Secret Book Swap | No. 4 - Davidson's Mains September 2025
Secret Book Swap | Davidson’s Mains | No.4 | September 2025
Books We Swapped:
A ghostly, emotionally layered novel that follows Max, who doesn’t believe in the afterlife—until he becomes a ghost. Haunted by his own unexpected demise, he observes his girlfriend Hannah grappling with grief and hidden familial traumas. Wyld uses multiple timelines and haunting prose to explore memory, shame, and the ways the past refuses to stay buried.
Tiffy and Leon share an apartment—and a bed—but have never met in person. Their relationship evolves through witty sticky notes and silent companionship. O’Leary delivers a quirky, heartfelt romance that thrives on gradual connection and witty charm.
Howards End is on the Landing – Susan Hill
In this charming memoir, Hill decides to spend a year reading only the books already on her shelves. As she revisits forgotten titles, she reflects on how personal history and literature intersect, offering a thoughtful meditation on memory, identity, and reading habits.
Small Pleasures – Clare Chambers
Set in 1957, this quietly powerful novel follows journalist Jean Swinney as she investigates a woman’s claim of a virgin birth. What seems like a bizarre assignment evolves into a story about longing, unconventional love, and moral complexity in post-war Britain.
Lessons in Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus
Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant female scientist in the 1950s who finds herself hosting a cooking show—and turning it into a platform for feminist empowerment. With sharp wit and feminist resolve, Garmus crafts a spirited tale about identity, sexism, and making your chemistry count—both in the lab and on television.
Richard Mayhew, an ordinary London office worker, stumbles into a hidden, perilous realm beneath the city: London Below. As he helps the enigmatic Door, he encounters bizarre allies, deadly politics, and magic disguised as reality. Gaiman’s novel is a surreal, richly imaginative journey through the fantastical underbelly of urban life.
To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
Set in the racially charged American South, young Scout Finch recounts her father's defense of a black man falsely accused of a grave crime. Lee's classic novel confronts themes of justice, morality, and the loss of innocence with enduring relevance.
Gillian Lee Gibson, Author
Guest, Author - Gillian Lee Gibson
This month we were joined by local indie author, Gillian Lee Gibson. Gillian originally joined us at Currie earlier this year but was back to share the latest in her journey as a writer.
It was great to hear how Gillian had initially written and published her first two books, My Own Little Personal Argameddon and Bump in the Road a few years ago and how now, after developing her skills as a writer had taken the decision to refresh both stories and republish as second editions, what that had actually involved and how she felt she has grown as a writer between both versions.
Additionally we got to see a sneak peek at two brand new books, both darker psychological thrillers, Shoregulls and Dark Angel which will also be coming out soon.
Thank you for coming along, GIllian and for being so open about your writing with us. I loved hearing everyone laugh along at the reading you chose to shre from Jen’s adventures in My Own Little Personal Argameddon. I’m very much looking forward to reading more!
Gillian’s books will soon be available to purchase on Amazon - see link below.
Banned Book Reading
To be updated once the banned book reading for September has been shared at our upcoming Currie and North Berwick events.
Join us at future secret book swaps: