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
John of John is set to publish on 21st May 2026 from Picador. Of course, you can expect me to write a psychological portrait for John-Calum MacLeod & more, which I’ll share next May for the book’s release. Thank you so much to @picadorbooks.bsky.social for the proof, this really has made my year!
October 21, 2025 at 9:01 PM
John of John is set to publish on 21st May 2026 from Picador. Of course, you can expect me to write a psychological portrait for John-Calum MacLeod & more, which I’ll share next May for the book’s release. Thank you so much to @picadorbooks.bsky.social for the proof, this really has made my year!
Shuggie Bain & Young Mungo were some of my first forays into fictional formulations & I hold these characters dearly, with both novels being some of my favourite books. It is no understatement to say that receiving a proof of Douglas’ new novel is a highlight of my time writing about books...
October 21, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Shuggie Bain & Young Mungo were some of my first forays into fictional formulations & I hold these characters dearly, with both novels being some of my favourite books. It is no understatement to say that receiving a proof of Douglas’ new novel is a highlight of my time writing about books...
This evolved into me wondering what I would do if I met Agnes in the therapy room? What insight could psychological formulation bring to fictional characters. For me, it deepens my connection with the writing and my compassion towards the characters…
October 21, 2025 at 8:55 PM
This evolved into me wondering what I would do if I met Agnes in the therapy room? What insight could psychological formulation bring to fictional characters. For me, it deepens my connection with the writing and my compassion towards the characters…
Whilst reading it, I was relatively new in my job as a Clinical Psychologist working in an alcohol and substance use service. I was immediately drawn to the character of Agnes Bain, Shuggie’s mother. Her story resonated with me and I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my work...
October 21, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Whilst reading it, I was relatively new in my job as a Clinical Psychologist working in an alcohol and substance use service. I was immediately drawn to the character of Agnes Bain, Shuggie’s mother. Her story resonated with me and I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my work...
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
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.
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’
This is something that I will change for myself, with my pile of James Kelman books growing on the shelf. I'm eager to read more and seeing him today has only reinforced to me James Kelman's importance within Scottish literature and beyond.
#jameskelman
#scottishliterature
#jameskelman
#scottishliterature
August 18, 2025 at 6:51 PM
This is something that I will change for myself, with my pile of James Kelman books growing on the shelf. I'm eager to read more and seeing him today has only reinforced to me James Kelman's importance within Scottish literature and beyond.
#jameskelman
#scottishliterature
#jameskelman
#scottishliterature
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
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
I also left with a handy hint from Irvine as to which character I should focus on for a psychological portrait for Men in Love. Cheers for that. I'd better get to work!
@irvinewelsh.bsky.social
@vintagebooks.bsky.social
@irvinewelsh.bsky.social
@vintagebooks.bsky.social
July 24, 2025 at 9:25 PM
I also left with a handy hint from Irvine as to which character I should focus on for a psychological portrait for Men in Love. Cheers for that. I'd better get to work!
@irvinewelsh.bsky.social
@vintagebooks.bsky.social
@irvinewelsh.bsky.social
@vintagebooks.bsky.social
They spoke about Men in Love, writing, disco, bus crashes and feeling disconnected in the modern world. So what better than to go back to the 80s and 90s, and meet these historic characters again on their quest for love.
@irvinewelsh.bsky.social
@irvinewelsh.bsky.social
July 24, 2025 at 9:23 PM
They spoke about Men in Love, writing, disco, bus crashes and feeling disconnected in the modern world. So what better than to go back to the 80s and 90s, and meet these historic characters again on their quest for love.
@irvinewelsh.bsky.social
@irvinewelsh.bsky.social
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.
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.
@blindboyboatclub.bsky.social tonight in Edinburgh. I've spent the past few months obsessively listening to his podcasts so what a treat to see him live. Even better that he was joined tonight by @michaelpedersen.bsky.social Fascinating, heartfelt and hilarious in equal measure.
June 8, 2025 at 9:43 PM
@blindboyboatclub.bsky.social tonight in Edinburgh. I've spent the past few months obsessively listening to his podcasts so what a treat to see him live. Even better that he was joined tonight by @michaelpedersen.bsky.social Fascinating, heartfelt and hilarious in equal measure.
Took my kids to see Revenge of the Sith At the cinema today for the 20th anniversary. We’ve been working our way through all the #StarWars films in release order so it was very lucky for this to have aligned so they can watch it for the first time on the big screen.
April 27, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Took my kids to see Revenge of the Sith At the cinema today for the 20th anniversary. We’ve been working our way through all the #StarWars films in release order so it was very lucky for this to have aligned so they can watch it for the first time on the big screen.
A book blog from the perspective of a Clinical Psychologist.
Taking Clinical Psychology out of the therapy room & into the pages of books.
Using psychological formulation to explore character and story.
Read all of my fictional formulations at my website:
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
Taking Clinical Psychology out of the therapy room & into the pages of books.
Using psychological formulation to explore character and story.
Read all of my fictional formulations at my website:
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
April 26, 2025 at 11:47 PM
A book blog from the perspective of a Clinical Psychologist.
Taking Clinical Psychology out of the therapy room & into the pages of books.
Using psychological formulation to explore character and story.
Read all of my fictional formulations at my website:
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
Taking Clinical Psychology out of the therapy room & into the pages of books.
Using psychological formulation to explore character and story.
Read all of my fictional formulations at my website:
thepaperbackpsychologist.com
Delighted to see On The Calculation of Volume I has made it to the @thebookerprizes.bsky.social International shortlist. Thank you to @faberbooks.bsky.social for the copies. I adored these books. Both release on Thursday so go and treat yourself to these phenomenal books.
#internationalbooker2025
#internationalbooker2025
April 8, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Delighted to see On The Calculation of Volume I has made it to the @thebookerprizes.bsky.social International shortlist. Thank you to @faberbooks.bsky.social for the copies. I adored these books. Both release on Thursday so go and treat yourself to these phenomenal books.
#internationalbooker2025
#internationalbooker2025