IF YOU’RE HEADING out to do some Christmas shopping this year, you’ll probably have some books on your list.
But it can be hard to know what’s good and what’s not, so we’ve put together a list of the year’s best books – many of which are Irish – to show you what’s out there.
Why not put your recommendations in the comments?
Inspired by the young girls who flocked to Charles Manson’s cult, this book is by a young author who really gets inside the skin of what it is to be a young girl.
For those who love suspense, crime, and an exploration of class in Ireland.
Short but unforgettable, and almost painful to read in parts, this is one of the year’s best reads.
Inspired by the real-life story of Watson’s great-aunt, this brings us a young woman born with a disability in the early 19th century and shows us how she transcends the limits imposed by those around her to become her own person.
Ryan yet again proves he’s an Irish literary force with this, a sharp, moving and tough read about a woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant.
A mixture of fiction, non-fiction, photography and poetry, this annual of Irish writing from Kevin Barry and Olivia Smith is a real treat.
This follow-up to last year’s The Long Gaze Back is also a collection of stories by female writers – but this time, they’re from the North of Ireland. A great way to discover new – and old – writers..
Steed Tailors / Twitter
Steed Tailors / Twitter / Twitter
Conor McGregor’s coach writes about the journey to training one of the world’s most famous athletes.
Photography that will make you think about how Ireland has evolved over the years.
A memoir in which Deeley remembers his father, a hurley maker, through snatches of his childhood. For fans of John McGahern.
For those with an interest in American society and how the poor survive.
A fascinating look at the cases that have gone through the Irish Supreme Court, and how they helped shape society here.
A look at what makes one of Ireland’s legendary rugby players do what he does.
Gerard Elwood / Twitter
Gerard Elwood / Twitter / Twitter
A gorgeous illustrated follow-up to Irelandopedia, which brings children on a journey through Irish history.
Watkins’ first book stemmed from stories she’d tell her grandchildren – now it’s a bestseller.
Rudden so impressed his publisher that he got a three-book deal for this series about a boy with special powers.
For budding young feminists, pick up this tale of a young girl inspired by her suffragette sister.
A dark YA novel about a young girl who lives a troubled life.
sarah maria griff / Twitter
sarah maria griff / Twitter / Twitter
Though not widely available, Griffin’s follow-up to her non-fiction essay collection Not Lost is one for young – and old – adults who like their writers to have a vivid imagination.
One for the healthy eaters, vegetarians and vegans in the audience.
You can’t go wrong with a Jamie Oliver book, and this one is specially geared towards families.
White combines memoir with recipes in this beautifully-designed book about food and family.
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