Recent content from Laurie Hertzel
Looking for a good book this winter? Here are more than 50
Our holiday books section highlights something for everyone on your list, and yourself.
5 showy big books just perfect for holiday giving
Next Sunday brings our annual holiday selection of books — more than 50 titles for adults and children. Today, though, I have other recommendations —…
Carol Connolly, St. Paul's first poet laureate, dies at 85
With her red bob haircut, trademark round eyeglasses and black turtleneck sweater, Carol Connolly was a welcome and unmistakable fixture at literary events around the…
Bookmark: As we zoom toward the holidays, think about books
As we head into the season of gift-giving, I’m here to urge you to buy books as gifts, buy local books as gifts, buy local…
Renowned Minnesota teacher Charles Baxter retires from U but not from writing
Charles Baxter finds material for his mysterious novels on walks through Minneapolis and conversations with people he meets.
Minneapolis' Coffee House Press 'parts ways' with its longtime leader
After starting as an intern 26 years ago, Chris Fischbach rose to become publisher in 2011.
Bookmark: Releasing books is a joyous thing to do
It all started with a crack in the wall. Years ago, during a remodel, my husband and I moved a doorway. Now, 20 years, later,…
Review: 'Miss Benson's Beetle,' by Rachel Joyce
FICTION: In this swashbuckling adventure, a middle-aged schoolteacher upends her dreary life in 1950 England for a dangerous quest to find a rare beetle.
The next Minnesota book club pick: Louise Erdrich's 'Plague of Doves'
E-books and audiobooks are available for free downloads from the public library.
Bookmark: Readers love tips on what to read – mostly
It was a joy reading your responses to my column a few weeks ago about the perils and pleasures of recommending books. Some…
St. Paul poet Michael Kleber-Diggs wins national poetry prize
Kleber-Diggs won the Max Ritvo Poetry Prize, which awards him $10,000 and publication.
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REVIEW: 'Field Notes From an Unintentional Birder,' by Julia Zarankin
NONFICTION: A novice birder finds beauty in nature along with a new way to live.
BOOKMARK: Twin Cities Book festival turns 20, turns virtual
Nineteen years ago, Rain Taxi held the first Twin Cities Book Festival at Open Book in Minneapolis. It was just weeks after the Sept. 11…
Review: 'The Searcher,' by Tana French
FICTION: An American cop runs into a wall of secrets in this new mystery from Tana French.
Everything keeps changing, but books remain a constant
Laurie Hertzel Star Tribune Books are still books, in this age of COVID, which is a reassuring thing, and bookstores have not disappeared and…
Minneapolis writer's debut book on longlist for National Book Award
“Owls of the Eastern Ice,” a nonfiction narrative account of a scientist’s search to find and conserve a rare owl in far eastern Russia,…
Pulitzer-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson joins Talking Volumes lineup
The author of "Caste" will close out the virtual series of literary conversations Oct. 13.
With an all-woman lineup, this year's Talking Volumes book series goes virtual
The annual series will deliver authors Yaa Gyasi, Helen Macdonald, Claudia Rankine and Sarah Broom via Zoom.
5 Minnesota literary organizations receive critical COVID grants
The grant money will help them ride out the economic downturn brought about by COVID-19.
Yaa Gyasi talks about the tension between science and faith in new novel 'Transcendent Kingdom'
Yaa Gyasi's second novel sprang from a friend's research, and her own interest in love, science and religion.
Bookmark: The tricky art of recommending books
A friend texted. She was at a bookstore, about to go camping. What should she buy to read on the trip? Um … I know…
Review: 'Dear Ann,' by Bobbie Ann Mason
FICTION: In Bobbie Ann Mason's spectacular new novel, a woman looks back on her life, her first love and the choices she made.
Author Yaa Gyasi cancels appearance in Talking Volumes series
A fourth writer will be added to the series soon.
In a new novel, Minneapolis writer imagines Hillary Clinton's life if she hadn't married Bill
Her new novel--her second about a prominent political woman--names names and reimagines a life.
