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Talking Volumes

Talking Volumes is back for its 25th season. Join us at the Fitzgerald Theater for four special events with renowned authors, celebrating our anniversary with a special $25 ticket price for MPR members and Star Tribune subscribers. Buy tickets here.

April 24, 2021 9:00 AM

'In Deeper Waters' is a frothy romantic confection

F.T. Lukens' earnest new seafaring romance follows a young prince desperate to hide his magical powers from the pirates who've kidnapped him — and the mysterious boy who comes to his rescue.

by Caitlyn Paxson

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April 24, 2021 6:00 AM

'What's Not to Love'? Only a few moments in this otherwise charming story

The married-in-real-life team of Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka have a new YA romance, about a toxic (maybe too toxic) high school rivalry that, of course, turns to love in the end.

by Alethea Kontis

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April 22, 2021 12:40 PM

Why did the chicken befriend the widow? Find out in this plucky Italian novella

An older woman living on a remote farm turns to an emotional-support hen for company. Sacha Naspini's newly translated novella is a slim volume, packed with unexpected secrets and epiphanies.

by Maureen Corrigan

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April 22, 2021 11:51 AM

Amid sexual misconduct allegations, publisher suspends shipping of Blake Bailey book

Three former students and a publishing executive have alleged sexual misconduct by award-winner Blake Bailey, with two accusing the author of rape, according to reports. Bailey denies the allegations.

by Elizabeth Blair and Meghan Collins Sullivan

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April 21, 2021 12:18 PM

George W. Bush lends his voice to immigrants in 'Out of Many, One'

The former president's book features his portraits of 43 immigrants — athletes, public servants, business leaders, educators — in an effort to join those saying, "The system's broken. Let's fix it."

by Rachel Martin

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April 21, 2021 9:38 AM

In 'We Are Bridges,' a writer resurrects her great grandfather's memory

In 1904, Cassandra Lane's great grandfather Burt Bridges was lynched. In telling his story, Lane offers her own memoir — and lessons on family and American history for her future child and readers.

by Martha Anne Toll

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April 21, 2021 6:00 AM

'At the End of the World,' an elegant and gritty mystery debut

Zhanna Slor's debut novel, set in a funky neighborhood of Milwaukee, follows two Russian immigrant sisters on very different paths. one now searching for the other after her mysterious disappearance.

by Bethanne Patrick

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April 20, 2021 8:41 AM

A daughter grieves her mom, and finds herself, in 'Crying in H Mart'

Michelle Zauner's new memoir, built on her 2018 New Yorker piece of the same name, powerfully maps a complicated mother-daughter relationship cut much too short, with Korean food as a guide.

by Kristen Martin

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April 20, 2021 7:07 AM

Missing travel? This 'irreverent guide' visits Anthony Bourdain's favorite places

"He always made people feel like they belonged," says a former Bourdain producer. “World Travel: An Irreverent Guide” is based on the TV chef's writings and an interview conducted just before his death.

by Neda Ulaby

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April 19, 2021 11:03 AM

'The Light of the Midnight Stars' doesn't shine brightly enough

Rena Rossner's YA novel, set in a magical version of medieval Eastern Europe, follows a rabbi and his three supernaturally-talented daughters. Unfortunately the characters never quite come to life.

by Jessica P. Wick

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