Tag: Book Week Scotland

Loki’s Poverty Safari is most rebellious read

Poverty Safari, the best-selling memoir about growing up in Glasgow by writer and performer Darren McGarvey, aka Loki, has been selected in an online vote for Book Week Scotland 2018 as the most rebellious read of the 21st century.

Now in its seventh year, Book Week Scotland is run by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing. In keeping with Book Week Scotland’s 2018 theme ‘Rebel’ readers were asked to select their most rebellious read from a shortlist of 21 non-fiction books.

Claiming 44% of all votes cast, Poverty Safari was followed in second place by A Streetcat Named Bob by James Bowen. Bowen’s inspiring story, which is also autobiographical, focuses on the healing relationship that he developed with an injured cat whilst homeless.

The Good Immigrant anthology edited by Nikesh Shukla, a crowdfunded book that challenges perceptions of immigrants with a diverse array of voices, took third place.

Over 3,500 people participated in the online poll, which was open for six weeks prior to the start of Book Week Scotland, and drew in record numbers of voters.

Poverty Safari, McGarvey’s first book, has garnered praise from across the political spectrum for its unflinching portrayal of the realities of growing up in poverty in Scotland. The book also won the Orwell Prize 2018 and was listed as a Sunday Times top ten best seller.

Initially crowdsourced through Scottish Book Trust’s website and social media channels, the rebellious read shortlist was decided by a panel, including: Head of General Collections of the National Library of Scotland, Graeme Hawley; Mairi Oliver, owner and bookseller of Lighthouse Books; and Literature Officer of Creative Scotland, Erin McElhinney.

The top ten most rebellious reads of the 21st century, as voted by the public are:

1.         Poverty Safari by Darren McGarvey

2.         A Streetcat Named Bob by James Bowen

3.         The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla

4.         Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

5.         Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y Davis

6.         I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O’Farrell

7.         I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

8.         Nasty Women by 404 Ink

9.         The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It’s Broken by the Secret Barrister

10.       The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “I’m delighted to see record numbers participate in this year’s online vote. We always find that this is a great way to start new conversations about why different books matter to different people.

“This year, the spotlight is on books that challenge our perceptions and encourage us to ask questions about the way society works. Clearly, the top ten is exceptionally strong and it’s great to see that Poverty Safari, a home-grown success story by a new Scottish writer, has topped the list.”

Erin McElhinney, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Books can change the world – whether it’s a writer challenging the status quo, or a reader being introduced to new ideas.

“The books on this contemporary top ten list, and the strong public response to them, is a testament to the rebellious potential of the written word.”

Catch Akala tomorrow

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has announced details of two events in Edinburgh featuring Akala as part of ‘Pitch It’, a new programme for Book Week Scotland 2018. 

The award-winning rapper, writer and activist will appear at an afternoon event hosted by Lighthouse Books at the Traverse Theatre, which is SOLD OUT and also at an evening event at the Scottish Poetry Library hosted by the Edinburgh Caribbean Association, tomorrow – Sunday 25 November.

Book Week Scotland, now in its seventh year, is a national celebration of reading and writing. It runs from 19 November to 25 November, linked to the theme of ‘Rebel.’

Akala’s Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire speaks directly to British denial and squeamishness when it comes to confronting issues of race, class and the legacy of empire. Lighthouse Books will run workshops and a school competition exploring these issues in advance of Akala’s visit. Two members from each workshop will then be invited to present a banner about a missing piece of history to Akala during a private discussion.

This will be followed by an hour long public event and Q+A at the Traverse Theatre: Akala: A real history of empire for the next generation.

Akala will then appear at the Scottish Poetry Library for Edinburgh Caribbean Association’s event, Speak Up! An evening with Akala featuring performances from local young people, a performance from Akala himself and a DJ set. It is hoped that the experience will encourage participants to claim space and develop the confidence to make their voices heard.

The two local hosts were chosen as part of ‘Pitch It’, a new programme for Book Week Scotland 2018, which invited libraries, community groups, organisations and individuals all over Scotland to pitch for one of four literary stars to pay them a visit. In addition to covering the authors’ fees, Scottish Book Trust has provided each successful host with £500 to help deliver their event.

Initiated by the Scottish Government and supported by £200,000 from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland Targeted Funding and £26,000 from SLIC, Book Week Scotland 2018 will be delivered by Scottish Book Trust from 19 November – 25 November.

For more information about Book Week Scotland 2018 and how you can get involved, visit www.bookweekscotland.com where you can find information about all the events taking place in your local area.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “We’ve been so impressed by the standard of pitches we received to host these authors. The energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by all applicants throughout this process is a great reflection on the health of book-loving communities all over the country.

“I want to congratulate each organisation that has been selected to work with us on a Pitch It event: I’m sure that the opportunity to host one of our handpicked line up of celebrated rebel writers will entertain and inspire.”

Noor Hermani, Bookseller at Lighthouse Books, said: “This chance for Lighthouse to work with Akala is a dream come true. So many of our events and books focus on attempting to represent the histories and experiences of people who are sidelined and considered ‘other’, whether because of race, gender, or class.

“We fundamentally believe that our role is to educate and include as many voices as possible in that education, and so the chance to pitch our ideas to one of our heroes has us dancing on the table!”

Lisa Williams, Director of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association, said: “This is a huge and exciting opportunity to host a youth event with Akala. As a hip hop artist, educator and historian, Akala is ideally positioned to relate to young people, and link with the work we have been doing around Black History education.

“His voice has helped to centre an important perspective on the intersection of race and class; knowledge that is often excluded from mainstream education. His dynamic personality, down to earth manner and deep understanding of his field encourages a culture of critical thinking and collaborative empowerment. This rare chance for young, often marginalised people in Edinburgh to personally connect with him and respond to his work will inspire confidence in their creative abilities, encourage them to speak up for social change and foster a love for literature in the widest sense.” 

Dates

Akala: A real history of empire for the next generation, Traverse Theatre, Sunday 25 November, 3.30pm – 4.30pm === SOLD OUT ===

Speak Up! An evening with Akala, Scottish Poetry Library, Sunday 25 November, 7.00pm – 10.00pm

Best-selling rebel writers engage with Edinburgh communities for Book Week Scotland

Akala and Sam Coniffe Allende to take part in unique community events

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has announced details of events in Edinburgh featuring bestselling writers Akala and Sam Coniffe Allende as part of ‘Pitch It’, a new programme for Book Week Scotland 2018. Continue reading Best-selling rebel writers engage with Edinburgh communities for Book Week Scotland

Edinburgh writers celebrate inclusion in Rebel for Book Week Scotland

On Wednesday 24 October, an event was held at Spoon in Edinburgh, to celebrate the publication of the Rebel book. Writers from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness, Oban and more had the opportunity to read their work.  Continue reading Edinburgh writers celebrate inclusion in Rebel for Book Week Scotland

Rebel! Book Week Scotland local events

Book Week Scotland 2018 runs from 19 November to 25 November              

#BookWeekScotland

Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust – the national charity changing lives through reading and writing – will deliver events and activities across the country during Book Week Scotland 2018, which runs from 19 November to 25 November, linked to this year’s theme of Rebel. Continue reading Rebel! Book Week Scotland local events