SHEmazing!
follow us
more
 
HomeTagsPosts tagged with "must reads"

must reads

by

Eleanor Segall has penned a book about what it is really like to live with bipolar disorder. The inspirational author’s book Bring Me To Light is bound to open your eyes about a disorder that affects so many people across the globe.

Eleanor spoke to Shemazing about mental illness, becoming a published author and opening up about her personal struggles and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 16.

Having dreamed of being a writer since she was a kid, seeing her book for sale is a true pinch me moment for Eleanor. “I couldn't dream that I would write a book of my life story or its circumstances at 31. When I was ill in 2014, I knew I wanted to share my story to help people with bipolar disorder and mental health conditions. Helping others is the reason I have written the book and why I kept going with it. I want to break the stigma bipolar and particularly psychosis has. It is such an honour to be published and Trigger seemed like the perfect home for my book.”

In her book, Eleanor opens up about extremely personal moments in her life, including the manic episode that led to her being sectioned in 2014. The writer said being so open was the toughest part of the writing process, but she knows these stories will educate readers about mental illnesses.

“Mental illness can happen to anyone (there is no stereotype) and that it is not anyone's fault. I hope [the book] helps people in their own recovery, knowing you can achieve and recover despite chronic mental illness and you can do the things you want to do, even if its harder to do at times.

Eleanor stressed, “You can be brought to light again after darkness- illness or difficulty. Recovery is possible and you should never give up hope.”

One of the most difficult moments in Eleanor’s life was when she experienced mania and psychosis, “I was sectioned in 2014. I had to be restrained and injected with haloperidol (anti psychotic med) against my will, to calm me down. Living on a ward for four months wasn’t easy as everyone was so ill but it has all made me who I am and made me reach to be as well as possible.”

Despite the lows, Eleanor has always remained hopeful about her recovery, stressing that it is more than possible.

“Bipolar disorder is a chronic, serious and life threatening condition that can run in families but it also makes us more creative and determined to try harder. 

“Having bipolar is not the end if it can be managed well, but it does cause suicidal ideation and mania or hypomania and it can be a difficult one to treat at times. Never forget that recovery is possible.”

You can read more about Eleanor’s personal story in her debut novel Bring Me To Light. 

Bring Me To Light by Eleanor Segall is an eye-opening and beautifully honest read and is bound to become one of the most beloved books on your shelf.

Bring Me To Light is published by Trigger Publishing, part of the Shaw Mind Foundation.

You can order a copy here.

Trending

by

We have gathered up our current favourite reads that you must add to your to-be-read list.

There's something for everyone whether you’re a fan of fiction or a lifestyle lover.

1: Essential Oils You Can’t Do Without by Daniele Festy (Eddison Books Ltd)

Fragrant essential oils work gently but surely. For a long time, they were the exclusive province of perfumers and played a somewhat anonymous role in the manufacture of cosmetics. More recently, they’ve come out of the wings to take centre stage, reminding us how to look after ourselves safely and effectively.

There are six key oils that will cover all your needs and Daniele Festy is here to tell you all about them and their benefits. Her book presents the six you can’t do without- tea tree, lemon, lavender,  peppermint, rosemary cineole and damask rose.

 

2: Dancing the Charleston by Jacqueline Wilson (Penguin)

Mona and her aunt live in a little cottage on the edge of the Somerset estate where her aunt sews dresses for the lady of the house. When Lady Somerset dies and a new member of the Somerset family inherits the house, things begin to change for Mona. She has never really fitted in anywhere, but the new atmosphere at the house offers opportunities for her to shine- and to find new friends. Dancing at fancy costume balls and trips to decadent 1920s London are wonderfully exciting- but new experiences sometimes bring revelations. Are there secrets in Mona’s past that she can’t dance away from?

Take a walk down memory lane and give this Jacqueline Wilson book a read. 

Image with no description

3: Hinch Yourself Happy by Mrs Hinch (Penguin)

The first book from Instagram sensation Mrs Hinch. Sophie Hinchcliffe, who is known to her- now over two million- followers as ‘Mrs Hinch’, has taken the nation by storm with her infectiously addictive charm and passionate belief that cleaning has the power to change your life.

