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.

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

April 22
photo of author Erik Larson
NONFICTION: He explores the years leading to the American Civil War and the shaky transfer of power from James Buchanan to Abraham Lincoln.

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

April 15
photo of author Emily Henry
FICTION: Emily Henry's fizzy book is perfect for beaches this summer.

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

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

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

April 16
4,000 images later, this Shoreview photographer is still searching for the beauty we usually miss.

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

April 16
NONFICTION: Susan Page follows books about Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Bush with one about the pioneering broadcaster.

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

April 16
FICTION: The Pulitzer winner's new novel, about a fortunate folk singer, will spur lots of debate.
Variety
6 minutes ago
Two boys fly kites from the top of a lush tree in illustration from "The Mango Tree."

Kao Kalia Yang, Edel Rodriguez and others bring us gorgeous new picture books

The subjects range from immigration to fresh veggies to adventures at sea.
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 12
Rami Malek, left, and Lucy Boynton arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Minneapolis author says visiting set of movie starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek was 'surreal'

From Budapest, prolific nonfiction author Jack El-Hai is on "the most fun work trip I've ever been on."
Books
April 11
black and white photo of David Gibbins

What can shipwrecks tell us? New book says: Pretty much everything.

NONFICTION: Writer and diver David Gibbins explored them for his unique take on world history.
Books
April 10
photo of writer Caoilinn Hughes

When a sibling vanishes, three sisters are doing it for themselves in 'The Alternatives'

FICTION: A reunion in rural Ireland becomes a reckoning.
Books
April 10
black and white photo of author Elwin Cotman

You really should get to know Elwin Cotman and his stories about 'Weird Black Girls'

FICTION: A dazzling short-story collection, rich in language and imagination.
Books
April 9
author Nick Medina, with arms crossed

In this horror novel, an Indigenous writer takes on the legacy of an 'Indian Burial Ground'

FICTION: Nick Medina returns to the tribe he created in "Sisters of the Lost Nation."
Books
April 8
photo of author Anthony Horowitz, with flowers in the background

'Magpie Murders' creator Anthony Horowitz wrote 'Close to Death' and is a (dopey) character in it

FICTION: A nasty neighbor dies early on. Like the suspects, you won't miss him.
Books
April 8
Lauren Richards, left, and Caitlin O'Neil, co-owners of romance bookstore Tropes & Trifles, pose for portrait inside their bookstore in Minneapolis, M

New Minneapolis romance-only bookstore is the first of its kind in the Upper Midwest

Tropes & Trifles in Minneapolis promises lots of love and lots of happily-ever-afters.
Books
April 4
photo of author Neel Mukherjee in front of blue wall

Three novels for the price of one, 'Choice' hinges on big decisions

FICTION: A well-wrought tale, in linked narratives, explores the consequences of choices.
Books
April 4
photo of poet Ada Limón  in a black, flowered shirt

April is the poetry-est month in new books, including one edited by poet laureate Ada Limon

POETRY: These new collections are a fine way to celebrate a month devoted to poems.
Books
April 3
James Patterson, on the edge of a body of water

James Patterson peeks into 'The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians'

NONFICTION: They tell their best stories about why they love books.
Books
April 3
photo of author Kathleen DuVal

New book looks at the 'Native Nations' that called this land home before colonists arrived

NONFICTION: A single-volume history of Indigenous nations is both majestic in scope and intimate in tone.
Books
April 3
photo of author Scarlett Thomas in front of a door

Twisted 'The Sleepwalkers' offers a 'White Lotus' honeymoon, complete with drowning

FICTION: Scarlett Thomas' novel turns a Greek paradise into a nightmare.
Books
April 2
photo of author Rena Pederson

Book says no jewel was safe when Texas' 'King of Diamonds' was in town

NONFICTION: He was the '60s answer to Cary Grant in "To Catch a Thief," but his jewel heists never were solved.
Books
April 1
At the March meeting of the Silent Book Club's Minneapolis chapter, two dozen people gathered at Cream & Amber in Hopkins to quietly read different bo

A novel idea: These Minnesota book clubs are silent

Silent Book Club meetings work differently, with folks quietly turning the pages of whatever books they happen to be reading: "I hated assigned reading in school."
Books
April 1
Love is all around, as demonstrated by these Turkish balloons.

Our books editor thought Romance wasn't for him. Then, he read Emily Henry

The popular genre seemed like a big hole in our book editor's reading until he realized he'd been reading it all along.
Taste
March 28
A portrait of author George Sorensen, whose upcoming book "Hot Dish Confidential" was set in Minneapolis.

Former Minnesotan's book offers lessons in cooking, writing and adventure

"Hot Dish Confidential" chronicles an author's journey to becoming a gourmand with help of friends and poison control. He'll be in town soon.
Books
March 28
photo of author Lydia Millet

Lydia Millet celebrates family and our green world in 'We Loved It All'

NONFICTION: An acclaimed novelist shares scientific and personal concerns.
Books
March 27
photo of author Alexandra Tanner, seated on a spiral staircase

Commiserating about mom or fighting like cats, these sisters have one thing in common: 'Worry'

FICTION: Alexandra Tanner's "dark, funny" debut is a haunting snapshot of contemporary life.

Books

Book news and book reviews of Minnesota and national authors.