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Jacqueline Wilson recently revealed that Tracy Beaker will return in her new book, however, fans are not happy with the storyline.

The popular children’s author shared that Tracy Beaker is now a single mum, who is living in a rough housing estate, struggling to make ends meet.

Fans of the famous character were delighted to hear that a new book was on the way, however, many readers expressed their anger over how Tracy’s storyline turned out.

Taking to Twitter, fans discussed the new book, “Would it not be a more positive story to make Tracy Beaker a success following her time in care?” one wrote.

Another questioned the influence the novel will have on young readers, “Jacqueline Wilson writing a new Tracy Beaker book about Tracey now being a single mum in and out of work struggling to make ends meet living on a rough London housing estate. Nice inspiring message for 8-year-olds that if you start your life poor you’ll end it poor.”

“I feel sad for Tracy Beaker that she ended up struggling and single – would have been triumphant for her to have broken the cycle of her own upbringing,” said another.

However, amongst the negative response were plenty of joyous fans who loved the original book The Story of Tracy Beaker, which was released 27 years ago.

One mum wrote, “This is such exciting news! Just in time for my 31st birthday too…looking forward to catching up with one of my favourite childhood heroines and her daughter (that bit seems so surreal!)”

Another mum shared, “I cannot wait to tell my 12-year-old daughter! She will be so excited! I think I’ll be borrowing this one from her too! Only fair seeing as I passed on some of my books to her.”

Speaking about the return of one of her most famous characters, author Jacqueline Wilson admitted to The Guardian, “Tracy has been a character that’s haunted me. She’s the sort of person who sticks in your mind.”

She also reassured fans, “ I’ve always thought that, even though Tracy had lots of problems in her life and a pretty rubbish mum who was never there for her, Tracy herself would be a good mum, no matter what.”

My Mum Tracy Beaker will be released in October 2018. The book will be narrated by Tracy’s daughter, Jess.

The book may be aimed at seven to 11-year-olds but we know there will be many grown-ups sneakily reading My Mum Tracy Beaker too.

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Today is World Book Day, and to celebrate, we've rounded up some of our favourite titles from some of today's most inspirational females authors. 

From true-life tales of self-discovery, to critical analysis of Ireland's reproductive laws, every book that features on the list is a masterpiece in it's own right.

Do yourself a favour and pick one up today. 

1. Laura Jane Williams // Becoming: Sex, Second Chances, and Figuring Out Who the Hell I Am

After the man she thought she was going to marry dumped her for her friends, Laura turns to alcohol and casual sex in an attempt to fill the void. 

After a final lewd encounter, she declares a vow of celibacy and moves to an Italian convent where she slowly begins to piece her life back together. 

An empowering look at one woman's journey of self-discovery, Becoming will make you realise that no matter how tough things get, there is always light and the other end. 

2. Holly Bourne // What's a Girl Gotta do? 

An eye-opening look at sexism in daily life, it tells the story of one woman's attempt to shut down the trolls and highlight the importance of feminism. 

Determined to change the world with her #Vagilante vlog, Lottie decides to document every instance of sexism she sees over one month, but when her project hits hits the headlines, the vicious comments begin to roll in. 

3. Louise O'Neill // Almost Love 

A story of obsessive love, Louise O'Neill's latest novel follows 20-year-old Sarah, who, after falling head-over-heels for Matthew, begins to sacrifice everything else in her life in order to be with him. 

Her friends are worried, her father disapproves, and she's on the verge of losing her job – but despite all this, Sarah just can't seem to shake her addiction. 

4. Roxanne Gay // Bad Feminist

In a series of thought-provoking and hilarious essays, Roxanne takes the reader through the journey of her evolution as a woman of colour, while commenting on the state of feminism today. 

Bad Feminist looks at the ways in which the culture we consume becomes who we are, and an inspiring call-to-arms of all the ways we still need to do better

5. Dawn O'Porter // Paper Aeroplanes

Set in the mid-90s, 15-year-old Guernsey schoolgirls Renée and Flo form an unlikely friendship. 

The introspective and studious Flo couldn't be more different to ambitious, extroverted and sexually curious Renée, however, a shared feeling of loneliness caused by their dysfunctional families see them unite to form an intense bond. 

