Read Scotland 2017 discussion

This is the folder for starting a conversation about a book or anything else you think we might be interested in!

Out of curiosity, I just had a question to group members: Why are you currently interested in reading books with Scotland as a setting of Scottish authors?

For myself, I am partially interested due to my Ancestry DNA results. Also, I have a friend who will be visiting Scotland during the latter part of 2017 and maybe this will help me to understand or share her personal experience more. Hopefully one year, I will be doing the traveling to Scotland. : )

Lisa Ann ⛄ wrote: "Out of curiosity, I just had a question to group members: Why are you currently interested in reading books with Scotland as a setting of Scottish authors?

For myself, I am partially interested d..."

For me I think the history of Scotland draws me to the people, who I've found to be incredibly wonderful, friendly, well-read people, and to the unbelievable landscapes. So many fantastic innovations come from Scottish people too! And no one writes crime books quite like the Scots! As far as I know I don't have any Scots in my family history, but I have Irish and a lot of Scots immigrated to Ireland a long time ago so who knows!

Being Scottish and going to school here I have to say that I was put off Scottish literature at quite an early age. I recall reading Sunset Song at the age of about 14 and it is quite a heavy topic for such a young age. Constant forced reading of such books along with Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson sort of puts you off. Now that I've grown up a little I feel I can go back and read these works again and not just understand them but also appreciate them.

For me now it is about discovering the great literature that has been produced by and about Scotland. Like you say Peggy, Scottish literature has a great history of crime writing and some dark works that rival anything coming out of the Nordic countries. I know there is more out there so thats why I want to make the effort to agree to at least some exclusively Scottish works!

Callum wrote: "Being Scottish and going to school here I have to say that I was put off Scottish literature at quite an early age. I recall reading Sunset Song at the age of about 14 and it is quit..."

I can relate, in that I felt put off by some American classics by being forced to read them in school. Some of the themes and messages of those stories are offputting and difficult to understand in junior high school or even high school.

So glad you have found some stories and authors that you enjoy now. :)

I agree with Peggy and Callum about the books. Also as I'm Scottish and live in Scotland I enjoy reading books that are set in places I know as then I can 'walk' down those streets or see the views.

My reason for joining Read Scotland:

I have multiple books by each of these Scottish authors and I want to read them finally: William McIlvanney, Denise Mina, Catriona MacPherson, Peter May, Barry Maitland, T. Frank Muir, A. D. Scott, Philip Kerr, Louise Welsh.

I love hearing everyone's reasons for reading Scottish books! I have several: first, because I decided to start a blog reviewing only Scottish books so I have to read in order to review! secondly, I lived in Scotland for four years (and gave birth to two of my children there) and this is a way for me not to miss Scottish life quite as much. third, my great-grandmother came from Scotland and our Scottish heritage has always been a part of our lives. fourth, I want to be able to recommend good Scottish books to everyone who asks me!

Thanks everyone! It has been fun reading your answers. : )

I grew up in Scotland and moved to California 11 years ago. always been a fan of the tartan Noir and Scottish crime (William McIlvanney, Ian Banks, Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh) and more recently the dark humor of Christopher Brookmayer. Enjoying discovering newer Scottish authors with terrific crime based writing that is set in the highlands and islands (Ann Cleeves, stuart MacBride, Peter May). I also enjoy the occasional Scottish biography (David Millar, Alan Cummings, Gordon Ramsay). Considering one of my favorite pastimes is drinking whisky (mostly single malt Scotch) - it seems fair to say you can take the lad from Scotland but you can't take Scotland from the lad! ... just wish i had time to read more though 20 or so books a year does me fine.

John wrote: "I grew up in Scotland and moved to California 11 years ago. always been a fan of the tartan Noir and Scottish crime (William McIlvanney, Ian Banks, Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh) and more recently the d..."

Wonderful authors you've mentioned, John. Peter May is one of my favorites. If you haven't read them yet you might like Alan Jones, he's self published on Amazon, lives in Ayrshire. Douglas Skelton has two good series - Davie McCall and Dominic Queste. James Oswald billed as 'the new Ian Rankin' from Fife, Inspector McLean series.

Where in Scotland are you from? I go each summer to visit friends in Fife.

Peggy wrote: "John wrote: "I grew up in Scotland and moved to California 11 years ago. always been a fan of the tartan Noir and Scottish crime (William McIlvanney, Ian Banks, Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh) and more r..."
Peggy and John _ I too like Peter May. I hope to read Coffin Road in 2017. Perhaps my favorite crime reads of 2016 were by Mark Douglas-Home. He has three books out and I read them all in one year. Usually I stagger my author reads. I wish he had a new book out as it would qualify for this challenge. They are the Sea Detective series. The Sea Detective, The Woman Who Walked into the Sea and The Malice of Waves

Lynn wrote: "Peggy wrote: "John wrote: "I grew up in Scotland and moved to California 11 years ago. always been a fan of the tartan Noir and Scottish crime (William McIlvanney, Ian Banks, Ian Rankin, Irvine Wel..."

