St. Patrick's Day Reads
Happy St. Paddy’s Day! I am from a very proud Irish Catholic family, so today’s is our favorite day. Though we won’t be able to celebrate together with traditional corned beef and cabbage, we can still celebrate the luck of the Irish with a few of my favorite stories that take place in Ireland, deal with Irish families, or make me think of home! Please note that the photo in today’s post is of an Irish bookshop. My dad took it this fall when he was over there and sent it to me. I’m OBSESSED.
And it’s fair to note that most of these titles can be found on EBook format, so if you’re looking for entertainment right now you can download to the Kindle App on any mobile device!
Forever by Pete Hamill—This book is DENSE but so so so worth it. It begins in Ireland in the 1700s when a boy’s father is murdered. He is desperate to avenge his father’s death and seeks out the help of some Irish magic. He travels to Manhattan when it’s just being settled and, suddenly immortal, cannot leave. It spans centuries and it just a FASCINATING story. It’s stuck with me!
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane—I shared this one in my post yesterday but it’s a wonderful, quiet generational story of an Irish American family.
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin—If you haven’t seen the movie with Saorise Ronan, you’re missing out! I cannot recommend the movie enough. I have the book on my shelf and I’ll have to dive into it today!
The Irishman by Daniel Brand—My dad picked this book up and it was much smaller than I thought it would be! I think my exact words were, “THIS is the size of a book that became a 3 hour movie?!”
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne—Another on my TBR that I was told I will like because it deals with “Irish things.” Can’t wait to get to it!
Normal People by Sally Rooney—This is becoming a series this year and it’s due out soon! It’s very well loved (even by Barack Obama!)
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt—A classic! I read this one back in high school and loved the resilience of the characters. There’s nothing quite like the Irish stock!
The Irishman’s Daughter by V.S. Alexander —A powerful and unforgettable novel of strength and resilience set against the Irish famine.
And if you’re feeling frisky, here’s a list of some Irish romances!
Obviously, we’re staying in and have no big plans for the day. It’s raining here which makes it hard to even get a walk in but I think we’ll survive! I’m making maple mustard chicken and veggies for dinner tonight and I think we’ll watch The Departed or maybe even The Irishman!