She will turn your house into a home. Whether you’re a daily duster or looking for a monthly makeover, Hinch Yourself Happy offers the reader clever cleaning tips and shows you how to create not only a cleaner house but a calmer you- offering an antidote to the disorder and anxieties of daily life.

Image result for hinch yourself happy

4: Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Penguin)

This is no doubt one of the most talked about books of the year.

This book tells the tale of Daisy Jones and The Six, their rise to fame, their struggles and the reason they went their separate ways at the height of their fame.

Taylor Jenkins Reid shares their story through a series of interviews with the band members, their colleagues and families.

Trust me when I say you won’t be able to put this gripping and exciting book down once you start reading it. It is so perfectly written that you'll forget Daisy Jones and The Six are, in fact, a fictional band and you'll be hopelessly  looking them up on Spotify.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Reese’sBookClubxHelloSunshine (@reesesbookclubxhellosunshine) on

5: Constellations: Reflections from Life by Sinead Gleeson (Pan Macmillan)

We have been eager to read Sinead Gleeson’s collection of essays since it was published earlier this month.

The writer tells the story of a life in a body, as it goes through sickness, health, motherhood. She sheds a light on the reality of being a woman in Ireland in this daring collection of essays.

She writes about life in all it’s different, delightful and difficult stages, from birth to first love, pregnancy to motherhood, terrifying sickness, old age and loss to death itself.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Pan Macmillan (@panmacmillan) on

6: Things In Jars by Jess Kidd (Canongate)

Set in London in 1863, Things In Jars follows the journey of female detective Bridie Devine as she tackles her toughest case to date.

Christabel Berwick has been kidnapped. But Christabel is no ordinary child. She is not supposed to exist. As Bridie fights to recover the stolen child she enters a world of fanatical anatomists, crooked surgeons and mercenary showmen. Anomalies are in fashion, curiosities are the thing, and fortunes are won and lost in the name of entertainment.

The public love a spectacle and Christabel may well prove the most remarkable spectacle London has ever seen.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Canongate (@canongatebooks) on

 

 

 

 

Trending

by

Eason are delighted to launch ‘Sinéad and Rick’s Must Reads’ for the second year running with an exciting selection of titles chosen by author Sinéad Moriarty and broadcaster Rick O’Shea for Spring.

Throughout the year Sinéad and Rick will choose and review eight Must Read titles for the coming season (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter), featuring an eclectic mix of Irish and international writers.

Books lovers Sinéad and Rick are back with a bang for 2019 and have picked some sure-to-be bestsellers as their Must Reads for Spring. The duo read, critique and review their chosen titles and give customers an authentic and honest insight into a range of exciting new Irish and international novels and non-fiction books.

Rick O’Shea, said; “The Sinead and Rick’s Must Reads series gives me a great excuse to choose and read a selection of books that I love and want other people to love too. We saw so many great books in the 2018 selection and the first instalment for 2019 includes some real surprises that I think Eason customers will love”.

Sinéad Moriarty added: “The books we’ve chosen for our first selection of Must Reads for 2019 range from the hilarious to the heart-rending and are perfect reads for this time of year. We’ve chosen books that suit everyone, from those who read to relax to those who read to learn more about the modern world. This selection really has something for everyone.”

 

This spring, ‘Sinéad and Rick’s Must Reads’ features eight exciting, inspirational and moving titles including:

Professor Chandra follows his Bliss by Rajeev Balasubramanyam

A book that is as quirky and charming as its title. Professor Chandra is obsessed with winning the Nobel Prize for economics that he feels he richly deserves. But when he finds out that once again, he has not won, he starts to fall apart. This is a tender, at times hilarious, look at life which is at once both funny and moving. If you loved The Rosie Project, then this book is definitely for you!

The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg

96 year old Doris knows she has not much time left and wants to make sure her grand-niece knows all about her colourful and difficult life before it’s too late. Using her address book where she has detailed all the names of the people who have meant the most to her, Doris relates the story of her life. A captivating portrayal of how the elderly have rich and fascinating histories and lives that we can and should learn from.

When All is Said by Anne Griffin

Maurice Hannigan is sitting at a hotel bar in his hometown. As the night wears on he raises a toast to each of five characters who have played important roles and helped shape him and his life. This is a beautiful, tender, heart-wrenching book about loss, grief and regret – a stunning read.

