After two long COVID-19 years of nothing but Zoom events, it's lovely to see in-person author events springing up again — often with a virtual option. Best of both worlds!
One of the more impressive reading series this spring is hosted by Write Like Us, a consortium of five community colleges around the metro area. The format for each of the five events has the writer first reading from their work, and then in conversation with a notable local author.
The series opened last week with Tracy K. Smith at Century College and continues this week with Tommy Orange ("There There") in conversation with Merle Geode at 1:30 p.m. April 5 at Normandale Community College; Hanif Abdurraqib ("A Little Devil in America") with Sagirah Shahid at 3:30 p.m. April 12 at Minneapolis College; Brit Bennett ("The Vanishing Half") with Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay at 2 p.m. April 21 at Anoka-Ramsey Community College; and Kiese Laymon ("Heavy") with Michael Kleber-Diggs at 6 p.m. April 28 at North Hennepin Community College.
Reservations are required, but the events are free and open to all. Go to MinnState.edu/WriteLikeUs
Laurie Hertzel is the Star Tribune senior editor for books.
