Read Scotland 2018 discussion

I've had a fantastic year moderating this group :)
I'd love to hear more about the books you've read and challenges and discussions you've been a part of too...

What was your favourite Scottish read of the year?
(Or maybe your worst?)

Which was the most interesting group read discussion for you?

Have you read any books /authors that you normally wouldn’t have chosen, either in the group reads or because you found a Scottish link?

Tell us how many you books you listed and if you reached your Read Scotland goal!

...if you didn’t reach your goal, you can quote ‘quality over quantity’ and advise us what we should read next year!

What books have you got lined up for the rest of 2018? Have you got books planned for a 2019 challenge?

Favorite: 'The Cone-Gatherers', by Robin Jenkins
Least favorite: 'Eleanor Oliphant...'
New authors/books: There were many good recommendations from this group, 'Mary Stuart' by Zweig was one.
My goal was 12, I read 16.
This was thoroughly enjoyable and I will continue to read more Scottish works in 2019.

My favorite was Life of a Regiment: The History of the Gordon Highlanders from Its Formation in 1794 to 1816. Vol I by Colonel Gardyne. Although obscure, this regimental history was fascinating and, surprisingly, lavishly illustrated.

I am thankful for the group read concerning Humphrey Clinker; I really enjoyed that humorous novel and I doubt I would have encountered it otherwise.

My goal was to reach 10, and I am currently at 14. Once I get out of school I might be able to sneak in a couple more Scottish reads to move up to the Robert the Bruce category.

I definitely plan on reading James Clerk Maxwell's Matter and Motion because I am taking a dynamics class next after my winter break. Hopefully reading this old-school book will give me a leg up before I take this difficult class!

I also want to read the third McAuslan book, The Sheikh And The Dustbin, And, Other Mc Auslan Stories by George MacDonald Fraser since I enjoyed the previous two books so much. Another of Fraser's works that I am keen on exploring is his highly lauded memoir of serving in WWII, Quartered Safe Out Here: A Harrowing Tale of World War II. I was very impressed with Fraser's books, and I'll eventually have to his infamous Flashman books a try.

Finally, there are the subsequent volumes of the Gordon Highlanders regimental history that I have on my bookshelves, waiting to be read. Volume II covers their service between Waterloo and the Boer Wars in India and Pakistan, and volume III focuses on the Boer Wars.

I'm happy that I found this group and I definitely plan on reading more Scottish books next year. Thanks everyone!

Nikki wrote: "Favorite: 'The Cone-Gatherers', by Robin Jenkins
Least favorite: 'Eleanor Oliphant...'
New authors/books: There were many good recommendations from this group, 'Mary Stuart' by Zweig was one.
My go..."

You’ve reminded me of The Cone Gatherers, it was on my radar but I was worried if it’s very sad? It sounds interesting but I can get a bit emotional with stuff like that!

I enjoyed the Mary Stuart too, I wouldn’t have picked it myself, but it certainly gave new perspectives on the Elizabeth/Mary conflict.

So glad you’re planning to read more Scottish books next year, Nikki :)

Elliot wrote: "My favorite was Life of a Regiment: The History of the Gordon Highlanders from Its Formation in 1794 to 1816. Vol I [bookcover:Life of a Regiment: The History of the Gordon Highland..."

I love how niche your books are! And you took note of the illustrations, which I’m fascinated with, but usually go unmentioned.

Glad you enjoyed Humphry Clinker (I really need to call a pet that name one day, just so I can shout ‘Humphry Clinker’ at given moment) and you squeezed in 14 books so far in your busy schedule! Good luck with your class, although I doubt you need it, as you’re obviously very well read and passionate about your subjects.

Look forward to seeing what specialist books you read next year, Elliot! :)

Ellen wrote: "Nikki wrote: "Favorite: 'The Cone-Gatherers', by Robin Jenkins
Least favorite: 'Eleanor Oliphant...'
New authors/books: There were many good recommendations from this group, 'Mary Stuart' by Zweig ..."
'The Cone Gatherers' is a tragedy--no doubt--but beautifully written.

Favourite - The Radical Rising: The Scottish Insurrection of 1820

There was no "worst", but the one I liked least was No Dominion by Louise Welsh, which was a disappointment after the first two books of the trilogy.

My favourite discussion was on Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, a book that seems to strongly divide opinion.

I read 55, reaching my target.

I've got a few books on Scottish history that I'd like to finish in 2018 - but I suspect Pantos and nativity plays will get in the way!

In 2019 I'm looking forward to reading lots of books on Scottish history in the early Nineteenth century.

Very strong year for reading, and it's difficult to pick just one favourite out the lot, but unless anything changes within the next couple of weeks it's probably Gillespie just completely and utterly in love with it.

Least favourite has probably got to go to Miscellany Poems By Jane Adams in Crawfordsyke which I feel slightly terrible about since the collection contributed to her downfall.

Was late in joining but enjoyed the discussion for Humphry Clinker. Liked a lot of the takes on it.

Poetry collections and pamphlets aside I hit 42 books this year. Was pretty thrilled - https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Next year I'd like to read more nonfiction titles but still keep keeping hunting out a few forgotten reads as well.

I've made my goal and am now on my 31st Scottish book of the year.
My favourites are probably Living Nowhere by John Burnside and Hame by Annalena McAfee.
A lot of my Scots reading was from the list of 100 best Scottish Books.

