The Bookmonger Society July 15th: Night One

July Bookmonger Society Pick: John of John by Douglas Stuart

Oprah's got great taste. So do we.

Event Description

You voted for it in our poll and it came highly recommended in our suggestion box, so this month we're diving into John of John by Douglas Stuart. Chosen by Oprah Winfrey as her 123rd book club selection and one of the most anticipated novels of 2026, this is a book we have been so excited to bring to the Bookmonger Society.

Raw, emotionally rich, and rooted in the Scottish landscape we know and love, this felt like an unmissable pick, and we are so proud to be championing one of Scotland's finest literary voices right here in Bearsden.

Join us for one of two evenings of great discussion, wine, charcuterie, and community as we explore one of the most powerful books of 2026.

🗓️ Wednesday, 15 July | 7:30 p.m.

🗓️ Thursday, 16 July | 7:30 p.m.

July 15th is Caitlyn's birthday, so both nights every guest will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of Cremánt or a non-alcoholic alternative, on us. Consider it our gift to you, the party doesn't stop at one night! 🥂

About the Book

Out of money and with little to show for his art school education, John-Calum Macleod takes the ferry back home to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides to find that little has changed, except for him. He returns to the windswept croft and the two pillars of his childhood: his father John, a sheep farmer, tweed weaver, and lay preacher in the local Presbyterian church, and his maternal grandmother Ella, a profanity-loving Glaswegian whose steady warmth helped Cal weather the sudden departure of his mother.

As lambing season turns to shearing season, everything seems poised to change, and the threads holding together this fragile community become increasingly knotted.

A singular novel about duty, patience, and the transformative power of truth.

About Douglas Stuart

Douglas Stuart is a Scottish-American author born and raised in Glasgow. His debut novel Shuggie Bain won the Booker Prize in 2020 and was named one of the 25 Best Books of the 21st Century by The Sunday Times. His follow-up, Young Mungo, was a national bestseller and one of the most acclaimed novels of 2022. John of John is his most ambitious work yet.

Praise for John of John

"To read John of John is to move to the Isle of Harris and take up residence in the family croft. The novel is so immersive, so all-encompassing, that I felt like I was living in it. Douglas Stuart has written something brilliant and rare." — Ann Patchett

"Douglas Stuart brilliantly weaved a layered, compelling and yet so intimate a story of identity, what it means to belong, and the courage to claim your own truth." — Oprah Winfrey

"A sprawling, emotionally rich saga… his best yet." — Vulture Magazine

Ticket Options

🎟️ Hardback Admission — £25 Includes a hardback copy of John of John plus full event access.

🎧 Audiobook Admission — £25 Includes a Libro.fm credit for John of John plus full event access.

📚 Swap Ticket — £25 Already have a copy? Choose the swap option and pop in to select another hardback or audiobook of your choosing instead.

What's Included

Your choice of hardback, audiobook, or swap book ticket

A complimentary Bookmonger charcuterie board to share

Book discussion hosted by Caitlyn Payne, owner of The Bookmonger 

Kahoot! trivia with prizes

Wine, soft drinks, and beer available to purchase on the night

🥂 This month only: a complimentary welcome glass of Cremánt or non-alcoholic alternative for every guest, in celebration of Caitlyn's birthday!

Coming Alone?

Many of our Bookmonger Society members attend solo, and we love that. Our gatherings are friendly, relaxed, and welcoming, and we'll help you settle in from the moment you arrive.

Refund Policy

Due to the intimate size of our event space, we plan for every member and every seat counts.

In the rare event that The Bookmonger cancels, refunds will be issued for the admission portion only. The retail value of the book will be deducted, and the book will still be yours to keep.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, including to future events. Thank you for your understanding, it helps us keep these evenings running for everyone. Given enough time we can try to re-sell your ticket.