Saint Patrick's Day is March 17th!

Me grandmother's maiden name was O'Malley, so I have a touch o' the Irish blood in me. I lived out in Portland, Oregon for a while and had the great fortune to hear a fun band called Darby O'Gill (yes, just like the Disney movie, without the Little People) on numerous occasions. Check out their music at Darby O'Gill: Rollickin' Irish Stage Show. You can preview songs, download MP3s, or buy an album.

But let me tell you about my favorite Irish book. Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy begins with two young girls, Benny and Eve, who bond as friends growing up in the tiny village of Knockglen. When they attend the university in Dublin, they meet beautiful Nan Mahon, who seems to have the perfect answer for everything, and handsome Jack Foley, a doctor's son who wants to practice law. Benny is certain Jack would never be interested in a plump girl like herself, but it turns out he likes her for her humor, gentle nature and earnestness . However, lovely Nan is always plotting how she will get out of her lower-class home existence. She plans to marry well, and will take any steps necessary to make it happen, no matter who gets in the way.

Binchy's charming, well developed characters and their interactions are what have me reading this book over and over again. If you like the female friendship aspect of the book, you might also try Binchy's Light a Penny Candle, or London Transports for short, interrelated stories.

There is also an enjoyable film version Circle of Friends featuring Minnie Driver and Chris O'Donnell, but it differs quite a bit from the book.