May 2024 – The Skinny

There’s some really special book launches this month: over at Lighthouse Bookshop, Akira O’Connor and Erin Robbins are in conversation to celebrate the release of their essential non-fiction book Colonised Minds (14 May), while acclaimed poet CAConrad launches their ritualistic new collection Listen to the Golden Boomerang Return in conversation with the remarkable Anne Boyer (4 May). Over at Portobello Bookshop, meanwhile, Nadine Aisha Jassat releases her new middle grade novel The Hidden Story of Estie Noor on 9 May (pick up a copy of our May issue for a piece by Jassat on the importance of reading children’s literature as an adult), while the impossibly brilliant Sheila Heti launches her latest memoir-ish book Alphabetical Diaries on 21 May, in conversation with yours truly.

Over in Glasgow, thi wurd launch their new anthology of fiction, poetry and experimental writing Earthly Rewards at Glasgow Uni Union on 10 May – a fun chance to see some of the best and most radical writing coming out of Scotland and further afield. There’s also more experimental shenanigans at Stereo, where Darren McGarvey supported by the likes of Iona Lee and Imogen Stirling, launches their new hip-hop cum poetry album on 26 May. Over in the Southside, meanwhile, Time for One Poem are putting on a free open mic night on 15 May at Sweeney’s on the Park – everyone is welcome and first-time readers are encouraged!