Bob McDevitt has worked in bookselling, publishing and events for more than 30 years. He is now the Programmer for Aye Write, Glasgow's annual book festival. Here are Bob's top 5 picks for the festival this year, which showcase homegrown literary talent.
1. Darren McGarvey: The Social Distance Between Us
I’ve been following Darren’s important work for years, as he takes on subjects that many people would rather not discuss. I'm so pleased that he’s returning to Aye Write with the publication of his second book, The Social Distance Between Us, which is the follow-up to his Orwell Prize winning Poverty Safari. Buy tickets at glasgowlife.org.uk.
2. Janey Godley: Nothing Left Unsaid
Janey Godley last appeared at the festival with Douglas Stuart to discuss his Booker Prize winner, Shuggie Bain. She returns this year on the back of a sell-out tour to talk about her own novel Nothing Left Unsaid which is slice of Glasgow family life from this sometimes controversial but always hilarious comedian. Find out more at glasgowlife.org.uk.
3. Aasmah and Almas Mir: A Pebble In The Throat
Credit: Ben Wulf
An extraordinary memoir from the popular Times Radio broadcaster Aasmah Mir, A Pebble In The Throat tells the story her childhood in 1970s Glasgow. Aasmah and her mum Almas will be discussing this excellent book. Buy tickets for this event at glasgowlife.org.uk.
4. Bob Last, Malcolm Ross and Douglas MacIntyre: We Could Send Letters
I’m really looking forward to this discussion between the BBC's Nicola Meighan, Douglas MacIntyre (author of Hungry Beat: The Scottish Independent Pop Underground Movement 1977-84), Bob Last from Fast Product and Malcolm Ross from Josef K. There will also be a live performance from Douglas McIntyre, Malcolm Ross and Campbell Owens (plus Norman Blake and Tam Dean Burn on vocals). Visit glasgowlife.org.uk to find out more about this event.
5. Alan Parks and Robbie Morrison: Prize-winning Glasgow Crime
Credit: Euan Robertson
I enjoyed both Alan Parks and Robbie Morrison's novels, who take us back to Glasgow in the 1970s and 1930s. They manage to balance excellent characterisation, with gripping plots and accurate period detail in their prize-winning books. This session will be chaired by BBC presenter Bryan Burnett. To find out more and to buy tickets for this event, visit glasgowlife.org.uk.