Jack wrote: "I've made my goal and am now on my 31st Scottish book of the year.
My favourites are probably Living Nowhere by John Burnside and Hame by Annalena McAfee.
A lot of my Scots reading was from the lis..."

I always watch your choices with interest Jack, and I've just downloaded a copy of "Hame" which I'm looking forward to. Much as I like John Burnside, "Living Nowhere" just isn't appealing to me at the minute - but I'll maybe have to reconsider if you rate it as one of your favourites.

From that 100 best Scottish Books list Adam Blair by J G Lockhart, The Shipbuilders by George Blake and Mr Alfred M.A. were ones I hadn't heard of before and were very good.
(The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle, The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith and From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming I had heard of and were not.)

Jack wrote: "I've made my goal and am now on my 31st Scottish book of the year.
My favourites are probably Living Nowhere by John Burnside and Hame by Annalena McAfee.
A lot of my Scots reading was from the lis..."

I wish I had seen this list before! Thanks for sharing.

I didn't do well at all! On a positive note I have got back into the 'habit' of reading and so I will keep my list from 2018 for 2019.

I set my goal lower this year - as i read a lot of things that don't fit the category. but that way i did meet my goal. the best book is one i'm not done with. i got it for christmas 2 years ago. it is a huge coffee table type book by alexander mccall smith about Edinburgh. it is filled with histories and old pictures and is really fascinating to me. i have spent 5 or 6 days there during two different trips and i love learning more about places i've seen, or learning about places i missed and would love to see if i ever get to return.

John wrote: "Favourite - The Radical Rising: The Scottish Insurrection of 1820

There was no "worst", but the one I liked least was No Dominion by Louise Welsh, wh..."

I've seen the Eleanor Oliphant book discussed in other books and there seems to be a Marmite reaction of love it or hate it.

Good luck with your panto's and plays, John! That must be a good laugh :)

Katrina wrote: "Very strong year for reading, and it's difficult to pick just one favourite out the lot, but unless anything changes within the next couple of weeks it's probably Gillespie just completely and utte..."

I really liked the look of Gillespie, must remember to add it to my TBR pile... (I also like the character illustration on the front cover of the copy that pops up on GRs.)

42 books is awesome (I would personally count the poetry and pamphlets!) - I'd be interested to see what Scottish nonfiction you'd find so I can steal some ideas!

Jack wrote: "From that 100 best Scottish Books list Adam Blair by J G Lockhart, The Shipbuilders by George Blake and Mr Alfred M.A. were ones I hadn't heard of before and were very good.
(The Hound of the Baske..."

Thanks for sharing that link of 100 Scottish Reads - it looks fab and lots of ideas there :) There's quite a few I haven't come across so that will help set me up next year...

Tracy wrote: "I didn't do well at all! On a positive note I have got back into the 'habit' of reading and so I will keep my list from 2018 for 2019."

Any kind of reading is awesome, I wouldn't worry :) Books keep well, so there's always next year or the year after! You've reminded me that I wanted to steal some of your TBR list on your thread, so thanks!

Julie wrote: "I set my goal lower this year - as i read a lot of things that don't fit the category. but that way i did meet my goal. the best book is one i'm not done with. i got it for christmas 2 years ago. i..."

That books sounds incredible - I love those kind of books! I've got so many coffee table books... just without the coffee table ;)

I only went to Edinburgh for a weekend as a teenager which is not enough - would love to return one day.

PS: Sorry for the bombardment of replies all at once - the council dug through our cables so we had no phone or broadband for a bit!

We had only one full day there on our first trip. ten years later, we had about 4 full days. even then there is so very much more to see! we wanted to see White Horse Close (you can look it up -lots of people take pictures of it - it is just so appealing), but the queen's garden party was taking place and all those streets were blocked off! and can you imagine that we didn't have any invitation to the party! 8,000 other people did! : ) we also missed Dean Village. - gorgeous architecture. and we heard there is a boat ride to a little island in the firth of forth, with puffins! i didn't know about that either, until we came back. maybe someday!

My favourite Scotland read was probably my discovery of Kate Atkinson and reading the 1818 published book Marriage by Susan Ferrier.

I don't think I would have picked up the Stone of Destiny by Ian Hamilton if I was not reading Scottish books, so yeah, it definitely makes me seek them out.

I met my goal and read 33 Scottish Books and I am well chuffed with that.

I have currently 9 titles on the list for next year, but there shall be more added, I enjoy doing some research on this between Xmas and New Year and I also always actively scan the Booksellers new titles for anything coming out :)

Well I am disappointed with how I went this year - only 3 Scotland books read (still reading another and hope to have that finished to inlcude is this years tally). We had a visit to Scotland and France this year so I had hoped to read more on Scotland - I read 12 on France!

There is always next year! And I shall have fun coming up with new lists (of which I never stick to!)

I suppose I had better get myself organised and sort out my read list for this year. I managed to complete the main Goodreads challenge this year but stopped updating my Scottish reads here in the middle of the year so I have no idea if I reached my goal or not. Will go back through and get my list updated before the end of the year.
I have my first two lined up for next year already. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie because I can't believe I have never read it and The Diary of a Bookseller which should be interesting and amusing.