Gritty, poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, Paper Aeroplanes is, at its core, an unforgettable story about the power of female friendship. 

6. Claire Hennessy // Like Other Girls 

When Lauren, a bisexual young woman living in Ireland, accidentally falls pregnant during her school years, a fear of being judged forces her to take matters into her own hands.

Still trying to figure out her place in the world, Lauren is in no way ready to become a mother and wants nothing more than to get her life back. 

A poignant look at Ireland's reproductive laws and what they mean for women, Like Other Girls is quite simply, a must-read. 

 

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We're a nation of bookworms, so it's no surprise the Irish public wasted no time having their say in an online poll held by Eason, Ireland’s leading retailer of books.

After asking the public to choose their favourite book of 2017, the results are now in, and we can reveal that Blindboy Boatclub’s The Gospel According to Blindboy was the winner!

Blindboy Boatclub, one half of Limerick comedy duo the Rubberbandits, debuted his collection of surreal and genre-defying short stories last year which explore the myths, complacencies and contradictions at the heart of modern Ireland, and it's fair to say readers were more than impressed.

Voted number one by over 4,000 Eason customers, Blindboy was closely followed by The Pursuit of Perfection by Donal McAnallen while OMG What a Complete Aisling by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen came in third.

Eason is a proud supporter of Irish talent and there is always a huge appetite among readers for Irish writing. 2017 proved just that with Irish authors securing 7 out of 10 spots in the online poll:

Take a look at these:

1. The Gospel According to Blindboy by Blindboy Boatclub
 

2. The Pursuit of Perfection by Donal McAnallen
 

3. OMG What a Complete Aisling by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen
 

4. Force for Justice: The Maurice McCabe Story by Michael Clifford
 

5. This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
 

6. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
 

7. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
 

8. The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
 

9. The Choice by Philly McMahon
 

10.The Street Where You Live by Roisin Meaney
 

Speaking about the results, Alan Johnston, Business Development Manager for Adult Books, said; “2017 has been a stand-out year for reading."

"We’ve been so fortunate to be kept entertained throughout the year with brilliant new books from both home-grown and international writers."

"The Top 10 Favourite Reads are a diverse and eclectic range of books, and the fact that seven of them have been written by Irish authors is testament to the diverse range of literary talent we have here in Ireland.”

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In theory, having a bookworm in the family makes festive shopping a real cinch.

In reality, this is far from the case.

When your loved one ploughs through books at the speed of light and critiques them with all the vigour of an established literary critic, you live in constant fear that they'll have already read your chosen tome or, worse still, dismissed it entirely.

If you know a book is on the agenda, but you've yet to decide which author or subject matter will get your vote, why not throw an eye of out top picks this Christmas?

 

 

 

 

 

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Following the release of his debut book, US actor Tom Hanks, has revealed that it was the beloved Irish author, Maeve Binchy, who inspired him to start writing.

The 61-year-old has just published a collection of 17 short stories called Uncommon Type – each  in some way involving a different typewriter.

But it seems it was the Dubliner's novel, Light A Penny Candle, that sparked his passion for fiction.

According to The Irish Sun, the actor said: “I fell in love with it. We all went nuts for her and I read Tara Road, Circle of Friends — I ended up going on a massive Maeve Binchy thing.”

In fact, Tom was such a big fan that he even took the time to send Maeve a letter detailing how much her loved her work.

“I actually wrote her a fan letter and I got a letter back,” he said.

The legendary novelist passed away in 2012 at the age of 73, though her influence on the world of fiction writing can still be felt today.

Uncommon Type is available to purchase from Amazon and book shops across the country.

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Harry Potter fans, rejoice!

Just when you had come to terms with the fact that you had heard the last from the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry, Bloomsbury announce the release of not one, but TWO new Harry Potter titles.

The books, which are due to be released this October, coincide with the opening of the British Library's Harry Potter exhibition, A History of Magic, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

While the new titles are not novels, nor written by J.K Rowling, they will give fans a greater in-dept understanding of the magical world that has captivated a generation of book lovers and film buffs alike.

