Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

From Louis Erdrich to Kurt Vonnegut, a reading list for social distancing

books
MPR News runs on books.
Collins, Bob

Books provide entertainment, education, comfort, and a sense of connection during uncertain times.

“We’re all so isolated in our little individual homes and whatnot, but reading offers me a sense of connection to a larger community than just myself,” book lover and Subtext Books manager Matt Kelliher said during a recent conversation on MPR News with Kerri Miller. “That’s what I’m gravitating to: stories that help me relate to others.”

Fellow book lover and Twin Cities-based editor and copy writer Anitra Budd has been giving books about disease outbreaks a second look. For example, Budd was recently reading a book about how the so-called “Z-bug” epidemic changed the lives of characters in the book “Jakarta,” by Rodrigo Márquez Tizano.

“I had started it before everything happened and then it was there and I was like, ‘I think I should finish it because, I don’t know, maybe this will help?’” she said. “It didn’t help.”

Budd clarified that it’s an amazing book. But she said while reading about pandemics and dystopia may be just the ticket for some readers, it didn’t work for her.

“I completely recommend it when we are past this. Maybe don’t read it now,” she said with a laugh.

Beyond that, she says, she’s drawn toward books to enjoy with her children, specifically the “Wayside School” series from Louis Sachar.

“I consider those classics,” Budd said. “I loved those books as a kid. ... I am just sort of like gobbling those down.”

Listeners called in and tweeted their recommendations:

Fiction:

Poetry

  • “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude” - Ross Gay

  • “The Book of Delights” - Ross Gay

Non-Fiction

What books are you turning to? Tweet @KerriMPR to share your reading suggestion.