The Mercy Seat by Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop

Inspired by true events, this is the tale of Willie, an eighteen-year-old black man who is awaiting the death penalty for having raped a white girl. But as the book progresses, we begin to question whether he is actually guilty, or, if he was set up? Told from nine different points of view, the reader is drawn in from the very first page as each of the characters share their stories, and we gradually piece together the real truth.

The Last Ones Left Alive by Sarah Davis-Goff

Orpen has been raised by two women, her mother and her partner Maeve, on a remote island off the West coast. When Maeve is bitten by one of the ravenous beasts who now roam the country, Orpen has to set off with her, their dog, and a wheelbarrow to find civilisation before it’s too late. A cracking post-apocalyptic thriller, with elements of Cormac McCarthy’s ‘The Road’.

How To Lose Your Country by Ece Temelkuran

Ece is a Turkish journalist, political commentator and author who lives in exile – here, she walks you through the seven steps of how a populist movement can take control of a country, starting with her home country and Hungary and then moving closer to home and looking at Brexit and Trump. An important, current and very readable book about the populist playbook and how it threatens to engulf us all.

If Only I Could Tell You by Hannah Beckerman

Audrey has two grown up daughters, both with children of their own, but both sides are estranged ever since a split in the family which happened years earlier causes deep and irreconcilable differences. As the plot unravels, and we get acquainted with each of the main characters, we begin to realise the terrible situations they’re all in as the stakes for each of them rapidly increase. A beautifully written and very impressive novel.

Daisy Jones And The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Billy and his band The Six are getting noticed in the late 60s and are starting to hit the big time. Daisy is an “It” girl who wants to sing her own songs. This is the story of their band’s meteoric rise to fame from the points of view of everyone who was there – and the reader has to decide who (or what!) they want to believe. An incredibly entertaining read – the movie rights have already been snapped up by Reese Witherspoon – well worth reading before it before it hits the big screen.

 To check out full reviews of ‘Sinéad and Rick’s Must Reads’ for spring, please go to www.easons.com/sineadandrick.

 

Trending

by

We all recognise a part of ourselves in fictional female characters, whether that’s Bridget Jones and her goofy personality or Katniss Everdeen and her loyalty to her family and friends.

However, I don’t think us Irish women relate to anyone as much as Aisling, the protagonist in the best-selling book Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling.

Aisling’s story continues in the sequel The Importance of Being Aisling and reading the second instalment felt like I was reuniting with an old friend.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gill Books (@gillbooks) on

Her obsession with The Corrs, her lunchtime trip to Dunnes Stores to find a new ‘shumper’ and her determination to never miss a free hotel brekkie makes Aisling one of the most real female fictional characters.

After quite the emotional year things seem to be getting back on track for Aisling. She’s been enjoying many a glass of Pinot Greej with Sadhbh and co., she’s become accustomed to Dublin’s brunch addiction and she's even rekindled her romance with John.

However, she is still struggling to deal with the loss of her dear Daddy as Aisling, Mammy and her brother Paul are facing their first Christmas without him.

Anyone who has lost a family member knows just how hard that first Christmas is. Ever the positive person, Aisling seeks joy in the little things like Auntie Shelia’s famous stuffing and doing the ‘Big Shop’ in the new Aldi with Mammy, but that heartache is still there, which makes this book that little bit more personable.

Us Irish aren’t known for expressing our feelings and this is perfectly portrayed in the way Aisling and her family deal with Christmas without Daddy. The secret tears and unfulfilled traditions are oh so relatable for many readers.

What I adore most about Aisling is her ability to see the light in even the darkest of moments. Her “Ah sure, it’ll be grand” attitude is infectious in this tale and part of me felt proud of her for continuing on despite the hurdles life throws at her.

When things at PensionsPlus go awry, Aisling has no choice but to abandon her life in Dublin. She returns home to Mammy and That Bloody Cat, but before she knows it she's planning an escape route when life in Ballygobbard is too much to handle.

Aisling jets off to Las Vegas with Majella and Sadhbh in tow and the trip gives her the confidence boost that shows Aisling she’s capable of a hell of a lot more than she ever gave herself credit for.

The Importance of Being Aisling is full or warmth and that unique Irish wit. It'll be a comfort to you on those dreary Autumn evenings and your best companion on your commute to work

The Importance Of Being Aisling: Country Roads, Take Her Home by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen is published by Gill Books.

