We love discovering books that stay with us long after we’ve turned the final page. Our May selections from the Book Centre, Waterford offered an incredible mix of gripping fiction.

Together with thought-provoking social commentary, personal growth, historical reflection, and laugh-out-loud fun, it’s all there!

Land by Maggie O’Farrell

Dymphna’s top book from the last decade…Maggie O’Farrell’s Land is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that explores the deep connection between people, place, and history. Set against the backdrop of Ireland’s evolving landscape, the story follows lives shaped by loss, family, migration, and the enduring pull of home.

What makes Land so powerful is its exploration of inheritance, not only of land, but of memories, grief, resilience, and identity. O’Farrell’s lyrical storytelling invites readers to reflect on how the past continues to influence the present, creating a deeply moving reading experience that lingers long after the final chapter.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

One of the most talked-about books of the month, Yesteryear combines sharp social commentary with a compelling narrative. The story follows Natalie, a social media influencer who has built her online identity around romanticising traditional domestic life. When she unexpectedly finds herself facing the realities of the past she so admires, her carefully curated beliefs begin to unravel.

Both witty and unsettling, the novel challenges readers to question nostalgia, privilege, and the stories we tell ourselves about history. It’s a fascinating and timely exploration of modern culture that sparks conversation and self-reflection.

Our Deadly Summer by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen

Friendship, secrets, and suspense collide in this addictive thriller from Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen. Our Deadly Summer follows two young Irish women spending a carefree summer in New York in 2001 before a shocking event changes the course of their lives forever.

Years later, buried secrets resurface, forcing both women to confront the consequences of the choices they made. While the mystery keeps readers hooked, the emotional core of the novel lies in its exploration of friendship, loyalty, guilt, and forgiveness. It’s a gripping story that asks how far we would go to protect those we love, and what happens when the past refuses to stay buried.

Addicted to Anxiety by Owen O’Kane

In this insightful and accessible guide, psychotherapist Owen O’Kane explores a surprising idea: that many of us become trapped in cycles of anxiety because worrying can feel safer than uncertainty.

Drawing on years of clinical experience, O’Kane explains how anxiety develops and, more importantly, how we can begin to break free from it. Compassionate, practical, and empowering, Addicted to Anxiety offers readers valuable tools to better understand their thoughts and build healthier habits. For many, it provides not just information, but genuine hope.

Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert by Sarah Bowie

Bringing plenty of humour and heart to our May selection, Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert is a delightful story about growing up, finding confidence, and navigating the everyday dramas of school life.

As Nina prepares for a school production while juggling friendships, rivalries, and unexpected crushes, readers are treated to a wonderfully relatable journey full of laughs and memorable moments. Sarah Bowie perfectly captures the intensity of childhood emotions while delivering an uplifting message about resilience, self-belief, and embracing who you are.

A Month of Stories That Stay With You

Although these five books span very different genres and audiences, they share a common thread. Each explores how our lives are shaped by the stories we inherit, create, believe, and carry with us.

From the historical depth of Land, to the social commentary of Yesteryear, the suspense of Our Deadly Summer, the life-changing insights of Addicted to Anxiety, and the joyful charm of Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert, our May selections offered readers a rich and rewarding literary journey.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another wonderful month of reading.

All titles as part of Dymphna’s Book Club are available from The Book Centre, Waterford. Tell them we sent you!