The Paperback Psychologist
@thepaperbackpsych.bsky.social
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:
https://thepaperbackpsychologist.com
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:
https://thepaperbackpsychologist.com
Pinned
The Paperback Psychologist
A book blog from the perspective of a Clinical Psychologist. Using psychological formulation to explore character & story.
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
Hello BlueSky! I'm Stuart, a Clinical Psychologist who loves reading. These past few years I've started to write about the books I've been reading & use a psychological approach to explore my favourite characters. You can find all of my writing here on my website:
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
Reposted by The Paperback Psychologist
Amazon is helping fund a $300 million build of a ballroom for the White House.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
October 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Amazon is helping fund a $300 million build of a ballroom for the White House.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
New Douglas Stuart!
Anyone that has followed me for a while will know of the profound impact Douglas Stuart’s writing has had on me. It was reading Shuggie Bain, that planted the initial seeds for my writing as The Paperback Psychologist…
@picadorbooks.bsky.social #douglasstuart
Anyone that has followed me for a while will know of the profound impact Douglas Stuart’s writing has had on me. It was reading Shuggie Bain, that planted the initial seeds for my writing as The Paperback Psychologist…
@picadorbooks.bsky.social #douglasstuart
October 21, 2025 at 8:53 PM
New Douglas Stuart!
Anyone that has followed me for a while will know of the profound impact Douglas Stuart’s writing has had on me. It was reading Shuggie Bain, that planted the initial seeds for my writing as The Paperback Psychologist…
@picadorbooks.bsky.social #douglasstuart
Anyone that has followed me for a while will know of the profound impact Douglas Stuart’s writing has had on me. It was reading Shuggie Bain, that planted the initial seeds for my writing as The Paperback Psychologist…
@picadorbooks.bsky.social #douglasstuart
Reposted by The Paperback Psychologist
Looking for something new for your TBR? We’ve brought together a collection of our new and upcoming releases for October to December 2025 to help you choose.
faber.co.uk/journal/new-books-preview-october-to-december-2025
faber.co.uk/journal/new-books-preview-october-to-december-2025
New Books Preview: October to December 2025
Explore our collection of new and upcoming releases from Faber for October to December 2025.
www.faber.co.uk
October 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Looking for something new for your TBR? We’ve brought together a collection of our new and upcoming releases for October to December 2025 to help you choose.
faber.co.uk/journal/new-books-preview-october-to-december-2025
faber.co.uk/journal/new-books-preview-october-to-december-2025
Just finished part III of On The Calculation of Volume. So good! A unique series that has me excited for next year and part IV. It comes out November 18th and I'll share more thoughts closer to then. Thanks @faberbooks.bsky.social for the proof copy.
October 15, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Just finished part III of On The Calculation of Volume. So good! A unique series that has me excited for next year and part IV. It comes out November 18th and I'll share more thoughts closer to then. Thanks @faberbooks.bsky.social for the proof copy.
A new Andrew O’Hagan release is always a highlight in my literary calendar. Some of my favourite psychological portraits I’ve written have been explorations of his characters. So with the release of On Friendship this week from Faber, I was thrilled to once again step into his wonderful writing.
October 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A new Andrew O’Hagan release is always a highlight in my literary calendar. Some of my favourite psychological portraits I’ve written have been explorations of his characters. So with the release of On Friendship this week from Faber, I was thrilled to once again step into his wonderful writing.
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025
This summer I had the chance to attend the Edinburgh International Book Festival. I've been numerous times over the years but this time was my first with a media/ press pass. With this golden ticket, I was able to take in some wonderous events. This has…
This summer I had the chance to attend the Edinburgh International Book Festival. I've been numerous times over the years but this time was my first with a media/ press pass. With this golden ticket, I was able to take in some wonderous events. This has…
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025
This summer I had the chance to attend the Edinburgh International Book Festival. I've been numerous times over the years but this time was my first with a media/ press pass. With this golden ticket, I was able to take in some wonderous events. This has truly been a highlight of my bookish journey so far and one of my favourite things to come from my writing as The Paperback Psychologist.
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
September 25, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025
This summer I had the chance to attend the Edinburgh International Book Festival. I've been numerous times over the years but this time was my first with a media/ press pass. With this golden ticket, I was able to take in some wonderous events. This has…
This summer I had the chance to attend the Edinburgh International Book Festival. I've been numerous times over the years but this time was my first with a media/ press pass. With this golden ticket, I was able to take in some wonderous events. This has…
I’m nominated for two UK Book Blogger Awards
Thank you so much for the nominations for Creative Excellence and the Book Blogger of the Year for the UK Book Blogger Awards 2025. I pride myself on trying to bring something different to the book review and blogging community - combining my love of…
Thank you so much for the nominations for Creative Excellence and the Book Blogger of the Year for the UK Book Blogger Awards 2025. I pride myself on trying to bring something different to the book review and blogging community - combining my love of…
I’m nominated for two UK Book Blogger Awards
Thank you so much for the nominations for Creative Excellence and the Book Blogger of the Year for the UK Book Blogger Awards 2025. I pride myself on trying to bring something different to the book review and blogging community - combining my love of psychology and books. I love taking a deep dive into well written books and complex characters, writing up a psychological formulation as a snap shot of what makes them who they are.
