StarTribune

Talking Volumes

Talking Volumes is a literary collaboration between the Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio that brings high-profile authors to the Twin Cities for a live interview, later broadcast on MPR, accompanied by in-depth stories about the writers in the Star Tribune.

Books
November 16, 2019
Tracy K. Smith will appear Nov. 21 in St. Paul as the final guest in this year’s Talking Volumes series.

Former poet laureate Tracy K. Smith rediscovered poetry's power while crisscrossing rural America

Smith, who might be poetry's most generous ambassador, will discuss that love Nov. 21 in St. Paul as the final guest of this year's Talking Volumes series.
  • 'The United States Welcomes You,' a poem by Tracy K. Smith
Books
November 5, 2019
Lindy West

Writer Lindy West tackles everything from abortion to Donald Trump

Fierce and funny writer Lindy West fights misogyny in the media, arguing that bad pop culture breeds bad politics.
  • Excerpt from 'The Witches Are Coming' by Lindy West
Books
October 26, 2019
Karen Armstrong

Author and ex-nun Karen Armstrong on scripture: 'Religion ... is an art form'

Sacred writings lose their purpose when reduced to an arbiter to resolve feuds, exclude or oppress, argues Talking Volumes guest Karen Armstrong.
  • Excerpt from Karen Armstrong's 'The Lost Art of Scripture'
Books
October 12, 2019
Tim O’Brien, author of the 1990 Pulitzer Prize finalist “The Things They Carried,” has written a new memoir “Dad’s Maybe Book,” which impa

Minnesota novelist who thought he'd die in Vietnam wrestles with mortality once more

Tim O'Brien's memoir, "Dad's Maybe Book," is filled with advice and stories for his young sons to savor when he's gone.
  • Excerpt from 'Dad's Maybe Book,' by Tim O'Brien
Books
October 4, 2019
Saeed Jones

Saeed Jones on coming-out memoir: 'I'm living a dream come true, but at what cost?'

In a new memoir, poet Saeed Jones relates his struggles as a young black gay man in Texas.
  • Excerpt from 'How We Fight for Our Lives,' by Saeed Jones
Books
September 21, 2019
Novelist Alice Hoffman is part of Talking Volumes, with her WWII-set “The World That We Knew.” She opens the series Sept. 25 at the Fitzgerald The

'Write my life': A stranger's plea inspired Alice Hoffman's new novel

An encounter years ago led to Alice Hoffman's new Holocaust-inspired novel.
  • Excerpt from Alice Hoffman's novel 'The World That We Knew'
Books
July 22, 2019
Tim O'Brien will discuss his first book in more than 10 years — a memoir, not a novel.

Talking Volumes 2019 brings 6 celebrated writers, including Minnesota's own Tim O'Brien

The literary series includes four nonfiction books and a collection by former poet laureate Tracy K. Smith.
Books
June 12, 2019
The late Nora Ephron was a Talking Volumes guest in the 2010 season.

19 years, 103 great authors: Talking Volumes guests, 2000-18

The complete lineup from the past 15 years.
Books
November 2, 2018
Alexander McCall Smith

Novelist Alexander McCall Smith comes to Minnesota: 'I love writing people's conversations'

The prolific author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series doesn't need "a high body count."
  • Excerpt from 'The Colors of All the Cattle' by Alexander McCall Smith
Stage & Arts
October 30, 2018
Sally Field is curious to find out what attendees will be curious about at Talking Volumes. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

Sally Field comes to Minn. with new memoir: 'It became my confidante'

As Sally Field pieced together her storied life, a new memoir "became my confidante, my best friend, my companion."
  • Excerpt from Sally Field's memoir 'In Pieces'
Books
October 5, 2018
Rebecca Traister uncovers the hidden history of female fury in “Good and Mad,” which brings her to St. Paul’s Fitzgerald Theater Oct. 17.

Feminist author Rebecca Traister talks 'female rage' ahead of St. Paul appearance

Her new book praises the revolutionary force of female anger.
  • Excerpt from Rebecca Traister's new book: 'Female rage in America has a long and righteous history'
Books
October 4, 2018
Author Leif Enger at Park Point in Duluth.

