Category: On Reading

Contemplation, On Reading

Books of the Year 2025

I was delighted when John Lavin of the great Lonely Crowd asked me to write about my book of the year. Over the past year I’ve read so many great books, both newly published, and classics. I’m currently reading another brilliant one (Tania Hershman’s It’s Time: A Chronomemoir Guillemot Press, 2025). So how did I narrow my list down? I selected a fiction and a non-fiction book that chimed with each other and touched on something akin to magic, in how these two texts explored the body, and creativity, and pathways to and of living.

Check out the Lonely Crowd‘s Books of Year Part 1, Part 2 (where you’ll find my recommendations), and Part 3.

Wishing everyone continued happy reading. May the written word bring you peace and comfort in these last weeks of 2025 and into the new year of 2026.

Image of a sandy path leading out of a forest towards a beach with the sea in the distance, Wexford. Photograph (c) Shauna Gilligan
Book launch, New Publication, On Reading, Writing Life, Writing News

Arlen House book launch afternoon in Books Upstairs 5th October

I am delighted to be the MC for an afternoon of fine readings as part of Arlen House’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in Dublin’s Books Upstairs this coming Sunday, 5th October at 4pm sharp.

Writers Rosemary Jenkinson, Ger Reidy, and Celia de Fréine will be launching their latest publications and Alison Wells and TC Arkle (travelling from the UK for the event) will read from Fire: Brigid and The Sacred Feminine. We would be delighted if you could join us!

Contemplation, On Reading, Writers Read, Writing Life

Brevity and Letting Words Sit

I was delighted to be able to attend a number of literary events recently – it’s not often that I am in a position to do so – and whilst in Strokestown for the Strokestown International Poetry Festival and in Maynooth Bookshop for Mary O’Donnell’s launch, I picked up some gems of poetry and short story collections.

Photograph showing the covers of the seven books listed below

As a predominantly long-form prose writer, I treasure the chance of brevity, beauty, and letting words sit for a while. Here’s my reading list:

  • Nuala O’Connor Menagerie (Arlen House) – poetry
  • Vona Groarke Infinity Pool (Gallery Press) – poetry
  • Mary O’Donnell Walking Ghosts (Mercier Press) – short story collection
  • Alan Hayes and Nuala O’Connor (eds) Washing Windows V (Arlen House) – poetry (by 303 poets – and I’m delighted to have a poem in here!)
  • Celia de Fréine Even Still (Arlen House) – short story
  • Noelle Lynskey Featherweight (Arlen House) – poetry
  • Eilish Martin ! All’arme/? And what…if not (Macha Press) – poetry (stunning art work and production)