The first, Harry Potter – A History of Magic, is a collaboration between J.K Rowling, Bloomsbury and the British Library, designed to focus on the subject taught in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including Herbology, Potions and Care of Magical Creatures.

The second, Harry Potter – A Journey Through the History of Magic, will include previously unseen sketches and manuscripts from J.K Rowling, as well as illustrations and artefacts.

Although many fans are hugely excited about the prospect, some were less than thrilled to discover they had not been written by the original author.

So, maybe J.K Rowling didn't write them, but hey, anything that keeps the magic alive is good enough for us. 

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Bookworms unite!

Emma Watson is at it again and this time she's been busy hiding copies of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale in mystery locations around Paris.

The distopian novel has experienced somewhat of a resurgence in recent times thanks to its critically acclaimed TV adaptation, starring Elisabeth Moss, so it makes sense that Emma, an avid reader and women's rights advocate, would want to spread the book's feminist message.

The title also just so happens to be this month's selection in the actor's online book club, Our Shared Shelf.  

Emma's post sparked a huge scavenger hunt across the French capital, and lucky fans have taken to Twitter to post their findings.  

We can't help but feel insanely jealous of everyone in Paris right now. 

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Calling all Harry Potter fans!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (but of course all you die-hard fans knew that already).

To celebrate the milestone, Bloomsbury is releasing the first book of the series in the four Hogwarts house colours.

The limited editions feature a gorgeous new design complete with a house crest and it's corresponding signature colour.

But that's not all. The books will also include loads of extra content including character profiles and illustrations specific to each house.

You can read a synopsis for the meaning behind the design for each house at Pottermore, and if you're not sure which house to call home, you can let the sorting hat guide you through the process.

The special editions are available to order from bloomsbury.com from tomorrow and they're surprisingly good value.

The paperbacks are going for €8.23 while the hardback version will set you back €15.45.  

So, whether you're a Gryffindor, Slytherin (holla), Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, you'll be able to indulge your inner nerd with a custom themed copy of the book that started it all.  

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You take recommendations from friends, read best-seller lists and even rob a few novels from your parents' book shelf, but sometimes you're in the mood for a book that you can't really define.

A love story? Science-fiction? Murder mystery?

All of the above?

It can be super frustrating to leave empty-handed every time you venture into Easons, so that is where this niche website comes in.

Books in Black Wooden Book Shelf

Lounge Books is a innovative website which digs out "hidden gems" for you depending on your book preferences.

With "people powered" recommendations, it promises to find something for the person who doesn't really know what they want.

And with sections such as Women Authors, Diverse Voices and Book Porn, you'll probably end up spending more time on the site than reading the actual books it recommends.

The creator of the website, Sam Missingham, said: “The Lounge Books website will help you navigate the huge number of books out there, give you a few pointers, tell you about books that everybody is talking about, those winning awards and some hidden gems.

We can see ourselves taking a serious gander on this later.

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Sometimes there's nothing better than a thriller.

The mysteries, the clues, the suspects… As much as we love a good TV series, reading a mystery novel can be extremely captivating.

So, if you fancy reading a few crime novels throughout the summer months, take a look at this list. There's some frighteningly good ones in there.

The River at Night by Erica Ferencik

The River at Night only made its debut this year, but it's being hailed a a total page-turner.

Wini Allen has just been through a series of personal tragedies, so she takes some time off with her BFFs.

The three friends head away on a hiking trip, but they end up stranded and fighting for their lives.

The women then stumble across a fire-lit camp, but they have no idea of the true intent of their new found companions.

 

The Dry by Jane Harper

You can bet this book is going to be good as Reese Witherspoon's production company has just secured the film rights to it.

During an awful drought in Australia, three members of the same family are brutally murdered.

Police suspect the father killed his wife and child, before himself, but as a new police officer arrives in town, secrets become unearthed. Who really killed the Hadler family?

 

Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia

This dark novel takes place in an American high school and centres around the last year of Hattie Hoffman's life.

Hattie is a senior in the school and her life comes to an end when she is brutally stabbed on the opening night of the school play.

A teacher and the local sheriff become the main suspects.

 

The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter

This book is based on a psychopath… or is she a psychopath?

An ex-cop is found in a pool of blood, but it turns out the blood is not his – it's another woman's. Will they find the other victim? Did she kill the cop?

