May Bank Holiday Reading For All The Family

Are you going away for the May Bank Holiday weekend or staying at home? Either way having reading material to suit the whole family is always a plus especially with the Irish weather up to its usual tricks. One day it feels like summer might be smiling upon us, the next it seems like spring hasn’t even sprung yet.

There is nothing like getting lost in a good book to help ease the pain of unpredictable weather. Books allow you to escape, no matter where you are. To save you the hassle of finding the right book for everyone we’ve picked five Gill Books’ page-turners to suit some of the personalities you might find living together under one roof.

The Intrepid Young Explorer

If you loved the bestselling Irelandopedia the companion Irelandopedia Activity Book from Fatti and John Burke will provide hours of entertainment for any bold young explorer and their family.

What’s inside?

The weather may prevent you getting outside this weekend but you can explore Ireland from your armchair with Fatti Burke’s colouring pages packed with Ireland’s flora and fauna and its famous people and places, a huge pull-out map of Ireland and giant word searches.

This follow up book is the perfect companion for any intrepid young explorer planning their next Irelandopedic adventure!

The Rebel

Think you have a rebellious streak? If you love a book that takes your imagination to a different world Oasis by Eilís Barrett is the perfect choice. Hailing from Galway, 16-year-old Eilís holds her own in the world of Young Adult fiction with her engaging book whose feisty central character is battling for survival in a dystopian world.

What’s inside?

Quincy Emerson lives in the city of Oasis, quarantined with the remaining survivors of a deadly virus that almost wiped out the human race. In its quest to keep the virus out of the city Oasis has lost its humanity as it strives for perfection in an imperfect world. Quincy must decide whether to take her fate into her own hands or remain under the control of the sinister city.

Oasis is inspired by all that comes with being a teenager and the challenges and problems faced. This coming of age adventure set in a world without freedom, love or friendship captures your imagination from the first paragraph.

The Quiet Thinker

Do you like to drift off with your own thoughts and forget about your woes by focusing on something creative? Then the Calming Celtic Colouring book is perfect for any deep thinking daydreamer who wants to explore their creative side. Colouring in is a hobby not just reserved for children, so pick up your pens and colour your way to calm.

What’s inside?

The intricately beautiful Celtic designed patterns and motifs in the Calming Celtic Colouring Book allow you to get lost in thought while remaining focused on the simple pleasure of colouring in. Complicated colouring has become a great way for adults to discover their creativity and relax their mind simultaneously. Similarly colouring in is a great excuse to let your inner child out to play, which is always a good thing!

The Extrovert

Do you love interesting books about people who lived their life to the max? You won’t be disappointed with Today FM’s “The Last Word” presenter Matt Cooper’s exhilarating biography of Tony O’Reilly, The Maximalist. A man who always wanted more, tycoon Tony O’Reilly strode into the 21st century an Irishman apart. However, what he had was never enough and his once powerful empire has crumbled. Making full use of his years of journalistic experience, Cooper captures the essence of what it was like to be Tony O’Reilly.

What’s inside?

Tony O Reilly’s philosophy was “I am a maximalist, I want more of everything”. This dramatic book explores and documents the life of Tony O’Reilly in dogged detail. The book shows a man who had many different sides. Some found him to be charismatic, heroic, good looking and powerful. On the other hand, many others found him arrogant, overbearing and power hungry. Voted ‘Biography of the Year’ by both The Sunday Business Post and The Sunday Times, you certainly won’t be bored reading this fascinating account of the rise and fall of one of the most powerful unelected Irishmen of the past few decades.

The Sports Fanatic

Love sport of all shapes and sizes? If so, the candid autobiography of GAA star Tomás Ó Sé The White Heat is the book for you. Tomás was one of the longest serving players in intercounty GAA football history and one of its most prolific winners. This memoir gives great insight into one of Ireland’s greatest sporting dynasties and highlights the importance of the love of family and county.

What’s inside?

The unyielding love Tomás has of the sport shines through in this memoir accompanied by his great sense of humour. Tomás was a true warrior of Kerry football and this memoir delves into his upbringing in Kerry and his time spent competing at the highest level of GAA football against the modern greats of the GAA world. The White Heat is a great read for anyone who loves and appreciates sports but Tomás’ natural skill as a raconteur means there’s plenty to enjoy here even if you’re not hard core GAA fan.

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Stockists: The Gill Books website and all good book stores.