THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

Words can change the world by starting new conversations.

Abraham Lincoln inspired a nation, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti fought for women’s rights and Greta Thunberg made her voice heard on global warming. The stirring words of the 16 speakers inside have formed milestones in modern history and engaged generations on important issues including war, women’s rights, climate change and civil rights.

Covering speeches from the last 150 years, explore the events leading up to each speech, listen to the words, and discover the impact they had on the world. Presented in graphic novel style, this is a book to inspire a new generation of thinkers and talkers.

The third book in the thrilling, magical, and action-packed fantasy series, Dragon Storm, illustrated throughout and perfect for 7 – 9 year olds!

In the land of Draconis, there are no dragons.

Once, there were. Once, humans and dragons were friends, and created the great city of Rivven together.

But then came the Dragon Storm, and the dragons retreated from the world of humans.

To the men and women of Draconis, they became legends and myth.

It’s the Maze Festival in the city of Rivven, and young dragonseer Ellis andhis dragon Pathseeker are determined to be the first to complete the three mazes in the grounds of the king’s palace and win this year’s tournament.

But after they discover someone secretly using dangerous dragon magic, Ellis and Pathseeker face a far greater challenge – and it will take all of their skills and courage to find their way back home, and keep the existence of the dragons a secret from the king.

An exciting new fantasy series from the highly acclaimed author of Orion Lost, brilliantly illustrated throughout, and perfect for fans of Beast Quest and How to Train Your Dragon.

The second book in a thrilling, magical, and action-packed new fantasy series, illustrated throughout and perfect for 7 – 9 year olds!

In the land of Draconis, there are no dragons.

Once, there were. Once, humans and dragons were friends, and created the great city of Rivven together.

But then came the Dragon Storm, and the dragons retreated from the world of humans.

To the men and women of Draconis, they became legends and myth.

Cara has spent her life on the streets, relying on her wits – and a mysterious voice that seemed to live inside her head – for survival. She’s amazed when she learns that the voice actually belongs to a dragon – her dragon – and she’s invited to join a hidden society, the Dragonseer Guild, for those who can summon their own dragon.

But Cara isn’t used to having friends, and so when she and her dragon Silverthief uncover a dangerous secret, they must decide who they can trust… and their lives will depend on it.

An exciting new fantasy series from the highly acclaimed author of Orion Lost, brilliantly illustrated throughout, and perfect for fans of Beast Quest and How to Train your Dragon.

The first book in a thrilling, magical, and action-packed new fantasy series, illustrated throughout and perfect for 7 – 9 year olds!

In the land of Draconis, there are no dragons.

Once, there were. Once, humans and dragons were friends, and created the great city of Rivven together.

But then came the Dragon Storm, and the dragons retreated from the world of humans.

To the men and women of Draconis, they became legends and myth.

Tomas has always been told that now, dragons are extinct, and so he can’t believe it when a mysterious stranger invites him to join a secret society, the Dragonseer Guild – and tells him that not only do dragons still exist, but also that Tomas has a very special power… he can summon his very own dragon!

But Tomas faces a difficult choice, and he and his dragon, Ironskin, must learn to trust each other – and together, they have to save their home from a deadly threat.

An exciting new fantasy series from the highly acclaimed author of Orion Lost, brilliantly illustrated throughout, and perfect for fans of Beast Quest and How to Train Your Dragon.

Love The Sinner is the second collection from poet and theatre-maker, Imogen Stirling. A fusion of poetry, theatre and electronic music, it will premiere as a stage show later in 2022.

sirens, shutters, smashed glass and traffic hums / itchy feet / twitching thumbs / the city thrums with unrest / turns a buzz of thought

The seven deadly sins are alive and kicking hard in contemporary Scotland. Swooping from the mundane to the immense, Stirling’s long-form poetry weaves narratives of human experience. A loose alliance of extraordinary and unextraordinary characters struggle to comprehend their identities in a world bladed with criticism and obsessed with self-betterment. This story sees ancient roots clasp hands with modern compassion to explore human frailty, love and resilience, while the threat of ecological crisis rumbles in the background. 

Dr Cathy Moreland, recuperating from a severe mental breakdown, hopes to find peace in a remote Scottish coastal village. While there, she learns that, thirty years ago, its community had been devasted when a young woman threw herself from a nearby rocky headland into the sea. She was clutching her new-born child.

During Cathy’s stay, another tragedy occurs. Initially, it is assumed that the recent death is suicide but as the days pass, it becomes increasingly clear that her initial casual interest in the events threatens her own life. Cathy must draw on all of her courage to unearth the truth. A deadly malice creeps the winding lanes that surround the hamlet. Its stealthy footfalls are tender and reassuring but its true intent is as cruel as the sea itself.

