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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Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Join Damian Barr and James Ley in conversation with Jackie Wylie at the Mitchell Library as they explore the creation of the new stage version of Damian’s celebrated memoir Maggie & Me.
READ MORECalling all armchair detectives. There's been a Murdle! Who better to help us solve it in Waterstones Sauchiehall Street than G. T. Karber?
READ MOREAward-winning writer and broadcaster James O’Brien returns to Aye Write with How they Broke Britain, a major political book which explores the dark forces and figures who have broken Britain.
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READ MOREBeloved actor, comedian and writer Doon Mackichan discusses her smart, fiercely feminist and hilariously titled memoir, My Lady Parts, with Kieran Hodgson.
READ MORELionel Shriver, internationally renowned author of best-selling novels such as We Need to Talk About Kevin and The Post-Birthday World, returns to Aye Write to discuss her new novel Mania.
READ MOREDavid Nicholls is one of Britain’s most acclaimed writers and visits Aye Write this summer with his latest story of love after the renaissance of his adored One Day.
READ MOREAye Write Festival favourite and crime writing guru Chris Brookmyre returns to explore his latest novel, The Cracked Mirror!
READ MOREJoin beloved Scottish actors Alan Cumming (Goldeneye, The Good Wife) and Forbes Mason (The Crown, Eastenders) at Aye Write this August for an entertaining meander down memory close!
READ MOREGlasgow's Book Fair, Books at the Botanics, is held every month in the Hopkirk building at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens!
READ MOREJoin Damian Barr and James Ley in conversation with Jackie Wylie at the Mitchell Library as they explore the creation of the new stage version of Damian’s celebrated memoir Maggie & Me.
READ MOREJoin climate campaigner and activist Mikaela Loach at Waterstones Argyle Street to celebrate the paperback launch of her vitally important book, It's Not That Radical!
READ MOREJoin local author and artist Rose Ruane as she launches her incredible new novel in store at Waterstones Sauchiehall Street on Thursday 2nd May!
READ MOREJoin us to launch an array of amazing new zines emerging from the Glasgow Zine Fest community over the past year.
READ MOREGlasgow Zine Fest's main event features over 40 makers from the UK and worldwide showcasing their work. Come for the zines, stay for the zines!
READ MOREExpect drama and interactive family fun as well as readings, royal chat and an all-author book signing at this Mary Queen of Scots themed-event at Waterstones Sauchiehall Street!
READ MOREIn this creative family workshop Glasgow Zine Fest will delve into histories of radical pedagogy and children and young people’s activism!
READ MOREA book-binding induction at Publication Studio Glasgow, CCA. Come along to learn how to print, trim, crease and bind your own book.
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