Read Scotland 2018 discussion

Our group read for November and December is Archie Wilson & The Beasts of Loch Ness by Mark A. Cooper

Read it and share your thoughts below. Please use the spoiler HTML or comment at the top of your post where you are in the book so to not give anything away to those not quite there yet.

Have fun reading about interesting characters such as Nessie, Rob Roy and the oh so frightful nuckelavee!

Looking forward to reading this.

While certain details weren't my cup of tea, overall an engaging tale. 4.0!

Where was this hiding??
What an amazing original story, OMG. I absolutely loved it and the little creatures.

“You spawny-eyed pig-faced wazzock”

I love the characters, Imran, Archie and the relationship as Archie and his father grew to love each other.

But what happens next?? Is he going to stay his age? I hope book two is not too far off.
I gave it 5.0

The Explanation regarding the Loch Ness monster and the other creatures is so well put, that it could be factual and would explain a lot.
The Rob-Roy involvement was interesting, and worked better than I thought it would.
Jock was my favourite character. "I'm doomed".

Clive wrote: "Where was this hiding??
What an amazing original story, OMG. I absolutely loved it and the little creatures.

“You spawny-eyed pig-faced wazzock”

I love the characters, Imran, Archie and the rela..."

“You spawny-eyed pig-faced wazzock” LOL

Sadly I finished it. I loved being n Archie Wilson's world. Some of the scenes, such as the Twin brothers on the church roof and the mother and new born at the cemetery were classic.
Overall the story was extremely original, the type of book that could be made into a Disney Movie. I would recommend for ages 9 and up to 100.
The best and most reasonable explanation regarding the Loch Ness Monster I have read.

Here’s some group questions for you to discuss...

1. Who’s your favorite character and why?

2. How well do you think the author built the world in the book?

3. If this book was made into a movie, who would you cast in the title roles?


(Although I see some favourite characters have already been listed and a Disney movie mentioned so interested to see your casting!) :)

I’m just finishing my other books I’m on, but I’ve downloaded this on Kindle so looking forward to starting soon :)

I love the word ‘wazzock’ is still being used, I hear it very rarely now and have stopped saying it. I think I should start again....

It's currently FREE on kindle in UK. Not sure for how long, might just be a Daily Deal but I snapped it up just now, so that's part of my weekend sorted!

Alan wrote: "It's currently FREE on kindle in UK. Not sure for how long, might just be a Daily Deal but I snapped it up just now, so that's part of my weekend sorted!"

Thanks for the tip, Alan. Unfortunately I brought it the day before you posted this - oh well!

I finished it last night, a fun little story. My favourite character was Mr McGregor, I think. The sporrans are a cute idea, although a bit controversial as they were made into haggis, rather than there being little hairy haggis creatures (with legs on one side longer than the other so they can walk round a hill easier) which is what I was always told ;) I’m rather fond of gargoyles personally but I understand eating children is wrong and in this case they needed to be glared at. The Loch Ness M... being a boy was a surprise.

If I could change anything, it would be to modernize the language about being ‘crazy’ and give up the notion of crazy people would/should be ‘locked up’ and the added comments of ‘throw away the key’.

As for the movie question, it’s quite hard, I don’t know any ten-year-old actors! Maybe David Tennant for Jock, Ian McKellan for Rob Roy, and Justin Beiber for Evan?? :)

I loved this! I've probably been immersed in 'worthy' literary fiction or mysteries/thrillers for so many years that I had forgotten the sheer innocent joy of reading a 'kids' book - albeit one with all sorts of messages about family, friendship and school bullies.

I agree with Ellen about the haggis - *everyone* knows they live on hills and, as she says, one side legs are longer than the others. I'll allow the author this glaring inaccuracy (!) cos the sporrans were cute! I laughed at the cowardly monster Gordon, and enjoyed the cast of characters - lots of scope for many a sequel, I think.

I'm not sure of the target audience age, but it was interesting that the book didn't shy away from some of the more gruesome consequences of the gargoyles coming back to life. Would it give a young kid nightmares?? And poor Sodapop....

All in all a fun diversion, so thank you to those who voted it as this month's choice - it's something I just would not have read otherwise. As for casting a movie, I haven't got a clue!

Alan wrote: "I loved this! I've probably been immersed in 'worthy' literary fiction or mysteries/thrillers for so many years that I had forgotten the sheer innocent joy of reading a 'kids' book - albeit one wit..."

I know, poor Sodapop! I don’t think I’m over that yet...

Glad you enjoyed it Alan :) I love reading kids fiction every now and again, it often makes me laugh the most!

Ellen wrote: "Alan wrote: "I loved this! I've probably been immersed in 'worthy' literary fiction or mysteries/thrillers for so many years that I had forgotten the sheer innocent joy of reading a 'kids' book - a..."

Sodapop!! I forgot that bit! Am I evil for laughing at that part? It was just the image the author painted LOL.
I hope they make a movie of it.

I laughed as well hahaha. The old lady trying to get her poodle back lol. Chinny we will both go to hell for laughing.

"Sodapop" lol