This book is, for lack of a better word, a saga – following the story of one man’s life (from before he was born up until right before he dies). Cyril Avery is born to a teenage girl out of wedlock (we learn her story too; as she’s cast aside from her Irish family and moves to Dublin on her own) and adopted by a wealthy Dublin couple. The book follows Cyril from his coming of age and growing up gay (but closeted) through middle age and ultimately old age. It is beautifully written and absolutely fascinating. It breaks your heart at times, makes you laugh at times, all of the things. Highly, highly recommend this one!
the stripe
by GRACE ATWOOD
The Stripe is a lifestyle blog for the stylish bookworm. Since its first post in 2010, it has aimed to be a daily source of inspiration for the modern woman. Written by Grace Atwood, The Stripe aims to leave you feeling like you just had coffee with a great girlfriend: savvier, more confident, and always learning something new.