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
September 25, 2025 at 9:04 AM
I’m nominated for two UK Book Blogger Awards
Thank you so much for the nominations for Creative Excellence and the Book Blogger of the Year for the UK Book Blogger Awards 2025. I pride myself on trying to bring something different to the book review and blogging community - combining my love of…
Thank you so much for the nominations for Creative Excellence and the Book Blogger of the Year for the UK Book Blogger Awards 2025. I pride myself on trying to bring something different to the book review and blogging community - combining my love of…
Reposted by The Paperback Psychologist
I'm curating a show about the Two Roberts for Charleston in Lewes. Currently unwrapping artworks being loaned to us by incredibly generous individuals and institutions - it's like Christmas! 'Artists, Lovers, Outsiders' opens Oct 15: www.charleston.org.uk/exhibition/r...
Charleston — Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun: Artists, Lovers, Outsiders
Explore the lives and work of the 'Two Roberts'
www.charleston.org.uk
September 24, 2025 at 12:27 PM
I'm curating a show about the Two Roberts for Charleston in Lewes. Currently unwrapping artworks being loaned to us by incredibly generous individuals and institutions - it's like Christmas! 'Artists, Lovers, Outsiders' opens Oct 15: www.charleston.org.uk/exhibition/r...
Im nominated for two
UK Book Blogger Awards!
Thank you so much for the nominations for Creative Excellence and the Book Blogger of the Year.
It's been so nice to see your messages and thanks for your votes so far. There's still time to get your votes in. Voting closes tomorrow on Friday 26th Sep’
UK Book Blogger Awards!
Thank you so much for the nominations for Creative Excellence and the Book Blogger of the Year.
It's been so nice to see your messages and thanks for your votes so far. There's still time to get your votes in. Voting closes tomorrow on Friday 26th Sep’
September 25, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Im nominated for two
UK Book Blogger Awards!
Thank you so much for the nominations for Creative Excellence and the Book Blogger of the Year.
It's been so nice to see your messages and thanks for your votes so far. There's still time to get your votes in. Voting closes tomorrow on Friday 26th Sep’
UK Book Blogger Awards!
Thank you so much for the nominations for Creative Excellence and the Book Blogger of the Year.
It's been so nice to see your messages and thanks for your votes so far. There's still time to get your votes in. Voting closes tomorrow on Friday 26th Sep’
Reposted by The Paperback Psychologist
Once I drop this parcel of ten books off at my new stockist @typewronger Typewronger Books on Leith Walk, I'll only have 4 copies left.
It's a bit like the Elves and The Shoemaker. If three people buy one. I can order 25 more. They call this ... bookselling.
Help me out, eh? 😂
It's a bit like the Elves and The Shoemaker. If three people buy one. I can order 25 more. They call this ... bookselling.
Help me out, eh? 😂
September 4, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Once I drop this parcel of ten books off at my new stockist @typewronger Typewronger Books on Leith Walk, I'll only have 4 copies left.
It's a bit like the Elves and The Shoemaker. If three people buy one. I can order 25 more. They call this ... bookselling.
Help me out, eh? 😂
It's a bit like the Elves and The Shoemaker. If three people buy one. I can order 25 more. They call this ... bookselling.
Help me out, eh? 😂
Reposted by The Paperback Psychologist
As the Summer winds down, we’re heading into Autumn with a truly amazing line up of events to keep you busy this month after festival season!
You can sign up — and find details about who, where and when — here: www.theportobellobookshop.com/events
You can sign up — and find details about who, where and when — here: www.theportobellobookshop.com/events
September 2, 2025 at 9:28 AM
As the Summer winds down, we’re heading into Autumn with a truly amazing line up of events to keep you busy this month after festival season!
You can sign up — and find details about who, where and when — here: www.theportobellobookshop.com/events
You can sign up — and find details about who, where and when — here: www.theportobellobookshop.com/events
Reposted by The Paperback Psychologist
I’ve written about making art when it feels like the world is ending, about living truthfully in a homophobic world, about the Two Roberts in the 1940s. And a lot of it feels very…now.
"The world is burning. Fascism is rising. Countries are falling. And we’re on the brink of incredible technological change, which will either be the end of everything or a new beginning. So, who needs artists?"
