Prophet Song - Paul Lynch

My first book of the year and I really wanted to love it more than I did. While the prose was poetic and harrowing, the lack of world building irked me. I understand that the “why” for events such as this is less important than the “what”, but personally I found it reductive. Fascism and the uprising against it don't occur in a vaccum and I believe we lost a lot of value by getting no insight into how the years that came before the events of this novel impacted its characters and their responses to their current situation. Overall though, still an important and timely read. 

Assembly - Natasha Brown 

I don't quite know where to start with the plot of this book. I could say it follows a young woman in a corporate job as she prepares to meet her boyfriends family, and while that is objectively accurate, this book is about so much more than that. It packs such a punch for such a short book. It is beautifully written and it genuinely prompted me to do a lot of my own research on certain topics. 100% reccomend. 

Come Closer - Sarah Gran

This book had all the vibes of a classic 90s/00s horror. It tells the story of a woman who believes she is possessed and it was genuinely creepy at times. I really enjoyed it and think it would be great for someone into horror, who doesn't want to wade through the excess body/shock horror that a lot of books in this genre have. 

None of This is True - Lisa Jewell

An excellent thriller and the best one I've read so far from Lisa Jewell. It's not too heavy content wise and genuinely had me gripped. The characters really made me feel things (no spoilers by saying what things, exactly) and I read most of it in a day. 

Pearl -  Josh Malerman

This book, about a possessed pig raining destruction down on humans, was a wild ride from start to finish. It gets crazy almost immediately, but winds down to a really satisfying point that I wasn't expecting. Definitely not for everyone, but it was a good read. 

A Slanting of the Sun - Donal Ryan 

Donal Ryan is one of my biggest inspirations and every story in this collection shows why. He captures such intensity and specificity in very few words and the prose is absolutely beautiful. I would recommend 100 times over. 

The Employees - Olga Ravn 

The Employees, told through the collected statements of workers aboard a futuristic spacecraft, is one of those books where you're not going to be certain what's going on, but you also don't need to be. There were some really tender moments in this as it looked at identity and what it means to be human. 

You Should Have Left - Daniel Kehlmann

I read this book in one sitting right before bed and was genuinely creeped out. It's well-written, tense, atmospheric and knows exactly where to draw the line to keep the fear of the unknown and uncertain intact. 

The Spinning Heart - Donal Ryan 

This was my first time ever re-reading a book and with good reason. It's beautiful, engaging and so true to life. This is my go-to book rec, no matter what genre people are into. 

Topographia Hibernica - Blindboy Boatclub

Overall, this was my least favourite of Blindboys collections, but is still absolutely worth a read. The first story “The Donkey” had me in genuine tears and it carries his trademark wit and incredible observations.

Jillian - Halle Butler 

This book centres on two characters, medical receptionist Megan and her co-worker Jillian, who are both self-destructive and struggling in very different ways. Megan can't seem to stop being a terrible person and is also clinically depressed, while Jillian is maniacally trying to make the best life possible for her, her son and her recently adopted puppy. This book is incredibly well written and funny, despite the fact that it makes you feel uncomfortable from start to finish. It's a classic case of being able to look away from a car crash, and Butler effectively head hops to other characters to really highlight how much of a downward tragectory these two women are on. It's also one of those books that makes you care about the characters really deeply despite the fact that they would be completely intolerable irl. 

Several People are Typing - Calvin Kasulke

Written entirely through Slack messages, this book tells the story of a man who is uploaded to his work Slack channel. It's a bizarre concept and while there are naturally some very whacky moments, the corporate back and forth is painfully realistic. The structure makes this a very quick read that was unique, funny and surprisingly heartwarming. 

Young Skins - Colin Barrett 

I really wanted to be blown away by this collection, but when I first started reading it I wasn't sure it was living up to my expectations. However, Barretts’ writing has a way of creeping up on you and by the third story, the world of the characters (small-town Mayo) had settled in my soul. Written with such empathy and understanding, I can't wait to read more by this author. 

Two Nurses Smoking - David Means

I was introduced to David Means at a writing workshop and I immediately went out and bought it. Means’ writing is structured in such an interesting way and stories are told from unique perspectives. Means also has a way of breaking the fourth wall in relation to his own life, leaving you unsure how much is autobiography and how much is fiction. While I didn't love all of these, I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in short stories. The titular story and Depletion Prompts are must reads. 

The Drivers Seat - Muriel Spark 

This is a weird story for sure, but well worth reading. It follows a strange woman on a trip to a southern city, where she seems to wander around finding herself in a bizarre series of events. For most of this book I wondered what was even going on, but was entertained enough to roll with it. The ending is dark and satisfying, also considering its under 100 pages, it can also be a one-sitting read. 

Shame - Annie Ernaux

I've seen Ernaux recommend so much lately and after reading Shame, her reflections on a moment of sudden violence in her childhood, I see why. The prose was stunning and evocative. The exploration of shame in all it's forms was so honest and empathetic. It hit hard in so few pages and is, in my opinion, essential. 

Western Lane - Chetna Maroo

This is a slow burn but worth it. The story follows a young girl and her sisters, whose father starts them on an intensive squash training regiment in the wake of their mothers death. I liked how it explored grief and family and first love in such a subtle and gentle way, but to be honest I didn't love it as much as I wanted to.