March is Irish-American Heritage Month, by Presidential Proclamation! So it was no surprise that Maeve Binchy’s (my favorite Irish writer) latest book, Minding Frankie arrived at the library on March 1. I took it home and read it in one evening. Margaret Flanagan, writing a review in Booklist, a reviewing magazine for librarians, said, “Reading a Maeve Binchy novel is like settling in for a cozy visit with an old friend. In vintage Binchy style, a cast of colorfully eccentric characters living in a snug Dublin neighborhood seamlessly weave in and out of each others’ lives, united by family, faith, friendship, and community.” I certainly could not have said it as well and concur heartily with Ms. Flanagan’s assessment.
I’m also reading a historical mystery series by Rhys Bowen called the Molly Murphy Mysteries. The first book in the series is Murphy’s Law whose main character Molly escapes troubles in Ireland to come to New York City via Ellis Island in 1901 (where she continues to attract trouble). The series is lots of fun for those with Irish heritage and for genealogists.
And you won’t want to miss: The Matchmaker of Kenmare: a novel of Ireland by Frank Delaney.
If you are lucky enough to be able to go to Ireland to trace your roots or to just enjoy the sights this year, we have lots of travel books and DVDs to plan your trip (or even to travel vicariously) such as Rick Steves’ Ireland. You can find this book he Dewey call number 914.15. Enjoy!
Phyllis Rogan, Reference Librarian
Steele Memorial Library