Read Scotland 2018 discussion
William Wallace: 11-15 Books
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Nikki
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Jan 24, 2018 07:20AM
So glad to have found this group. I heard about it from Mel's Bookland Adventures youtube channel. My daughter is studying in Scotland this year and I thought I should learn a bit about the place! I figured one book a month is a good goal.
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Oh hello Nikki :) Hope you have fun joining in.
1 - "The Guynd" by Belinda Rathbone. I loved this book. Here's my review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...2 - "The Emperor's New Kilt" by Jan-Andrew Henderson. This is a fun book which contains lots of interesting tid-bits about Scotland and her people. It was a lot of fun and informative.
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Nikki wrote: "1 - "The Guynd" by Belinda Rathbone. I loved this book. Here's my review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...2 - "The Emperor's New Kilt" by ..."
Have added the Guynd to my TBR. Sounds fab.
Book #3- "Sea Room: an Island Life" by Adam NicolsonThis is a very enjoyable book about life on the Shiant Islands, as experienced by their owner. Nicolson is a great writer with a very slow, contemplative style. He discusses the history of the islands, the natural world surrounding these islands and miscellaneous other topics including archaeology and the ethics of private land ownership. If you love nature writing this book will be right up your alley.
Book #4 - Trumpet, by Jackie KayThis is a fictional story of a family coming to terms with the death of the father. It sounds like a simple story, but there is quite a twist in this one. What really makes this book shine is Kay's writing. It is remarkable. I was not surprised to see that she has published poetry. If you enjoy beautiful writing and character-drive books, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
Book #5 - The Shetland Bus, David HowarthThis is an interesting account of a military base on Shetland during WWII. This base was used to clandestinely deliver arms to Norway and to bring refugees back. The missions were done by Norwegian fisherman using regular fishing boats to avoid detection. The accounts are interesting and quite adventurous, but often sad.
You are certainly forging ahead with your reading :)
Book #6 - The Stornoway Way, Kevin MacNeilI enjoyed this book. (I think someone in this group recommended it.)
My review here https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Book #7 - Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman.Sorry folks, I'm not a fan. I'll add my thoughts to the discussion forum about this book.
Book #8 - The Diary of a Bookseller, by Shaun BythellThis book was an interesting look at the life of a used book seller in Wigtown, Scotland. It was at times quite funny. I've added Wigtown's annual book festival to my bucket list.
Book #9 - Marriage, by Susan Ferrier
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. My review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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This book was an interesting look at the life of a used book seller in Wigtown, Scotland. It was at times quite funny. I've added Wigtown's ann..."
Great review, you're the second person in this group to love Ferrier's book, I can't believe I'd never heard of her! Must try her out, I love old books.
Book #9 - A History of Scotland, by Neil OliverThis book was quite interesting, but was fairly dense, so I took my time getting through it. Very informative.
Book #10 - The Driver's Seat, by Muriel Spark
This was my first Spark novel and I wasn't sure what to make of it. I wasn't particularly impressed.
Book #11 - The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, by Muriel Spark
I enjoyed this novel immensely. I really appreciate her writing--very smart.
Nikki wrote: "Book #8 - The Diary of a Bookseller, by Shaun BythellThis book was an interesting look at the life of a used book seller in Wigtown, Scotland. It was at times quite funny. I've added Wigtown's ann..."
Also adored Marriage by Mistress Ferrier, so brilliant :)
Book #12 - Rob Roy. My review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...Sorry, friends. I know Scott is the father of historical fiction, but I don't think I'll be picking up any more of his works.
Book #13 - Where's Me Plaid? A Scottish Roots Odyssey, by Scott CrawfordThis is a light-hearted, entertaining travelogue written by a person looking for his Scottish roots (the Crawfords). It's quite humorous at times and gave me more places to add to my 'places to visit' list.
Book #14 - The Cone-Gatherers, by Robin Jenkins
This is a beautifully written book! It offers a fascinating look at human nature. Definitely on my top 10 for the year. (A word of caution: the Introduction by Paul Giamatti completely spoils the plot, so I would recommend reading it after you finish the novel.)
Book #15 - Scots & Catalans: Union & Disunion, by J.H. ElliottMy review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book #16 - Mary Stuart, by Stefan ZweigA remarkable book--one of the best biographies I've ever read. Zweig is a masterful writer. (Thanks to Melanie for the recommendation!)
