The United States truly is a melting pot of people from every part of the world. On March 17th, however, we’re all Irish. For that day, we bring out the shamrock hats, the green Mardi Gras beads, and whatever else we can find in emerald. And, we say things like “Erin go Bragh” and “Top o’ the mornin’ to you.” If we’re really lucky, we get to drink a green beverage or eat some green mashed potatoes. I hear it’s corned beef and cabbage that’s traditional here in the states, but my DNA results show far less Irish in my heritage than expected, so I have little innate expertise in Irish cuisine. I do love a good book with a fascinating setting, and Ireland provides both small-town charm and big-city intrigue. Here are a few titles that will allow you to take an armchair trip to the Emerald Isle.
- Four shots in the night : a true story of spies, murder, and justice in Northern Ireland by Henry Hemming. (Nonfiction) This is the story of the murder of an IRA member turned British informant and the investigation that unfolds like a suspense novel. It also delves into the role of spies in war and the moral issues involved.
- Wild houses by Colin Barrett. (Fiction) Wild Houses follows two outsiders caught in the crosshairs of a small-town revenge kidnapping gone awry. A thrilling and darkly funny story set in an Irish village, reminding us that small-town secrets are hard to keep.
- Plentiful country : the great potato famine and the making of Irish New York by Tyler Anbinder. (Nonfiction) In 1845, a fungus began to destroy Ireland's potato crop, triggering a famine that would kill one million Irish men, women, and children—and drive over one million more to flee for America. Ten years later, roughly a third of all adults living in Manhattan were immigrants who had escaped the hunger in Ireland.
- The slow road north : how I found peace in an improbable country by Rosie Schaap. (Nonfiction) Rosie Schaap had a solid career as a journalist and a life that looked to others like nonstop fun. But under the surface, she was reeling from the loss of her husband and her mother while in her 30s. When a reporting trip took her to the Northern Irish countryside, Rosie found healing in a quiet, seaside village in County Antrim.
- The farmette cookbook : recipes and adventures from my life on an Irish farm by Imen McDonnell. (Nonfiction) A compilation of tried-and-true recipes with an emphasis on local, fresh ingredients, and traditional Irish kitchen skills.
Library tip of the month: If you’re feeling an affinity for green, you might enjoy our Master Gardener Series of programs. From growing herbs to keeping your houseplants thriving, to reducing your lawn size, there’s something for everyone. Call 360-906-5000 for assistance.
