When Irish Guys Are Smiling by Suzanne Supplee is an entertaining read about travel, friendship, and self-discovery. The main character is realistic, and the setting is described beautifully. I haven’t read very many books set in Ireland, but I am definitely interested in reading more.
Title: When Irish Guys Are SmilingSeries: Students Across the Seven Seas
Author: Suzanne Supplee
Publisher: Speak
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 10, 2008
Rating:
Series Rating:
For seventeen-year-old Delk Sinclair, studying abroad in Ireland means one thing: escape. Delk is tired of hearing about her friends' debutante parties, watching her pregnant stepmother redecorate her mother's house, and having to smile sweetly even though she doesn't think she'll ever get over losing her mother. Ireland is Delk's chance to be happy. With the stunning green landscape as backdrop, Delk revels in all things Irish, from living in a real Irish castle, to celebrating St. Paddy's Day in Galway, to enjoying Irish music and dance, to studying Yeats and shearing a sheep! So when Delk begins to fall for a very handsome Irishman, she wonders if there's more to the Emerald Isle than it first seemed. It is fun, to be sure, but will those smiling Irish eyes really be able to heal her broken heart?
Review: When Irish Guys Are Smiling by Suzanne Supplee
This book tells the story of a girl who sets off to study abroad in Ireland to escape her life at home. Her father has just remarried, and her new stepmom is young and pregnant. The book is both cute and serious at times, and reading about the characters’ travels is so entertaining. There is a mix of both academics and sightseeing which provide a nice balance and make the story more believable. I also enjoyed the theme of friendship and the connections Delk makes during her travels. I would recommend this one to those looking for something short and sweet.
❀ Captivating Character
I enjoyed Delk’s character, and she truly grows as it progresses. She can be herself in Ireland, and she is able to learn a lot about both the world and herself as a person. Her narration is also realistic, and she has a captivating voice. I just wish there was some information on the meaning and origins of her name, as I have never seen the name Delk before and I am intrigued.
❀ Gorgeous Setting
One of my favourite aspects of this book has to be the setting. As the book takes place in Ireland, there are many descriptions of the gorgeous landscapes and cultural traditions. The characters get to stay in an actual castle, and they participate in activities like sheep sheering. I definitely learned a lot while I was reading. After seeing Ireland through Delk’s eyes, I am dying to go myself.
❀ About Travel and Friendship
When Irish Guys Are Smiling by Suzanne Supplee is a lovable story about travel and friendship. I enjoyed the main character and her transformation, and the setting is picturesque. This is a great read for Saint Patrick’s Day.
About Suzanne Supplee
Suzanne Supplee is the author of When Irish Guys Are Smiling, a Students Across the Seven Seas series book, and Artichoke’s Heart. Currently, Suzanne is working on her third book, untitled as of yet, but due out in the spring of 2010.
Suzanne is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, and she earned a masters degree in creative writing from Towson University in Maryland. For a number of years, she has worked as both a teacher and a writer.
Suzanne is married and has three daughters. Her favorite hobbies include exercise, reading, and, of course, writing
I have this book on my tbr for years now, but I still haven’t got a chance to read it. I am glad to hear that you liked it.
Irena BookDustMagic recently posted…Nostalgic and inspiring: Written from the Heart by Trisha Ashley
It is a really fun read! I hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
I think Id enjoy this one. I love to travel via reading. My mother visited Ireland and she said it was gorgeous. I’d love to visit too!
Laura Thomas recently posted…Review & Giveaway ~ Out Of The Darkness by Darcia Helle
It sounds like such an idyllic place! I hope that we both get to go one day! 🙂
This book is perfect for this time of year! It also sounds really cute.
I love books set in Ireland, too. I really want to visit there. Have you read What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon? That one is set there and is really good.
I haven’t read that one yet. I will have to put it on my list! I think it sounds like a perfect place to visit as well. 🙂
I love it when I can see and feel the country in a book! It does become like an added characters to the story.
So true! It is such an amazing aspect to the story. 🙂
Great review! 🙂
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions recently posted…Happy Four Year Blogiversary!
Great that Delk was such a compelling character and it had a gorgeous setting. Awesome review!
I love the setting so much! 🙂
This sounds so cute! And I love everything about Ireland so I definitely need to give it a try.
Same! I love the setting so much! 🙂
Being seventeen is hard enough. Having to deal with grief and a new (pregnant) stepmother would be so tough.
I agree! 🙂
Sounds like a really nice book,. unique setting