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BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND The fi rst national celebration of books and reading
enough Scottish being taught
W ith debate raging over whether is in our schools, the time seems almost too perfect for this inaugural concentration on all things Caledonian in the books i eld.
literature
The Scottish Book Trust has worked hard with like-minded partners across the country to create a diverse programme of events with some of Scotland’s top authors heading off to some intriguing locations. So, Iain Banks will be in Loch Leven, Val McDermid makes her way to Orkney, and Janice Galloway (pictured) treks to Benbecula. In addition, Primary 1 kids will receive
44 THE LIST 15 Nov–13 Dec 2012
three free picture books by leading writers, 150,000 free copies of My Favourite Place (collected stories and poems written by the people of Scotland) will be distributed, there will be a national Reading Hour on St Andrews Day and live poetry slams will take place in schools. Among the organisations involved in the week-long celebration are the Royal National Institute for Blind People Scotland, Shet- land Arts, the Scottish Refugee Council and Words per Minute. (Brian Donaldson)
Various venues, Mon 26 Nov–Sun 2 Dec.
HITLIST THE BEST BOOKS, COMICS & EVENTS
I T H G L Y A D D A O R B
✽ Des Dillon A pair of events with the Coatbridge writer (pictured) as he gives a reading at Street Level and ponders poetry and plays at the CCA. CCA, Glasgow, Thu 22 Nov; Street Level Photoworks, Glasgow, Tue 27 Nov.
✽ West Port Book Festival This year’s event in Edinburgh’s literary
quarter includes penguin man Gavin Francis, a discussion on young adult fiction and historical writer Sara Sheridan. Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 23–Mon 26 Nov.
✽ Ben Elton His many critics will find
it tough to have a go at his latest project, an inspiring fiction about the Holocaust based on his own heritage. See review, page 45. Bantam Press.
✽ Candia McWilliam The acclaimed author chats about her life through
the poetry she has loved. Scottish Poetry Library, Edinburgh, Thu 22 Nov.
✽ Book Week Scotland A seven-day celebration of all things Scottish and
bookish. See left and Alasdair Gray feature, page 22. Various venues, Mon 26 Nov–Sun 2 Dec.
✽ Neil Oliver The flowing-locked
historian and telly guy pops over to the capital for a chat about the lost world of Vikings. George Square Theatre, Edinburgh, Wed 21 Nov.
✽ Ian Rankin He just couldn’t keep away from the man Rebus. And
Standing in Another’s Man Grave won’t disappoint the Rankin fanbase. See review, page 45. Blackwells, Edinburgh, Wed 5 Dec; Orion.