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The Paperback Psychologist

@thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social
6.7K followers 1.7K following 277 posts

Stuart Cooney A book blog from the perspective of a Clinical Psychologist🧠 Taking psychology out of the therapy room and into the pages of books. 📚 Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Read my psychological exploration of fiction and character: thepaperbackpsychologist.com

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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
The Two Roberts is out now on paperback from @canongate.co.uk The exhibition: Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun: Artists, Lovers, Outsiders runs until 10th January 2027 at The Dick Institute, Kilmarnock.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
What a wonderful thing Damian Barr has done, to not only bring the Two Roberts and their story back into the spotlight with his book, but to also bring their artwork together in the exhibition, giving them the recognition and appreciation they so well deserve.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Seeing Robert's incredible figures and Bobbie's bold still lifes in person, only deepened my connection to the two Roberts and the book. Beholding Robert Colquhoun's final artwork was particularly poignant and emotional.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
After devouring The Two Roberts over two days, I visited an exhibition of their work: Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun: Artists, Lovers, Outsiders. Hosted at Kilmarnock's The Dick Institute and lovingly curated by Damian Barr.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
They enjoyed huge success in the 1940s and 1950s yet their work is not well known now. The Two Roberts tenderly tells their story, not just as artists but as lovers, devoted to each other for a lifetime.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
The Two Roberts by Damian Barr. This week I'm away with my family to Ayr for the school holidays. This seemed the perfect time to pick up @damianbarr.bsky.social’s latest novel about the lives of Ayrshire artists Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
Reflections on the experience of being called a Prick by several thousand people on the internet
Podcast Episode · The Blindboy Podcast · 26 August · 1hr 7min
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
@blindboyboatclub.bsky.social explores the complexities of tragic events with much needed nuance & compassion. Something that is lacking in current discources online & in the media. Sadly, these often take the form of binary choices & divisive in group/ out group ways of relating to each other.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
variety.com/2026/film/ne...
variety.com
‘Donnie Darko’ Sequel Book Releasing This Year From Filmmaker Richard Kelly; Cover and Teaser Revealed (EXCLUSIVE)
A book sequel to cult classic film "Donnie Darko" will be releasing later this year from filmmaker Richard Kelly and Range Literary Publishing.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Donnie darko was a seminal film for me as a teenager. Something changed in me when I first watched it and it has stayed with me ever since. I'm so excited to see the news that writer and director Richard Kelly has written a sequel novel to the film. Coming late 2026. I was not expecting this!
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The Portobello Bookshop @portybooks.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
*ahem*…is this thing on? 🎙️ The Portobello Bookshop Podcast is now available to listen wherever you get your podcasts. See you on the morning commute?
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
I found great solace, compassion and understanding from @robinince.bsky.social’s book. For anyone struggling from last night's unbalanced, divisive and stigmatising documentary from channel 4, Robin's words will provide a welcome hug.
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Michael Pedersen @handle.invalid · 21/07/2026
ᴛᴇɴ ᴘᴏᴇᴍs ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴇᴅɪɴʙᴜʀɢʜ has arrived – I had the supreme thrill of editing this stunning wee anthology for Candlestick Press. Ft: Norman MacCaig, Jackie Kay, Edwin Morgan, Robert Louis Stevenson, Marjorie Lotfi, Hollie McNish, Janette Ayachi, me, & more. www.candlestickpress.co.uk/pamphlet/ten...
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Raveheart is without doubt, the most fun I've had reading a book in a long time (in a million years). I'm just half way through reading it so will save sharing any further thoughts till later. This is a must buy so pick up a copy now!
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Tonight, I went along to see him speak with @kirstininnes.bsky.social Whereas last night let us live the rave, tonight gave a deeper insight into the inspiration behind his new novel: The politics, alternate histories and the Time Capsule!
