Donna Mackay on Muck Rack

Donna Mackay

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Edinburgh, London
Covers:  Literature, arts, culture and travel.
Deputy Head of Editorial @thebookerprizes.

Donna Mackay’s Journalist Portfolio

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Nineteen Eighty-Four, Julia and the unstoppable rise of the feminist literary retelling

Nineteen Eighty-Four, Julia and the unstoppable rise of the feminist literary retelling

The i Paper — Sandra Newman’s take on George Orwell’s masterpiece is the latest in a line of books that reimagine classics from a female perspective. And there are many, many more to come in 2022.

The books that inspired the Extinction Rebellion protesters

The books that inspired the Extinction Rebellion protesters

penguin.co.uk — I read masses of non-fiction, sadly about the climate crisis. I love Barbara Kingsolver, a botanist who wrote Flight Behaviour . Her description of monarch butterflies clustering together is one of the finest pieces of literature I've ever read. The Wall by John Lanchester is frightening - I can see how it could come true with our present government.

Getting started with audiobooks: a beginner's guide

Getting started with audiobooks: a beginner's guide

penguin.co.uk — Have you decided to take the plunge with audiobooks but don’t quite know where to begin? Here's your step-by-step, practical guide to joining the wonderful world of this boundary-pushing format.

Why Now is the Time to Visit Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Why Now is the Time to Visit Phu Quoc, Vietnam

flightcentre.co.uk — Vietnam's largest island is one of Southeast Asia's best-kept secrets. The biodiverse destination is a world away from the stereotypes of the mainland, and with direct flights from London, there's never been a better time to visit this serene paradise.

The book my mum gave me: authors remember their most treasured literary gift

The book my mum gave me: authors remember their most treasured literary gift

penguin.co.uk — This Mother's Day, Penguin authors reflect on the inspirational books and stories their mothers left with them.

Art directors share their all-time favourite book covers

Art directors share their all-time favourite book covers

penguin.co.uk — Books jackets are often as iconic as the words they contain. We find out which ones have inspired the designers who make them for a living.

Queer Eye's Tan France: There aren't enough stories like mine being told

Queer Eye's Tan France: There aren't enough stories like mine being told

penguin.co.uk — Since becoming one of Queer Eye's 'Fab Five', Brit-born stylist Tan France has gone from relative unknown to TV star, loved for his warmth (and more than a bit of sass). To mark the release of his new memoir, he tells us about his struggles growing up and why we need more out and proud South Asian men.

My cultural life: Marlon James

My cultural life: Marlon James

penguin.co.uk — The Booker Prize-winning author on the TV, film and art that has inspired him, including a surreal dance performance and a Toni Morrison-endorsed novel.

What I'm reading: Stuart Maconie

What I'm reading: Stuart Maconie

penguin.co.uk — The broadcaster likes to dabble in multiple books at the same time. From a collection of prophetic poetry to a classic Greene, here’s what is on his (groaning) bedside table at the moment.

What I'm reading: Jacqueline Wilson

What I'm reading: Jacqueline Wilson

penguin.co.uk — The author and former Children’s Laureate has a collection of over 20,000 books. But what's been on her bedside table in 2019? Here she shares her latest recommendations, from a well-thumbed classic to a new biography.

What I'm reading: Jonathan Coe

What I'm reading: Jonathan Coe

penguin.co.uk — The author of Costa Book Award-winner Middle England talks us through what's on his bedside table at the moment, from vintage psychological thrillers to French bestsellers.

How audiobooks could contain the secret to getting a good night's sleep

How audiobooks could contain the secret to getting a good night's sleep

penguin.co.uk — A new project developed with the Sleep Council is harnessing cutting edge audio techniques and ASMR to offer a lifeline to insomniacs

The Greta Thunberg effect: meet the young climate activists demanding change

The Greta Thunberg effect: meet the young climate activists demanding change

penguin.co.uk — In less than a year, climate activist Greta Thunberg has become a global figurehead for change. Her impact is unquestionable, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and honoured with an Amnesty International Award. We spoke to four young activists who told us why they too are striking and why we must act now.

5 classic horror stories to listen to with the lights on

5 classic horror stories to listen to with the lights on

penguin.co.uk — As the dark nights draw in, nothing beats a good old-fashioned horror story. From terrifying Japanese folklore to monster-sized classics, here’s five of our favourite audiobooks sure to haunt your waking hours.

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