Bookmark: Missing the State Fair? These books will transport you
Missing the midway? The giant hogs, the smell of grease, the ironic artwork made entirely of seeds? Here are 10 books that take place at…
The Puppy Chronicles: A bunny in our garden keeps Angus enthralled
When a bunny takes up residence in the garden on the side of our house, Angus is riveted.
Bookmark: Where to begin downsizing when you have thousands of books?
My husband and I might move. (Then again, we might not.) As we spend more and more time in our house, thanks to pandemic…
Bookmark: This fraught summer has changed the way you read
Readers share what they're reading to get through the pandemic.
Review: 'Owls of the Eastern Ice,' by Jonathan C. Slaght
NONFICTION: A Minnesota biologist heads to the forests of Eastern Russia to track the world's largest owl.
Time to read but trouble concentrating? Try these 10 tips
Here are some ways to shut the world out and help you focus.
Mayo Clinic employee became main character in new James Patterson novel
A patient advocate at the Mayo Clinic winds up in James Patterson's latest novel.
Hulu options rights to Minneapolis writer's novel about Hillary Clinton
Curtis Sittenfeld hasn’t heard from Hillary, but she has heard from Hulu, and that might be even better. The Minneapolis writer is the…
Hot town, summer in the city: 10 sizzling books to read right now
These 10 books set in hot weather or steamy locations just might help you cool down.
10 new kids' picture books that celebrate family, love and the great outdoors
This diverse new crop of books celebrates family, friendship and the great outdoors in stories that range from Minnesota to West Africa
The Puppy Chronicles: What is Angus afraid of? Easier to ask what he isn't afraid of
Even something as benign as a misplaced broom can strike terror into the heart of our overly sensitive dog.
Bookmark: When you're stuck at home, books can transport you
A couple of weeks ago, I spent a weekend in a small town in Sligo. Obviously I didn’t physically travel there — COVID-19 is keeping…
Review: 'Becoming Duchess Goldblatt,' by Anonymous
NONFICTION: A book by the creator of a beloved fictitious Twitter character is flawed but offers a hopeful message.
When will my library open again?
Hennepin County and Ramsey County public libraries remain closed for the time being. But some services are available.
Sci-fi, mystery lovers remember the 'Uncles' (Hugo and Edgar) lost to fires in rioting
In the middle of the night, as the roaring fire consumed his business, all Don Blyly could do was go home. He couldn’t bear to…
Next book in the statewide book club? A collection of essays on race
"A Good Time for the Truth" will be read and discussed across Minnesota.
Is art of letter writing actually lost? Readers write about their love for letters
It’s been four months since I wrote here about the lost art of letter-writing. I didn’t mean to wait so long to revisit…
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Bookmark: Little Free Libraries carrying more than books these days
There are many Little Free Libraries on my regular walking route. I’ve never stopped to count them, but it’s at least a couple dozen, and…
In her new mystery, Minneapolis writer Mary Logue writes about the Irish immigrant experience
Mary Logue's new mystery looks to the influence of her immigrant grandmothers.
Review: 'The Motion of the Body Through Space,' by Lionel Shriver
FICTION: A husband takes up triathlon training just as his athlete wife's knees fail her in this satire by controversial writer Lionel Shriver.
Bookmark: Independent bookstores get creative
I don’t know about you, but I miss bookstores. I miss browsing through musty used books and happening upon a treasure — a title I…
Review: 'The End of October,' by Lawrence Wright
FICTION: In Lawrence Wright's harrowing thriller, a deadly virus sweeps the world.
Montreal is vibrant and fascinating at any time of year
Montreal is vibrant and fascinating no matter the season.
Bookmark: Minnesota journal publishes the hopes and fears of young people during COVID-19
While we adults struggle with life in a pandemic, you might ask yourself, how are the kids doing? Molly Hill can tell you. The Minnetonka…
The Puppy Chronicles: The solace of walking the dog
Daily walks with Angus are a balm during this difficult, locked-in spring.
Review: 'In Praise of Paths,' by Torbjørn Ekelund, translated from the Norwegian by Becky L. Crook
NONFICTION: A Norwegian writer finds his life is utterly changed when he stops driving and begins walking everywhere.
