During the lockdown, many of us picked up some new hobbies. One of those may have been reading and now you are a big-time book worm. Does that sound like you? Well if it does, this is the article for you!

We chatted with some of our very our Shona book worms and they have some great book recommendations for you!

1. Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Over lockdown, I read Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, and I would highly recommend it! Not only are the characters beautifully written and complex, the nature and wildlife within the book are also incredibly moving. It’s about a ‘marsh girl’ who has never received formal education but has immense knowledge of animals and nature and the way she sees the world inspired me to appreciate nature more. Of course, there’s a love story too which will break your heart! It’s one of the best books I’ve read so far this year, and it’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!!

– Libby x

 

2. Gotta Get Theroux This: My Life and Strange Times in Television by Louis Theroux

I recently read Louis Theroux’s book “Gotta Get Theroux This: My Life and Strange Times in Television”, and I really enjoyed it. It follows Louis’ career from the beginning, giving some behind-the-scenes insights into his documentaries, as well as talking through his thought processes and ideas that never came to be. At the same time, it is partly autobiographical, as he traces how his personal life developed alongside his career as a journalist. It’s witty and insightful in equal measures, with paragraphs that make you laugh as much as they make you think. Overall I’d really recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of his documentaries, and even to people who aren’t. It’s a great read that’s not too heavy, but at the same time has a lot of depth.

– Aoife x

 

3. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

This book blew my mind… to put it short. It is an absolutely beautifully written story about two childhood friends- Owen and Johnny, their relationship, and the extraordinary nature of Owen’s life. It’s extremely long but is one of those books that is absolutely encapsulating- like you seriously won’t be able to put it down. A series of stories and tales from childhood to adulthood and all the twists and turns that happen along the way. The book begins with Johnny’s mother being killed by a rogue baseball that has been hit by Owen Meany, and from there the intricacies of their lives become even more entwined. There are really strong religious themes throughout, to the point where Owen is almost seen as an ethereal, all-knowing being, despite being 11 years old, but it never feels preachy or over the top. You really feel like you grow with the characters, and they’re so well written that even the most bizarre of events seem so normal. Truly the best book I’ve ever read. Honestly could not recommend strongly enough!! Trust me!!!

– Daisy

 

4. Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

An absolute staple that everyone should read! This book thought me more about boundaries, self-respect, self-love, relationships, and feminism than any education I’ve ever gotten. Given wrote this book as advice she would give to her younger self and there is so much we can all learn from it! She teaches us how to create your boundaries, how to love yourself and know your worth, how to never settle for less than you deserve, how to recognise your privilege, how to be a better friend, lover, family member, and social justice warrior! This book was everything I needed when I read it (plus there is some incredible artwork!).

– Chloe x

 

5. Feminists Don’t Wear Pink And Other Lies

This book is a collection of short stories and essays from many different feminists around the world.  They talk about what feminism means to them, why they are feminists, moments in their lives that made them feminists, etc. What I love is that this book shows there is more than one way to be a feminist and that feminism means something different to everyone! There isn’t one right way to be a feminist and this book perfectly shows that!

– Chloe x

 

Have you read any of these books? We would love to hear what you thought and of any recommendations that you have! info@shona.ie