With so many literary greats being corn fed from our own backyard—from the late F. Scott Fitzgerald to Garrison Keillor, Anne Tyler and Thomas Friedman—it’s no wonder that the Twin Cities have become a haunt for readers and writers alike. Of the nation’s largest 78 cities, the University of Wisconsin has ranked Minneapolis as the most literate. Perhaps our bookish bent has something to do with the long winters. As the weather cools down, local book hubs offer a cozy climate with scrolls of readings and discussions.
Dava Sobel The author of the bestselling Longitude and Galileo’s Daughter talks about her most recent book, The Planets. Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Free. Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, 612-630-6000
Sid Hartman The longtime Star Tribune sportswriter discusses Sid Hartman’s Great Minnesota Sports Moments. Nov. 6 at noon. Free. Borders in Block E, 600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-339-4859.
A Writer’s View: Patricia Hampl Accompanied by pianist Dan Chouinard, the local author and University of Minnesota professor discusses writers who have visited Minnesota. Tickets: $15. Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange Street, St. Paul, 651-290-1221.
John Connolly The Dublin native and prolific thriller writer discusses The Book of Lost Things. Free. Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Once Upon a Crime, 604 W. 26th Street, Minneapolis, 612-870-3785.
Judith Guest; Sandra Benitez; Kate DiCamillo; Alison McGhee; Patricia Weaver Francisco The renowned local authors discuss the pros and cons of writing. Free. Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-630-6000.
The Current Fakebook 89.3 The Current and public radio host Mary Lucia welcome Amy Sedaris to St. Paul, along with novelists, screenwriters, bloggers, critics and musicians, for an evening of insights that spring from the written word. Tickets: $15. Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange Street, St. Paul, 651-290-1221.
Alex Kershaw The historian and author of The Bedford Boys and The Longest Winter reads from his latest hardcover, The Few. Free. Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. Magers & Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Avenue S., Minneapolis, 612-822-4611.
Talking Volumes: Isabel Allende The famous Chilean storyteller discusses her latest historic novel, Ines of My Soul. Tickets: $15. Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange Street, St. Paul, 651-290-1221.
Vince Flynn The bestselling political thriller writer and University of St. Thomas alum discusses Act of Treason. Free. Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. Borders, Rosedale Center, Roseville, 651-633-1344.
