photograph of author Mona Susan Power with backdrop of autumn leaves

Minnesota Book Awards go to Mona Susan Power, Shannon Gibney and Emma Torzs

The awards were handed out Tuesday in nine categories.

Pulitzer Prize winner Hernan Diaz, Oscar-anointed Percival Everett and bestseller Rebecca Makkai coming to Hopkins for Pen Pals

May 7
black and white photo of author Percival Everett
Five top authors are featured in the annual lecture series, which is both in-person and virtual.

Stretching from WW II to the present, Claire Messud's new novel is a 'masterpiece'

7:30am
photo of novelist Claire Messud
FICTION: Sweeping, autobiographical "This Strange Eventful History" is textured and revelatory.

Minneapolis writer Gretchen Anthony's novel peaks when its 'Tired Ladies Take a Stand'

May 6
FICTION: Four friends draw on decades of friendship to deal with a series of crises.

'The Endurance' author Caroline Alexander turns her attention to World War II in new book

7:30am
NONFICTION: "Skies of Thunder" looks at military pilots, trying to get to China with supplies.

Filmmaker/novelist Miranda July writes about a mom who goes on an adventure in 'All Fours'

May 7
FICTION: Midway through her life, the narrator takes a detour from the expected into an unbounded exploration of desire.

University of Minnesota professor's book investigates shocking medical research abuse

7:30am
NONFICTION: Speaking with fellow whistleblowers, bioethicist Carl Elliott learned about the loneliness and frustration of calling attention to wrongdoing.
Variety
May 7
Abby Jimenez was once known for her creative cupcakes. Now she's known for her bestselling romance novels, too.

Nadia Cakes baker writes 'Minnesota spicy' romance novels with 'cinnamon roll' heroes

Nadia Cakes' Abby Jimenez has become a rom-com powerhouse and a booster for the state, setting modern tales in Lake Minnetonka, Ely and along the Root River.
Books
May 5
photo of author Helen Simonson

Helen Simonson is in Jane Austen mode with 'The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club'

FICTION: Her latest is set in an English coastal town, at the end of World War I.
Books
May 1
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA -- Pictured: (l-r) Kandi Burruss, Nene Leakes, Lisa Wu Hartwell, Kim Zolciak, Sheree Whitfield -- Bravo Photo: Quantrel

This funny, bold book about moms and reading might be the perfect last-minute Mother's Day gift.

NONFICTION: In "The Book of Mothers," author Carrie Mullins explores "How Literature Can Help Us Reinvent Modern Motherhood."
Books
May 1
photo of author Elizabeth O'Connor

On a battered beach, a young woman comes of age in 'exquisite' 'Whale Fall'

FICTION: Elizabeth O'Connor's debut novel is set in Wales, but the main character begins to learn of life beyond her tiny town.
Books
May 1
photo of author Emiko Jean

Endorsed by Stephen King and our reviewer, 'The Return of Ellie Black' is an 'assured' thriller

FICTION: When a missing person returns, that's just the start of the mystery.
Books
May 1
photo of author Simon Van Booy

An unlikely friendship blooms in warm novel 'Sipsworth' (hint: it's perfect for the cabin)

FICTION: Simon Van Booy's book is a gentle charmer.
Books
April 30
photo of author Abir Mukherjee

Thriller 'Hunted' finds parents searching for their children and trying to prevent disaster

FICTION: Abir Mukherjee's superlative novel is "an adrenaline rush."
Books
April 29
photo of author Colm Toibin

Colm Toibin's 'Long Island' continues the Irish American story he began in 'Brooklyn'

FICTION: Heroine Eilis still isn't sure if America or Ireland is her home.
Variety
April 26
Two boys fly kites from the top of a lush tree in illustration from "The Mango Tree."

12 gorgeous new picture books for children this spring

Kao Kalia Yang, Edel Rodriguez and others cover subjects from immigration to fresh veggies to adventures at sea.
Books
April 24
Photograph of author Rachel Khong

Who are the 'Real Americans' when the wealthy are treated like superheroes?

FICTION: Rachel Khong's novel, which dips into science fiction, explores the consequences of inequity.
Books
April 24
FILE - Author Louise Erdrich reflects on growing up in North Dakota and her new book "The Plague of Doves" at her store BirchBark Books in Minneapolis

Pulitzer Prize-winning Minneapolis author Louise Erdrich announces new book

"The Mighty Red," her first novel since 2021′s "The Sentence," is set in a North Dakota town on the Red River.
Local
April 23
Anthony Ray Hinton was 29 and innocent when he was arrested and charged with capital murder after a string of fatal armed robberies in 1985 in Birming

Medcalf: Exonerated of murder, author will speak at our Minneapolis book club about 'life and freedom'

Anthony Ray Hinton spent nearly 30 years on death row for a murder he didn't commit: "The only way I knew that I could get my joy back is that I had to forgive them."
Books
April 22
photo of author Erik Larson

'Devil in the White City' author Erik Larson returns with 'The Demon of Unrest'

NONFICTION: He explores the years leading to the American Civil War and the shaky transfer of power from James Buchanan to Abraham Lincoln.
Books
April 22
Caitlin O'Neil, co-owner of Minneapolis romance bookstore Tropes & Trifles, restacks books. The shop is part of the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore

In book-loving Minnesota, Independent Bookstore Day lasts 5 days. Here's what indie shops recommend.

The event, which gathers thousands, celebrates local bookstores, community and, of course, books.
Books
April 17
About 170 Samoyeds were removed from a breeding facility on the Minnesota-Iowa border.

Looking at the historic bonds of animals and humans in 'Our Kindred Creatures'

NONFICTION: "Our Kindred Creatures" vividly re-creates the rise and spread of the ASPCA.
Books
April 16
Graphic arrangements of found nature items such as feathers, fish, and fiddleheads photographed by Mary Jo Hoffman from her new coffee-table book "Sti

Spring's hot gift book features gorgeous found-nature photos

4,000 images later, this Shoreview photographer is still searching for the beauty we usually miss.
Books
April 16
photo of author Jane Smiley

Jane Smiley hits again with 'Lucky' but what the what is that ending?

FICTION: The Pulitzer winner's new novel, about a fortunate folk singer, will spur lots of debate.
Books
April 16
photo of author Susan Page

Biography details what 'Rulebreaker' Barbara Walters did to get to the top

NONFICTION: Susan Page follows books about Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Bush with one about the pioneering broadcaster.
Books
April 15
photo of author Tommy Tomlinson, with a bowl of fruit

Of course you love your pooch but 'Dogland' wonders if she loves you back

NONFICTION: Partly about the Westminster Dog Show and partly about dog happiness, Tommy Tomlinson's book is a gem.
Books
April 15
photo of author Emily Henry

How did this novel's heroine end up with her ex's new love's ex? It's kind of a 'Funny Story'

FICTION: Emily Henry's fizzy book is perfect for beaches this summer.

Books

Book news and book reviews of Minnesota and national authors.