Giving a great book is one of the best gifts you can give at Christmas time, here are my picks to cover a smorgasbord of literary taste

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1.) Millkman by Anna Burns

This book is at the top of my “must read” list. Anna Burns’ book won the Man Booker Prize for fiction this year – the first time a Northern Irish writer has done so. This is the story of an 18 year old female living in Northern Ireland during the Troubles who is forced into a relationship with a married man, known as “The Milkman”

2.) Harvesting by Lisa Harding

Lisa Harding packs an absolute punch with her debut novel about sex-trafficking in Ireland. The story follows Sammy, a 15 year old Irish girl and Nico, a 13 year old girl from Moldova. The stories alternate and you live inside the girls heads. I literally read this book in one sitting – no joke – it’s fantastic, horrifying and a must-read. 

3.) The New Fashion Rules by Victoria McGrath

Victoria is one of the first bloggers I read avidly and to this day I look up to her and the business she has created. With a PhD in Fashion, Victoria’s debut book is essentially an extension of her thesis. I’m about half way through and think every fashionista in your life will adore this book. It’s also stunning and makes for a gorgeous coffee table book situation for your guests to peruse whilst you’re grabbing the wine, cheese and crudités!

4.) Goalless Draws by David Squires

This is on Himself’s Christmas wish list this year and he has the two previous books (also gifted at Christmas times). A collection of comic strips and they have him giggling away to himself to the extent that he had to take breathing breaks, I’m sure this one is no different!

5.) Normal People by Sally Rooney

Set in the downturn period of the 2000’s, this follows the story of two Irish teenagers Connell and Marianne who went to school together in Sligo and then onto Trinity thereafter, their complex friendship and relationship. Normal People was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize and I cannot wait to read it.

6.) Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindlewald The Original Screenplay by Joanne Rowling

‘Cause Harry Potter is life – LIFE!!

7.) A Keeper by Graham Norton

I bought this yesterday and if “A Keeper” is anything like Graham’s first novel “Holding”, I’ll love it, I’ll laugh, I’ll cry and I’ll be irrevocably hooked. “A Keeper” has been shortlisted for the National Book Awards and tells the story of Elizabeth Keane, who, upon returning to Buncarragh three months after her Mother’s funeral, finds ribbon bound letters at the back of her Mother’s wardrobe, what answers will they hold and could they help solve the mystery of Elizabeth’s Father? Lads – I cannot WAIT!!

8.) The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins by The McElroy Family

Himself introduced me to this podcast, previously mentioned here and this is their graphic novel of the first campaign of that podcast. The illustrations are beautiful and it’s a great way to relive the story – or enjoy it for the first time!

9.) Dublin Chaos Years by Neil Cotter

Based on interviews with former players and coaches, “Dublin: The Chaos Years” tells the entertaining and sometimes scarcely believable story of how the Dubs managed to make such a hames of things over a period of fifteen years. It also traces the beginnings of the turnaround, as the bad habit of failure began to give way to a healthier culture in GAA.

10.) YSL by Yves Saint Laurent

The first comprehensive retrospective of YSL’s life’s work – it helps that it also makes for a pretty stunning coffee table book!

11.) Red Truck Bakery by Brian Noyes

‘Cause yum – 85 southern baking recipes are included here and are well worth your time, a great one to pass to a cooking mad friend! 

12.) Becoming by Michelle Obama

Destined to be THE bestselling book of the Holidays. Get this for your nearest and dearest, with great reviews and topping book charts left, right and centre, it’s sure to be a much enjoyed gift.

Will you be giving books this year? Let me know any books you would recommend as I’m always on the lookout for more great books to read!