COMEDIAN and author Janey Godley has praised Nicola Sturgeon’s love of reading ahead of her Aye Write event this week.
Godley will speak at an event chaired by the former first minister about her debut novel Nothing Left Unsaid, which was released in May 2022.
Reading is a passion for both Godley and Sturgeon, with the latter often taking to social media with recommendations.
In an interview with The National, Godley explained why she thought having a first minister who loved books could only be a positive thing.
“She devours books the way I devour books so I’m looking forward to this and I’m hoping she enjoys it”, she said.
“To have a first minister who’s very much a voracious reader is important. I mean when you look at Trump you know he’s not even had a colouring book.”
The comedian fondly remembers a childhood filled with books, citing Shettleston Library as a place of significance for her.
She said: “I think it’s an amazing rite of passage to go to a book shop and pick your own rather than one bought for you.
“I couldn’t afford books when I was wee so all the books I got were at jumbo sales or in the Barras or in Shettleston Library which was very important to me.”
A real joy to finally visit @PortyBooks today - it’s such a beautiful, well designed space with a truly brilliant selection of books. A book-lover’s dream! And thanks for the recommendations 📚 📚 https://t.co/CqsoejkxsB
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 1, 2022
Godley adds that her own tastes are very eclectic and that she currently listens to audiobooks as her eyes are impacted by the chemotherapy she is receiving.
“I probably listen to five different books a week, so I do like a lot of thriller and crimes but I also do love a good love book, a Jenny Colgan, a cupcake café that takes the stress off everything sometimes.”
However, there’s a couple of lines she won’t cross. “I don’t like science fiction or historical fiction. I’m not a fan of the paranormal or supernatural.
“And don’t even f***ing start me on vampires and zombies. None of that s**te. My husband and daughter Ashley are fans of Neil Gaiman, quite rightly so, Terry Pratchett, quite rightly so and they’ve always liked that.
“As soon as I listen and it’s like ‘the third sector in space’ or something, I just can’t suspend my disbelief.”
She adds that she thinks comedians in particular love audiobooks because they’re constantly on the road driving.
The event with Nicola Sturgeon will take place on May 26 at 7.45pm in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
The pair have a fun history, with Godley well known for her “Frank get the door” videos in which she would provide humorous voiceovers of Sturgeon’s speeches.
Tickets for the event can be found HERE.
