Reading Ireland Month 2024 – Annual Irish Celebration

I’m participating in #readingirelandmonth2024 and have put together a don’t miss reading list of books I’ll be reviewing along with their links to Amazon.

The books have a connection to Ireland either with an Irish protagonist, be written by an Irish author, or an author with Irish roots. I have a mix of older as well as new or to-be-released books in this year’s list.

In the US, we tend to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, pub specials, and corned beef and cabbage. Here in “Chicago-land” they turn the Chicago River green. (Okay, that may be going too far, but it’s fun.)

Cathy at 746 Books is hosting again this year and you will want to check her website to see all the ideas for books and related media. Be sure to use her hashtags #readingirelandmonth2024 and #begorrathon2024.

I will wear some green and look for corned beef bargains. Of course, I always include that article I wrote years ago following one of our more interesting St Patrick Days, titled Beans, Beans…(A St Patrick’s Day Revisited) that I’ll repost on March 17th.

My grandfather insisted he hailed from Cork, so I may include a poem he wrote (although none are very short). And don’t forget my favorite Irish podcaster, Marc Gunn, the Celtfather.

Here is my list of books so far:

1) The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly. Love the Harry Bosch series, immersive #crimethriller
2) The Keeper of Secrets by Maria McDonald. An Irish war bride sails to America. #historicalfiction
3) No Strangers Here by Carlene O’Connor. “An Irish veterinarian grapples with life, death, family dynamics…” #internationalmysteryandcrime
4) Day of Fire by Kate Quinn et al Totally unique collaboration with five (yes, 5!) other authors re Pompeii. #ancienthistoryfiction
5) Tom Lake by Ann Patchett narrated by Meryl Streep (yes, Streep). A moving novel about family, love, and growing up. #literaryfiction
6) The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange. A moving novel about testing the bounds of love and loyalty. #familylifefiction

I will also try to watch an upcoming Netflix movie called Irish Wish starring Lindsay Lohan. It releases Friday, March 15. Given it’s a romance and an old trope to boot, I’m not promising anything. Still, it may be just your cup of tea!

I must admit to looking for another Michael Connelly book, always a favorite. New authors to me this year are Tracey Lange and Ann Patchett.

Don’t forget the Irish Soda Bread recipe graciously shared by another of my favorite Irish authors, Jean Grainger.

Have you read any of the above? Any suggestions for one you enjoyed, possibly in a thriller genre?

©2024 V Williams