In this episode, Dr. Jenny O’Connor is joined by colleagues from the School of Humanities to discuss the current books on their nightstand. Dr. Hazel Farrell (Music), Philip Cremin (Religious Studies) and Dr. Christa de Brún (English) talk about the texts they have been enjoying recently and that they would recommend to others. The books include a biography about a woman who created Ireland’s first concert hall and youth orchestra; a bildungsroman about growing up in pre-Troubles Derry; a classic of gay literature that investigates themes of self-denial and the concept of home; a fantasy adventure and theological tome that we all think we know; and a story about the contemporary racial divide in America. These books might make good Christmas presents for the awkward bibliophile in your life! For details on all of the books discussed, see the podcast notes below.
Olive Smith: A Musical Visionary by Gillian Smith
Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
