Recommended by Shauna from Trim library
After You’d Gone by Maggie O’Farrell
Adult fiction book
If you need a good cry this is the book for you, a book of love and loss by Irish writer Maggie O’Farrell.
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The Ugly Five by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler 
Children's picture book
A beautifully illustrated book for children inspired by five real life ugly safari animals with a warm fuzzy ending!
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Recommended by Susanne from Dunboyne Library
Transatlantic by Colum McCann
Adult fiction book
A beautifully written and moving novel based on actual events that gradually knit together across the centuries as the book progresses. The story of three iconic crossings of The Atlantic by aviators Jack Alcock and Arthur Brown, abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Senator George Mitchell are connected by a series of incredible women whose personal stories are caught up in this gem of a read.
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Recommended by Jenny from Ashbourne Library
Bonus Time by Brian Pennie
Adult non fiction book
Bonus Time is an autobiography by Brian Pennie which details how he began using drugs in his teenage years and eventually became addicted to heroin. He got clean after 15 years and got his life back – he is now living in what he calls “bonus time”. It’s a hopeful, inspiring book and an excellent illustration of human resilience.
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Recommended by Dympna from Oldcastle Library
The Colour Purple by Alice Walker
Adult fiction book
It gives a great insight into how coloured women were treated in America in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Shows how one can rise above all the injustices in life and aspire to achieve better things.
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Recommended by Emilie from Kells Library
Beyond the Tape: The Life and Many Deaths of a State Pathologist by Dr Marie Cassidy
Adult non fiction book
Fascinating read about her life and work. Very few I think could cope with all the grisliness and pressure of absolute perfection she has to deal with in her daily life.
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Recommended by Ursula from Ashbourne Library
Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power
Adult non fiction book
Charts this Irish immigrants journey from Dublin to Washington to become a journalist, war correspondent, diplomat, wife and mother whilst representing the US in the United Nations during the Obama years. An inspirational woman whose passion for human rights and dignity never waivers against a backdrop of US global politics.
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Recommended by Geraldine from Trim Library
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
It tells the story about the experiences of the medics and patients in a Dublin Maternity Hospital during the 1918 flu pandemic. At that time posters displayed around the city displayed many health warnings that we are all too familiar with today: "Stay out of public places", "See only those persons one needs to see", "refrain from shaking hands".
The tone of the book is uncannily familiar to how we are living our lives today and serves as a reminder that society does get through pandemics and life will go on.
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Recommended by David from Duleek Library
Stolen: Escape from Syria by Louise Monaghan
Adult non fiction book
It is a true story of an Irish Mother’s crusade to rescue her kidnapped daughter from her abusive ex-husband in war torn Syria after he had snatched their child from her home in Cyprus.
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Recommended by Joanna from Navan Library
Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak
Adult fiction book
This is a story of five young boys living on their own, their family history and everyday struggles. In this book unspoken things are as important as the storyline and give us experience of human ways with all their joy and pain.
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Recommended by Ciara from Trim Library
Queen of Coin and Whispers by Helen Corcoran
Young Adult fiction book
'Queen of Coin & Whispers #1' was an unusual choice for me but I saw how well it was being perceived online so I saw the copy on our YA shelves and checked it out to myself; and I am so glad I did. Written by Helen Corcoran, an Irish YA/ fantasy writer- It's based in the world of romantic royalty, queens and spymasters who must decide between power, duty and their country.
An excellent LGBTQIA+ novel for any fantasy or science- fiction lover in your life. A full 5* from me!
Shortlisted for DEPT 51 @ EASON TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020
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Recommended by Bernie from Trim Library
The Adversary by Emmanual Carrere
Adult non fiction book
This is a Non fiction title about a French Man who deceives his family and loved ones. I would recommend this as its a fascinating read (and did I mention it's a true story) that will make the reader appreciate how lucky they are and think for a moment. Do we really know the people we live with?
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Recommended by Lorraine from Oldcastle Library
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Children's fiction book
This story made me laugh and cry as I read about Anne Shirley’s adventures and misadventures and how people reacted around her. It is a beautiful story which covers the power of love, family, forgiveness, truth, and imagination. I admired Anne’s wonderful imagination, her unwavering attitude and how she was always true to herself.
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Recommended by Amanda from Trim Library
Richard Nixon-The Life by John A Farrell
Adult non fiction book
The impeachment of a US President is currently in the news. This isn’t the first time in recent years that a US President has been impeached. Since the 1970’s two presidents have been impeached – Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Nixon’s impeachment and subsequent resignation have been widely written about. John A Farrell has written the most complete biography of Nixon. He writes about Nixon from his early years working in his father’s gas station, his navy career and his time in Congress and the White House. The book paints a picture of Nixon’s psychology and draws on this picture to explain his behaviour when dealing with Watergate. This is one of the few books that looks at Nixon’s life after his resignation and how he set about rehabilitating his reputation.
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Recommended by Maedhbh from Navan Library
Kiss Good Night, Sam by Amy Hest, ill. By Anita Jeram
Children's picture book
Absolutely gorgeous snugly, cuddly bedtime story for little ones. The story is beautifully illustrated with a soft, warm colour palette by Anita Jeram (of Guess how much I love you fame)
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Recommended by Geraldine from Navan Library
Star of the Sea by Joseph O’Connor
Adult fiction book
Star of the Sea by Joseph O’Connor is one of my favourite books; an historical novel set during the Irish famine it brilliantly captures the mood of the era without being maudlin. At its heart there is a compelling love story and the two central characters of Pius Mulvey and Mary Duane will stay with you long after the final pages. Redemption Falls is the name of the equally brilliant following novel.
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Recommended by Helen from Trim Library
I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
Adult fiction book
This was a brilliant read, it spoiled me for other books for ages afterwards, I highly recommend it. (I did so a few years ago and people loved it)
It’s a debut novel by Terry Hayes a former screenwriter and journalist, full of espionage fast suspenseful thriller. I couldn’t leave it down. It’s a big read but don’t let that put you off, it is a treat waiting for you.
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