Read all but Malice of Waves. Wasn't out yet when I was there this summer. Will have to order online. LOVED them!

Lynn wrote: "Peggy wrote: "John wrote: "I grew up in Scotland and moved to California 11 years ago. always been a fan of the tartan Noir and Scottish crime (William McIlvanney, Ian Banks, Ian Rankin, Irvine Wel..."

Read all but Malice of Waves. Wasn't out yet when I was there this summer. Will have to order online. LOVED them!

For whatever reason I'm drawn to Scotland. The history, the lands, the loyalty and treachery of the people, the language. I dream of visiting Scotland. Until then I will visit through the pages of books.

I'd appreciate it guys, if we left politics out of this group. We need one safe zone. Thanks!

If anyone wants to grab a free read on Kindle, take a look at this one I found today. Be sure to check if it's still free, if you buy it!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009QNR1NQ/

Tarissa wrote: "If anyone wants to grab a free read on Kindle, take a look at this one I found today. Be sure to check if it's still free, if you buy it!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009QNR1NQ/

[bookcover:The Hand..."

Thanks Tarissa, It looks like its free for Kindle Unlimited and I don't belong to that. The story looks really good though!

Question for Peggy - what is the castle/home in the group's banner photo? Have you been there?

Lorna, I'm sure its Eilean Donan Castle, at Kyle of Lochalsh. its apparently the most-photographed castle in Scotland.

Lorna wrote: "Question for Peggy - what is the castle/home in the group's banner photo? Have you been there?"

It is Eilean Donan and I took that photo last summer when we went there! It's a gorgeous castle inside and out! Not allowed to take photos inside though. It's actually in Dornie, near Kyle of Lochalsh which is a larger town.

I was sure I posted this yesterday but now I don't see it, so I guess I'll try again. If anyone has been wanting to read His Bloody Project, the Kindle edition is on sale right now for $1.99 on Amazon. It's a bit more (₤3.59) on uk.amazon.

Lorna wrote: "I was sure I posted this yesterday but now I don't see it, so I guess I'll try again. If anyone has been wanting to read His Bloody Project, the Kindle edition is on sale right now ..."

You did post it! I saw it. It in the thread And We're Off.

Hi everyone! I just joined your group, and now am creeping in the chat group.

I joined because I am going to Scotland this summer. I went to Edinburgh in January and really loved it. Now I can't wait to see the beautiful scenery of which I have heard so much about.

I am new to anything scottish books, I just started the Outlander series, but it's kinda dragging at this point for me. Does anyone have any recomendations ? I don't really read crime, and enjoy a fast paced book (otherwise I get impatient and start skipping over sentences - a real bad habit, I know)

Stéphanie wrote: "Hi everyone! I just joined your group, and now am creeping in the chat group.

I joined because I am going to Scotland this summer. I went to Edinburgh in January and really loved it. Now I can't w..."

Hi Stéphanie, welcome to the group! I read mostly crime so I might not have any good suggestions for you, but I'm sure others will.

Hi Stephanie, welcome to the group!
Trying to think of what books to recommend... Here's a mix of different styles. I really loved them all:

The Penguin Book of Scottish Short Stories

The Observations

The Gracekeepers

Also, it isn't really a crime book but might not be your cup of tea: The Other Mrs Walker
It wasn't my favourite, but I'm hearing lots of rave reviews about it, so I might have been a bit harsh.

Hope this helps! Enjoy your summer trip, what part of Scotland are you heading to?

Ellen wrote: "Hi Stephanie, welcome to the group!
Trying to think of what books to recommend... Here's a mix of different styles. I really loved them all:

[book:The Penguin Book of Scottish Short Stories|13611..."

Thank you for your recommendations!

I am visiting the highlands, going to Arran-Islay-Oban-Fort William-Inverness-Pitlochry-Sterling

Would an audiobook count for this challenge, if it is narrated by a Scottish person?

How To Train Your Dragon
Narrated by David Tennant

Tarissa wrote: "Would an audiobook count for this challenge, if it is narrated by a Scottish person?

How To Train Your Dragon
Narrated by David Tennant
"

Count it not because a Scot narrated it but because the author's bio says she grew up in London AND a Scottish Island.

Peggy wrote: "Tarissa wrote: "Would an audiobook count for this challenge, if it is narrated by a Scottish person?

How To Train Your Dragon
Narrated by David Tennant
[bookcover:How To Train Your..."

Okay, thank you, Peggy! That's so helpful. I wasn't sure to count it by the author or not.

The family is listening to this series together, so it's nice to have it count towards one of my challenges too. :)

Tarissa wrote: "Peggy wrote: "Tarissa wrote: "Would an audiobook count for this challenge, if it is narrated by a Scottish person?

How To Train Your Dragon
Narrated by David Tennant
[bookcover:How..."

I can imagine it's nice listening to David Tennant's voice read to you!

