A good book is the perfect companion in these uncertain and displacing time. Gillian from our Dunboyne Library has popped together this list of some forgotten titles that can provide a much needed escape from reality. 

 

By Gillian Kavanagh (Dunboyne Library)

It shouldn’t just be about reading new books, sometimes it’s great to have the time to browse through old reading lists or titles, or catch up on books that you meant to read but just never got around to it. There are some real gems out there, brilliant, forgotten or not widely known, and a joy when you discover a book that might have been written years ago - not necessarily a classic; but sometimes a book gets lost or simply remains undiscovered among all the big new shiny titles, especially if they’re mentioned in the media. Now is the time to look up older books as everyone is queuing up for the new ones.

Listed are some titles chosen by me that you might like to consider reading, or to look them up maybe.

1. Tatty - by Christine Dyer Hickey - this was written in 2004 and happy to say it’s picked for this year’s Dublin’s ‘One City One Book’, very well written and sadly topic will always be relevant and will stay with you long after you’ve read the book.

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2. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry 1995 - this is one of the most moving books I’ve ever read about India, and had a profound effect on me.

3. Small Island by Andrea Levy written in 2004 - if you don’t know anything about the Windrush people, this is a great introduction.

4. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson written in 2002 - compelling story about a family tragedy, sibling rivalary and family dynamics.

5. The Secret History by Donna Tartt written in 1992 - this writer only writes a book every 10 years but they’re worth the wait.

6. The tie that Binds by Kent Haruf written in 1984 - you’ll be hooked after reading this first book, beautiful natural easy writing about ordinary families that almost makes you feel you’re living amongst them.

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7. Behind the Scenes of the Museum by Kate Atkinson written in 1995 - a Family saga of working class Yorkshire life told beautifully.

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8. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, written in 1980 - I urge everyone to read this book, it’s the funniest book I ever read, mind you, it took 3 attempts but very glad I did, it also has a fascinating background story too. It deserves to be read.

9. We were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates, written 1996 by one of my favourite writers - this book is about another successful, happy, loving family until something tragic happens to change their lives forever.

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Last week I happened to come across a book of short stories called Binocular Vision by an American writer called Edith Pearlman, I had never heard of her before and the book has been on our shelf a few years without ever been checked out. What a find, it’s a gem, can’t believe I missed this book!

 

We’re Always OPEN!

BorrowBox is the perfect companion in these uncertain and displacing times, with 24/7 access to the best eBooks and eAudiobooks on offer. As a member you can still access library content from your homes via the BorrowBox service.

With the wide variety of fantastic content available at your fingertips, many of the titles can provide a much needed escape from reality or a way to engage the kids, whilst aiding their development.

Not a member? That’s ok.  Join the library online and use BorrowBoxstraight away, free of charge! 

1. Go to http://librariesireland.ie/join & complete the registration online ( you will be asked to set a PIN)
2. Download the Borrowbox app to a phone or other device from the App Store
3. Log in to Borrowbox with your Library Number & PIN