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Mark Hodkinson and Alastair McKay - Books and Music Saved My Life

A lot of people will identify with these touching and entertaining memoirs from Mark Hodkinson and Alastair McKay!

Mark Hodkinson and Alastair McKay - Books and Music Saved My Life

About Mark Hodkinson and Alastair McKay - Books and Music Saved My Life

Mark Hodkinson grew up among the terrace houses of Rochdale in a house with just one book. His dad kept it on top of a wardrobe with other items of great worth - wedding photographs and Mark's National Cycling Proficiency certificate.

Today, Mark is an author, journalist and publisher. He still lives in Rochdale, but is now snugly ensconced (or is that buried?) in a 'book cave' surrounded by 3,500 titles - at the last count. No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy is his story of growing up a working-class lad during the 1970s and 1980s. It's about schools (bad), music (good) and the people (some mad, a few sane), and pre-eminently and profoundly the books and authors (some bad, mostly good) that led the way, and shaped his life. It's also about a family who just didn't see the point of reading, and a troubled grandad who, in his own way, taught Mark the power of stories.

Alastair McKay grew up in the fading Scottish seaside town of North Berwick in the 70s. The cinema and outdoor swimming pool were on the verge of closing, there were scary boys in the park, and excitement was scarce.

An exceptionally shy boy, Alastair gradually found his voice through the punk explosion: the ethos that 'anyone could do it' prompted him to start writing, largely because it was easier than talking. He also sang in a number of bands, one of which, The Commercials, made a record that was tipped by Sounds magazine to be ‘big in 1982'. It wasn't.

From these hesitant beginnings, he would go on to a successful career in journalism, and Alternatives to Valium: How Punk Rock Saved a Shy Boy’s Life tells his life story. Chaired by David Robinson

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Other Events at The Mitchell Library and Theatre or Aye Write!

Unearthed: The Power of Gardening

2nd May 2025 - 10th August 2025

Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, a free display at The Mitchell Library, explores the transformative, enriching and sometimes radical power of gardening.

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Glasgow Mitchell Library Classics Book Group

Selected dates between 3rd July 2025 - 4th December 2025

Glasgow Mitchell Library Classics Book Group runs on the first Thursday of each month with the library kindly providing books for all members, so there is no cost involved!

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Story Garden Kids Craft Session at The Mitchell

15th July 2025

An afternoon of stories, crafts, and imagination awaits at The Mitchell Library at this Story Garden Kids Craft Session on Tuesday 15th July!

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Janis MacKay at the Mitchell Library

15th July 2025

As Part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2025, Story Garden, join Glasgow Libraries for a storytelling workshop for children and families led by prizewinning author Janis MacKay!

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The Long Shadow of Scottish Gothic: Liam McIlvanney

31st July 2025

Award-winning crime author Liam McIlvanney in conversation with Scottish literature expert Dr Valentina Bold in a unique discussion of Scottish Gothic inspired by Liam's new psychological thriller.

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Unearthed: The Power of Gardening Fun Day

2nd August 2025

The team at The Mitchell Library are hosting a fun day on Saturday 2nd August celebrating their exhibition Unearthed: The Power of Gardening!

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Sponsored Links

City Of Glasgow Chorus
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