Good Bookish News

The sun may be shining, but it still feels that we could do with some good news while we wait for the world to open back up again. Luckily, we in the Irish book community are never short of good news thanks to the commitment and dedication of each of its members. So, allow Dublin Book Festival to bring you some cheer with some recent highlights from the Irish book world!

1. Adam King and his father David are publishing a picturebook! A Hug for You will tell the story of Adam’s famous virtual hug, and is set to be released in November by Penguin Sandycove. Pre-orders available now from Kennys, Eason, Dubray!
2. For the children’s books fans out there, amazing children’s bookshop Halfway Up the Stairs are running another Children’s Book Salon event on 3rd June with Sarah Webb – tickets are €5 and are redeemable against one book by any of the authors featured. If it’s not redeemed, it’s donated to Children’s Books Ireland. Book your ticket here!
3. For non-fiction lovers, you’re in for a treat – the incomparable Sinéad O Connor releases her memoir Rememberings this week with Penguin Sandycove. Pick up at your favourite indie bookshop or local library now.
4. West Cork Literary Festival are partnering with the Irish Writers’ Centre on their Young Writer Delegate Programme this year. For young writers aged 18-26, apply by 21st of June to attend the festival as one of the IWC’s delegates! You can apply here.
5. We’re so delighted to see Matt Damon, the silver lining of the pandemic in Ireland, will be returning to our shores as a guest speaker at Dalkey Book Festival! He’ll be speaking to the festival attendees on Sunday 20th June, grab your tickets now!
6. Mark this one in your diary – HarperCollins has just bought the debut novel from playwright Emmet Kirwan! We already know it’s going to be amazing.
7. Listowel Writers’ Week starts today – it’s in its 50th year and has an amazing virtual programme. It’s going to be spectacular, you can find more details on their website here!
8. Children’s Books Ireland announced their award winners last week. Congratulations to Deirdre Sullivan and Karen Vaughan for their well-deserved win with Savage Her Reply. This is the second CBI Book of the Year win for the duo!