Scottish Book Trust has launched an exciting new venture designed to get book lovers from all over Scotland talking about their favourite topic.
Book Talk is an online community that allows people who love books to enjoy all the benefits of a book club from the comfort of their own sitting room. Busy Scots who like to read can log on anytime to discover new books, listen to lively podcast discussions, read in-depth interviews with authors, browse reviews and, most importantly, join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter.
Book clubs can also get involved by reading the book of the month at their group, applying to be Book Talk’s Book Club of the Month and submitting reviews. There will also be handy hints and tips for people who are keen to start a book club in their own area.
Book Talk will feature books from a broad range of genres, from both new and established authors, with a particular focus on books by writers based in Scotland.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:
“The spectacular rise of social networks over the past few years has provided people from all walks of life with an instant platform for their opinions, and instant access to scores of like-minded individuals. This has led to an explosion of conversation between people who otherwise would never have met. We are keen for Book Talk to become a hub for the online book conversations that are happening across Scotland, to stimulate discussion, generate enthusiasm and engage a community of book lovers.”
Anyone can sign up to Book Talk free of charge at http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/booktalk. You can also keep up with the latest Book Talk on twitter @Booktalk_SBT or by using the hashtag #Booktalk. You can also follow them on Facebook, by searching for Book Talk.
The first book to be discussed was The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai, a tale woven around the theme of the stories we tell each other, and ourselves. Lucy is a small-town librarian who ‘borrows’ a child and takes him on a road trip, ostensibly to rescue him from the weekly ‘anti-gay’ classes that his Fundamentalist Christian parents are keen for him to attend. As a librarian, Lucy is someone who has chosen to live her life among books, and she sees everything she experiences through a narrative lens. Published in June 2011 to rave reviews, this is Makkai’s first novel, and the issues raised in the book should ensure a lively discussion amongst Book Talk members.
A podcast discussion based around The Borrower, featuring journalist Pauline McLean and librarian Rachel McCabe, can be found here.
The next book to be discussed is Lyrics Alley by Leila Aboulela and the podcast about that book will be available on 7 November.