DEATH BY APPOINTMENT is an enthralling and heartfelt murder mystery, the solution to which, will challenge even the most ardent murder mystery fans. If you enjoy British classic crime mixed with authentic medical drama, then you’ll love Mairi Chong’s prequel to the much-loved Dr Cathy Moreland Mystery series.

From love songs and dreamscapes to rats trapped in manholes, The Inner Circle takes us on a kaleidoscopic tour of Glasgow, weaving through tenement mansions and demolished neighbourhoods, trade unions and union jacks. Like a Daytripper ticket in poetic form, this is a pamphlet for those in love with cities and everyone in them.

One beautiful spring day in Sweden, Goran the bull charges furiously out of his stall and into the farmyard. People gather from miles around to see the angry bull, but no one can calm him down. Then Karl, the farm boy, has a brave idea. Can the little boy save the day?

A charming, traditional story from Astrid Lindgren, bestselling author of Pippi Longstocking, with illustrations from acclaimed Swedish artist Marit Törnqvist. Her delicate depictions of wooden houses, characterful villagers and silver birch trees wonderfully evoke the spirit of a Swedish farm from long ago.

‘Dark and quirky – there’s just something readers are going to love about meeting Grace McGill’ SCOTTISH SUN

‘One of the highlights of my reading year. A deliciously dark masterpiece‘ HELEN FITZGERALD

DEATH IS NOT THE END. FOR GRACE McGILL IT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

When people die alone and undiscovered, it’s her job to clean up what’s left behind – whether it’s clutter, bodily remains or dark secrets.

When an old man lies undetected in his flat for months, it seems an unremarkable life and an unnoticed death. But Grace knows that everyone has a story and that all deaths mean something more.

An illuminating new biography of one of Britain’s biggest and most influential bands, written with the full input and cooperation of Simple Minds, shedding new light on their dazzling art-rock legacy.

Themes for Great Cities features in-depth new interviews with original band members Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill, Mick MacNeil and Derek Forbes, alongside key figures from within their creative community and high-profile fans such as Bobby Gillespie, James Dean Bradfield and Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite. The book reclaims and revivifies the magnificence of Simple Minds’ pioneering early albums, from the glitchy Euro-ambience of Real to Real Cacophony and Empires and Dance to the pulsing, agitated romance of Sons and Fascination, New Gold Dream and beyond.

Emerging in 1978 from Glasgow’s post-punk scene, Simple Minds transitioned from restless art-rock to electro futurism, mutated into passionate pop contenders and, finally, a global rock behemoth. They have sold in the region of 60 million records and remain a worldwide phenomenon. The drama of their tale lies in these transformations and triumphs, conflicts and contradictions.

Themes for Great Cities tells the inside story of a band becoming a band. Inspiring, insightful and enlightening, it celebrates the trailblazing music of one of Britain’s greatest groups.

ni de aquí, ni de allá

It starts neither here nor there, a liminal space between two states of being. A life captured within his lines, At Least This I Know guides the reader through Andrés N. Ordorica’s own story, of ancestry, nationhood, activism and queerness, through childhood photographs, across international highways, to tales of love and loss, and beyond.

These poems are a means of working through the belonging in both the physical sense and emotional, be it the belonging of immigrant bodies in new countries, or that of the queer self within found families and safe spaces.

Navigating his family origin and personal journey to belonging, from Mexico, the USA, to Scotland, it’s a story to be welcomed into, one that flows from the page and envelops you.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE GORDON BURN PRIZE

Mrs Death tells her intoxicating story in this life-affirming fire-starter of a novel

Mrs Death has had enough. She is exhausted by her job and now seeks someone to unburden her conscience to.

She meets Wolf, a troubled young writer, who – enthralled by her stories – begins to write Mrs Death’s memoirs. As the two reflect on the losses they have experienced (or facilitated), their friendship flourishes. All the while, despite her world-weariness, Death must continue to hold humans’ fates in her hands, appearing in our lives when we least expect her …

Auctioneer Rilke has been trying to stay out of trouble, keeping his life more or less respectable. Business has been slow at Bowery Auctions, so when an old friend, Jojo, gives Rilke a tip-off for a house clearance, life seems to be looking up. The next day Jojo washes up dead.

Jojo liked Grindr hook-ups and recreational drugs – is that the reason the police won’t investigate? And if Rilke doesn’t find out what happened to Jojo, who will?

