Normal People is Rooney’s second novel, following the release of her debut, Conversations and Friends. It quickly became popular and it’s no wonder why. The lives of Connell and Marianne are intricately detailed and exciting as the book follows through their developing relationship as they venture from high school to Trinity College. If you can't get enough of the story, check out the Emmy-nominated show, streaming on Hulu!

This collection of short stories follows an unnamed protagonist through the minute details of her daily, solitary life on the outskirts of a small town. While the diary-like entries and subject matter might not seem all that interesting, Bennett does a fantastic job of making the ordinary into something wonderful.

Set in the years after World War II, this story follows Eilis Lacey as she leaves her family behind in Ireland to find opportunity in America. The devastatingly beautiful prose is sure to cause a tear or two. You may recognize the title from the Oscar-nominated 2015 film starring Irish-American actor, Saoirse Ronan who does a beautiful job bringing Eilis Lacey's story to life on screen. 

You'll almost certainly find James Joyce on any "Must Read Classics" list. With Ulysses (italicized) being hailed as one of the most important modernist works, it's not hard to see why. If the robust length of Ulysses seems daunting, check out Joyce's Dubliners - a collection of 15 short stories that explore the many troubles and intricacies of the people of Dublin.

If you’re looking for a great comedy, look no further than At Swim-Two-Birds. O’Brien chronicles the life of a writer whose characters are rebelling against them. It might sound confusing now, but it is thoroughly enjoyable and well worth the read.