These pages, by design, highlight only the newest books. Here it is, early March (though how we wish it were, say, mid-May), and anything published last year is already considered too old for review. This is the only way to keep up with the steady stream of new books: Always look forward, never look back!
But everyone knows that readers don't necessarily read that way. Books don't go bad, or spoil. Old books are just as worthy as new books (and sometimes more so).
To round out these pages of recommendations, we'd like to know what's on your nightstand. What are you reading? Is it the new-new thing, or some treasure from years ago? Please e-mail a paragraph or so (say, 50 words) telling us what you're reading, and why you recommend it. Include your name and city. Send it to books@startribune.com and we'll run your suggestions on these pages.
Also …
• Louise Erdrich's graceful memoir about traveling through Indian Country has been reissued by Harper Perennial. The new edition of "Ojibwe Country" has a striking new cover designed by Erdrich's daughter, Aza, and a new afterword by Erdrich, recounting a visit in 2013 up to Rainy River, Ernest Oberholtzer's cabin, and beyond.
• Minneapolis poet and librettist Michael Dennis Browne has been honored with the Graven Award by Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. The award is presented annually to a person "whose life is nurtured and guided by a strong sense of Christian calling and who is making a significant contribution to community, church and society." Browne taught for many years at the University of Minnesota and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his oratorio, "To Be Certain of the Dawn."
• The University of Minnesota's annual event with first-time authors will take place at 7 p.m. March 13 at the Weisman Art Museum. The First Books Reading will be a trifecta of nonfiction this year, with Kate Hopper ("Ready for Air"), Joshua Ostergaard ("The Devil's Snake Curve") and Andy Sturdevant ("Potluck Supper With Meeting to Follow"). The three will be in conversation with Coffee House Press publisher Chris Fischbach.
