Read With Us: Young Mungo

I have the great pleasure today . . . of trying to convince you to pick up a copy of Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart . . . so you can Read With Us this spring.

As I was Googling around, looking for book reviews and analyses of the book to share with you, I stumbled onto this little one-and-a-half minute YouTube promotional piece from Douglas Stuart himself (for Lighthouse Bookshop). And - trust me here - he can explain the basic premise of the book (in his very charming accent) much better than I ever could.

So, here. I'll just start by letting Douglas Stuart do the talking . . .  

I do hope you'll Read With Us!

• For a longer summary description of the book, this one from Hamilton Cain on the Oprah Daily site is particularly good.
• For a quick review of the book, here's a good one from NPR. (The New York Times and Washington Post also have excellent reviews of the book, if you have access to a subscription).
• Lastly, here's an Ari Shapiro NPR interview with author Douglas Stuart. It's a short interview (only 8 minutes), and if you give it a listen, I think you'll be even more tempted to pick up a copy and Read With Us (because Stuart compares his character development with textile design -- and any fiber-lovers will swoon a little bit).

The book is currently available on Amazon in hardback ($23.99), Kindle ($9.45) or Audible versions (1 credit). I imagine your local bookstore (should you be fortunate enough to have one) would offer the book at similar prices. The book will also be available at most libraries, although the hold list might be daunting. 

Our Read With Us book discussion day will be coming up on Tuesday, June 7. Bonny, Carole, and I will each post discussion questions on our blogs that day, and then - later in the evening (7:00 pm Eastern time zone) - we'll be hosting a live book discussion/meet-up on Zoom.

C'mon along! 
Read With Us!

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One More Thing . . . 

I found this Glaswegian dictionary while reading Shuggie Bain. Although I didn't find the Glaswegian dialect used in the book to be a barrier (I could pick up meaning through context with no problem), I did find the dictionary helpful - and fun - to refer to in deciphering some of the more obscure terms.

 

Comments

[Bonny]

You convinced me! I'm only about one-third of the way through it as I don't want to finish too early and forget things (like I've done in the past). I'm going to enjoy looking at and listening to the links you've provided (especially the fabric design one with Ari Shapiro). Thank you!

[Sarah]

I had just started it at the end of our Florida trip when a big library hold came up, but I'm looking forward to getting back to it and discussing it with all of you!

[Juliann]

I devoured this book although it was a tough read, emotionally. I am going to hear the author speak in a few weeks - in-person! I am about halfway through Shuggie Bain now. These stories are pulling at my heart.

[Carole]

I'm in! LOL Seriously, though, I loved this book and just finished it last week. I'm going to try and make time to listen to it as well before June 7th.

[Vera]

I'm #3 on the hold list at my library (not sure what happened as I had been #2...). Thanks for the dictionary link...I will most likely need it.

[Carolyn]

I just checked my holds--and it says Sorting! So, any day now!

[sustainablemum]

Ah the Glaswegian accent, if it is really broad most Brits cannot understand a word of it, Douglas Stuart's accent is surprisingly easy to, given where he was raised, perhaps his time away from his native city has tempered it a little. I have read about this book and may read it some time soon, I might even venture into the library for a copy.......

Have you read any Ivine Welsh that makes for interesting reading the dialect is very strong and much easier to understand if you read it aloud, although you need to be careful where you do that!!!

I am sorry I will not be joining your discussions though as 7pm your time is midnight mine and that is a time when I am most definitely asleep! Love the idea though and hope you get plenty of folks joining you.

[Suzanne]

Just checked my email and my copy is waiting at the library. Will have to finish up the library book I'm reading and will head to the library this weekend.