Books « Claire Hennessy

Books

(or, if you like to look at covers first…)

So, what are these books about?

I write “contemporary, realistic young adult fiction” or “teen chick-lit” depending on how pretentious (or not) you want to be. (Could I get away with “modern-day bildungsromans”, she wondered idly…) Mostly this means that I write about teenage girls facing various crises – personal, romantic, familial, whatever. I am very fond of first-person narratives, angst, and dialogue, so these things tend to show up quite a bit.

I am never quite sure what age group these books are best suited for (I am not particularly fond of the word ‘suitable’). I like the ‘young adult’ label because it seems to imply that these are a step beyond children’s books rather than a part of them, which means there can be exciting things like sex and alcohol and swearing happening. Say a 10+, 12+, 14+ sort of market. One guideline I’d suggest for readers if that they’re more than two years younger than the main characters, they may feel that the book is ‘too old’ for them. (Then again, if you’re choosing your own books, you probably know what you want to read and what you don’t!)

Where to buy:
The most recent titles should be available from most Irish bookshops. If not, feel free to (gently) pester the staff. Bookshops in Ireland and the UK should have no problem with ordering in a copy for you.
You can also order them direct from Poolbeg Press, the publisher. (This is, I am reliably informed, probably your best bet if you are ordering from overseas.)

Also try:
Eason’s
Kennys Bookshop
Dubray Books
Read Ireland
WH Smith
Foyles
Amazon UK