Ink and Imagination: Luath Press Staff Picks for 2023 – Blogmas Day 12
Welcome to our Blogmas!
From now until Christmas, we will be sharing our fantastic blogs every day with you all.
Enjoy your read for a special code offer at the end of the blog to use on our website.
Behind every great publishing house lies a team of literary enthusiasts, each with a unique taste for storytelling that reflects the rich tapestry of the written word.
As 2023 is coming to an end, we've delved into the literary minds at Luath Press to uncover the gems that have captured their hearts. Join us on a journey through some of our favourite books for 2023, and discover the diverse worlds that have left an indelible mark on these literary connoisseurs.
Name: Amy Turnbull
Job title: Marketing and Sales Co-Ordinator
Favourite Luath book of 2023 and why: Fade Into You by Catriona Child
When it comes to love, music and the complications of growing up, Catriona Child has you there. I am always a sucker for YA that comes with an edge. It is about Alex and her journey as she grows up.
And who doesn’t love a book that comes with a playlist?! As someone who’s Spotify wrapped let them know they listened to over 100000 minutes of music this year… you could say it follows me everywhere.
Even though I am not a 90’s kid, I was also a die-hard alternative music fan who also had that Nirvana t-shirt that every 2014-Tumblr-girl had, so you could say I still related to Alex in a different generation.
Favourite Christmas tradition: It would be wrong of me to say the bubbles with breakfast, or the baileys that seem to somehow make it into all my hot drinks, or how all rules of nutrition are thrown out the window as soon as the first chocolate bar is spotted at 7 am… but when it comes down to it, I am a sucker for the wee things.
Tacky Christmas jumpers, the repeat of the same Now That’s What I Call Christmas CD that always skips the third track, the crappy cracker jokes that must be announced to the table, the tension rising as your aunt tries to bring up the recent political dilemma at the table only for your mum to swiftly distract with the annual pavlova. It all provides that warm fuzzy feeling that makes this festive time of year what it is.
Name: Stephanie Centola
Job title: Marketing Assistant
Favourite Luath book of 2023 and why: Back o the Net! Why We Love Scottish Fitba by Paul Goodwin & Donald C Stuart
This book encompasses everything I love about sport and the importance of having it so embedded in our culture. The story of how an individual started to follow their football club is always unique, heartfelt and a core life memory.
The joy of this book is hearing from those who support the Scottish Premiership giants but also smaller clubs who are larger than life in their own way. It distinguishes the importance of Scottish football fans, loyal, hardcore, but, most of all, dedicated through the highs and lows. Because we’ve all experienced them! It captures the longing for more and why we always make a return, simply because we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Favourite Christmas tradition: Definitely sitting with a hot cup of tea, reading a Christmas book with all my closest family around me on Christmas Eve, or the feeling of all my close family members being around the same dinner table for the long-awaited arrival of the Turkey.
Also… who doesn’t love chocolate for breakfast?
Name: Kira Dowie
Job title: Editorial and Events Co-Ordinator
Favourite Luath book of 2023 and why: Electricity by Angus Peter Campbell
The lyrical prose evokes a time and place with great clarity, though one unfamiliar to me I felt immersed in the Hebridean world.
The story is one of family and community that leaves a lasting impression well after reading.
Favourite Christmas tradition: Cosy Christmas Eve’s with family in Christmas PJs watching the Polar Express
Name: Scott Kemp
Job title: Press and Media Co-Ordinator
Favourite Luath book of 2023 and why: Magnaccioni by Anne Pia
I love cooking! And Magnaccioni is more than just a book of recipes, but a love letter to Italy itself.
It's about immersing yourself in that life and culture through food
Favourite Christmas tradition: When we hit up the Christmas markets, the best and biggest ones we can get to, and make sure the cupboards are well stocked for the season with the good German stuff.
Glühwein and stollen is an absolute must.
At Luath Press we would like to that you for once again joining us during this festive period. 2023 has been a whirlwind of a year and each of our titles have been an absolute blast to see come to life. We can’t wait to share with you what’s in store for 2024.