Bookbenchers: Dame Anne Begg MP
Saturday, 3rd December 2011
Dame Anne Begg is this week's Bookbencher. The MP for Aberdeen South tells us what she is currently reading and which books she would save if the
British Library caught fire.
What book's on your bedside table at the moment?
The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone. Except it is no longer on my bedside as it is on my iPad!
What book would you read to your children?
Each Peach, Pear Plum by Janet Ahlberg.
What literary character would you most like to be?
I wouldn’t necessarily like to be this person, but the character I identify most closely with is Chris Guthrie in Sunset Song.
What book do you think best sums up 'now'?
1984 by George Orwell
What was the last novel you read?
The End of the Wasp Season by Denise Mina – I read a lot of murder mysteries/detective fiction.
What book would you most recommend?
Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon is my favourite novel of all time. However, I am also enjoying the novels of Stuart MacBride which are set in Aberdeen.
Given enough time, which book would you like to study deeply?
The newly published book by Professor Alex Kemp, The
Official History of the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry – both volumes!
Which books do you plan to read next?
I have recently downloaded novels by Val McDermid, Denise Mina, Bernard Cornwall and Alexander McColl-Smith – and they are all waiting to be read when I have the time.
If the British Library was on fire and you could only save three books, which ones would you take?
Scots Quaire trilogy, Slaughterhouse 5 and To Kill a Mockingbird
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Russell
December 3rd, 2011 4:26pm Report this commentWhen Begg became an MP, and spoke her first words in the House of commons, what do you think they were?
Help for the North East of Scotland Aberdeen Oil & Gas sector, boosting jobs for her constituents and helping the local and National economy, NO.
Her first question at PMQ's to Blair was "Did the PM watch the new Harry Potter film over the weekend" !!!!!!
Begg then proceeded to travel all around the World at taxpayers expense with her 'friend' on fact finding jollies.
The woman was and is a disgrace, and the only books she should be recommending are "How to fleece the taxpayer" "How to steal taxpayers money on expenses" and other such titles.
Many Aberdonians would say Damn Begg not Dame Begg, her behaviour 'begg'ars belief.
Peter From Maidstone
December 3rd, 2011 5:46pm Report this commentMore Spectator space given to socialists. Why? I have no interest in what socialists are reading. They are, by definition, lacking in judgement.
Erica Blair
December 3rd, 2011 6:02pm Report this commentPeter has just given me another reason never to go to Maidstone.
Peter From Maidstone
December 3rd, 2011 6:50pm Report this commentNo problems Erica. Tell me where you live and I'll make sure not to visit it myself.
Sarah H
December 4th, 2011 12:09pm Report this commentLet's celebrate democracy and an interesting selection of books! Variety is the spice of life. As a life-long conservative, I still agree that 1984 is a fantastic contribution to British literature.
Walter Ellis
December 4th, 2011 4:53pm Report this commentI agree with Erica. Not about Maidstone, but about "Peter". And Russell's comment is no better. Why is there so much hatred in British politics these days? The UK is turning into the worst of America.
Wilhelm 1
December 4th, 2011 9:15pm Report this commentQuite frankly, who cares what Annie Begg is reading.
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