Books of my Life by Margaret McDonald
The debut novel of Margaret McDonald (MLitt 2021), ‘Glasgow Boys’, features a character studying nursing at UofG against the odds of an unstable upbringing. It has been shortlisted for the 2025 Carnegie Medal for Writing, which has been awarded annually since 1936 and recognises outstanding reading experiences for young people. Margaret says that being a writer may not have been in her plans, growing up – but was always in her blood.
The book that makes me laugh the most
‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ (Douglas Adams) had me cry laughing. Real tears were pouring out.
The book I come back to again and again
‘Kitchen’ by my favourite author, Banana Yoshimoto, and her short story 'Moonlight Shadow'. I really adore her work – the way she writes conversations and interpersonal relationships is so stunning and ethereal. The prose is like pure magic.
The book I loved most as a child
‘Twilight’ (Stephenie Meyer) – where it all began for me. I think I was 12, and everyone was obsessed with it. I loved being a part of something – everyone in school had their theories and their favourite characters. It really got me into reading, gave me the confidence to pick up books because I had managed this sprawling series, and made me realise how fun reading could be!
The book that gets me through the hard times
‘The Little Prince' (Antoine de Saint-Exupery). Beautiful novel. So simple and honest.
The book that changed my mind
‘Stolen’ (Lucy Christopher). It’s about a girl who is kidnapped and held hostage by a guy, but then develops Stockholm Syndrome for him. I was constantly flip-flopping – it’s such an emotional rollercoaster. I still don’t think there’s a book I feel more conflicted and confused about. I can’t decide how to feel!
The book I recommend to others
‘The Hunger Games’ (Suzanne Collins). For a reading slump, for a sublime political thriller, for an action-packed ride, for a beautiful romance. It’s so universal. One of my favourite novels.
The book I’m currently reading
I’ve just finished ‘The Final Year’ (Matt Goodfellow). Cried so hard I got a sore head. What a book – hope it wins all the awards.
The book that’s my guilty pleasure
I’ve searched my whole bookcase, but I actually don’t think I have one! Honestly, when I manage to finish a book I give myself a pat on the back, even if it's a children's book or graphic novel.
The Carnegie Medal award ceremony takes place on Thursday 19 June and will be livestreamed. Margaret’s follow-up novel centres around four friends who take a summer job volunteering at a Bible camp. It takes a look at ‘the ways in which we grapple with and cling to faith even when we want to reject it’.
Follow Margaret on Instagram: @margaretmcdonaldauthor
This article was first published in April 2025.
MARGARET MCDONALD
Photo: Heather Callaghan
"One piece of writing advice I’ve learned through practice and used the most is the very clichéd ‘never give up'. Sadly, it totally works and it’s the only way you will ever get published or finish a novel. I wish there was a step-by-step plan, but everything just comes back to that one singular phrase!”
“I love ‘Glasgow Boys’ because it’s a piece of my soul. There are areas I would now fix, but I would say my proudest accomplishment is how much readers have connected to Banjo and Finlay, the conversations ‘Glasgow Boys’ has been able to start and the way it’s totally opened my entire worldview.”
"I like to quiz my characters as if I’m interviewing them, as if they do exist and I just have to dig a little, eg ‘What were your parents like?’ Once I think I’m getting interesting answers, I feel like I have ideas for a novel.”