Do families shape our lives? Can a name define your destiny and how important are family roots? As a month that is associated with wedding bells, the patter of feet and the optimism of summer, the Den shares its 3 Bright Ideas for June.

Our Book of the Moment, 'The Names' by Florence Knapp is a debut novel telling the story of one family with three different narratives and 3 different fates - all thanks to a name! Recommended by Sunday Times - 'utterly original', so be prepared to be blown away'! Our Missed Opportunity, 'The Distance Between Us' by Maggie O'Farrell is a Missed Opportunity novel picked by a Den reader which tells the haunting story of how family draws its characters back to their roots. First published in 2004 this is unputdownable and a wonderful excuse to return to the author. Our Wild Card, 'The Queen of Dirt Island', by Donal Ryan is a fierce story following the lives of one family across four generations of strong Irish women.

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For people who love books.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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