Category: reading list

My Summer 2025 political reading list (the 9th one?)

by dsmooney, posted in Politics, reading list, Writing
Introduction:

If my maths is correct… and that is a major “if”… this is my ninth annual summer political reading list.

As the name suggests, the books on the list have a political theme or connection. The books in this year’s selection are all non-fiction and are a reflection of my prejudices and opinions. I have tried, as in previous years, to include books that help challenge my own views… so some books on this year’s list will accord with my personal political perspective… some don’t. 

There are far fewer biographies and histories this year, compared with previous years (just one of each), and more polemics on international and global issues. By their nature political books are not “light reads”, but I have tried to avoid overly academic tomes. The one criteria I have tried to stick with is finding books that are well-written and accessible. With one clear exception… most have been written and published over the past 6 – 12 months, which means they are mostly hard backs.

There is A #MooneyOnPolitics #podcast to accompany this list: On Spotify

Enjoy. Feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback below. Continue reading “My Summer 2025 political reading list (the 9th one?)” →

My Summer 2024 Political Reading List

by dsmooney, posted in EU, Politics, reading list, UK politics, US politics

This is my 7th annual Summer political reading list. As with the ones that have gone before, the list is extremely personal. Most of the books on this year’s list have been published within the past 12-18 months. All cover broadly political topics and should (IMHO) interest to those who follow politics, be it Irish, European, American or global. The choices are mine. I have read some, not all, but these appeal to me. Some reflect my own political viewpoints, others challenge them. Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments below. There is a Podcast to accompany this list 

But What Can I Do?:  Why Politics Has Gone Socampbell Wrong, and How You Can Help Fix It

by Alastair Campbell

As the late great Seamus Mallon often remarked, decisions are made by the people who show up. This dictum could well have served as an alternative title for Campbell’s latest book. He describes the book as part call to arms, part practical handbook… and it is. Continue reading “My Summer 2024 Political Reading List” →

My Summer 2023 Political Reading List

by dsmooney, posted in reading list

THE MURDERER AND THE TAOISEACH

by Harry McGee

While folks may know that “Gubu” has its origins in the words used by Taoiseach Charles Haughey to describe the capture of the killer of two young people in the home of the Attorney General, Patrick Connolly: grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented, many will not know the full story of the… well… eh… bizarre… events that led to that extraordinary Haughey press conference.

As the book’s blurb states Harry McGee expertly tells the story of the aristocratic Malcolm Macarthur and retraces the events of the hot summer of 1982, from Macarthur’s senseless cold-blooded murder of Bridie Gargan and Dónal Dunne, through the cat-and-mouse Garda manhunt to Macarthur’s eventual capture in the most unlikely of locations. Continue reading “My Summer 2023 Political Reading List” →

Derek Mooney’s Summer 2022 political reading list

by dsmooney, posted in Politics, reading list, UK politics, US politics

Though Broadsheet is – alas – gone, I am pleased to present my latest Annual Summer Political Reading List. (My first one was back in 2017). These are books/kindle texts, mainly non-fiction, which you may care to take away with you on holidays.

All bar one of the books I have selected this year are non-fiction – and while none of those could be reasonably described as a light read, they are all is informative, well-written and/or entertaining.

As in previous years, these books represent nothing other than my personal preference and taste. I did ask a few friends for recommendations, but the final selection is mine.

Continue reading “Derek Mooney’s Summer 2022 political reading list” →

My 2021 Summer Political reading list

by dsmooney, posted in Government, Micheal Martin, Politics, reading list, UK politics, US politics

This list first appeared on Broadsheet on July 26th and is my 5th annual Summer Political Reading list. 

Welcome to my fifth annual summer political reading list. As the name suggests, the books on the list have a political theme or connection. All the books in this year’s selection are non-fiction and reflect my own tastes and prejudices.

I have included a few biographies, histories, and polemics on issues of domestic and wider interest. While none of the books could be said to be a light read, they are not heavy going either. They are all well-written and accessible. Most have been published over the past 6 – 12 months, which means they are mostly hard backs.

From Whence I Came, Editors Brian Murphy & Donnacha Ó Beacháin

This is a collection of original essays on the Kennedy legacy and the special political ties between Ireland and the United States. Contributors include the editors, both key figures behind the annual Kennedy Summer School, plus a stellar cast of informed and interesting writers, such as Cody Kennan, President Obama’s former speechwriter, Kerry Kennedy, President of the RFK Human Rights organisation and Tad Devine a former senior adviser to Bernie Sanders, Al Gore and John Kerry election campaigns. In addition to being a cracking good read, all editor royalties are being donated to the New Ross Community Hospital in memory of the late Noel Whelan.

Continue reading “My 2021 Summer Political reading list” →

My 2020 summer political reading list

by dsmooney, posted in Personal, Politics, reading list, Writing

Welcome to my fourth annual summer political reading list. This year’s list first appeared on Broadsheet.ie on August 10th 2020. It is somewhat later than planned as I have not been able to plan my own summer break until now.

With my previous lists I tried, where possible, to pick books you can download onto your tablet or eBook reader. Who wants to stick 6 or 7 heavy tomes into the suitcase and pay Euros to Willy Walsh or Michael O’Leary for the privilege of flying them with you? So, while this is not as big a concern this year, many of the titles I have picked are, happily, available to download, indeed at least one is available for free download.

As in past years the titles are factual. The list reflects my own tastes and prejudices – though I do genuinely attempt to include some books that challenge them.

The list is in no order, though it does start with books prompted by the sad death of one of the greatest men I have ever been honoured to meet and hear speak: John Hume. Feel free to disagree with any of my choices in the comments section below (as if some of you need a license to disagree with me!) but if you are going to disagree then suggest what books you’d include instead.

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John Hume, In his own words Edited by Seán Farren
John Hume, Irish peacemaker Edited by Seán Farren & Denis Haughey
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My first entry offers you a choice of two books on the one subject: John Hume.

In the first one: “In His Own Words” Hume’s great ally and colleague, Sean Farren, gathers extracts from some of Hume’s most significant speeches, articles, and interviews. Together they give a comprehensive overview of Hume’s political thoughts on the complexity of relationships within and between our two islands. You see, in Hume’s own words, the origins of his implacable opposition to violence and how he developed his proposals for resolving the Northern Irish conflict. Proposals that underpin the Good Friday Agreement.

Continue reading “My 2020 summer political reading list” →