Courtesy of MPR
We’re in the throes of high summer right now, but fall is just around the corner. And so is the 20th season of Talking Volumes, Minnesota Public Radio and the Star Tribune’s collaboration on in-depth conversations with some of today’s best writers. Up your beach-read game and dive into the latest from the authors in the 2019 Talking Volumes lineup. Then join host Kerri Miller from MPR News for live conversations with each author this fall.
The World That We Knew, by Alice Hoffman
Sept 25 | The Fitzgerald Theater
Alice Hoffman has written more than 30 works of fiction, including New York Times bestsellers The Dovekeepers and The Marriage of Opposites. Hoffman’s latest novel, The World That We Knew, she turns her unique and much-loved magical realism lens to WWII in this heart-rending story of good and evil.
How We Fight for Our Lives, by Saeed Jones
Oct 9 | The Parkway Theater
If you don’t know poet Saeed Jones, you should change that. Jones’ poetic voice serves him well in this incredible coming-of-age memoir, as he ushers readers through his life as a young, black gay man from the South as he battles to become himself—and invites us to take a closer look at the world we live in.
Dad’s Maybe Book, by Tim O’Brien
Oct 16 | The Parkway Theater
You probably already know highly acclaimed Minnesota author Tim O’Brien for his award-winning novels about the post-war lives of Vietnam soldiers. Discover a different side of the writer in his new memoir, a collection of 15 years worth of letters to his sons. It’s funny, tender, joyful, and more than a little relatable.
The Lost Art of Scripture, by Karen Armstrong
Nov 7 | The Fitzgerald Theater
Karen Armstrong is one of the most respected voices on faith, and she is currently an ambassador for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. In her latest book, Armstrong chronicles the development of major religions, shining light on the narrowness of modern readings of religious texts, and building bridges in a time of deep divide.
The Witches Are Coming, by Lindy West
Nov 14 | The Fitzgerald Theater
“This is a witch hunt,” this book asserts. “We’re witches. And we’re coming for you.” Author of acclaimed memoir Shrill (which you might have watched on Hulu also), Lindy West turns her hilariously witty and cutting brand of cultural criticism on the present political moment, offering much-needed answers to the question of how we got here.
Wade in the Water, by Tracy K. Smith
Nov 21 | The Fitzgerald Theater
When Tracy K. Smith takes the Fitz stage, she will have just wrapped up her two-term appointment as U.S. Poet Laureate. In Wade in the Water, Smith’s bold, inquisitive voice shines and cements her place in the canon of American poetry. And if you want a daily dose of poetry, check out Smith’s podcast, The Slowdown.
Courtesy of MPR
Find more details about the events and get tickets at mprevents.org.
