FOR BIBLIOPHILES, CHRISTMAS brings its own hidden luxury – the time to lounge around and catch up on books you haven’t had a chance to read during the year.
Even more of an important moment at Christmas is the unique joy of unwrapping a book you’ve had your eye on for months – its shiny cover and crisp pages just waiting to provide hours of entertainment.
For those who would like to provide this unique joy to their loved ones come Christmas morning, here’s what Eason have tipped as their books of the year.
The long-awaited novel from American novelist Jennifer Egan (who already has a Pulitzer Prize under her belt for A Visit From The Goon Squad), the book opens in Brooklyn during the Great Depression at an important meeting with Anna Kerrigan’s father and a man who is central to their survival as a family.
It follows Anna who works as the first female diver at Brooklyn Navy Yard during the war, while trying to understand why her father may have been murdered after that visit. Sound interesting? Check out the books that Egan says influenced it in this The New York Times article.
Manhattan Beach is €14.24 (down from €18.99) at Eason.
Fresh from winning Sports Book of the Year at the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards just last week, The Choice tells the tale of a painful decade Dublin footballer Philly McMahon endured of family addiction, which culminated in the loss of his older brother.
In an inspirational memoir written by Philly McMahon with The42′s Deputy Editor Niall Kelly, McMahon traces the chance occurrences that pushed the brothers in two different directions – McMahon towards the turf of Croke Park and John ultimately to tragedy.
The Choice is €14.99 (RRP €19.99).
A surreal and multi-genre collection of short stories and visual art from Blindboy of comedy group the Rubberbandits, the book explores a number of themes central to modern Ireland including love, death, sex and politics. It comes with stellar recommendations from the likes of Tara Flynn, Danny Boyle and Russell Brand.
From a story about a Tipperary woman being kicked out of ISIS to a van powered by Cork accents to a man who drags a fridge on his back through Limerick, The Gospel According To Blindboy is unlike any other Irish release this year.
The Gospel According To Blindboy is €13.49 (RRP €19.99).
Written by Kathy McKeon, the woman who spent 13 years as Jackie Kennedy’s personal assistant (and occasional nanny), Jackie’s Girl is an endearing coming-of-age memoir that shares the lessons of life and love McKeon learned from one of history’s most glamorous first ladies.
Having grown up on a Monaghan farm with no electricity, McKeon landed the job of a lifetime after arriving into New York and was front row for some of the 21st century’s most pivotal events, supporting her through Robert Kennedy’s assassination.
Jackie’s Girl is on sale for €12.74 (down from €16.99).
Since his days spent as one half of Little Britain, comedian David Walliams has dominated the children’s book charts – selling 20 million copies worldwide, with translations into 53 different languages. He’s also had two Irish number ones with Blob and World’s Worst Children 2.
His latest book is beautifully illustrated by Tony Ross and shows how dads come in all shapes and sizes – fat, thin, young, old, clever, stupid, silly and serious. This hilarious tale follows a father and son team who take on the villainous Mr Big and break an innocent man out of prison – perfect for bedtime reading together.
Bad Dad is €9.99 (down from €15.40).
The twelfth book in the bestselling satirical fiction series by American cartoonist and author Jeff Kinney, the Getaway follows Greg on a family holiday nightmare – when his family decide not to celebrate Christmas at home.
Originally published on educational browser game FunBrain where the first book was read 12 million times, children around the world have been waiting for the cult series’ latest installment since late last year.
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Getaway is €11.99 (down from €18.20).
Described as a real-life kid’s fairy tales that are so inspiring that adults are reading it, the book looks at an alternative view of our most beloved children’s stories. What if the princess didn’t marry Prince Charming but went on to be an astronaut? Or if one of the jealous step sisters was kind?
The perfect book to empower the young, strong women (and men) in your life, the book is illustrated by sixty female artists from around the world and introduces readers to one hundred remarkable women from Malala to Amelia Earhart to Michelle Obama – women who certainly don’t need rescuing from a castle.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is €18.74 (down from €24.99).
The latest creation from John Green, the incredibly successful author of The Fault In Our Stars, Turtles All The Way Down has already been tipped as ‘a new modern classic’ by The Guardian.
It follows 16-year-old Aza who becomes fascinated by the mystery of a fugitive millionaire (with a $100,000 reward up for grabs). It’s a brilliant novel of love, resilience and the power of lifelong friendship, with the first edition including a jacket poster with some of John’s most memorable quotes.
This year has been brilliant for book lovers and the Eason Christmas Catalogue has a superb collection of reads suitable for bookworms of every taste, both young and old. So, whether you’re looking for the best in new fiction releases to captivating real-life stories, there’s something here for everyone. Say it with a book this Christmas at Eason.
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