A new month brings new stories, and we’re excited to share our latest recommendations of the books our staff members have loved this month.
Find these must-reads in our shops and online now. Happy browsing!
View all of our Dubray Recommended Books from this year here
Meet the Newmans - Jennifer Niven
The Newmans - Del and Dinah and their sons Guy and Shep - have ruled as America's favourite TV family for two decades, but now times are changing and the Newmans perfect facade doesn't seem to fit with the times, can the Newmans find a way to stay on their air and change television forever, or will they be cancelled before they get a chance? An enthralling story about family, secrets and fighting for what's right.
Recommended by Shiane, Dubray Grafton Street
The Silver Book - Olivia Laing
It’s 1974 and 22-year-old Nicholas flees London and a difficult past for Venice. There he meets the enigmatic Donati, a feted costume designer. Drawn into his world, Nicolas spends his days working on his sets and his nights in his bed. Despite working on films that reference them, Nicolas is blind to the darkness and horror of Italy’s recent past and unwittingly triggers a chain of calamitous events. The writing is so good, you’ll reread certain passages over and over again – stunning.
Recommended by Karina, Dubray Rathmines
Wild Dark Shore - Charlotte McConaghy
Once a vibrant research base, the tiny, isolated island of Shearwater is now at risk from the rising sea levels. Dominic Salt and his three children remain as caretakers until, during a devasting storm, a woman mysteriously washes ashore. Rowan’s arrival threatens the fragile family but slowly love and trust grow as together they fight to save the valuable seed bank stored there. An emotional story told with wonderful warmth and insight that gave me a new appreciation of our complex natural world.
Recommended by Susan, Support Office
Bread of Angels - Patti Smith
Overlapping with the bestselling Just Kids, this memoir peers into the quieter moments of Smith's life, particularly on the love she shared with her siblings and late husband. Balancing fame with domesticity, there is a deeply comforting tone throughout. In the midst of grief, aging and facing a politically turbulent world, Smith illustrates the power of imagination and sentimentality, while never overlooking the sacrifices she made in protecting her art. A book I could return to at any stage of life.
Recommended by Ciara, Dubray Stillorgan
Disappoint Me - Nicola Dinan
After tumbling down the stairs at a New Year’s Eve party, Max decides it’s time for a change. Leaving her queer party-girl lifestyle behind, she embarks on a new relationship with strait-laced lawyer Vincent. Max soon learns that heteronormativity might not be all it’s cracked up to be, as the new couple navigates familial expectations, serious health scares, and a secret from Vincent’s past that could threaten their future. Archly funny and unflinchingly honest, I was definitely not disappointed.
Recommended by Alison, Dubray Liffey Valley
The Hill in the Dark Grove - Liam Higginson
Carwyn and his wife Rhian live on an isolated sheep farm in the mountains of North Wales. An unexpectedly harsh winter leaves the couple struggling financially and emotionally shattered. When Carwyn uncovers a prehistoric stone circle on the farm he quickly becomes obsessed, neglecting his farm and flock, and leaving Rhian struggling to cope on her own. Combining the rural lyricism of John McGahern with the tropes of folk horror this is an astounding debut by a major new talent.
Recommended by Brian, Dubray Swords
Tractors in Space - Ross MacKay
Donut Squad Make a Mess! - Neill Cameron
The Hotel Balzaar - Kate DiCamillo
I'll Find You Where the Timeline Ends - Kylie Baker
Mina, descendant of a Japanese dragon god, must team up with a cute rogue agent to subvert a corrupt time travel organization and find out the truth of what happened to her missing sister. A riveting blend of time travel, sizzling YA romance and a gripping mystery.
Reading Age: Teenage / Young Adult
Recommended by Eilis, Dubray Stillorgan
