Politicians, pundits and pals are on the write side of history

BEFORE Christmas is cancelled by next Tuesday’s Brexit vote, it is time for my annual books of the year column in which politicians, pundits and pals recommend the best reads to help you find the right gift for the right person in your life.

Wide choices, top reading tips, fascinating insights of course, and, just in case you thought politicians are always calculating, there is one brilliantly straightforward answer.

John McDonnell, Shadow chancellor, famous for throwing Mao’s little red book across the Commons despatch box, said: “My Anarchist Friend, by David Graeber, has again thrown a hand grenade into the political economy debate with his “Bulls**t Jobs”, a call to strike out for the freedom from meaningless work.

“But with books about WWI dominating this year, the veil was lifted on the engagement by armed forces drawn from the then British Empire. I recommend the republished brilliant and moving novel Across Black Waters, by Mulk Raj Anand.” Stewart McDonald MP, SNP Defence spokesman, said: “The Spy and the Traitor, what a mind-blowing read that was. A proper page turner from Ben Macintyre, the story of the Soviet Union KGB defector, Oleg Gordievsky. Some real heart in your mouth moments, intense sadness and also good humour. Definitely worth your time.”

Paul Masterton MP, anti-Brexit Scottish Tory, said: “The Detective Dog, by Julia Donaldson. The toughest thing about being an MP is all the time spent away from my family. That makes bedtime stories extra special and this is one of our favourites.”

Julie Fowlis, Gaelic musician, catch her at Celtic Connections next month, said: “The Blamed, by Emily Hourican. Compelling characters, great storyline and a gasp out loud ending in this novel.”

Paul Sweeney, Labour MP, best Scot at Westminster winner, said: “Around 27,000 migrants are detained in Home Office detention centres like Dungavel every year. “In Refugee Tales, writers like Jackie Kay retell the true stories of those caught up in immigration detention. They are very easy to read in one sense but extremely moving.”

Rona Dougall, anchor on STV’s Scotland Tonight, said: “This is Going to Hurt, by former doctor Adam Kay. Hilarious, heartbreaking and breathtakingly frank about life as a trainee doctor. And wonderfully coming to a small screen near you next year.” Kate Forbes MSP, Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, said: “Testament of Youth, by Vera Brittain, which I read on the anniversary of the end of WW1. This terrible war shattered these women’s hearts and destroyed their dreams, however it also strengthened their rights and opened new opportunities.” Douglas MacKinnon, Skye-born TV director of Dr Who and the hotly anticipated Good Omens, said: “I read Wake In Fright by Australian author Kenneth Cook ( from 1961).

“The title is from an old curse – ‘May you dream of the Devil and wake in fright.’ A teacher in the outback embarks on a suspenseful and nightmarish journey of drinking, gambling, hunting, and selfanalysis.” Annie Wells MSP, Conservative and single mum, said: “A great book I read earlier this year is Undivided, by Vicky Beeching. A heart-warming insight into Beeching’s life as a gay Christian. Her personal journey is equally harrowing and inspiring, her passion for a more accepting world for LGBTQ people and mental health issues is admirable.”

Neil Findlay, Labour MSP and troublemaker, said: “My choice is This is Going to Hurt, by Adam Kay. A funny, heartbreaking, insight into the real daily pressures of working in the NHS. If you want to get into what goes on for real in our greatest public service, this one’s for you.”

Tracy Crouch MP, who quit as Sports Minister over delay in banning fixed odds machines, said: “I wish I had time to read books. This weekend was the first I got to read something that wasn’t in a Red Box. I’d be misleading your readers by pretending to have read anything.”