As the evenings draw in for autumn, curling up on the couch submerged in the world of a good book is all I can think about. Here are some titles that you’ll want to savour…
“I’ve always believed in savouring moments. In the end, they are the only things we’ll have.” – Anna Godbersen.
Elaine Feeney’s All The Good Things You Deserve (Harvill Secker, approx €16.99) is a tome to take your time with. Her poetry comes alive in this powerful, fierce collection about women’s lives, bodies, battles and triumphs. The stanzas full of poignant, personal observation almost demand multiple readings, for another thread is slowly unveiled each time. A beautiful read.
No one does the bait-and-switch quite like author Amor Towles, on cracking form with his latest collection of stories. From a woman has an epiphany after a concert, to a books dealer who forges autographs of famous authors (until one catches on), Table for Two (Hutchinson Heinemann, approx €20.99) keeps the best bit – the flash, the unravelling of it all – until the end. Don’t rush this one.
The best thing about the slowness of baking is the notion that each bite might bring about a sweet surprise. Gillian Cottell’s Bakes & Cakes (O’Brien Press, approx €22.99) will help you embrace your inner pastry chef. The Dublin chef’s mission is to make baking accessible to everyone and even if your creations turn out slightly burnt around the edges, they’ll still taste great.
Nanako Hanada’s life is in crisis. Recently separated, living in youth hostels and internet cafés – and sales at the eccentric bookstore in Tokyo she manages are falling too. She decides to join a site to meet people who are looking for more than just books. Handa’s The Bookshop Woman (Brazen, approx €15.99) is a must for anyone who loves to take the time to enjoy a great story.
You might know it thanks to the recent TV series starring Kathryn Hahn, but Tiny Beautiful Things (Atlantic Books, approx €7.99) began as a collection of advice columns published from 2010 to 2012 on the literary website Rumpus. Dear Sugar was the pseudonym for Wild author Cheryl Strayed whose wisdom and words that all go back to loving the person you are, truly are meant to be savoured. A guide to life that belongs on your bookshelf.
What would you do if you could do it all again? Audrey Niffenegger’s Henry of The Time Traveller’s Wife (Jonathan Cape, approx €8.99) is stuck in a loop of present and past, trying to get back to building a future with his wife Clare. This couple truly knows how time can change everything in an instant. Even in its moments of whimsy, this love story takes you back to what truly matters: the here and now.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of IMAGE Magazine.
IMAGE Autumn 2024
The Autumn issue of IMAGE is here, and we’re looking forward to the cool, crisp days as a chance to reset our routine. From new-season looks to inspiring women to glean wisdom from, we’re embracing that “New Year” feeling. Plus: * Sleek style * Grandad dressing * In studio with Irish designer Cleo Prickett * Adaptive fashion * The Irish at fashion month * Inspiring the next generation * Rethinking end of life planning * Regenerative farming * Bobs are back * Navigating antidepressants * The future of Irish food * Group stays * and so much more…
Find IMAGE Autumn in stores, or click here to buy online.
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