Looking for a Christmas pressie for the bookworm in your life or just hoping to nab something to read yourself over the festive period? RTÉ's Arts and Media Correspondent, Sinead Crowley take a look at her favourite reads from the past year.
This is the list of the books I most enjoyed in 2015. Not all were published in 2015 and it's not an exhaustive list, nor is it based in anyway on sales or prizes. Just the books I enjoyed!
A Little Life: Hanya Yanagihara
A divisive one, this. I’ve spoken to people who hated it, but have met many more people who said they loved it. It’s not an easy read and the themes, which include child abuse and self harm will not be to everyone’s taste. But it’s a huge book that you can lose yourself in and you really feel like you know the characters at the end of it. An unforgettable read.
The Haunting of Hill House: Shirley Jackson
This is not a new book – it was first published in 1959 – but I read it when I decided to rediscover a few horror classics last Halloween. It’s absolutely marvellous - a tense, terrifying story with incredibly realistic characters and a stunning finale. I’m told We Have Always Lived in the Castle is even better but I’m keeping that one for next October.
After You Die: Eva Dolan
This is the third in a crime series by British author Dolan, and the books keep getting better. Her novels are set in Peterborough and deal with crimes against minorities and immigrant communities. This book isn’t out until January so keep an eye out for it, or read the other two in the series as a warm up.
In the Morning I’ll be Gone: Adrian McKinty
McKinty's books, which are based in 1980s Belfast, are among my favourite crime novels, and this one, number three in the series, is outstanding. It would best to read these in order but this would also work as a stand-alone thriller.
Generation: Paula McGrath
There were many great Irish literary debuts this year, including Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume and The Glorious Heresies by Lisa McInerney. But this one, which got less attention than some of the others, is still well worth a read. Told from the viewpoint of a number of different characters, over three generations, it contains some genuinely surprising and gripping moments.
The Green Road: Anne Enright
After Making Babies, this is my favourite Enright book. Irish siblings gather at their mother’s house for one final Christmas before she sells up.
A God in Ruins: Kate Atkinson
This was probably my book of the year. A terrific read with a gripping narrative and an ending that punches you in the gut. It’s best to read Life after Life first, but not essential.
Tender: Belinda McKeon
Absolutely essential reading if you were in college in Dublin in the 1990s , but a great book for everyone else as well
Weightless: Sarah Bannon
This was a very strong year for Young Adult fiction. Told by a group of US students, this book looks at issues of identity, friendship and bullying in the social media age. Also recommended is Asking For It by Louise O'Neill
I Let You Go: Claire Mackintosh
Emotional psychological thriller with a stunning twist. Atmospheric and very enjoyable.
This was a hard list to compile. Honorable mentions also go to the latest books in the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths and the Maeve Kerrigan series by Irish Book Award winner Jane Casey. All highly recommended if you want a crime series to get your teeth into this Christmas.
Go on - turn the phone off for an afternoon, light the fire and enjoy.
Sinead Crowley
