March Book Blog
March is Irish Authors month. For those who are following along with the Book Challenge here are recommendations for you.
A Week in Winter was Maeve Binchy’s last novel before she died in 2012. Binchy takes her readers to Stoneybridge village in Ireland, the hometown of the female protagonist, Chicky Starr. Chicky opens up a holiday hotel as a safe haven for guests and natives. The heartwarming story introduces all the beloved characters and townsfolk who help to make Chicky’s dreams turn into a reality. Binchy wrote 16 novels in total, all known for their warmth.
Dubliners by James Joyce. James Joyce’s short story collection brings Dublin to life. Start with “The Dead,” the longest story in the book and arguably James’s most famous. It’s about a husband and wife going to a party on a snowy evening, and so much more.
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín. Colm Tóibín’s sixth novel takes place after World War II. It traces the story of Eilis Lacey, a young working-class woman who moves by herself from Ireland to Brooklyn in search of a better life and career opportunity. The coming-of-age story was adapted into a 2015 film, starring Saoirse Ronan and Emory Cohen.
Winner of the 2018 Booker Prize, Milkman is set amid the Troubles in 1970s Northern Ireland—although the narrator never directly names the tension erupting in violence all around her. None of the characters are named, either. The effect of all this is a book steeped in fear. The action begins when the 18-year-old middle sister attracts the unwanted attention of a senior paramilitary figure known only as the milkman, and is forced into a position of danger.
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. In this touching memoir, Frank McCourt recounts his early childhood growing up in both Brooklyn and Limerick, Ireland. Almost written like a lyrical essay, McCourt discusses everything from poverty to living with a neglectful and alcoholic father. The book won a Pulitzer Prize in 1997 in the autobiography category.
March is also Women’s History Month. If Irish authors aren’t your thing here a few recommendations on women’s history!
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World. Women inventors and scientists are not discussed that much in the news, but the immense contribution of female innovators in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is something every generation must be aware of. And this book offers you just that. Written by New York Times Bestselling author Rachel Ignotofsky, Women in Science talks about 50 female scientists whose efforts shaped the technological capabilities achieved by humanity.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women. If you want to educate your children about women’s role in strengthening our society, culture, and economy, this book is the best gift you can give them this Women’s History Month. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls is a collection of 100 inspiring stories from the lives of great women from both past and present. From Frida Kahlo to Marie Curie and Michelle Obama, the book features stories of 100 courageous female leaders, scientists, artists, lawyers, etc., whose stories are worth telling. Written by Italian authors Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli, this New York Times bestseller also contains illustrations from 60 female artists from across the globe.
Jane Eyre. A classic Women’s History Month book that presents the story of a brave female survivor named Jane who grew up as an orphan and faced extreme cruelty and injustice. Yet she manages to emerge as a strong and spirited independent woman by following her conviction. This heart-throbbing novel was written by English writer Charlotte Brontë and although it was published in the year 1847, Jane’s story is relevant even today because of the way it realistically depicts a women’s emotions while she struggles for finding purpose and love in her life.