Inspirational reads

There’s nothing better than putting your feet up and getting lost in a good book. My go to is a good old seanchaí. Irish storytellers hold a special place in my heart. And no one, in my opinion, tells a better story than Marian Keyes, so it’ll be no surprise to see Rachel’s holiday at the top of this list. The book that changed my life.

Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes

This is my favourite book of all time. As a young 21 year old with the weight of the world on my shoulders, one day, I decided I wanted to read a book. I didn’t know what book or why, but I knew I needed to do something that would use my brain. So I headed in to Easons in Galway Shopping Centre, pram in tow and guess what stood out. A book with my name on it. I thought, ‘that’ll do’ a nice book about going on holiday. Little did I know the influence this book would have on my life. I’ve re-read it multiple times and Rachel really does feel like an old friend. Along with the rest of Walsh family. I’ve since read every single one of Marian’s books. And feel that her books have guided me through every life stage, like the big sister I never had.

Again Rachel by Marian Keyes

And just like that 25 years passed and just as I celebrated my own sobriety, it was time for a good old catch up with Rachel. I couldn’t wait to hear about her life path and where it had taken her. We had lots of common and without giving too much away we’ve both dipped at the iconic forty foot.

Riding in cars with boys by Beverly Donofrio

I will admit, I watched the film first and Berverly spoke to me, albeit her experience was a few years before mine I could identify with so many of her struggles. I longed for more, I knew I could do more, so after watching the film and reading the book, I did more. I enrolled in the Open University and after 11 years returned to education and the got degree I always dreamed of.

PS I love you by Cecelia Ahern

“Shoot for the moon, even if you fail, you’ll land among the stars”

This film and book makes me laugh and cry. It’s a story of love and grief, sadness and hope. It just had to make the list. And one of all time favourite songs makes an appearance in the film. Can you guess what it is?

Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

As an immigrant, you never really feel like you belong. You kind of want to go back and you kind of want to stay where you are. Either way, you know what you left behind will never be the same again. So you build a new life and silence the ache for a place called home. A reality I’ve experienced many times but it’s much easier in the connected world we live in than it ever would have been for my granddad or his parents before him. Tóibín captures this longing for somewhere else so well, but also helped me realise that everything turns out just as it should and the right choices aren’t always the easy ones. I read the book before the film and Saoirse Ronan plays the perfect Eilis.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Another one where I watched the film first and was inspired to read Cheryl’s story through her own words. Her story is one of the most inspirational I’ve ever read, a journey from lost to found by pushing herself way beyond her comfort zone. I’ve found great solace in the great outdoors and pushing my own limits whether it be plunging into freezing water or putting one step in front of another to reach our great peaks. It not only heals the body but also the mind.

A bit about affiliate links

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means I may get a commission if you buy something or subscribe to a service. None of the prices have been increased to pay me. I only share recommendations of books I’ve actually read and genuinely love.