Peggy wrote: "Tarissa wrote: "Peggy wrote: "Tarissa wrote: "Would an audiobook count for this challenge, if it is narrated by a Scottish person?

How To Train Your Dragon
Narrated by David Tennan..."

Just saw your last comment Peggy. You can be sure, listening to David Tennant's voice is the best! I wouldn't even be enjoying the story as much, if it wasn't coming from that beautiful voice of his -- most definitely. :D

Hey everyone,
I just saw this Kindle freebie, for anyone interested!

"Strange Tales of Scotland"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NA0CFYQ/

*Check the price when you buy it, to be sure if it's still free or not.

Looks right up my street, but not available to UK buyers :( Will keep an eye out in local bookshops, library... if you download it I'd love to know what you think!

Tarissa wrote: "Peggy wrote: "Tarissa wrote: "Peggy wrote: "Tarissa wrote: "Would an audiobook count for this challenge, if it is narrated by a Scottish person?

I just finished watching Broadchurch -- wish I had a way to listen to him read this book!

Book suggestion, but I have not read it yet myself but it sounds good The Brora Murders

Melanie wrote: "Book suggestion, but I have not read it yet myself but it sounds good The Brora Murders"

It does sound good, Melanie!

'Brogar Finn' and 'Sholto McKay' - its worth reading just for the names! :)

Just to say, sorry I haven’t been commenting recently - it’s been a manic few weeks/month with one thing after the other... to name one thing, we had a charity event, where a STV weatherman took selfies with our goats, alpacas etc 😂 So random, does meeting a Scottish weatherman earn extra points on here?! Anyway, sorry if I’ve missed anything...

Ellen, poor guy was probably trying to just get shots while he could - you must be getting towards the time when daylight hours are brief in Orkney!
When I was there in the summer I was really disappointed that I didn't get into Stromness Bookshop (they were having a very extended lunch break the only day I was in Stromness). Although its small they always have a great selection and I've never visited it without coming away with a handful of books - I hope they are still going strong?

I've attached a photo of Book Week Scotlands first 'Virtual Festival' - Lots of events and things to do no matter where you live, you just join in online! (I love the term 'shelfie' for book lovers!)

Here's a link:
http://scottishbooktrust.com/reading/...

John wrote: "Ellen, poor guy was probably trying to just get shots while he could - you must be getting towards the time when daylight hours are brief in Orkney!
When I was there in the summer I was really dis..."

Just seen this John, yes I believe they're still open, (I live out in deepest, darkest East so I tend to use the Kirkwall bookshop.)

Kate wrote: "Tarissa wrote: "Peggy wrote: "Tarissa wrote: "Peggy wrote: "Tarissa wrote: "Would an audiobook count for this challenge, if it is narrated by a Scottish person?

I just finished watching Broadchurc..."

I binge-watched the first season of Broadchurch this weekend - it was so good! I'm hoping I have time for season two this weekend.

Ellen wrote: "John wrote: "Ellen, poor guy was probably trying to just get shots while he could - you must be getting towards the time when daylight hours are brief in Orkney!
When I was there in the summer I w..."

I love that Kirkwall bookshop! I spent some pleasant hours there last time I was in Orkney, in 2013.

It’s a lovely bookshop, Lorna, could spend all day (and all my money) in there!

We’ve just started binge watching Broadchurch too - a coincidence! Its interesting that Scottish people here think we talk in that West Country accent despite us not coming from there. Maybe we do, we’ve certainly started since watching it last night... As for Scottish accents, I could listen to David Tennant talk all day long!

Lisa A ⛄ wrote: "Out of curiosity, I just had a question to group members: Why are you currently interested in reading books with Scotland as a setting of Scottish authors?

For myself, I am partially interested d..."

I am Scottish. Was born on the now deserted Island of Stroma. Maybe that's why I love books set on Islands!

Stéphanie wrote: "Hi everyone! I just joined your group, and now am creeping in the chat group.

I joined because I am going to Scotland this summer. I went to Edinburgh in January and really loved it. Now I can't w..."
Hi Stephanie. I'm not exactly new, but I've not been here for a while. Hope you enjoyed your visit! If you don't really like crime, there are quite a lot of Scottish saga writers, like Evelyn Hood, Maggie Craig, Sylvie Taylor just to start off with.

Catherine wrote: " Lisa A ⛄ wrote: "Out of curiosity, I just had a question to group members: Why are you currently interested in reading books with Scotland as a setting of Scottish authors?

For myself, I am part..."

Stroma - wow! What a place! I've passed it on the ferry and love some of the folklore attached around the island. Top place to be born, Catherine! (I moved to mainland Orkney nine years ago and completely fell in love with the place.)

PS: Have you joined this year's group Read Scotland 2018? Here's the link if you want to continue doing challenges...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

PPS: I don't think I've read a Scottish saga, I'm intrigued.

Well, I thought it's about time we had a Scottish saga! Thanks for the link. I'll certainly join up! BTW, if you do want to read any of my books, they are available in the Orcadian bookshop. (am
I allowed to say that?)