I've written about what it takes to make art & live bravely.
tinyurl.com/bdfjszbu
I've written about what it takes to make art & live bravely.
tinyurl.com/bdfjszbu
‘They had everything, then nothing’: the prodigies the art world forgot
Robert Colquhoun and Bobby MacBryde were once the golden boys of London’s art scene – photographed in Vogue, filmed by Ken Russell and lauded by Francis Bacon. So why did they vanish into obscurity?
tinyurl.com
September 1, 2025 at 4:41 PM
I’ve written about making art when it feels like the world is ending, about living truthfully in a homophobic world, about the Two Roberts in the 1940s. And a lot of it feels very…now.
An honour to see one of Scotland's most important living writers speak at The Edinburgh Book Festival. James Kelman read from his newest short story collection: The Story of the Stone. He was in discussion with @hinesjumpedup.bsky.social, a lecturer in Scottish Literature and Kelman expert.
August 18, 2025 at 6:45 PM
An honour to see one of Scotland's most important living writers speak at The Edinburgh Book Festival. James Kelman read from his newest short story collection: The Story of the Stone. He was in discussion with @hinesjumpedup.bsky.social, a lecturer in Scottish Literature and Kelman expert.
Book review and recommendation!
What To Do When You Feel Broken by Dr Laura Williams. Published by @hayhouseuk.bsky.social in 2025.
What To Do When You Feel Broken by Dr Laura Williams. Published by @hayhouseuk.bsky.social in 2025.
August 16, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Book review and recommendation!
What To Do When You Feel Broken by Dr Laura Williams. Published by @hayhouseuk.bsky.social in 2025.
What To Do When You Feel Broken by Dr Laura Williams. Published by @hayhouseuk.bsky.social in 2025.
2025 International Booker Prize: Meet the Winners Panel at Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi was this years International @thebookerprizes.com winner. The panel celebrated the book & the art of translation.
@andotherstories.bsky.social
Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi was this years International @thebookerprizes.com winner. The panel celebrated the book & the art of translation.
@andotherstories.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 9:28 PM
2025 International Booker Prize: Meet the Winners Panel at Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi was this years International @thebookerprizes.com winner. The panel celebrated the book & the art of translation.
@andotherstories.bsky.social
Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi was this years International @thebookerprizes.com winner. The panel celebrated the book & the art of translation.
@andotherstories.bsky.social
Reposted by The Paperback Psychologist
‘This was the book the judges really loved, right from our first reading’
We're delighted to announce that the winner of the #InternationalBooker2025 is Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi.
Here's everything you need to know about the book: thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-l...
We're delighted to announce that the winner of the #InternationalBooker2025 is Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi.
Here's everything you need to know about the book: thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-l...
May 20, 2025 at 9:12 PM
‘This was the book the judges really loved, right from our first reading’
We're delighted to announce that the winner of the #InternationalBooker2025 is Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi.
Here's everything you need to know about the book: thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-l...
We're delighted to announce that the winner of the #InternationalBooker2025 is Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi.
Here's everything you need to know about the book: thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-l...
2025 has been a year of big releases, particularly from Scottish authors. The Two Roberts by @damianbarr.bsky.social is right up there on my list of most anticipated books. Time to get that preorder placed before it's release on September 4th!
@canongate.co.uk
@canongate.co.uk
August 14, 2025 at 4:11 PM
2025 has been a year of big releases, particularly from Scottish authors. The Two Roberts by @damianbarr.bsky.social is right up there on my list of most anticipated books. Time to get that preorder placed before it's release on September 4th!
@canongate.co.uk
@canongate.co.uk
Welcome back #Edinburghinternationalbookfestival
I've been plenty of times throughout the years but this is my first under a "media/ press" guise as The Paperback Psychologist.
Got a bunch of great authors lined up & will pore over the programme tonight to see what else I can squeeze in.
I've been plenty of times throughout the years but this is my first under a "media/ press" guise as The Paperback Psychologist.
Got a bunch of great authors lined up & will pore over the programme tonight to see what else I can squeeze in.
August 11, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Welcome back #Edinburghinternationalbookfestival
I've been plenty of times throughout the years but this is my first under a "media/ press" guise as The Paperback Psychologist.
Got a bunch of great authors lined up & will pore over the programme tonight to see what else I can squeeze in.
I've been plenty of times throughout the years but this is my first under a "media/ press" guise as The Paperback Psychologist.
Got a bunch of great authors lined up & will pore over the programme tonight to see what else I can squeeze in.
Watched Darren McGarvey’s Trauma Industrial Complex today at the Edinburgh Fringe. A real & unflinching look at trauma, that challenges current discourses in popular culture & social media.
#EdinburghFringe
#DarrenMcGarvey
#EdinburghFringe
#DarrenMcGarvey
August 4, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Watched Darren McGarvey’s Trauma Industrial Complex today at the Edinburgh Fringe. A real & unflinching look at trauma, that challenges current discourses in popular culture & social media.