Marlon James, Kao Kalia Yang among Minnesota Book Award winners
Honors were presented Tuesday at a livestreamed virtual event.
Review: 'Inge's War,' by Svenja O'Donnell
NONFICTION: A journalist uncovers the tragic story of her German grandmother's World War II life and doomed love affair.
The Puppy Chronicles: Sibling rivalry
Too much togetherness can spark jealousy between Angus and his big sister, Rosie.
Nonprofit bookstore Boneshaker Books crowdfunds enough cash to reopen
The store, run by volunteers, will first open online and later in its original storefront in Seward.
Minnesotans launch first all-state book club
Kate DiCamillo's "Because of Winn-Dixie" chosen for first all-state book club.
Review: 'Confessions of a Bookseller,' by Shaun Bythell
NONFICTION: The sequel to a small-town bookseller's adventures is entertaining, but cracks appear.
Bookmark: Daylight saving time means more time to read in bed
Last month we all lost an hour of sleep. If you’re like me, ever since daylight saving time started you’ve been heading to bed at…
Review: 'Redhead by the Side of the Road,' by Anne Tyler
FICTION: A self-described "tech hermit" finds his tightly controlled life starting to unravel.
Olympian Jessie Diggins opens the Wordplay virtual book festival — with a workout
Wordplay will host eight online events every week through May 9.
Bookmark: Authors, readings, launches move to online
From virtual book launches to e-mailed writing prompts to Skyped book clubs to videos of authors reading aloud, readers and writers are finding creative, fun…
The Puppy Chronicles: Home is where the dog is
Working from home in this time of pandemic is scary and strange, but Angus and Rosie get us outside and keep us grounded.
Bookmark: How Twin Cities bookstores will continue to sell you books during the shutdown
Beginning Saturday morning, under Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home mandate, Minnesota bookstores will no longer be open to customers. But they will remain open to online…
Bookmark: Show your indie bookstore a little online love
Small independent bookstores are fighting to stay alive in this age of pandemic and social distancing. You can help them survive. Many bookshops in the…
Bookmark: Readers write about the poems they love and have committed to memory
Last month I wrote about memorizing poetry, and ever since then poems have been popping into my head. The alarming thing is, often I…
Many local bookstores closing doors, moving online
Moon Palace, Wild Rumpus, Milkweed, SubText among the stores temporarily moving to online-only.
The Puppy Chronicles: Muzzle Man
We bought Angus a muzzle to help keep vet visits peaceful. But teaching him to wear it was no easy task.
Because of virus, Twin Cities big Wordplay book fest will be a 'virtual' event
Epidemic forces the Loft to rethink the spring event, which would have brought 100 authors to town.
Review: 'In Pursuit of Disobedient Women,' by Dionne Searcey
NONFICTION: A reporter moves her family to West Africa and uncovers stories about Boko Haram, kidnapped girls and reluctant suicide bombers.
In Louise Erdrich's 'Night Watchman,' tribal and personal history converge
Set in Turtle Mountain in the 1950s, "The Night Watchman" is in bookstores Tuesday.
Bookmark: Where do the Twin Cities fall on the list of best cities for book lovers?
The numbers have been crunched, the data analyzed, and the results are in. The bookiest (most bookish?) city in the United States is … not…
Review: 'Rust: A Memoir of Steel and Grit,' by Eliese Colette Goldbach
NONFICTION: On the brink of despair, a young Cleveland woman takes a job as a steelworker, which changes her life.
Bookmark: Taking a walk? Recite a poem to keep you company
I don’t have a lot of regrets, but I have a few. I regret not learning a second language to the point where I can…
Bookmark: Reading habits are as different as day and night
For the past few weeks, I have been reading a book about the nesting habits of tree swallows. I read it at night, in bed,…
Wordplay fest to bring Lily King, Emma Straub, Gene Luen Yang, 100 more to Minneapolis
The Minneapolis event is scaling back to a single day for its second year, but a no-less ambitious lineup.
Books editor: It's OK to be angry about a book. It is not OK to threaten its author
If you are angry about Jeanine Cummins’ novel “American Dirt,” that is perfectly fine. If you are one of the people threatening Cummins and…
