There's never been a better time to absolutely lose yourself in a good book.
If you've decided to get reading a bit more during the Coronavirus pandemic, then look no further for inspiration. We asked the gang at iRadio to share some of the best page-turners they've read recently. From gripping war novels to fascinating autobiographies, here's what the iRadio presenters recommend you read next:
1. Two Brothers - Ben Elton
"This book nearly made me late for work a couple of mornings. I stayed up until the wee hours, torch positioned under the covers, tissues ready on my locker for all the tears, both happy and sad, that fell while devouring this book. It's set in Nazi Germany and follows the lives of two boys born on the same day in pre-war Berlin who would eventually suffer the evil endured by millions at the hands of the Nazi regime. I cannot say enough good things about this book. I loved it so much that I'll probably read it again soon."
- Oonagh O'Carroll
2. Gotta Get Theroux This - Louis Theroux
"This is a book that you will read entirely in Louis' voice. You get a great insight into how he became the much loved, much meme-d broadcaster and documentary maker. If you liked even two of Louis's shows there is a high chance you'll also thoroughly enjoy his book."
- Dave Duke
3. Oh My God What A Complete Aisling - Sarah Breen and Emer McLysaght
"I'm going to make three recommendations here. If you're looking for something to make you laugh you can't go wrong with Oh My God What A Complete Aisling, or any of the books in the Aisling series. They're heartwarming, genuinely funny and just the pick-me-up you might need.
If you want something to completely hook you and make you stay awake until 2 in the morning reading it, go for Skin Deep by Liz Nugent. I'd also recommend The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne or anything by Donal Ryan if you're looking for thought-provoking and, at times, heartbreaking reads. Also you can't go wrong with absolutely anything by Louise O'Neill!"
- Fionnuala Corbett
4. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption - Laura Hillenbrand
"One of the best books I’ve ever read is the true-life story of Louis Zamperini, a US Olympian who fought in World War Two. He was missing at sea presumed dead when his plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean, after 47 days he was found but fell into the hands of the Japanese and was tortured for two years in prison camps. The movie ‘Unbroken’ starring Domhnall Gleeson and Jack O’ Connell is based on the book and really good portrayal of his time in captivity but the book includes a lot more about his life after the war which is equally as remarkable and inspirational."
- Aidan Power
5. Everything I Know About Love - Dolly Alderton
"I've just recently finished reading this. It's such a great book with lots of nostalgia in it. Now, when I say I 'read', I'm actually telling a bit of a fib. I listen to audiobooks on my Audible app and find it amazing for helping me de-stress and switch off before going to sleep."
- Louise Clarke
6. Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife
"Don't be put off by the title. This book isn't about a big bearded fella in the sky telling you how terribly you're doing at life. It's the real-life story of a neurosurgeon who suffers a rare brain disease and ends up in a coma. The part of his brain responsible for thought and emotion completely shuts down. Thankfully, he comes around seven days later and the book is all about his encounters with what he believes to be the divine source of the universe. Super interesting!"
- Brian McEvoy
7. The Magdalen - Marita Conlon-McKenna
"I actually found this one lying about the house and decided to leaf through it. I hadn't read any of Marita's books since the Under the Hawthorn Tree trio back in my national school days and to be honest, I'd forgotten what a gifted storyteller she is. This book follows the journey of Esther, who's sent away to a laundry in Dublin after falling pregnant out of wedlock. It's a story of love, heartbreak, betrayal as well as unbreakable friendship and I couldn't put it down!"
- Sharron Lynskey
8. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
"This is a lovely little book about finding your true purpose in life. There are loads of little pearls of wisdom wrapped up in a very heartwarming story. It's the perfect boost you need if you're feeling a bit lost or defeated at the minute."
- Kayte O'Malley
9. Marian Keyes - Grown Ups
"This is the latest one from the amazingly talented Marian Keyes. Not only is she a fabulous Irish author, but she's a funny woman to follow on Twitter (check out her page if you haven't already). In this one, Marian brings us into the world of the Kinsellas. All families have problems and the Kinsellas are no different. It's funny, shocking, scandalous and a little bit raunchy at times. If you need a break from reality this is absolutely the answer."
- Michaela Hayes