You can pick up your very own copy here.

Trending

by

I wandered into one of my favourite bookstores on Friday and within minutes I had three books in my arms. I continued to scour the shelves despite the stack of books I was ready to buy.

It’s impossible for me to leave a bookshop empty handed. I am the ultimate bookworm and can’t just browse through the shelves.

There’s always a new release that catches my eye or a classic tale that I’ve been meaning to read forever.

I easily could’ve spent a small fortune in that bookshop because there are dozens of incredible new stories out at the moment.

If you’re on the hunt for a new read then look no further. I’ll be splurging on the following books this month and you should too. They’re just too good to leave on the shelves.

The Weight of a Thousand Feathers by Brian Conoghan:

I think it’s important to remember that anyone can read YA books. We should never underestimate these tales just because they’re aimed at young adults. In my opinion, the genre is one of the strongest and most moving. Some of my favourite books hail from the YA section and will continue to do so for many years to come. I spotted The Weight of a Thousand Feathers in store thanks to the striking cover, but what really peaked my interest was the question the book explores- what lengths will we go to for the people we love?

Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig:

I have oodles of respect for author Matt Haig and his ability to discuss mental health disorders in such an honest way. His book Reasons To Stay Alive holds a very special place in my heart, so I was thrilled to see his latest release sitting on the best-sellers shelf this week. Notes on a Nervous Planet focuses on how to be happy on a planet that makes us feel alone, anxious and nervous. Matt Haig looks into the public’s desire to constantly be connected to the digital world and the impact it is having on our mental health.

This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay:

My best friend purchased this book at the end of our trip to Scotland and flew through it by the time we touched down in Dublin airport. I’m a Grey’s Anatomy addict, so anything medical related fascinates me (I blame McSteamy and McDreamy) so this book soared to the top of my books to-buy list. Adam Kay gives readers a brutally honest look at life as a junior doctor and what life is really like on and off the hospital ward.

Trending

by

The sun has finally made a welcome return to Ireland and we’ve been bitten by the wanderlust bug. We can’t help but daydream about strolling through the streets of Paris with an ice cream in one hand and a camera in the other.

There are many things we love about going away on holidays, from tanning our pasty pale legs to drinking cocktails in the afternoon because anything goes when you’re in holiday mode.

We are so ready to jet off, even though packing is a complete nightmare, we are ready for the challenge. All we want is to lounge by the pool and soak up that sweet, sweet Vitamin D.

One of our ultimate holiday essentials is a good book. We struggle to fit all of our clothes, shoes and beauty bits into our suitcase, but we’ll always manage to squeeze in a book.

If you’re looking for a decent summer read, we’ve gathered up three of the best books that are worth popping in your carry-on.

1: The Night of the Party by Rachael English

Rachael English is a master at drawing you into the lives of her characters, making them feel like dear friends you’ve known for years. The Night of the Party follows four Irish teenagers whose lives are changed forever during the biggest snowstorm Ireland has seen for decades. Years have passed since the night of the party, but will they keep quiet or will one of them break their silence? A gripping read that you’ll fly through during a day by the pool.

The Night of the Party published by Hachette Books Ireland is available here.

2: Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

A brutally honest book about the realities of growing up and the complications of adult life. Dolly Alderton, who is a former dating columnist for the Sunday Times, perfectly captures what adulthood is really like, from the heartaches to those drunken nights you’ll never forget. This book is a breath of fresh air that teaches you about self-worth, genuine friendships and bad dates in a witty and wise way.

Everything I Know About Love published by Penguin Books Ltd is available here.

3: Leah On The Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

This joyous young adult tale is a sequel to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, which was adapted into the major motion picture- Love, Simon. This heartwarming tale follows Leah as she handles the stress of first love, complicated friendships and school life. Leah has told her mum she is bi-sexual, but there are some very important people that she has yet to tell- her friends. Teen Vogue described the book as, “The love child of John Green and Rainbow Rowell,” so we’ll certainly be purchasing a copy in the airport before catching our flight.

Leah On The Offbeat is published by Penguin Books Ltd is available here.

Trending
© Copyright 2012-2024 - Shemazing.net. Déanta in Éirinn - Sheology.