Recent content from Sarah T. Williams
Dozens arrested, more overnight, near governor's residence
After a long day of conflict between demonstrators and police at the governor's residence in St. Paul, Summit Avenue seesawed between being open and closed before police shut it down.
Nov. 21, 2000: Mandela honored by Mpls. NAACP
The consummate South African leader praised others, lauding the inspiration of the NAACP and the courage of fellow recipient, Desmond Tutu.
Man of many tribes
Two back-to-back works of fiction reveal a Sherman Alexie mellowed and tempered by fatherhood, memories of his own childhood and the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Novelist MIchael Ondaatje's borderless imagination
The world-famous novelist, poet and memoirist Michael Ondaatje stays grounded in Canada as his imagination continues to take flight.
Something is rotten in St. Fursey
A German immigrant on the Iron Range, the frequent target of local folks' suspicions, discovers a woman's body dumped along the highway.
May 12, 2008: Writer Bill Holm's ship comes in
The poet and essayist, who splits his time between Minnesota and Iceland, is known as "an American original."
Bonded by story
A long-standing brotherly collaboration underscores the works of Minnesotans Leif and Lin Enger.
Milkweed to publish Gruchow memoir
In his last work, the celebrated Minnesota author gives an unsparing and detailed account of his struggles with depression.
The browser: June
Our battalion of newsroom Browsers found some reading gems in the Great Pile this month, including an illuminating history of the first woman executed in the United States, words of advice for young women trying to find their place in the world, a conversational tome for knitters and, best of all, a new David Housewright. Enjoy.
The browser: New books for summer reading
Start stuffing your beach bag with these May releases in anticipation of a few days off and the luxury of time in which to read.
The speculator
Lois McMaster Bujold of Edina, author of more than 30 books of science fiction and fantasy, says she "looks and acts like a soccer mom," but what's inside her head is far from conventional.
Awards honor Minnesota authors
Judges for the 20th annual Minnesota Book Awards celebrated the state's immigrants, its teachers and scholars, its prime crime writers and, well, its beer brewers on Saturday night.
Patricia Smith: A slam poet with punch
National Poetry Month begins with a bang, bringing the four-time winner of the National Poetry Slam to town.
Jon Hassler, beloved Minnesota novelist, dead at 74
He finished a new novel just weeks before his death.
Jon Hassler brought small-town Minnesota to life
The author, who died Thursday at 74, gave the world a unique window on our state and the kind of people who live here.
Jodi Picoult's insatiable readers
What keeps them awake at night also keeps her up, says the bestselling author, who's in the Twin Cities today.
Lionel Shriver's post-anonymous world
The novelist talks about hitting a nerve with readers and her irrepressible interest in "the underbelly" of human behavior.
Spring break is a good time for reading
Spring break approaches, and perhaps even a chance to indulge a guilty reading pleasure. Here are a few just-released titles selected by our newsroom staff - some of them guaranteed to help shut out the blah-blah-blah during a plane ride or provide escape during a sun-filled retreat.
Of storytellers and story takers
Charles Baxter talks about his new novel, "Soul Thief," and the problems of preserving privacy and keeping our inner lives inviolable and intact.
The Browser: January 2008
Read all about it: Star Tribune staffers' short takes on the latest from Nicholas Sparks, Steve Martin, John Sandford, Meg Cabot and more.
The Three Graces
Louise, Lise and Heid Erdrich -- sisters first, writers second -- look back on their parents' hand in fostering a shared love of language.
Names, range make up book award finalists
Familiar favorites and voices are among the nominees for the 20th annual Minnesota Book Awards, set for April 12.
Polar attractions
A joint appearance of Garrison Keillor and Bill Holm brought out the faithful last week, despite the below-zero temps.
NBCC finalists announced
Joyce Carol Oates was nominated this week for not one but two National Book Critics Circle annual awards.
What are they doing now?
Catching up with John Camp, Pete Hautman, Mary Logue, Lorna Lanvik and Sarah Stonich.
Ondaatje, Blume scheduled next for Talking Volumes
Michael Ondaatje and Judy Blume will round out the eighth season of the Talking Volumes regional book club, a partnership of the Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio and Loft Literary Center.
Brian Baxter decides to turn the page
"Time is running out," says the longtime bookseller, who is retiring after 40 years in the business.
Carol Bly, lioness of letters
The St. Paul author and teacher was known for her strong moral voice in short stories and essays. She was 77.
Books spring eternal
Several new offerings from Minnesota authors ensure a book-filled winter and spring.
Minnesota Historical Society Press director Britton to leave
He will take on the directorship of Getty Publications in Los Angeles.