#EdinburghFringe
#DarrenMcGarvey
#EdinburghFringe
#DarrenMcGarvey
Men in Love - the new book from @irvinewelsh.bsky.social releases today. It picks up where Trainspotting left off. Now we can see what happens immediately after for Renton, Sick Boy, Spud and Second Prize.
Today was the Edinburgh book launch hosted by the amazing Jenni Fagan.
Today was the Edinburgh book launch hosted by the amazing Jenni Fagan.
July 24, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Men in Love - the new book from @irvinewelsh.bsky.social releases today. It picks up where Trainspotting left off. Now we can see what happens immediately after for Renton, Sick Boy, Spud and Second Prize.
Today was the Edinburgh book launch hosted by the amazing Jenni Fagan.
Today was the Edinburgh book launch hosted by the amazing Jenni Fagan.
On my way to see @irvinewelsh.bsky.social in Edinburgh to speak about his new book Men In Love. Buzzing!
July 24, 2025 at 5:51 PM
On my way to see @irvinewelsh.bsky.social in Edinburgh to speak about his new book Men In Love. Buzzing!
So looking forward to Men in Love releasing next week and revisiting these characters. I’m sure there will be lots for me to write about there. Here’s my psychological exploration of Mark Renton from @irvinewelsh.bsky.social ‘s #trainspotting
thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2024/12/05/t...
thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2024/12/05/t...
Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh. A Psychological Portrait of Mark Renton.
A giant of Scottish fiction, Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, was released in 1993. It tells the story of Mark Renton and his friends in 1980s Edinburgh as they navigate through heroin addiction, vio…
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
July 17, 2025 at 2:33 PM
So looking forward to Men in Love releasing next week and revisiting these characters. I’m sure there will be lots for me to write about there. Here’s my psychological exploration of Mark Renton from @irvinewelsh.bsky.social ‘s #trainspotting
thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2024/12/05/t...
thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2024/12/05/t...
My psychological exploration of Small Things Like These has been the most read of all my posts. It consistently comes out on top in my website stats. It seems that the book really resonated with us all.
@faberbooks.bsky.social
thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2023/10/14/s...
@faberbooks.bsky.social
thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2023/10/14/s...
Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan: A Psychological Portrait of Bill Furlong
I wouldn’t consider myself the quickest of readers. I rarely read a book these days without my pen and notebook to hand, ready to note down anything significant that could be relevant for a p…
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
July 11, 2025 at 10:16 AM
My psychological exploration of Small Things Like These has been the most read of all my posts. It consistently comes out on top in my website stats. It seems that the book really resonated with us all.
@faberbooks.bsky.social
thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2023/10/14/s...
@faberbooks.bsky.social
thepaperbackpsychologist.com/2023/10/14/s...
Reposted by The Paperback Psychologist
Michael Pedersen on Muckle Flugga: Isolation, Grief & Lighthouses
Following the release of his debut novel MUCKLE FLUGGA, @michaelpedersen.bsky.social speaks to @snackmag.bsky.social about turning lighthouses into legends, the ghost of Robert Louis Stevenson, & more
💙📚
snackmag.co.uk/michael-pede...
Following the release of his debut novel MUCKLE FLUGGA, @michaelpedersen.bsky.social speaks to @snackmag.bsky.social about turning lighthouses into legends, the ghost of Robert Louis Stevenson, & more
💙📚
snackmag.co.uk/michael-pede...
Michael Pedersen on Muckle Flugga: Isolation, Grief & Lighthouses - SNACK: Music, film, arts and culture magazine for Scotland
Michael Pedersen discusses his debut novel Muckle Flugga, a haunting tale of isolation, grief, lighthouses—and avoiding toxic masculinity.
snackmag.co.uk
June 26, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Michael Pedersen on Muckle Flugga: Isolation, Grief & Lighthouses
Following the release of his debut novel MUCKLE FLUGGA, @michaelpedersen.bsky.social speaks to @snackmag.bsky.social about turning lighthouses into legends, the ghost of Robert Louis Stevenson, & more
💙📚
snackmag.co.uk/michael-pede...
Following the release of his debut novel MUCKLE FLUGGA, @michaelpedersen.bsky.social speaks to @snackmag.bsky.social about turning lighthouses into legends, the ghost of Robert Louis Stevenson, & more
💙📚
snackmag.co.uk/michael-pede...
Watching Adam Curtis’ latest documentary Shifty right now. So good and up to his usual standard. Mind blown by the covert meaning in a Bucks Fizz song! I do miss his narration though. I hope he brings it back in future films.
June 21, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Watching Adam Curtis’ latest documentary Shifty right now. So good and up to his usual standard. Mind blown by the covert meaning in a Bucks Fizz song! I do miss his narration though. I hope he brings it back in future films.