Happy Saint Patrick’s Day also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick is a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March in honor of the foremost patron saint of Ireland who has been credited to bringing Christianity to Ireland. To celebrate, I figured it only appropriate to do the Kiss Me I’m Irish Book Tag originally created by Erika SOS books. I don’t think the original video is still available to watch, however, it is important to give credit where credit is due. 🍀
- Name a book with a GREEN cover. 🍀
When thinking about a book with a GREEN cover the first book that comes to mind is Sally Rooney’s Normal People one of my favorite books. Funny enough I initially didn’t want to read the book because of the polarizing commentary surrounding it. Especially regarding the lack of quotation marks establishing dialogue; however, once I started reading, I immediately became hooked on the relationship and dynamics of Marianne and Connell.
On May 26, 2021, I posted this to Instagram regarding the Normal People: “Before going into this novel I heard so many discouraging things, which story of my life, made me hesitant to read it. Then I did and absolutely loved it. Granted I am not a fan of Rooney’s writing structure; however, she worked magic on me, and I was absolutely gripped by Marianne and Connell’s relationship. In full transparency I understood their relationship, as well as characters, because I’ve very much walked in their shoes regarding a toxic relationship like theirs.”
- Name a book that deceived you into either liking it or was overhyped and you ended up disliking it. 😒
I personally found The House in the Cerulean Sea to be a hugely overhyped book. Sadly, it didn’t live up to my expectations and I found the book to be severely flawed. That’s all I’ll say about that.
- (Brogue) – Name a book where one of the characters has an accent. 🍀
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan is the first book that comes to mind. This novel and its author are frequently compared to Sally Rooney. Similar writing styles, similar character developments, similar plot points, which is why I understand the comparison. Exciting Times introduces the reader to Ava, a 22-year-old Irish introvert living in Hong Kong. Soon after her arrival, Ava finds herself consumed in a relationship with Julian, a British banker also living in Hong Kong. Themes throughout the novel revolve around jealousy, obsession, capitalism, and relationship power dynamics. Needless to say I was here for all of it.
- Leprechaun – Name a book you enjoyed when you were a little person. 🍀
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White and the From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler written by E.L. Konigsburg. Both books were childhood favorites of mine and had this magical gift of transporting me out of the small town I grew up in. I absolutely love both.
- Pot of Gold – Name a book that cost you a lot or is of great value to you.
There are several books that qualify for this question; however, sticking as close to the Irish theme we’re going to go with my signed edition of Beautiful World, Where Are You written by Sally Rooney. My sister bought it for me knowing how much I love Normal People! It’s top shelf material.
- Four Leaf Clover – Name a book with a shamrock on the cover. 🍀
Two different books hit me at once. The first is South Carolina Irish by Arthur Mitchell. Granted there is a three-leaf clover on the cover not a four-leaf shamrock; however, this is my blog, so I’ll make up the rules here! South Carolina Irish has been on my TBR list for about a year now and is a history lesson on the immigration and influence of the Irish to South Carolina.
The second book is We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange, another book that has only three-leaf clovers on the cover and has also been sitting on my TBR list. Maybe I’ll get to reading both by the end of the month?
- Name a book that you found magical or a book where you enjoyed a magical element found in the storyline. ✨
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury is another top-tier book that comes to mind. This book is full of magical realism and what I found to be spectacular about this read was not only how the multiple stories are told within it but also the impact each story has after processing what you’ve just read. I’m blown away every time I read it and now own multiple copies.
- Kiss – Name your current favorite romance. 💋
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman. I’ve read all the published graphic novels and the novella Nick and Charlie. I just need to catch up on the online comic and read Solitaire, where the two characters first appear.
- Jig-a book that if you don’t currently own but if you could get a hold of it-it would make you dance with joy. (Can be a book that isn’t released yet or a book you’d really like to own) 🕺🏼
Two books that I’ve mentioned before but I’ll mention again would have to be a signed edition of Normal People by Sally Rooney or a signed edition of Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. Two of my favorite books as well as favorite authors. If I were to ever come across signed editions of these books, I do not know what I would do! That said I do have an incredibly beautiful copy of Dandelion Wine published by Easton Press.
- Bonus Question: Name your favorite Irish Classic. 🇮🇪
Dubliners by James Joyce is an incredible piece of literature. Granted there are times that the text became challenging. However, that challenge made it even more rewarding.
Books and Mischief 