Weekly Book Recs 11-2025: The Irish Touch for St. Patrick's Day

WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week

Hey, loves! St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, and we’re feeling all the Irish vibes this week. Whether it’s sweeping landscapes, magical folklore, or heartwarming tales, these six books will transport you straight to the Emerald Isle. So, pour yourself a cup of tea, light a peat-scented candle, and get ready to fall in love with Ireland. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with six enchanting Irish-themed books. 🍀📚

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1. The Green Road by Anne Enright

Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Literary Fiction, Family Drama
Vibes: Generational Struggles, Irish Heartache, Emotional Depth
Main Characters: Rosaleen, her four children

What It’s About:This family saga spans decades, following the Madigan family as they navigate love, loss, and reconnection in rural Ireland.

Review:Enright’s writing is stunning, full of lyrical descriptions of Ireland’s landscapes and the emotional intricacies of family life. The characters are so raw and flawed, and their journeys feel heartbreakingly real. If you’re in the mood for a beautifully written, introspective read, this one’s for you.

2. Dubliners by James Joyce

Rating: 4.6/5
Genre: Classic, Short Stories
Vibes: Gritty City Life, Irish History, Thought-Provoking
Main Characters: Everyday Dubliners

What It’s About:This iconic collection of short stories captures the essence of life in early 20th-century Dublin, exploring themes of identity, love, and human connection.

Review:Joyce’s portrayal of Dublin is gritty and real, and his insight into the human condition is unmatched. Each story is a snapshot of Irish life, filled with subtle emotions and haunting beauty. Perfect for anyone who loves classics that make you think deeply about life.

3. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar (Indie Pick)

Rating: 4.4/5
Genre: YA Contemporary, LGBTQ+
Vibes: Irish Diversity, Enemies to Lovers, Family Feels
Main Characters: Nishat, Flávia

What It’s About:Nishat, a Muslim Bangladeshi teen in Dublin, struggles with her identity and cultural expectations while falling for her school’s golden girl, Flávia, who’s also her business rival.

Review:This book is such a refreshing, heartwarming take on Irish stories! Nishat’s journey of self-acceptance is beautifully written, and the enemies-to-lovers dynamic with Flávia is so cute. It’s a perfect blend of humor, heart, and cultural depth. Ideal for readers who want a modern, diverse take on life in Ireland.

4. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

Rating: 4.7/5
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Vibes: Immigration Story, Irish Nostalgia, Heartache
Main Characters: Eilis Lacey

What It’s About:Eilis leaves her small Irish town for a new life in 1950s Brooklyn, where she navigates love, loss, and the pull of home.

Review:This book is heartbreakingly beautiful. Tóibín’s writing is elegant and understated, and Eilis’s journey is so relatable for anyone who’s ever felt torn between two places. The Irish-American immigrant experience is portrayed with depth and emotion, making this a must-read for historical fiction lovers.

5. The Call by Peadar Ó Guilín

Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy, Horror
Vibes: Dark Folklore, Survival, Creepy AF
Main Characters: Nessa, her classmates

What It’s About:In a dystopian Ireland, teens are “called” to the Grey Land, where they must survive an otherworldly hunt by the Sidhe (fae).

Review:This book is dark, intense, and completely gripping. The Irish folklore elements are eerie and fascinating, and Nessa is such a fierce, determined heroine. It’s a perfect blend of horror and fantasy, with high stakes and an unsettling atmosphere. If you’re into creepy, folklore-inspired reads, this one’s for you.

6. PS, I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

Rating: 4.3/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction
Vibes: Heartbreaking, Hopeful, Love Beyond Loss
Main Characters: Holly, Gerry

What It’s About:After Holly loses her husband, Gerry, she begins receiving a series of letters from him, guiding her through her grief and helping her find joy again.

Review:If you want a book that’ll make you cry and smile, this is it. Holly’s journey of healing is so beautifully written, and Ahern captures the emotional complexities of love and loss perfectly. It’s heartfelt, hopeful, and a perfect comfort read with Irish charm.

Which of these Irish-inspired books are you diving into first? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me in your #IrishReads posts @apolloimperium! 🍀📚

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