What We're Reading Now: Emer McLysaght & Sarah Breen
Bestselling authors Emer McLysaght & Sarah Breen are best known as the creators of the iconic Aisling book series. Their latest novel, Our Deadly Summer, is a hilarious crime caper packed with 90s nostalgia, true friendship and one dead body.
Join Emer & Sarah for a special in-conversation event hosted by Sophie White. Tickets from €5, redeemable against books purchased on the night.
Pre-Order 'Our Deadly Summer' Now
What We're Reading Now
We always love to hear what our favourite authors are reading and can't resist a snoop at anyone's TBR pile. So when we caught up with Emer & Sarah recently we had to ask them: what exactly are two of Ireland's bestselling authors reading right now?!
Emer
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
I raced to finish this in advance of seeing the movie and I absolutely loved it. School teacher Ryland Grace wakes from a coma with amnesia and finds himself alone on a spacecraft after a thirteen year journey from earth. He has to figure out who he is and why he’s there - to find a way to destroy a single-celled organism that’s killing Earth’s sun. He makes an alien friend, does a lot of science, and is perfectly written for Ryan Gosling to play the part in the film. If you loved The Martian, you'll love this. It's smart, accessible, funny and heartbreaking.
Hungry by Katriona O’Sullivan
I’m halfway through this excellent follow up to Poor, O’Sullivan’s bestselling, award-winning memoir about growing up in an abusive, addicted and poverty-stricken home. She calls Hungry “a biography of my body”, and it’s so generous that she shares these insights into how trauma and circumstances can shape how a person develops from childhood into adulthood. I can’t wait to finish it and see what she does next.
Other People’s Lives by Kathleen McMahon
I usually have a few books on the go so I’m also halfway through Other People’s Lives by Kathleen McMahon. I’ve been a fan of Kathleen’s since I read her beautiful 2020 novel Nothing But Blue Sky. Other People’s Lives is about Justine, who’s suddenly tasked with planning her daughter’s wedding. This leads her to reflect on her own life, her marriage, her friendships. I’m someone who finds the institution of marriage quite baffling sometimes, so I’m really enjoying reading a book that interrogates it. As always, Kathleen’s writing is detailed and beautiful.
Sarah
Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy
After the success of I’m Glad My Mom is Dead it’s no surprise that Jeanette McCurdy has started writing fiction. Half His Age is the story of 17-year-old high school student Waldo (I have to admit, I found the name so jarring) who becomes infatuated with her English teacher. It’s a tough read, as we learn how Waldo is neglected in many ways by her parents. She has low self-esteem and a shopping addiction but she is also remarkably self-aware and very funny. I devoured it and particularly enjoyed the ending.
Prestige Drama by Séamas O’Reilly
When Hollywood actress Monica Logue arrives in Derry to prepare for her role in a new TV show about the Troubles the town goes wild. Strangely, she disappears shortly afterwards. This story is told like an oral history from a selection of colourful local characters including the TV show’s sketchy screenwriter, a wannabe actor and a taxi driver. I’m not a psychologist but they pretty much all have some kind of generational trauma. As you would expect from O’Reilly, it’s poignant as well as funny.
What Ever Happened to Madeline Stone by Louise O’Neill
Megastar actress Chelsea Stone stepped out of the spotlight years ago when her twin sister Madeline disappeared. But when a storage locker containing Maddie’s stuff is discovered, it becomes clear that Maddie might still be alive. Set between present day and the extremely toxic early aughts, the story examines toxic celebrity culture and prickly family dynamics. You won’t be able to put it down.
Eason Presents: Emer McLysaght & Sarah Breen
Eason Presents: Emer McLysaght & Sarah Breen
Join Complete Aisling authors Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen for a special in-conversation event hosted by Sophie White. There'll be chat, wine served, and book signing on the night. Tickets cost €16.99 (includes a copy of Our Deadly Summer) or €5 (redeemable against purchase on the night).
📍 Eason, O’Connell St, Dublin
📅 Thursday, 21st May, 2026 | 🕖 7:15pm
