continued to write and direct, though paralysed. Simon Fitzmaurice died in 2017.
"This book is at times raw, at times inspiring. Though the topic is painful and heart-breaking the story is surprisingly uplifting". - a Clare County Library staff member
Ruth Fiztmaurice will be in conversation with Mick Heaney in glór at 4pm on Friday 2nd March as part of the 2018 Ennis Bookclub Festival.
Published by Trinity Mirror Sport Media in 2017
This autobiography by one of the most successful hurlers in Irish sporting history, lifts the lid on what motivates a winner of nine All-Ireland titles and four All-Star awards. And for anyone who has ever wondered what makes the Kilkenny club such a success machine, Jackie Tyrrell provides some answers.
"Brilliant book - very open and honest account of Kilkenny hurling and their manager." - a Sixmilebridge Library member.
Published by Gill Books in 2017
Clodagh Finn has travelled throughout Europe to piece together the story of this remarkable, unknown Irish woman, meeting many of the children Mary Elmes saved from the Nazis during the Second World War. Here, in a book packed with courage, heroism, adventure and tragedy, her story is finally remembered.
"An amazing story of courage and bravery" - a Sixmilebridge Library member.
Published by Michael Joseph / Penguin in 2017
Stephen Fry’s book on the Greek gods of antiquity is an enthralling read, at once informative and highly entertaining. Fry introduces us to the Titans and the Olympians, the Immortals and minor branches of deity such as dryads and nymphs and the Cyclops. We meet the myriad gods and goddesses of antiquity, the polytheistic pantheon ranging from Apollo to Zeus and all in between, including Hades, Poseidon, Artemis and Kronos. All are introduced and brought centre stage in turn, and their defining characteristics and legends are recounted as well as rendering their Roman equivalent. In the course of the book the myths and legends of the ancient world which have informed our culture for centuries are told with verve and éclat.
"As Pasteur commented, it is the Greeks who have bequeathed to us the most beautiful word in our vocabulary, enthusiasm - en Theo, and Stephen Fry’s wonderful book will enthuse and delight all curious readers." - a Clare County Library staff member
Published by Elliott and Thompson Limited in 2015
Fascinating read about how the geographical realities of countries and how their physical borders still impact on political decisions. In ten chapters covering Russia, China, USA, Latin America, Africa, Middle East, Africa, India and Pakistan, Japan and Korea, Europe and the Arctic, we learn how a country’s geography has dictated their economic development through history. Some colonial countries have borders casually drawn on maps by colonialists, others are invented entities which struggle to succeed as nation states. Marshall is an experienced Foreign Affairs journalist who previously worked with Sky News and the BBC.
"This book is an accessible account of the
ongoing issues in the political world, eg Russia and the Crimea, China’s
investments in Africa and other geopolitical issues. Highly recommended."
- a Clare County Library staff member
Neven Maguire’s Perfect
Irish Christmas by Neven Maguire
Published by Gill Books in 2017
Packed with all the classics you need for the big day, like Neven's famous buttermilk turkey, perfect roast potatoes and traditional Christmas desserts, you'll also find lots of inspiration for the whole festive season: from a Snowman Cake to make with the kids and St Stephen's Day leftovers, right through to a festive New Year's Eve dinner.
"In addition, you'll find lots of fun ideas for edible gifts, party food and all the little extras that help make Christmas as special as it can be". – a Clare County Library staff member
Home for Christmas by
Alice Taylor
Published by Brandon in 2017
In this book Alice Taylor looks back over her past Christmases and prepares for this year’s celebrations. She tells how the Christmas foods were made when she was a child, using the bastable and the range, and how she prepares them now.
"Covering everything from picking the perfect tree to the very crucial puddings and pies, Alice takes us through the preparations for Christmas in her own intimate way". – a Clare County Library staff member
Published by Tinder Press in 2017
This memoir recounts the 17 times when award winning novelist O’Farrell has narrowly escaped death. There are episodes of near drowning, of life-threatening miscarriages, of encephalitis. There are close shaves with a murderer, with turbulent planes and a knife-point robbery in Chile.
‘Written as a series of self-contained
essays, although essentially a book about death, this book is moving and
life-affirming and reminds us all of how precious life is.’ –
a Clare County Library staff member
Nothing to envy : real lives in
North Korea by Barbara Demick
Published by Granta in 2010
The title of this book comes from a song North Korean children are taught, “We have nothing to envy in the world” – in a country where there is no internet access and all radio and television broadcasts are government sponsored.
In Nothing to Envy, journalist Demick interviews six defectors from North Korea - a couple of teenaged lovers, an idealistic woman doctor, a homeless boy, a model factory worker who loved Kim Il Sung more than her own family and her rebellious daughter.
‘At a time when North Korea is back in the international spotlight, this book provides an eye-opening account of the lives of ordinary people under its repressive regime.’ – a Clare County Library staff member
Published by Gill in 2016
On the eve of her 80th birthday, Mary O'Rourke has sat down to write a letter to twenty people past and present, close and distant, living and deceased. Every letter is heartfelt; every letter offers gratitude for the difference the recipient made to Mary's life.
‘I found this a very entertaining read. It was a great book to dip into and read a few letters at a time. Mary has a unique way of telling a story with great humour and as most of the people she writes to are in or were in the public domain, the book appeals to the reader all the more.’ - a Clare County Library staff member
The age of anger: a history of
the present by Pankaj Mishra
Published by Allen Lane in 2016
How can we explain the origins of the great wave of paranoid hatreds that seem inescapable in our close-knit world?from American shooters and ISIS to Donald Trump, from a rise in vengeful nationalism across the world to racism and misogyny on social media? In Age of Anger, Pankaj Mishra answers our bewilderment by casting his gaze back to the eighteenth century before leading us to the present.
‘I listened to this book on Radio 4 Book of the Week. It was terrific and compelling listening. Current affairs straddling politics and the new world order of social media, informed by historical developments since the French and American revolutions.’ - a Clare County Library staff member
