An Autumn reading list

Many of you will be familiar with the Shared Reading group at the Duncairn. Another weekly appointment that has suffered the consequences of the pandemic and is now suspended.

In the absence of the live experience of reading aloud, we have invited the wonderful Reader in Residence Marnie Kennedy and facilitator Anne-Marie Kerr to share their reading choices for this season. We hope some, or all, of their suggestions will tickle your curiosity and even inspire you to read some of these pages aloud to your family and friends—always following social distance recommendations, of course.

The Duncairn’s volunteer Shared Reading team is missing the live experience of reading aloud and conversation. We champion the idea that everyone can experience and enjoy great literature, a tool for helping humans survive and live well. 

Marnie Kennedy

Diary of a Young Naturalist

by Dara McAnulty

A multi-layered, affecting and beautifully wrought diary documenting one year in this autistic teenager's life. Observations of the natural world are conveyed through richly descriptive narrative. His acute, highly sensory awareness of his environment, alongside his loving, supportive family, affords him escapism and solace from the malevolence of many of his peers and provides him with space for personal growth and understanding of his own raison d'être.  

Dara’s diary is a highly engaging, impressive read, not only in terms of this young adolescent’s knowledge and command of language but equally stimulating by virtue of his passion and drive to be a force for positive change in this world.

16 year-old Dara who lives with his family in Co. Down was recently awarded the Wainwright Prize for Nature writing. He is currently writing a picture book for younger children.

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Almost 100 years since its publication, this timeless classic and indeed, cautionary tale centred around the American Dream still resonates as strongly today. Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, the novel explores themes of society & class, love, idealism, power, greed, betrayal and justice. Seasons also figure prominently in this novel, reflecting relationships between characters and to the highly gripping drama which unfolds. A truly relevant and enduring novel which retains its sense of modernity.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

by Charlie Mackesy

A charming, uplifting book, sure to be of comfort in these tumultuous times. Through a series of beautiful illustrations & subtle, apposite dialogues, we follow this eclectic mix of characters on their journey through life's challenges, sustained by the bonds of friendship.  A timeless manual for us all, regardless of our age.

For further insight into this author's inspiring work, you can follow him on Twitter @charliemackesy

And why not add a bit of poetry to this list?

The Peace of Wild Things

by Wendell Berry available at the Scottish Poetry Library

and

When I Am Among the Trees

‘Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”’

by Mary Oliver, read more about this on Medium.

We hope you will enjoy your reading this Autumn and support your local bookshop.

For more information about Shared Reading check out the Reader and on Facebook.

Obituary

Derek Mahon (23 November 1941 – 1 October 2020)

In the same week which sadly marks the first anniversary of Ciaran Carson's death, we mourn the loss of another Belfast born poet and literary giant, Derek Mahon. Though both had physically reached their ‘autumn years’, the passing of these prodigiously gifted writers still seems premature in terms of their unrealised potential, to keep on adding to their inspirational body of work. Born in this very corner of the city, Mahon attended Skegoneill P.S., moving on to the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (Inst) and eventually Trinity College, Dublin.

Truly cosmopolitan, both in his lifestyle and breadth of reference, Derek Mahon became a poet of international renown, justifiably acclaimed. Writing in this weekend's “Irish Times", Gerard Smyth referred to Mahon as a poet of the “Global Village".  In turn, the global scale of tributes paid to him bear witness to this title. His affirmative poem, “Everything is going to be all right” has been frequently referenced since the beginning of the pandemic. In March, RTE ended its evening news bulletin read by Mahon himself. Hopefully, for those formerly unfamiliar with his work, it shall prompt further exploration of this distinguished poet's work.

Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.