As the mystery ensues, an officer becomes entangled in the web of lies the victim leaves behind.

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The Break Down by B.A. Paris

This book begins by meeting the main character Cass, who sees a women sitting in a parked car during a downpour.

That woman later turns up dead and ever since, Cass keeps forgetting things; where she parked her car, her alarm code, whether or not she has taken her pills.

But she can't forget the woman. And is somebody watching her?

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Book worms listen up!

It turns out your love of reading could actually have a huge effect on your personality.  

According to Marie Claire, researchers at Kingston University surveyed 123 people and asked whether they preferred reading books, watching TV or going to the theatre before putting their interpersonal skills to the test.

The results revealed that book-lovers came out on top when it came to their ability to express empathy towards others. 

Researchers at the British Psychological Society explained, ‘Exposure to fiction relates to a range of empathetic abilities.’

‘Engaging with fictional prose and comedy in particular could be key to enhancing people’s empathetic abilities.’

But that's not all.

Marie Claire also revealed that a separate study conducted by online dating service, eHarmony, found that users received more messages when mentioned they certain books in their profiles.

Apparently, women are more likely to message men who mention the following:

  1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 

  2. 1984 

  3. World War II 

  4. The Da Vinci Code 

While men showed an increased interest in women you mentioned the following works of fiction:

  1. The Hunger Games 

  2. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo 

  3. A Game of Thrones 

  4. To Kill a Mockingbird 

  5. Pride and Prejudice 

  6. Harry Potter series 

  7. Lord of the Rings series

Be right back – just digging up our library cards. 

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Whether you're heading up to Donegal or jetting away to Costa Rica, there's nothing better than reading a great book while on holiday.

From thrillers, to love stories and everything in between, we love grabbing a book before we take some much-needed time off.

We have rounded up the best five books from this year so far for you to take along with you on your holliers.

The Rule Don't Apply by Ariel Levy

The book's synopsis reads, "When Ariel Levy left for a reporting trip to Mongolia in 2012, she was pregnant, married, financially secure, and successful on her own terms. A month later, none of that was true.

"Levy picks you up and hurls you through the story of how she built an unconventional life and then watched it fall apart with astonishing speed. Like much of her generation, she was raised to resist traditional rules—about work, about love, and about womanhood."

The deeply moving memoir chronicles adventure, heartbreak and a woman's reinvention of herself.

 

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? by Alyssa Mastromonaco

Alyssa Mastromonaco worked for Barack Obama long before he began his campaign for president.

"As director of campaign operations, she made Hope and Change happen through blood, sweat, tears, and lots of briefing binders," the review reads.

"Here Alyssa shares the strategies that made her successful in politics and the White House-including the importance of confidence, the value of not being a jerk, and why ultimately everything comes down to hard work (and always carrying a spare tampon)."

 

The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn

"When friends at a wine-soaked dinner party reveal they've made their marriage open, sensible Lucy balks," reads the Amazon synopsis.

"There's a part of her, though- the part that worries she's become too comfortable being invisible – that's intrigued. Why not try a short marital experiment? Six months, clear ground rules, zero questions asked. 

"When an affair with a man in the city begins to seem more enticing than the happily-ever-after she's known for the past nine years, Lucy must decide what truly makes her happy- 'real life', or the 'experiment'?"

 

The Amateurs by Sara Shepard

If you were a fan of the Pretty Little Liars books, then this will be right up your street.

Aerin Kelly loves her older sister, Helena, and they did everything together until one day, Helena disappeared.

"Four years later, Helena's body is found. Wracked with grief and refusing to give up on her sister, Aerin spends months trying to figure out what exactly happened to Helena and who killed her. But the police have no leads," the synopsis reads.

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We: A Amnifesto for Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel

Amazon writes, "Actress Gillian Anderson and journalist Jennifer Nadel, friends for more than a decade, have created the road map they wish they’d had for how to live a meaningful life.

"[This book] is an uplifting, inspirational, and intensely practical manual for change, providing nine universal principles that offer a path for dealing with life's inevitable emotional and spiritual challenges. 

"It's for anyone who wants to see her own life and the world around her change for the better."

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