Thoughtful selections, guided discussions, and genuine engagement through our shared passion for books: Brigid’s Library is an inclusive reading community that embraces all kinds of readers.
We hope you’ll join the conversation! Brigid’s Library gets together on Facebook
Latest
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Let’s Read Together
Hello, Book Lovers 👋
We believe that books have the power to transform lives.
Through Brigid’s Library, the book club for members and friends of the IRISH BY ANCESTRY group, we strive to foster a love of reading and learning about diverse culture and history, and to build deeper connections. Our live events happen on Zoom, and our daily conversations happen on our Facebook group. Please join us here!
Whether you prefer contemporary fiction, epic fantasy, or cozy biographies, you’ll find your place at Brigid’s Library. Our selections will focus loosely on Irish authors, culture, history, and myth.
Last Month’s Read
Time-tossed love rekindles Ireland’s past
Month
April 2026
Author and date
Amy Harmon, March 2019
BOOK REVIEW
Reprinted from the May issue of RELATED☘️ magazine, for Brigid’s Library
and Irish by Ancestry members and friends
WHAT THE WIND KNOWS, by Amy Harmon (US, Lake Union Publishing, 2019)
By SHELAGH BRALEY STARR
RELATED ☘️ Staff
Amy Harmon’s WHAT THE WIND KNOWS is that rare historical novel that feels like discovering a long-lost family story in the attic. It offers not just a gripping plot, but a surprisingly rich meditation on ancestry, identity, and the meaning of home.
The novel begins in contemporary America with Anne Gallagher (pronounced galla-her), a successful writer who has been raised on stories of Ireland by her beloved grandfather, Eoin. Orphaned young, Anne’s emotional link to her family’s past rests largely on this gentle, aging man and his tales of Co. Leitrim, Lough Gill, and the turbulent years of Ireland’s fight for independence. When Eoin dies, Anne travels to Ireland to scatter his ashes, and is pulled back in time to 1921, landing in the very community her grandfather once described.
Check back to read the rest HERE in the May 1 RELATED☘️ magazine—
This Month’s Read
Ní Ghriofa’s A Ghost in the Throat
Month
May 2026
Author and date
Doireann Ní Ghriofa, January 29, 2026
The May book club choice for Brigid’s Library Book Club and Irish by Ancestry members and friends
A GHOST IN THE THROAT, by Doireann Ní Ghriofa (North America: Biblioasis, June 2021, Tramp Press Ireland/UK, Aug. 2020)
**Winner of the 2021 Irish Book Awards Non-Fiction Book of the Year and the James Tait Black Biography Prize
This remarkable book weaves together memoir, literary detective work, and Irish history. Ní Ghriofa becomes captivated with an 18th century Irish lament composed by Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill after the violent death of her husband. As she translates and unravels this poem, she searches for traces of Eibhlín Dubh’s life, which has been largely overlooked by traditional history.
For readers interested in Irish ancestry, this book opens a window onto how our predecessors, especially women, are remembered or forgotten. It explores the emotional and spiritual ties we feel to those who came before us, the role of the Irish language in preserving family and cultural memory, and the deep urge to restore lost voices in our lineage. It’s as much about heritage and belonging as it is about literature.
Check back for the full review in the June 1 issue of RELATED☘️ magazine—
Upcoming Events
Monthly Book
Club Zoom Session
TBD late May/ early June 2026
Please check your email to weigh in on when we should meet to discuss this month’s book club read A GHOST IN THE THROAT by Doireann Ní Ghriofa. We’ll discuss the characters, plot, big themes, and favorite moments. CLICK BELOW TO JOIN OUR MEETING
FB Group
Discussion
ONGOING WEEKLY
Look for Facebook posts in the
Brigid’s Library Book Club group, so you can join a discussion in the comments about the novel. If you post a review of the book you’ll be entered for our monthly giveaway!
Post Your Review, Win a Prize
ONGOING DAILY
Once you’re done reading, post your review of A GHOST IN THE THROAT by Doireann Ní Ghriofa. Every post is an entry, and we’ll choose a winner for a giveaway at the next meeting.
Meet Readers, Make Friends
★★★★★
Sarah K.
“Brigid’s Library has become my sanctuary.”
★★★★★
John G.
“I’ve found so many
gems here so far.”
★★★★★
Emily R.
“This community keeps
up the excitement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Brigid’s Library book club work?
Each month, we select a new book for our members to read. We start with a FB discussion, share weekly posts on our Brigid’s Library Facebook group for open conversations, and host interactive live sessions with the author to explore comments. At the end of the month, we wrap up with a special live session to reflect on the book before moving on to the next one.
Do I need to be an active participant to join?
Not at all! You can engage as much or as little as you like. Whether you prefer reading along quietly, sharing your thoughts in the comments, or joining our live discussions, Brigid’s Library welcomes all kinds of readers.
How are the books selected?
Our selections balance literary classics, modern gems, and diverse genres (loosely gathered around Ireland) to keep things fresh and engaging. Members can also suggest books, and we occasionally hold polls to let the community decide upcoming reads.
Is there a membership fee?
Brigid’s Library Book Club IS FREE TO ENJOY. While free members can access book selections and discussions, there will be premium offerings as well, to share exclusive perks like extra content, private Q&A sessions, and early event access.