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jazzab1971's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
straaawbs's review
3.0
This was a pretty nice idea of bringing together a group of voices, over the course of 3-4 page essays, to talk about their vision for a (post-independence?) future Scotland. I seem to remember the intro suggesting I'd find a lot here to disagree with, which really didn't turn out to be the case. Ok, there was the occasional Boomer-ish essay about how we all just need to put down our mobile phones and get off the internet (maybe they're not wrong, but what an unoriginal idea) but mostly these were all good suggestions. It's not by any means a deep dive into policy or sociological issues, but it could definitely be a springboard for deeper discussions.
I liked the variety of ways in which the contributors chose to respond to the prompt, mainly through writing but also some via pictures, poetry, and one that was just a picture of an unfolded blank sheet of A4 paper (though the meaning of that one was lost on me tbh).
I would have liked some more diversity in thought here. There were some really good essays - ones about alleviating our country's health issues, poverty, and homelessness. Protecting the environment, tackling capitalism, fighting for racial and gender equality. But, with so many creative-types being asked to contribute, there were also a lot of essays which essentially boiled down to getting more kids in school involved in theatre... And it's not that I'm opposed to that, although as an introvert it isn't top of my list for creating a better society, not by a long shot. It's just that after reading the sixth or seventh essay to the same effect I really wished they'd branched out a bit more when choosing contributors, picked more people with different priorities and life experiences.
I liked the variety of ways in which the contributors chose to respond to the prompt, mainly through writing but also some via pictures, poetry, and one that was just a picture of an unfolded blank sheet of A4 paper (though the meaning of that one was lost on me tbh).
I would have liked some more diversity in thought here. There were some really good essays - ones about alleviating our country's health issues, poverty, and homelessness. Protecting the environment, tackling capitalism, fighting for racial and gender equality. But, with so many creative-types being asked to contribute, there were also a lot of essays which essentially boiled down to getting more kids in school involved in theatre... And it's not that I'm opposed to that, although as an introvert it isn't top of my list for creating a better society, not by a long shot. It's just that after reading the sixth or seventh essay to the same effect I really wished they'd branched out a bit more when choosing contributors, picked more people with different priorities and life experiences.
scottiesandbooks's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
In your ideal place, your utopia… what would matter? What would you change for the better?
These are the questions answered by Scottish citizens in this brilliant anthology collated by @quineofcrime and @profjosharp . Each essay, poem, drawing, story etc made me think beyond my own imaginings and reality… seeing ideas and thoughts from the writers point of view.
Don’t get me wrong there were more than a few I didn’t agree with… but that’s the point! This isn’t a book from one side of the political divide… and in fact no politicians have a voice (phew!), it’s a book from a diverse bunch of people each with their own priorities and insights to add. I’ve found myself thinking about what I would add… and about the issues I know are faced by our working class rural areas that weren’t mentioned too often, if at all.
I really enjoyed sifting through what each person has to say, laughing at times and others being deeply moved by someones experience or thoughts. I would absolutely love to see another volume from now to see if anyone’s opinions have changed or to hear from other voices… maybe those who haven’t yet been represented in the first volume. We are an ever growing and diverse nation and I think Imagine A Country highlights that… and gives us hope! 🏴
Ps… it also isn’t a book about the independence debate…. If that’s putting you off. It’s about so much more!
These are the questions answered by Scottish citizens in this brilliant anthology collated by @quineofcrime and @profjosharp . Each essay, poem, drawing, story etc made me think beyond my own imaginings and reality… seeing ideas and thoughts from the writers point of view.
Don’t get me wrong there were more than a few I didn’t agree with… but that’s the point! This isn’t a book from one side of the political divide… and in fact no politicians have a voice (phew!), it’s a book from a diverse bunch of people each with their own priorities and insights to add. I’ve found myself thinking about what I would add… and about the issues I know are faced by our working class rural areas that weren’t mentioned too often, if at all.
I really enjoyed sifting through what each person has to say, laughing at times and others being deeply moved by someones experience or thoughts. I would absolutely love to see another volume from now to see if anyone’s opinions have changed or to hear from other voices… maybe those who haven’t yet been represented in the first volume. We are an ever growing and diverse nation and I think Imagine A Country highlights that… and gives us hope! 🏴
Ps… it also isn’t a book about the independence debate…. If that’s putting you off. It’s about so much more!
zavatskajam's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
4.5
It was so interesting to hear ideas big and small from people in different spheres and from various backgrounds. I was inspired to do my bit of dreaming and in my imaginary Scotland every person will have access to some quality outdoor area not far from their home whether it’s a park, a community garden or even a cemetery. A place where one can take a walk on a sunny afternoon, enjoy birdsong and just slow down.
I loved many pieces in ”Imagine a country” and I’m thrilled to be a part of creating this new Scotland.
I loved many pieces in ”Imagine a country” and I’m thrilled to be a part of creating this new Scotland.
bethd2828's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.75
jo_the_bookworm's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
claire60's review
4.0
Loved this book, its a collection of short prose pieces or illustrations where various people are asked to imagine a better future for Scotland, designed to be full of hope and away from Politician's rhetoric. It's a book to dip in and out of, to pick up when you've got time and read a few more. Some people wrote poems, some drew pictures, most wrote prose in various forms as different and reflective of them as people as well their various points of view. Really interesting read in the light of the background talk of the 'union' and independence, especially Damian Barr's plea for being taught history of Scotland not England. This book is a lovely celebration of Scottish culture both past, present and future.