Rory McIlroy biography tops Waterstone’s Ballymena chart as readers snap up latest releases

Waterstone’s Ballymena has revealed its latest Top 10 bestselling books, with golf biography, literary fiction and sci-fi adventures all proving popular among local readers this week.

The newest chart reflects a growing appetite for contemporary fiction and thought-provoking reads, while upcoming releases from some of the literary world’s biggest names are already generating excitement ahead of publication.

Top 10 this week

A varied mix of fiction, memoir and literary bestsellers dominates the latest chart.

1. Rory — Alan Shipnuck

A revealing portrait of golfing superstar Rory McIlroy, exploring the pressures, triumphs and controversies surrounding one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable sporting figures.

2. Heart The Lover — Lily King

An emotionally rich literary novel examining intimacy, identity and human connection with sensitivity and depth.

3. The Impossible Fortune — Richard Osman

The latest gripping mystery from the bestselling author, packed with twists, humour and intrigue.

4. Project Hail Mary — Andy Weir

A tense and inventive sci-fi thriller following a lone astronaut on a desperate mission to save humanity.

5. Fundamentally — Nussaibah Younis

A sharp and timely work exploring identity, politics and contemporary life.

6. Yesteryear — Caro Claire Burke

A compelling debut examining the realities hidden beneath a carefully curated online image.

7. Broken Country — Clare Leslie Hall

A moving and immersive novel centred on relationships, place and emotional transformation.

8. London’s Falling — Patrick Radden Keefe

A compelling work of investigative non-fiction exploring power, corruption and hidden histories.

9. The Tarot Reader Of Versailles — Anya Bergman

A richly atmospheric historical novel filled with intrigue, mystery and the opulence of the French court.

10. Atmosphere — Taylor Jenkins Reid

A sweeping and emotionally charged story from the bestselling author known for vivid characters and cinematic storytelling.

Book clubs continue to welcome new faces

Waterstone’s Ballymena’s regular book clubs continue to grow, with organisers encouraging readers of all ages and interests to come along.

• Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club

21 May at 7pm

Readers will discuss Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman.

• Fiction Book Club

Thursday 4 June at 7pm

This month’s title is Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis.

Tea and refreshments are provided during all sessions.

Storytime returns on 23 May

Families are invited to join Waterstone’s Ballymena for storytime and colouring at 12pm on Saturday 23 May.

This week’s featured book is The Island Of The Bees by Patricia Forde.

Major new titles available to preorder

Several highly anticipated books are now available to preorder in store ahead of their release dates.

• John Of Johns — Douglas Stuart

Out 21 May 2026

The acclaimed author delivers a deeply emotional story of family, religion and secrecy, centred on a young man returning home under the weight of expectation.

• Blitz — John Nicholl

Out 21 May 2026

Drawing on diaries, official records and eyewitness testimony, Nicholl explores the devastating impact of the Second World War on civilians across Britain.

• Land — Maggie O’Farrell

Out 2 June 2026

The bestselling author of Hamnet returns with an evocative novel set in nineteenth-century Ireland, exploring upheaval, loss, colonisation and survival.

New Game Of The Month

Waterstone’s Ballymena has also introduced a new featured game for the month.

• Castle Combo

A fast-paced medieval-themed strategy game where players draft cards to build the highest-scoring character grid. Designed for families, casual gamers and fans of tactical tabletop games, the compact game promises high replayability and quick gameplay.

Closing

With bestselling books, growing community book clubs and a wave of highly anticipated releases on the horizon, Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to offer readers a lively mix of literary discovery, conversation and entertainment throughout the spring season.