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Raveheart is out now! Happy publication day to @graemearmstrong.bsky.social Last night was the launch party in Glasgow: a rave featuring past and present legends of the Scottish rave scene. Hosted by the one and only George Bowie. The most fun I've ever had at a book launch.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
I'm looking forward to spending time this week finishing writing up psychological character profiles for both Cal and his father John. This certainly won't be my last post about John of John or of Douglas Stuart's writing.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
It was great to get to chat with you again Douglas. Thanks so much for the time you take with readers and for your kind words about my writing. Your characters are so rich and complex that are ripe for exploration as a psychologist.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
John of John is worthy of all the hype and accolades it is already attracting. I've been lucky enough to have read it already. Last night’s event only served to deepen my understanding of the characters and the context and motivation behind Douglas' writing.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
It was made all the more special as Douglas was joined on stage by @nicolasturgeon.bsky.social Their friendship and her love of his work was there in abundance and made for a fascinating, touching and hilarious exploration of John of John and beyond.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
The uk launch of John of John 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Last night was one of the most magical book events I've attended. A huge crowd of book lovers came together at The Assembly Rooms, to join Douglas Stuart as he launched his third novel John of John into the world. @portybooks.bsky.social @picadorbooks.bsky.social
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Graeme Armstrong @graemearmstrong.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Raveheart: The Book Tour… Loads of dates up and some still TBC 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌪️ lnkfi.re/ZCeuno #GraemeArmstrong #Raveheart
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Graeme Armstrong @graemearmstrong.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
RAVEHEART: THE LAUNCH PARTY👽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Join us for a night of multi-genre madness at Glasgow’s SWG3 to celebrate the launch of #Raveheart! The rave revolution starts here. Join us! Wed 3rd June, 7pm-1am SWG3, Glasgow Over 18s only! ⚠️ skiddle.com/whats-on/Glasg… #GraemeArmstrong
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Graeme Armstrong @graemearmstrong.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
After 10 years of writing a bonkers story about The Time Capsule ice disco DJ… finally RAVEHEART has made the journey from 4th Estate HQ at London Bridge back to our Coatbrig citadel 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 👽pre-order in bio👽 ⚠️ 04/06/26 ⚠️ #Raveheart #GraemeArmstrong
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Here's a very brief video of Alasdair Gray's Lanark. I didn't want to waste the atmosphere of the night by recording longer. Check out page for news on all of his work and go see a show if you can. www.garethwilliamsmusic.com
garethwilliamsmusic.com
Gareth Williams - Composer and Songwriter
Find out more about Irish composer Gareth Williams who creates new songs, new operas and new music theatre pieces in Scotland
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Drawing from an impressive range of Scottish and Irish literature, I was blown away by his unique take on music and literature. Dipping into Alasdair Gray, J M Barrie, James Joyce, James Robertson, Ely Percy and more, he constructs a new level of meaning and emotion to the texts.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Last night I saw Gareth Williams perform his songs from the last page project. With his piano and a stack of books, he takes one book at a time and plays a song, specially written using the novel's final words. 
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Dani Garavelli @danigaravelli.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
This book is so freaking good: black, sparse, funny, modern, it transcends descriptions of it as a working class Scottish novel. It’s making me angry all over again that Agnes Owens was so belittled and under-appreciated.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
A wonderful book. Looking forward to getting the reissues soon!
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
You’re welcome. It’s a great book and was a pleasure to spend more time with Gerard writing this up!
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Out now on paperback from @canongate.co.uk Books. @blakefriedmann.bsky.social @julietpickering.bsky.social
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Join me for a psychological exploration of Gerard from @writerkcampbell.bsky.social’s latest novel. This Bright Life, whilst dealing with themes of substance use, trauma and grief, has immense heart, hope and contemplates the possibility of change. thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2026/04/19/t...
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
This Bright Life, Karen Campbell.  A Psychological Portrait of Gerard
Please note this article contains spoilers for This Bright Life. This Bright Life is the latest novel from Scottish author Karen Campbell.  The Saltire Awards 2025 shortlisted novel was published i…
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Canongate @canongate.co.uk · 26/03/2026
Happy Publication Day to Karen Campbell @writerkcampbell.bsky.social on the paperback release of THIS BRIGHT LIFE! SHORTLISTED FOR THE SALTIRE AWARD 2025 THIS BRIGHT LIFE is about messy lives, second chances and the many hands it takes to build a boy. out now: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/this...