Thrilling and atmospheric, The Second Cut delves into the dark side of twenty-first century Glasgow. Twenty years on from his appearance in The Cutting Room, Rilke is still walking a moral tightrope between good and bad, saint and sinner.

Your invite to create calm and discover more joy…

In just thirty days, you can develop a creative habit that allows a little more calm and joy into your life. These easy-to-follow daily practices will help unleash your creative spark and build the foundation of your artistic practice.

With a mix of whimsical doodles, pages of expert advice, and simple step-by-step drawing guides, this book is designed to nurture your inner artist. Featuring calming lavender fields, tasty treats, and blooming bouquets, each page is a celebration of things that bring us comfort and joy. And, of course, there are plenty of pages to colour when you find yourself in the flow and want to remain in the creative bubble a little longer. Pick up this book, find a pencil, and begin your next adventure!

Who needs a gymn when you have Scotland?

We all have goals, ambitions and dreams, but how do you overcome the obstacles you find in the way? How do you kick your negativity to the kerb? How do you become who you want to be? BY STICKING TO THE DAMN PLAN.

With hundreds of videos, thousands of followers and millions of views, The Kilted Coaches, Stephen Clarke and Rab Shields, are no strangers to living their lives in high definition. But now they reveal how to become HD in every aspect of your life: bigger, louder, more colourful than ever, and unmistakeably you.

In a characteristically Scottish blend of advice and banter, The Kilted Coaches channel their years of experience as life coaches and weight loss experts into bite-sized nuggets of advice designed to build confidence, positivity and ultimately that elusive future self. Always down to earth (sometimes very literally), they demonstrate that whoever you are, wherever you are, you can win each day. In fact, we’re all just folk with our own lives and commitments, and every step towards health and happiness is a success.

So, stick to the plan and win your life – even if you don’t have a kilt (but it helps).

Discover the story of Santa Claus!

The best Christmas story not only for children by Davide Vezzoli.

” Santa Claus and his elves worked hard and prepared toys for all the children of the world.”

Three years in the making, Steve has brought together a fabulous selection of archive images, some never-before-seen or have lain unseen for decades in the archive. 

Looking at grounds across the country, each volume contains around 700 photos of Scottish football grounds, players and crowd scenes. 

Former Scotland Manager Craig Brown (Volume 2) and former Scotland international, Leanne Crichton (Volume 3) provide forewords football fans will love as they start their nostalgic trip down memory lane. 

Three years in the making, Steve has brought together a fabulous selection of archive images, some never-before-seen or have lain unseen for decades in the archive. 

Looking at grounds across the country, each volume contains around 700 photos of Scottish football grounds, players and crowd scenes. 

Former Scotland Manager Craig Brown (Volume 2) and former Scotland international, Leanne Crichton (Volume 3) provide forewords football fans will love as they start their nostalgic trip down memory lane. 

Delve into 200 photos of Scottish football stadiums that have lain unseen, in archives and rarely accessed collections, for decades. Foreword by broadcaster Chick Young. 45 chapters filled with black & white photographs. Also contains anecdotes and quirks gathered from fans, club historians and newspaper articles of decades past. Perfect gift for anyone interested in Scottish football!

Byobu is an intimate work filled with poetry and knowledge, densely interwoven without pretension, born of a single force: curiosity. As a book, it’s representative of the modesty and complexity of Vitale’s poetic universe. Byobu (from the Japanese word byōbu meaning literally a ‘wind wall’, i.e. a folding screen) is the protagonist in this treatise on the senses comprised of thirty-three contemplative episodes and a final section of aphoristic thoughts. Bybou is less a physical character, than a spiritual one, a consciousness revealing its rich inner world, which is, in fact, driven by its meticulous attention to our rich outer world. The insights afforded the readers certainly lead them to see Byobu as a folding screen behind which resides his universe of behaviours, worries, curiosities, pleasures, peculiarities, and efforts to understand.

‘There is a story,’ reads the opening sentence, speaking existence into the swirling unclaimed adventures waiting for us to notice them. And imagine the adventures that have materialized throughout Vitale’s ninety-seven years and with which Byobu is constructed. The result is a wandering inventory of discoveries, realisations, and confessions that rescue the often unnoticed, or considered useless, corners of the earth and our experiences of them. From earthworms to toads, chrysanthemums to butcher’s broom, stoplights to crossroads, to memories, misunderstandings, and forgetfulness, Byobu offers ‘a journey both mysterious and epiphanic. Signposted by exquisite vocabulary and writing that is not simple, where each word possesses its own weight and music’ (El País).