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OFFALYRECOMMENDS#SQUEEZEINAREAD

Oh My God What A Complete Aisling Seriesby Eimear McLysaght and Sarah Breen Recommended by Aisling Kearns"I'd like to recommend the book in my namesake—The Oh My GodWhat A Complete Aisling series. It's a series of books, there are fourat the minute and I believe there is one last one to come. They areabsolutely phenomenal. They had me in tears crying and laughing,and I couldn't recommend them more!"OFFALY RECOMMENDS, IRELAND READS #SQUEEZEINAREADAisling Kearns is originally from Co. Offaly. She is an actress andTikTok sensation known for her @aislingsjustalaugh account. Heraccount has over 210,000 followers and more than 4 million likes.Aisling has played Nicola in the crime TV series Darklands, Emma inthe Louise O'Neill stage adaptation of 'Asking for It', and played therole of Mairéad in The Lieutenant of Inishmore at the Gaiety Theatre.Offaly Libraries are delighted to present this collection ofbook recommendations nominated by the people of Offalyas part of our national day of reading - Ireland Reads, whichwe celebrate on February 25th. We hope that you will findsome reading inspiration recommended by a diverseselection of Offaly people!

Molly's Diary by Patricia MurphyRecommended by TY2 Killina Presentation School,TullamoreThe class would like to nominate this book as they feel that asa work of historical fiction it will educate as well as entertain. Atthe centre of the story is a young girl called Molly, a kind andcaring person who experiences the Rising in many ways. As anurse she tends to the wounded, but as a sister she isdesperately focused on trying to find her brother. This book isan accessible read with lots to offer readers of all ages. OFFALY SCHOOLS RECOMMEND#SQUEEZEINAREADDear Evan Hansen by Stephen Levenson Recommended by TY A St. Brendan's Community School, BirrEveryone should read this book because it tells the story ofhow a simple lie can get out of control. It is somethingeveryone can relate to and it is also a stage musical and a film.The theme of loneliness and just wanting to fit in is relatable toour lives today.

The Book Thief by Markus ZusakRecommended by TY Students, Sacred Heart School, TullamoreThe Book Thief is a story that includes heroism, love, sacrifice andcourage in the face of difficulty. It is an exciting book that will keepyou up at night thinking about the themes and messages in it. It isa life changing book that gives us a believable hope in the world.It is a great novel that both adults and teenagers would enjoy.The story is well written as the narrator takes away the horrors ofdying. He mentions that the souls he takes are healed and well-taken care of. This helps the reader to understand what happensafter someone dies. Although having lots of death in the story canbe depressing, it really brings to life what happens during war andconflicts.OFFALY SCHOOLS RECOMMEND #SQUEEZEINAREADRainbow Magic: Evie the Mist Fairy by Daisy Meadows(or anything by Daisy Meadows) The Beast of Buckingham Palace & The Ice Monster byDavid WalliamsSkullduggery Pleasant by Derek LandyRecommended by Evie & Sophia in Rang 3 Gaelscoil na Laochra, BirrWe have read these books and we would recommend thembecause they are very entertaining and we enjoyed reading them.

Recommended by Accessible Counselling TullamoreHussey’s book is accessible to a wide readership. It is veryinteresting, as he weaves his own story into the advice and supportsoffered.The reader is provided with opportunities to reflect on their own lifeand consider how they might address issues to awaken their ownpower.Gerry is an Irish author, his book is current and, while it has ascientific basis, it is a compelling read for all ages.Percy Jackson and the Lightning ThiefRecommended by Offaly Comhairle na nOg Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief- A book that appeals to all agegroups and gender identities, that highlights elements ofneurodivergency. Following on in the series, the universe is greatlyexpanded, with more diverse charactes in terms of LGBTQIA+representation, race, religion and neurodivergency. It’s easy to read,entertaining, and it also helps to teach about Greek Mythology, whichcan get people interested in history and creative writing.OFFALY ORGANISATIONS RECOMMEND#SQUEEZEINAREADAwaken Your Power Within by Gerry Husseywww.comhairlenanog.iewww.accessiblecounselling.ie/The Lorax by Dr SeussRecommended by Green OffalyThe Lorax is a warning about human greed, environmental destructionand the green thread of hope that remains at the end. It is accessibleto old and young alike. Fun fact - it was Dr Seuss' favourite book! Asthe Lorax says “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” www.greenoffaly.ie

Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant Recommended by Laois Offaly Families for Autism LOFFA members selected the book Uniquely Human as their read because the subject matter - autism - is dear to our hearts!It is an accessible read that lets us hear from autistic adults as to theirexperiences. The author is a professional who has been involved insupporting autistic people who require support and substantial support for four decades - so all positions on the spectrum catered for. To quote the author himself “Autism is not black or white... it’s a spectrum and thecolours are Uniquely Human” - Barry M. Prizant. It is an upbeat and positivread that you will come back to time and time again, always taking something new from it.OFFALY ORGANISATIONS RECOMMEND#SQUEEZEINAREADwww.loffa.ie/Tea for One By Alice TaylorRecommended by Irish Countrywomen's Association,Tullamore Guild Some people are home alone by choice, while others, like Alice,journeyed into it through a change of circumstances. Alicediscovers the challenges and pleasures of living alone.Yesss!: The SUMO Secrets to Being a Positive,ConfidentTeenager by Paul McGeeRecommended by Offaly Dyslexia Group Packed with wisdom and practical advice on how our young people cangrow in confidence and nurture healthy mindsets. The book is full offantastic illustrations, relatable examples and humour, and is an engaging read for teenagers and adults.www.offalydyslexiagroup.orgwww.ica.ie

OFFALY LIBRARY STAFF RECOMMEND#SQUEEZEINAREADRecommended by Julie, Tullamore Library This is a story of the complexities of friendship and a reflection on assessingwhat is important in life. I couldn't put this book down. The characters are sowell fleshed out that I found myself really caring about how their storiesdeveloped. If you liked Sally Rooney's previous novels then you'll enjoy this.Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally RooneyRecommended by Orla, Banagher & Birr Libraries This book is an adventurous journey set in 1950s America. Four boys, eachwith an unfortunate bad start in life, go on a roadtrip. Each are determined toaccomplish a heartfelt goal. This book will remain with you long after the finalpages.The Lincoln Highway by Amor TowlesRecommended by Joan, Birr Library Moving from wartime Berlin to Stalingrad and then back to the rubble ofdefeated Germany, this book refuses any special pleading for its characters.Especially Peter and Katherina who do not merely keep their heads down andget through what is forced upon them. Instead, they want the best thatNazism has to offer, no matter the cost. Katherina literally crams her mouthwith Hitler's cake. Peter prefers "howls of hatred" from the children he dragsto the trucks, rather than "pleas for mercy". In their turn, Peter and Katherinasuffer horribly, but the author makes it clear that despite this, they do notchange.The Undertaking by Audrey Magee.Recommended by Jackie, Library Headquarters The decline of an industry has wreaked havoc on the local economy ofBeartown. However, the hopes and dreams of the community are pinned onthe success of a junior hockey team who have the potential to win thenational finals and rejuvenate the town. These teen boys are treated likecelebrities and nothing is more important than winning. When a violent act isperpetrated by the star hockey player, people in the town are thrown intoturmoil and as readers, we are forced to question our own morals and values.The story is beautifully written, extremely emotive and has left an indelibleimpression on my mind and on my heart.Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Recommended by Blake, Edenderry Library Blake from Edenderry Library recommended The Bad Mood andthe Stick by Lemony Snicket. He loved the colours and picturesand thought the story was really good. Recommended by Edward Devery, Ferbane Library This book of poetry by the great Seamus Heaney is excellentbecause it really makes me think. I find it takes me awhile tostudy his poetry before I understand the true meaning. I lovehaving to dive into the poem itself word after word to properlyunderstand it.The Bad Mood and the Stick by Lemony SnicketOFFALY LIBRARY PATRONS RECOMMEND#SQUEEZEINAREADSmall Things Like These by Claire KeeganRecommended by Mary Dalton, Banagher Library A powerful short novel which gives insights into Ireland’s troubled past.District and Circle by Seamus HeaneyI thought the book was excellent. It depicted class, racism, andsexism. It showed the narrow-mindedness of the area andcovered up what was not appreciating to the eyes.Recommended by Anna Williams, TullamoreLibrary Little Fires Everywhere, by Celeste Ng