As I’m writing this column, Saint Patrick’s Day is just a few days away. I’ve had a fascination with Ireland since the fourth grade. Why so specific? Well, my teacher asked each student to pick a country and write a paper about it as well as provide representative examples of the country’s culture. I chose Ireland because I have some Irish in my family tree. This fourth-grader really got into the shamrocks and leprechauns, but I also learned a lot about Ireland’s history and society. Fast forward more than 40 years, and I’m still charmed by everything Irish. Perhaps I’ll be lucky enough to visit the Emerald Isle one day and enjoy a pint of Guinness in a local pub.
Today’s Irish-themed reading list is just a small sampling of books available in the library’s collection. As is my custom, I focus on the nonfiction collection because there is a wealth of hidden gems just waiting for the right reader at the right time. But if you’re a fan of Irish-themed fiction, type “Ireland fiction” in the search box at www.fvrl.org and you’ll have hundreds of titles to choose from. No matter your interest — history, cooking, travel, crafts, music, memoirs, fiction — the library has something for you.
Erin Go Bragh!
- “All Standing: The Remarkable Story of the Jeanie Johnston, the Legendary Irish Famine Ship” by Kathryn Miles.
- “The Farmette Cookbook: Recipes and Adventures from My Life on an Irish Farm” by Imen McDonnell.
- “Fodor’s Essential Ireland” by Fodor’s Travel.
- “The Irish Countrywomen’s Association Book of Crafts: 40 Projects to Make at Home” by Irish Countrywomen’s Association.
- “Singing in Irish Gaelic: A Phonetic Approach to Singing in the Irish Language, Suitable for Non Irish-Speakers” by Mary McLaughlin.
- “Time Pieces: A Dublin Memoir” by John Banville.
