Read Scotland 2015

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Read Scotland 2015

January 4, 2015 by Claire (The Captive Reader)

Peggy Ann is hosting the Read Scotland challenge again this year and, despite having failed spectacularly to meet my goal last year (5 books reviewed rather than the 13 I was aiming for), I can’t wait to get started. There are few enough challenges out there that appeal to me but this one is just right. I’ve signed up for the more modest Highlander (5 to 8 books) level this year and will be tracking my success on my Challenges 2015 page.

But where to start? I loved The Crow Road, which I read last year, so might have to try more of Iain Banks’ works. I’m very keen to read Rory Stewart’s The Marches, which I believe is finally coming out this summer, and, while I’m considering non-fiction, I’ve had Adam Nicolson’s Sea Room sitting neglected on my bookshelf for far too long. I’d love to finally read something by Compton Mackenzie – I keep borrowing Whiskey Galore and The Monarch of the Glen from the library and then returning them unread. And, of course, there is always my beloved D.E. Stevenson; I have read most of her books now but would happily return to them, especially the ones I didn’t review first time around.

No, there is no shortage of Scottish books on my reading list, for this year or any other. Now I just have to focus on overcoming last year’s hurdle: actually reviewing the books!

12 Responses

on January 4, 2015 at 08:05 | Reply kaggsysbookishramblings

Lovely idea! I read my first Alasdair Gray this year and loved it!
- on January 4, 2015 at 13:57 | Reply Claire (The Captive Reader)
  
  Another author for me to add to my list!
on January 4, 2015 at 10:23 | Reply eatierney

Regarding DE Stevenson, also one of my favorites, I can heartily recommend Miss Bun, the Baker’s Daughter. I also recently listened to The Blue Sapphire, and didn’t care for it at all!!
- on January 4, 2015 at 12:49 | Reply Claire (The Captive Reader)
  
  Sounds like our tastes might differ here: I quite enjoy The Blue Sapphire while The Baker’s Daughter bores me to tears. To each their own!
  - on January 4, 2015 at 14:44 eatierney
    
    Oh my goodness, that’s funny!!! How do you feel about Miss Buncle’s Book?
  - on January 4, 2015 at 14:51 Claire (The Captive Reader)
    
    I don’t see the appeal at all. I adore all the Mrs. Tim books, though.
on January 4, 2015 at 13:38 | Reply Peggy Ann

Claire I’m glad your on-board again this year! Sounds like you have lots of good books to chose from.
- on January 4, 2015 at 13:58 | Reply Claire (The Captive Reader)
  
  There is certainly no shortage of books to choose from! Thanks so much for hosting the challenge again this year.
on January 5, 2015 at 12:59 | Reply Col

Sounds like a grwat challenge though Im more than a little biased! If youve not read it I can recommend Lewis Grassic Gibbons ‘Sunset Song’!
- on January 5, 2015 at 19:45 | Reply Claire (The Captive Reader)
  
  I haven’t read it yet, but it is on my TBR list!
on January 15, 2015 at 11:24 | Reply Liz Rose

You may want to give Jane Duncan’s “My Friends” books a try. I recommend them and would suggest beginning at the start of the series with “My Friends the Miss Boyds”.
- on January 16, 2015 at 21:31 | Reply Claire (The Captive Reader)
  
  Thanks for the recommendation, Liz! I remember hearing about Jane Duncan’s books several years ago but I never got around to trying them. Maybe this year.