'Lovely, forbidding' Lake Superior inspires Minnesota novelist Leif Enger

Leif Enger's lifelong loves gave wings to his third novel, but it almost never saw the light of day.
  • Excerpt from 'Virgil Wander,' by Leif Enger
Music
September 19, 2018
Dessa's debut memoir is called "My Own Devices."

Minnesota hip-hop star Dessa breaks into NYC publishing with new memoir

Known primarily as a hip-hop artist, Dessa's latest release comes from a New York City book publisher.
  • Minnesota titles among the 10 most absorbing books of fall 2018
Books
August 2, 2018
Sally Field has written a memoir, "In Pieces."

Sally Field & Dessa anchor an eclectic lineup of authors for Talking Volumes at Fitzgerald Theater

Oscar winner and local hip-hop star join Rebecca Traister, Leif Enger and Alexander McCall Smith.
Books
August 2, 2018
Dan Brown, the author of “The Da Vinci Code” and “Origins,” at home in Rye Beach, N.H.

'Da Vinci Code' author Dan Brown's code for thriller novel success

In the bestselling novelist's latest thriller, "Origin," science threatens to kill off God.
  • Excerpt from Dan Brown's new book 'Origin'
Books
August 2, 2018
Ron Chernow at his home in Brooklyn.

'Hamilton' biographer comes to St. Paul with another poignant portrait

"Hamilton" biographer sets his sights on another U.S. icon, but don't expect a Broadway musical.
  • An excerpt from Ron Chernow's 'Grant'
Books
October 30, 2017
Amy Tan: "My parents kept secrets."

Amy Tan on new memoir: 'I want to know why I got damaged and why I'm glad'

While writing her new memoir, the author uncovered dark family secrets. She also found the source of her need to write.
  • Author Amy Tan through the years
Books
October 30, 2017
Jacqueline Woodson

Talking Volumes guest Jacqueline Woodson grew up in 'Another Brooklyn'

To fill a "yawning gap" in books about black girlhood, Jacqueline Woodson turned to the Brooklyn of her youth.
  • Excerpt from Jacqueline Woodson's novel 'Another Brooklyn'
Books
October 30, 2017
In his memoir "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," Sherman Alexie examines his complicated relationship with his late mother, Lillian.

Writer Sherman Alexie is back on the road: 'I averted a crisis'

Haunted by his mother's memory, the author halted his book tour this summer. Now he's back on the road — still outspoken, still funny, but a little more careful.
  • Excerpt from 'You Don't Have to Say You Love Me' by Sherman Alexie
Books
July 17, 2017
Sherman Alexie

Talking Volumes' fall lineup includes Sherman Alexie and Amy Tan

Memoir, history, fiction and spies: There's something for everyone at this book club.
Books
November 4, 2016
Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead on new novel: 'It's not just about slavery; it's about oppression'

Novelist Colson Whitehead aims to change our heads with "The Underground Railroad."
  • Excerpt from Colson Whitehead's 'The Underground Railroad'
Books
October 20, 2016
Author Ann Patchett will be speaking about her new book, “Commonwealth,” at a sold-out event Tuesday at the Fitzgerald Theater.

Best-selling author Ann Patchett gets up close and personal

The novelist broke a longtime vow, drawing on her own life for her latest book.
  • Excerpt from Ann Patchett's novel 'Commonwealth'
Books
October 13, 2016
Gloria Steinem will speak to a sold-out audience at Thursday's Talking Volumes event.

Still fighting for feminism, Gloria Steinem talks about her life on the road

At 82, Gloria Steinem, the face of feminism for decades, continues to strive for equal rights.
  • Excerpt from 'My Life on the Road' by Gloria Steinem
Books
October 13, 2016
Carl Hiaasen

For better or worse, author Carl Hiaasen feels pull of Norwegian pedigree

The writer will visit the Twin Cities this month to talk about his latest romp through the bizarre life of the Florida Keys.
  • An excerpt from 'Razor Girl' by Carl Hiaasen
Books
October 13, 2016
Elizabeth Alexander.

How poet Elizabeth Alexander turned sorrow into a celebration of love

In her acclaimed memoir, author Elizabeth Alexander writes about the excruciating loss of her husband – but also of their joyous life together.
  • Excerpt from Elizabeth Alexander's 'The Light of the World'
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