Talking About Infants and Children: Edinburgh author and psychotherapist Mirabelle Maslin introduces her new book, Infants and Children: an Introduction to Emotional Development (Augur Press), which opens up a whole new world of understanding for parents, grandparents and caregivers. 6-7.30pm, Monday 9th May, Colinton Library, Thorburn Road. Free but booking is required: please contact the library on 0131 529 5603.
The Edinburgh Bookshop Adult Book Club: a new group starting tonight. 6.30pm, Monday 9th May – then fortnightly, The Edinburgh Bookshop, 219 Brunstfield Place. To sign up, please contact the bookshop on 0131 447 1917 or mail@edinburghbookshop.com.
Catherine Simpson: Truestory. Debut author Catherine discusses her novel, about an 11-year-old boy with autism who refuses to leave the isolated farm where he was born. with BBC Arts producer Serena Field, and explains how the story was informed by her own experiences. 6pm, Tuesday 10th May, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but please book by calling 0131 623 3734 or via eventbrite here.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents The Jewel by Catherine Czerkawska. A luscious historical novel about Robert Burns’ wife, Jean Armour, The Jewel is set largely during the dramatic years of their courtship in Mauchline, their married life at Ellisland and in Dumfries, and Robert’s early death, all against a background simmering with political intrigue and turmoil. This extraordinary marriage was passionate, tempestuous, and enduring against all odds, and its rocky course reveals Jean’s indomitable strength and character. How she lived with, and frequently without, Scotland’s most famous son tells us much about the life and times of Burns himself, and is a compelling story in itself. Catherine Czerkawska is a multi-award-winning novelist and playwright based in Scotland. 6.30pm, Tuesday 10th May, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. To get your free ticket drop into the shop, call 0131 622 8222 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk. Tickets can also be booked on eventbrite here.
The Signature from Tibet: author and complimentary health practitioner Alison Demarco talks about her journey in writing her new novel, a breathtaking four-part, epic fictional story inspired by true events. Spanning the Highlands of Scotland to the remote and isolated Lowlands of Tibet, the book travels back in time to 1904 when a young Scottish soldier enters Tibet with the British Expedition. 2.30pm, Wednesday 11th May, George Washington Browne Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but please book via eventbrite here.
The Edinburgh Bookshop Children’s Book Club: for all children under 11. 6.30pm, Wednesday 11th May (meets monthly), The Edinburgh Bookshop, 219 Brunstfield Place. There is no set book to read, you just come along and talk about what you are reading and try out new books. Please call the bookshop to register: 0131 447 1917. There is a separate club for children aged 11 and over – contact the shop for details of the next meeting.
John & Carole Barrowman: Conjuror. John Barrowman, star of stage and screen, will be joined by his sister Carole to sign copies of their new book Conjuror, the first in the Orion Chronicles series. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. (Please note: no other memorabilia will be signed at this event). 5pm, Wednesday 11th May, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. Free: no booking required.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Children’s Book Group: if you are you eight to eleven years old with a love of books and biscuits, become a member of the book group to enjoy a friendly hour of fiction, from both classic and contemporary Scottish writing to your own choice of favourite book. Come and discover more books to treasure! Currently reading Foxcraft: The Taken by Inbali Iserles. 6pm, Wednesday 11th May, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. To join just email your details to childrens.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Callum Macdonald Memorial Award: given in recognition of skill and effort in the field of poetry pamphlets, this award aims to encourage independent publishing of Scottish poetry. This prize-giving ceremony is followed by readings by the winning poets, along with a public display of all competition entries. 6pm, Thursday 12th May, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but please book by calling 0131 623 3734 or via eventbrite here.
David Torrance – EU Referendum 2016: A Guide for Voters. The EU referendum faces us with a decision that has profound implications, whatever the outcome. Feeling confused? Uncertain under a bombardment of contradictory and partisan views? Crying out for the information you need? Waterstones offers you an evening with David Torrance, author of EU Referendum 2016: A Guide for Voters. His clear, concise guide to the EU Referendum guide tackles the issues on everyone’s mind: trade, migration, education, finance, risk, security and sovereignty. Departing from the Westminster-centric and partisan views that have dominated the debate, Torrance also looks at the implications of Brexit for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – and therefore for England. 6.30pm, Thursday 12th May, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. Free tickets are available from the shop.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Jamie Allinson: The Struggle for the State in Jordan. Why do the states of the Arab world seem so unstable? Why do alliances between them and with outside powers change? Dr. Jamie Allinson holds a PhD in Politics and International Relations from the University of Edinburgh and is the university’s Programme Director for MSc International Relations of the Middle East. He argues that the answer to these questions lies in the expansion of global capitalism in the Middle East, and by examining the attempts of Jordan to create foreign alliances during a time of upheaval and instability in the region, he offers wider conclusions concerning the nature of the interaction between state and society in the wider Middle East. 6pm, Friday 13th May, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. To get your free ticket drop into the shop, call 0131 622 8222 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk. Tickets can also be booked on eventbrite here.
Gaelic Bookbug: stories, songs and rhymes for children under 4 and their parents and carers. 11am, Saturday 14th May, Leith Library, 28 Ferry Road.
Christian Aid Booksale: since its beginnings in 1974, this legendary book sale has raised over £2 million for Christian Aid’s work. Expect around 100,000 books of every kind throughout and around the church. And there are pictures, music, toys and games, antiques and collectables, stamps and postcards, and ephemera too. 10am-4pm Saturday 14th May, 10am-3.30pm, Monday 16th-Wednesday 18th May, 10am-7pm Thursday 19th May, 10am-3.30pm Froday 20th May, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street.
Christian Aid Holy Corner Book Sale. The Holy Corner Churches Christian Aid Group’s sale goes from strength to strength; last year’s sale of books, CDs, DVDs and music raised over £15,000. 10am-5pm Saturday 14th May, 11am-6pm Monday 16th-Friday 20th May, 10am-5pm Saturday 21st May, Morningside United Church, 15 Chamberlain Road.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Teenage Book Group: if you love to read, or just want to read more, join this group to talk about the latest teenage fiction and your favourite books. The teen book group meets on the second Sunday of each month, and reads anything from classics to contemporary, dystopian to historical – in short, anything you fancy! Currently reading Rain Rowell’s Carry On. 2pm, Sunday 15th May, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. To join just email your details to schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