A paperback copy of This Bright Life by Karen Campbell floating against a grey background
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Out now on paperback from @canongate.co.uk. @blakefriedmann.bsky.social @julietpickering.bsky.social
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
@canongate.co.uk @blakefriedmann.bsky.social @julietpickering.bsky.social
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
@forumbooks.bsky.social @faberbooks.bsky.social @4thestatebooks.bsky.social @caroclaireburke.bsky.social @katiekirby.bsky.social
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Stopped by The Accidental Bookshop in Alnwick today. Such a great bookshop with the friendliest staff. Great with the kids & had so many suggestions for new books to check out. Here’s our family haul. Yesteryear and On The Calculation of Volume are my picks for today.
A book haul from the accidental book shop
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Got my ticket. So looking forward to this. It’ll be an amazing celebration of Agnes Owens’ life and work.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
As it’s Gray Day 2026, here’s my psychological exploration of Poor Things from a couple of years ago. I wrote this for @agrayarchive.bsky.social’s digital project for Poor Things. Here I explore the psychology behind the fascinating Godwin Baxter. thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2023/09/30/p...
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
Poor Things, Alasdair Gray: A Psychological Portrait of Godwin Baxter
At the start of 2023, I had the opportunity to contribute to Poor Things: A Novel Guide, an exciting project from The Alasdair Gray Archive. The project is a celebration of Alasdair Gray’s wo…
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Happy Gray Day 2026! Sad to miss tonight’s celebrations as I’m stuck at work but I have my trusty @agrayarchive.bsky.social Unthank tote bag with me. I think I’ll download the new Lanark audiobook to accompany my drive home though as seems an appropriate day to revisit Lanark.
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The Alasdair Gray Archive @agrayarchive.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
A special message & photos from Alasdair’s little sister, Mora Rolley, today, with her permission we are sharing🤍✨ “I’m so grateful to have received the scarf, Alasdair would have loved it and probably worn it proudly… before leaving it somewhere! Thank you for everything.’❤️
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Had a brilliant day with the family visiting the Malky McCormick exhibition at Kilmarnock’s The Dick Institute. Malky is considered Scotland’s best known cartoonist. Well worth a visit.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
I'm interested to see how I relate to this personally and to also bring this into my clinical practice.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Great to attend the online launch of Charlie Heriot-Maitland’s new book Controlled Explosions in Mental Health. An inspiring talk about bringing creativity into Clinical Psychology, normalising our shared experiences and introducing a new metaphor for understanding our self defeating patterns.
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
Just picked up a copy of today’s Herald. Good timing as I’ve finished For The Love of Willie today. It’s my 3rd time reading it and the ending still catches me off guard. I’d made lots of notes about Peggy previously, so the plan is to distill all of this and finish a psychological portrait for her
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Fantastic news that Agnes Owens’ complete work will be republished this year from Polygon/ Birlinn. New readers are in for an absolute treat! Follow @aowensarchive.bsky.social archive as they unfurl plans to celebrate her centenary year in 2026.
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grantrintoul.bsky.social @grantrintoul.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
I love the covers for the new editions of Agnes Owens' novels, which I think all use Joan Eardley paintings. @aowensarchive.bsky.social
Bad Attitudes For the Love of Willie Like Birds in the Wilderness A Working Mother
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Association for Scottish Literature @asls.org.uk · 09/01/2026
2026 is Agnes Owens’ centenary year, & Polygon will publish 7 new editions of her novels & short stories in collaboration with the Agnes Owens Archive – also launching this year. These new editions will be introduced by some of Scotland’s finest contemporary writers. 💙📚 birlinn.co.uk/2026/01/08/p...
birlinn.co.uk
Polygon to Publish New Editions of the Works of Agnes Owens to Mark Centenary | Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher - buy books online
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The Paperback Psychologist @thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Thank you once again to @faberbooks.bsky.social for another wonderful proof. The privilege of being sent books before publication from one of my favourite publishers is never wasted on me and something I deeply appreciate!
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Michael Pedersen @handle.invalid · 01/12/2025
Supremely chuffed to see Muckle Flugga named as Irvine Welsh’s Novel of 2025 in The Observer. ‘told in a poet’s lush but drum-tight voice…as arresting as an airport thriller’ 💜💚🥰💚💜. 📚: linktr.ee/muckleflugga @faberbooks.bsky.social
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