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Introductions > Hi, I'm Stephen

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message 1: by Stephen (new)

Stephen McCarthy | 54 comments This is my first Goodreads Group so not entirely sure what to expect. Looking at some of the threads it looks like a helpful, friendly space.

I am an author but that is not why I joined the Group.

I retired last year after 30 years in construction to concentrate on writing full time. The first benefit of my available time has been the chance to catch up on my reading. So many books had sat for too long.
After a year I am getting to the bottom of the pile. I find it contains quite a lot of other Irish writers so I am looking for recommendations mainly.

Any help gratefully received, all the best on this merry adventure.

Stephen


message 2: by Thomas, Moderator (last edited Sep 26, 2019 11:18AM) (new)

Thomas (tom471) | 1959 comments Mod
Welcome Stephen. I mostly read mysteries. You might try Adrian McKinty series, set in Belfast. My review, book 1 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Also Quirke series, by Benjamin Black My review book 1 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 3: by Stephen (new)

Stephen McCarthy | 54 comments thanks Thomas, I'll check them out


message 4: by Míceál (new)

Míceál  Ó Gealbháin (miceal) | 11 comments Hello Stephen, are you interested in Irish non-fiction or fiction?


message 5: by Susan (new)

Susan | 4707 comments Hi Stephen. Welcome to the group. I have to echo Thomas' recommendation of Adrian McKinty. I am a big fan.


message 6: by Stephen (new)

Stephen McCarthy | 54 comments Miceal, I would lean towards fiction at the minute but always open to non fiction on topics such as history.
Also, could you tell me how you got the fada on your name. My latest novel has gaelic dialogue and I have struggled to find the correct font.
Thanks.

Susan, McKinty would seem to be a good starting point for my list. Ta.


message 7: by Lissa (new)

Lissa Oliver | 113 comments Hi, Stephen, welcome to the group! There are so many good reviews of books here that I can't really add to them. Lots of Irish books/authors are listed at www.irishwritersunion.org as well, with brief details (but no reviews). I'm also a writer, like yourself, so I can offer any advice or support if needed. There's definitely an answer awaiting any question from somewhere within this group, so enjoy, and happy reading!


message 8: by Stephen (new)

Stephen McCarthy | 54 comments Thanks for the tip Lissa.
i just need to recover from the rugby and i'll check it out .
have a great day.


message 9: by Geraldine (new)

Geraldine Martin | 11 comments Hi Stephen
its been ages since I have joined a discussion due to work commitments etc. I live in the beautiful Glens of Antrim. I wonder if you have ever read Stuart Neville? He wrote 'The Twelve' based in Belfast and it was my first try of his books and since then I have never looked back. In fact, personally speaking, his subsequent books have all been fabulous and all based in and around Belfast, Holy Land area, Carrickfergus etc etc.
How you get a fada accent is to hold the Alt Gr key e.g Áine, Tá mé go maith etc
Hope that helps
Geraldine


message 10: by Stephen (new)

Stephen McCarthy | 54 comments Thanks Geraldine, I'll put Stuart Neville on my list and give the fada thing a go.
cheers


message 11: by Susan (new)

Susan | 4707 comments Geraldine wrote: "Hi Stephen
its been ages since I have joined a discussion due to work commitments etc. I live in the beautiful Glens of Antrim. I wonder if you have ever read Stuart Neville? He wrote 'The Twelve' ..."


Geraldine, what Carrickfergus? Now I have to read him. I love Carrickfergus especially the pub that Adrian McKinty's sister owns. Have you been there? I can't think of the name of it now because I am old and tired. Sorry.


message 12: by Stephen (new)

Stephen McCarthy | 54 comments So, I have just read 'Conversations with Friends' by Sally Rooney.

It was on the bottom of the pile so I fished it out. I was not really impressed but I am very curious as to how successful this writer appears to be.

My review is here if interested.(hope it works)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I noticed that her book 'Normal People' has been getting mixed reviews on another thread of this group. I was wondering what others thought of Conversations...


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