BOOKS list.co.uk/books

HITLIST THE BEST BOOKS, COMICS & EVENTS

Mr Twonkey: Itchy Grumble If you missed the Itchy Grumble post-punk opera, never fear here’s an illustrated fantasy-folktale novel by Mr Paul Vickers (pictured), just for you. White Rabbit, Edinburgh, Fri 26 Apr.

Leafing through Natural Scotland, presented by Publishing Scotland A

beautiful, varied exhibition of objects connecting books and nature. Get in early for a sneaky peek there’s a full two-day programme of leafy events to come in June. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Sat 11 May–Sun 21 Jul.

WORLD BOOK NIGHT Free books for local communities

E ver tried to give away something for free? It’s harder than you’d think but that’s the task taken on by 20,000 book- loving volunteers. Each of them will give away copies of their favourite title to people who don’t usually read or don’t have regular access to books a friend, relative, neighbour or total stranger. As well as the libraries and bookshops you might expect, books will also be handed out in care homes, prisons, hospitals and high streets.

This year’s books have a strong Scottish presence, including Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Treasure Island, Jackie Kay’s (pictured) adoption memoir Red Dust Road,

and Alexander McCall Smith’s cosy crime novel No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. As well as plenty of fiction and non-fiction, the list of 20 books also includes four books for teenagers and a graphic novel. If it’s too late for you to get involved as an official giver, here’s a thought: use World Book Night as a chance to give a stranger a copy of your favourite book. It’s more difficult and more rewarding than you’d think. (Kirsty Logan)

World Book Night with Alexander McCall Smith, Edinburgh Central Library, Tue 23 April.

44 THE LIST 18 Apr–16 May 2013

Illicit Ink This month’s theme

is ‘Sleeptalking’ RA Martens, George Anderson and Andrew C Ferguson (fresh from their

sold-out Literary Death Match performances) provide the stories. Bongo Club, Edinburgh, Sun 5 May.

Rockets for Edwin Morgan Love science

fiction? Love poetry? Have no strong opinions on either, but want to do something a bit different on a Thursday night? Do this. Scottish Poetry Library, Edinburgh, Thu 25 Apr.

Bear Witness Mandy Haggith’s environmental novel launches on Earth Day as part of a series of events including a dinner, debate, and guided walk to the intriguingly- named Inchnadamph Bone Caves. See review, page 45. Glencanisp Lodge, Lochinver, Mon 22 Apr.

T T O C S S R H C

I