From the piles of new books for Christmas, this week we present a selection which may interest readers of The Irish Catholic, and make for a pleasant surprise for others under the Christmas tree…

Back to the Future: Reflections on Rural Life, Recession and Renewal over Thirty Years of Journalism by Ciaran Mullooly (Media People Ireland, €12)

Bridie Gallagher: The Girl from Donegal by Jim Livingstone, foreword by Daniel O’Donnell (The Collins Press, €19.99) Here is the story of one of Ireland’s greatest stars, written by her son, for many years her manager and musical director. He tells how a young girl from Donegal made her way in what has always been…

The Happiness Habit: A “Little Book” Guide To Your True Self by Fr Daniel O’Leary (Columba Press, €9.99)

By the Book’s Editor

Wilhelmina Geddes: Life and Work by Nicola Gordon Bowe (Four Courts Press, €50)

Irish Rebel: John Devoy and America’s fight for Ireland’s freedom by Terry Golway (Merrion Press, €19.99).

Sons and Fathers edited by Kathy Gilfillan, introduction by Colm Tóibin, foreword by Bono (An Irish Hospice Foundation Book / Penguin Ireland, €20)

The Mark and the Void by Paul Murray (Hamish Hamilton, £18)

The death of Michael Paul Gallagher on November 5 would have been unexpected to the very many people who benefited by reading his wise and insightful books. One such said to me the other day that they had attempted to wrestle with books on theology, and had almost given up. But from Michael Paul Gallagher’s…