Jackie Kay is highly admired by Margaret McDonald, who considers her a role model.

Margaret McDonald is a bookworm who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good story. She has a special place in her heart for The Hunger Games, which has been her favorite read so far this year. But her love for books doesn't stop there – she has also fallen head over heels for Jackie Kay's writing.

Thinking back to her childhood, Margaret recalls the first book that truly captured her attention – Mates Dates by Cathy Hopkins. Even though it may not have been the very first book she ever read, it was definitely the first one that left a lasting impression. The entire series had her completely engrossed, and she even remembers squealing with excitement while reading The Secret Story. Margaret and her sister shared this reading experience, which brought them closer together and shaped their bond.

Another book that Margaret recommends to everyone is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. She believes it has something for everyone – whether you're looking for an escape from reality, a thrilling page-turner, a thought-provoking read, or a heartwarming romance. Margaret first read this book as part of her English Literature course, and she was amazed by the various themes and talking points it offered. To her, it is a perfect novel that combines addictive storytelling, complex characters, and a powerful commentary on corruption and warfare.

As an avid reader, Margaret has come across some incredible books in the past year. She has been participating in the Trans Rights Readathon, which has introduced her to literature she may not have discovered otherwise. Two of her recent favorites include Beyond The Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon, which explores gender nonconformity in a personal and tender way, and You Made A Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi, which she describes as a wild and exciting read that delves into themes of connection, grief, and sexuality. She also recommends Duck Feet by Ely Percy, which features a refreshing and authentic Scottish voice that resonated deeply with Margaret as she grew up in South Lanarkshire.

When it comes to reading, Margaret prefers to have complete silence, which is why her favorite place to read is in her bedroom. She has learned the hard way that trying to read outside in Scotland's unpredictable weather can result in a soggy book, and she gets too easily distracted in libraries and cafes. For her, the best way to fully immerse herself in a novel is to have no distractions.

As a writer herself, Margaret has been inspired by many authors, but one that stands out above the rest is Jackie Kay. She first discovered her work during university and has been in awe of her ever since. Jackie's writing has opened up a whole new world for Margaret, and she believes that every author needs someone like her who can captivate them with their words and inspire them to keep writing. For Margaret, Jackie Kay is an absolute idol.

Margaret's debut novel, Glasgow Boys, explores themes of identity, community, and the working class in Scotland. It is a powerful coming-of-age story that offers a glimpse into the complexities of young masculinity and the resilience of the human spirit. Margaret's love for literature is evident in her writing, and she hopes to continue inspiring readers with her stories.

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