Books
The Skinny book guide – bringing you book reviews, features, events, reviews and author interviews. Find previews and on the ground reporting from festivals of literature and poetry in Scotland and beyond.
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Book ReviewsCanon by Paige Lewis
Canon, the debut novel from poet Paige Lewis, is an outrageous and subversive new kind of biblical epic tale Read more »| 29 Jun 2026 -
FeaturesWord on the Street: A guide to literary Edinburgh
Book lovers rejoice – Edinburgh has you covered. From museums and libraries to monuments and bookshops, Scotland's capital well earns its status as the world's first UNESCO City of Literature Read more »| 25 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsSkin Contact by Elisa Faison
A married couple decide to open up their relationship in this timely exploration of non-monogamy, parenthood and intimacy Read more »| 23 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsHello Limerence by Momo Yamaguchi
Momo Yamaguchi's debut novel paints obsession in all its gruesome glory Read more »| 23 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsThe Villain's Dance by Fiston Mwanza Mujila
Fiston Mwanza Mujila's The Villain's Dance is a rich yet scattershot exploration of the borderlands between Zaire and Angola Read more »| 23 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsAnimal Spiral by Luis Othoniel Rosa
Told (and possibly read) in non-linear order, Luis Othoniel Rosa's expansive sci-fi novel weaves myth alongside radical scientific imaginings Read more »| 22 Jun 2026
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NewsEdinburgh International Book Festival reveals 2026 lineup
Edinburgh International Book Festival returns with an ambition to "change your mind" and appearances from authors like Colson Whitehead, Maggie O’Farrell, Douglas Stuart and John Grisham Read more »| 16 Jun 2026 -
FeaturesDaisy Dixon on Depraved: The Story of Dangerous Art
We chat with author and art philosopher Daisy Dixon about her new book Depraved, and what we should be doing about harmful art Read more »| 11 Jun 2026 -
FeaturesWriting from the in-between: Celebrating the Centenary of Agnes Owens
Marking the centenary of one of Scotland's most unique and forgotten voices, a new programme of events celebrates the life and work of Milngavie author Agnes Owens Read more »| 11 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsA Pizza Hut, A Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut by Hannah Levene
Hannah Leven's sophomore novel is a wild and witty exploration of queer suburban utopia and the possibility of transforming mundanity into beauty Read more »| 09 Jun 2026 -
Book ReviewsNymph by Sofia Montrone
An idyllic childhood is shattered in Sofia Montrone's languid, queered coming-of-age tale set in the Italian mountains Read more »| 01 Jun 2026 -
EventsScottish Books Events: June 2026
Book launches, zine making and a fantasy and sci-fi festival are here to meet all your literary needs this month Read more »| 29 May 2026 -
Book ReviewsWimmy Road Boyz by Sufiyaan Salam
Sufiyaan Salam's debut novel is an unflinching, if somewhat unfocused, exploration of modern day masculinity Read more »| 26 May 2026 -
Book ReviewsWaiting On A Friend by Natalie Adler
As 1984 New York is devastated by AIDS, one woman sees the ghosts of the dead in this moving and warm queer fable on grief and community Read more »| 20 May 2026 -
FeaturesSamar Yazbek on Your Presence Is a Danger to Your Life: Voices From Gaza
We speak to Syrian journalist Samar Yazbek about her latest book, a collection of testimonials from Gazans living under genocide Read more »| 12 May 2026