People Like Me by Lynn Ruane gives a glimpse into the life of one young woman growing up in Tallaght. Having come through petty crime, drug-misuse, teenage pregnancy, rape and a whole lot of prejudice, Ruane felt the need to share her story, all the way to her appointment of independent senator serving in Seanad Éireann. With great honesty, Ruane gives the reader an real-life insight into the troubles and trials often faced by those growing up in one of the lower socio-economical areas of Dublin.

Up until this year, I didn’t read biographies. I thought they’d be boring. Who wants to read about someone else’s life anyway? How ignorant I was. I believe the success of this book depends largely on the honesty that Ruane writes with and it is through this honesty that she advocates to us all that we can be who we want to be. Regardless of our upbringing, our financial circumstances, our postcode – we can stand taller than those who undermine us and reach the success that we aspire for ourselves.

To be honest, I can’t remember why I read People Like Me. More than likely, I saw it on a book list and said yes, that’ll be the next read. I’m delighted I had that approach because I would highly recommend this book to every Irish person, especially those who think that postcode defines a person. I can guarantee that you will have a new outlook by the end of the book. Lynn Ruane is a brave and inspirational woman who has been a leading figure in advocating for change in Ireland. The least we can do is read her story.

This book was the fourth book I read in 2019 – the year in which I have committed to reading 25 books. It is no surprise to me, or any other reader, why this book has received the highly acclaimed awared for An Post Non-Fiction Book of the Year 2018. You can keep up-to-date with my “to-read” list and book reviews here.