Leugh Mi/Book Show - Season 5

This week, Josie Burgess and Ricky Hannaway discuss books of special interest to them. Josie chats about short stories collection ‘A' Ghlainne agus sgeulachdan eile', by Màiri E. NicLeòid and reads a comical excerpt from ‘An Detox'. She also discusses a moving story by author JoJo Moyes, ‘Me Before You'. Ricky has selected the WWII classic set in Japan - ‘Empire of the Sun' by JG Ballard - to discuss, along with a poignant insight into mental health with the fictional novel ‘The Trick is to Keep Breathing', penned by Janice Galloway.

In this episode, Martin MacIntyre and Joy Dunlop discuss books of special interest to them. Martin and Joy are immersed in the arts and have selected an array of styles, including a blend of autobiography and literary fiction, poetry and short stories from Gaelic, Scots and American writers. Martin's choices include John Irving's ‘Last Night in Twisted River', a novel which spans 50 years, and sublime poetry collection‘Four Points of a Saltire'. Joy's choices include ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings', Maya Angelou's rich blend of autobiography and literary fiction, and a collection of short stories by Iain Crichton Smith, ‘An Dubh is an Gorm'.

This week, Domhnall Ruadh Smith and Charles Wilson discuss books of special interest to them. Domhnall Ruadh's choices include ‘Seeing Further: The Story of Science and the Royal Society', by much-lauded writer Bill Bryson, and book on a cultural and nomadic journey through Australia, The Songlines', by Bruce Chatwin. Charles's choices include ‘1984', George Orwell's quintessential dystopian novel where ‘Big Brother' is watching, and beautifully illustrated Welsh folklore epic 'An Mabinogi', translated into Gaelic by John MacDonald.

This episode sees Rosemary Ward and Ben Ó Ceallaigh discuss books of special interest to them. The range of books included cover the language of politics and geopolitics, humorous stories and youth fiction. Gaelic writers also feature prominently within the selection. Rosemary Ward has an enduring association with literature through her work at the Gaelic Books Council and is presently a director of Scottish Book Trust. Ben Ó Ceallaigh hails from the west of Ireland and is currently studying language revival. Language politics and the way language and linguistic differences between peoples are dealt with in the political arena are also of great significance.

This week, Lana Pheutan and Kevin Rodgers discuss books of special interest to them. The range of books includes Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot', James Fin Garner's ‘Politically Correct Bedtime Stories' and ‘White Line Fever', a rock 'n' roll, tell-all biography from Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister. Lana and Kevin's opinions are diverse and none more so than over the matter of horror stories. Who might the terror seeker be and who might prefer a peaceful yarn?

Margaret Ann Beggs and Megan Dale discuss books of special interest to them. The range of books include a love story set in the Highlands, a collection of stories and anecdotes from the Western Isles and youth fiction. Margaret Ann Beggs is head of support services on the Isle of Barra and a very keen reader. One of her choices comes in the shape of local book ‘Tales from Barra: As Told by The Coddy'. Megan Dale is from Contin Ross-shire and currently in her fourth year at the University of Edinburgh, where she is studying a joint degree in Gaelic and Scottish History. Her selection includes the biography of Jo Cox - More in Common - written by Brendan Cox.

This week's guests are Shelagh Campbell and Finlay Cunniffe. The book topics range from the visceral to the comical, the scientific and historical to animated literature. There are most certainly books to ponder over and books to laugh over, such as Cailèideascop, by Daibhidh Eyre, The Twelve Caesars, by Suetonius and The Complete MAUS, by Art Spiegelman. Shelagh Campbell hails from Glasgow and is the sales and marketing officer for the Gaelic Books Council, so she is familiar with a rich assortment of literary styles and genres. Finlay Cunniffe from Edinburgh is currently studying anatomy at the University of Glasgow and is particularly fond of science fiction works He is also a writer in his own right, winning a poetry competition while still at school.

Guests Gillian Munro and Seona McClintock discuss books of special interest to them. The range of books include classic Scottish fiction, a relatively new comedy fiction novel from a Scottish author and a US travelogue. Gillian Munro is the Principle of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and her literary choices are greatly inspired by her east coast homeland and upbringing. Gillian discusses works by Lewis Grassic Gibbon and Neil M Gunn. Seona McClintock from Glasgow works as a theatre producer and is also a writer and broadcaster. Seona's passion for literature is matched by her zeal for travel and an author or subject matter will influence her holiday destination.

Anna Macleod is in conversation with Babs Macgregor and Sophie Stephenson about their favourite books. The book topics range from the delightful relationship between a young singer and the village poet who inspired her, in Le Mùirn, by Catriona Murray, to two commentary reads; one set in Glasgow - Poverty Safari, by Darren McGarvey - and the other in Palestine, Prickly Pearls of Palestine: The People Behind the Politics. by Hilda Reilly. Also included is a book about community inspired poetry from Canada called Brigh an Orain - A Story in Every Song: the Songs and Tales of Lauchie MacLellan. Babs Macgregor. from Lewis. now lives and works in Glasgow in a food cooperative and in her own words is 'a perpetual student'. Sophie Stephenson is from Fort Augustus and works in Skye as marketing officer for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, while also teaching dance.

This week's guests are Calum MacDonald and Inge Birnie, who discuss works including travel writing, eclectic fiction set here at home and further afield and an historical account of events which shaped the Highlands. Indeed they take us on a literary tour from Harris to the Himalayas with books such as Secrets of the Sea Hous, by Elisabeth Gifford, Himalaya, by Michael Palin, Another Country, by James Baldwin and The Making of the Crofting Community, by James Hunter. Calum hails from North Uist and made his home in Glasgow whilst studying Gaelic at the University of Glasgow. He now works as an actor and TV presenter. Ingie is from the Netherlands and now lectures at the University of Strathclyde in teacher training courses and also works at an international level to develop language learning strategies for children.