Probably not the first books I ever read in my life, but it has to be by Cathy Hopkins. That entire series had me in the palm of its hand, and I had such a visceral reaction at age twelve or thirteen to that I remember squealing out loud. Me and my sister read them together and it was such a formative experience, us discussing all the drama.
I also vividly remember by Sally Jeffrie, mainly because I tried out a lot of the tutorials and practised the etiquette guides. Being a girl growing up really is its own thing. It’s genuinely a hard thing to do to find a crowd-pleaser, but if anyone asks for a good book to get out of a slump, or a pacy thriller, or a thought-provoking political read, or a beautiful romance: it’s always by Suzanne Collins.
How can a book be so many things! Unbeatable. It’s truly a perfect novel for me, as is the whole series. I actually read it for a course in English Literature, and I discovered during our seminar that there’s so many ways you can go into ; so many talking points, so many themes, at once a totally addictive page-turner, a stunning character study and an excellent critique of corruption and warfare.
A masterclass. I’ve been participating in the Trans Rights Readathon this year, which has opened me to such incredible literature. by Alok Vaid-Menon is an utterly fantastic introduction to gender nonconformity and just a very personal, tender and insightful journey to self-acceptance.
by Akwaeke Emezi was also fabulous. Emezi is an absolute hero of mine and anything they write turns to literal gold! It was such a wild, exciting, and pacy read whilst also touching on themes of connection, grief, and sexuality. I also recently read by Ely Percy which was the freshest, most pitch-perfect Scots voice I’ve ever read: as someone who grew up in South Lanarkshire it truly resonated with me.
Ely captured female friendships and coming of age as a teenage girl in a way I’ve never seen before. An instant classic. Honestly – none! I don’t tend to go into novels that I feel I won’t enjoy, and do a bit of research into the plot and themes before I actually commit to anything which tends to work out.
That might sound stifling, but with two literature degrees I have slogged through a lot for the sake of a class or a lecture, which made reading a chore and something I really had to unlearn. Equally I have such a kinship with other authors, especially since entering into the industry. I just want to run up to any I meet and become fast friends, that I genuinely struggle to see their work objectively and not a total labour of passion and perseverance.
Jackie Kay is my absolute idol. I have no notes, no additions, just that. I was introduced to her work during university and remain astounded by her to this day.
I wouldn’t even say I personally aspire to her level of prose, it’s just another realm of existence and I think all authors need someone like that for them, someone that opens the door to literature and the power of words and leaves them spellbound. opened up my whole world at eighteen and nothing can really beat an experience such as that. Those types of books are for life.
Very boring, but my bedroom. Scotland’s weather is so famously temperamental that I have definitely been caught out by it and received a soggy book for my efforts to enjoy the outdoors, and in libraries and cafes I get so distracted by everything happening. I find utter silence allows me to fall into a novel, which is the best way to read.
Author Posts navigation To request a media pack contact [email protected] We at Scottish Field endeavour to ensure that all our reports are fair and accurate and comply with the Editors’ Code of Practice set by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).
We realise, however, that mistakes happen from time to time. If you think we have made a significant mistake and you wish to discuss this with us, please let us know as soon as possible by any of the three methods: emailing ; telephoning the editor on 0131 551 1000; writing to the Editor at Scottish Field, 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH5 2DL. We will attempt to resolve your issue in a timeous, reasonable and amicable manner.
However, if you are unsatisfied with our response, you can contact IPSO, which will investigate the matter. You can either telephone IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or email . IPSO is an independent body which deals with complaints from the public about the editorial content of newspapers and magazines.
We will abide by the decision of IPSO. © SCOTTISH FIELD. All rights reserved.
.
