Books, Books, Books!

Here at Team Hoolie, we read a LOT of books!

That’s partly because we’re all great book-lovers. But it’s also because of our dedication to creating the very best experience for our audiences each November.

When putting together the programme for the festival every year, we consider dozens and dozens of books and authors. Only the very best make it on to our shortlist.

We’re looking for variety, of course, as well as books that will excite, interest and pique the curiosity of the hundreds of people who make the journey to Mallaig each year.

Even then, we need to be sure each book selected truly lives up to its blurb. And that’s when the reading starts! We work our way through piles of books so we can honestly say that every title chosen to feature on the Hoolie programme comes with our seal of approval.

This year, we were spoiled for choice. There are so many brilliant books being published at the moment, and whittling our list down wasn’t easy. We did it, though, and you can see full details of this year’s programme at www.a-write-highland-hoolie.com/programme-2025. Tickets are also now on sale at www.a-write-highland-hoolie.com/book-now.

Of course, we don’t limit ourselves to reading only potential candidates for inclusion in the Hoolie programme. Here are just a few of the books from our general reading list that we’ve enjoyed recently, for anyone who’s looking for recommendations or inspiration.

The Secrets of Blythswood Square by Sara Sheridan: a perfect summer read set in Glasgow and Edinburgh during the early days of photography.

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese: a sweeping, epic, unforgettable novel which follows the lives of generations of an Indian family.

North Woods by Daniel Mason: an original, beautiful and magical story with a really powerful and resonant message for our times.

Gabriel’s Moon by William Boyd: a twisty-turny 1960s spy thriller that will keep you guessing till the end.

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Ayama: a gentle, kindly reminder of the power of books and libraries from a hugely successful Japanese author.

Happy reading!