From the cozy to the crafty
 
 
Your favorite bookstores

I wanted to know about the neighborhood bookstore that deepens your sense of community and enriches your life. I also wanted to know about the bookstores you think are worth a pilgrimage. 

Jill sings the praises of Zandbroz Variety in Fargo, ND., just across the Red River.

“It’s a great independent bookstore that is very supportive of local writers," she says. 

Alicen suggests Charis Books in Decatur, Ga., and I’m delighted to say that I’ve been there!  

It's a feminist bookstore that has been spotlighting the work of women writers for more than 40 years. Its name comes from the Greek words for “gift” and “grace.”

Lynn is a fan of a bookstore that perches on Orcas Island called Darvill’s in the village of Eastsound, Wash.

“It’s a cozy place with a coffee bar in the back and a fantastic view of the waters of Eastsound. It has that friendly small town feel with an amazing selection of books,” she says.

Darvill's features writers from the Pacific Northwest and books about islands, including a beautiful book called “The Salish Sea.”

Lee dropped me a line from Hackensack, Minn., to extoll the book-browsing pleasures of Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery in Park Rapids, Minn., where they feature fall reading retreats and a bindery where you can build your own book.

I heard from Michael who has cherished hours of reading and browsing at Literati in Ann Arbor, Mich. 

And Susan emailed to say she drops into Sweet Peas and Back Forty Books in Two Harbors, Minn., when she’s passing through.

Thank you for all of your suggestions! Feel free to send more.  

Here is the secret answer to last weeks foodie fiction: Clam chowder, "Moby Dick."

— Kerri Miller | MPR News

Sponsor
 
This Week on The Thread
Ask a Bookseller: The Measure

What’s the most un-put-down-able book you’ve read recently? For Susan Kehoe of Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, Del., the answer was Nikki Erlick’s debut novel “The Measure.” The premise for the story is simple. On the same day everywhere in the world, everyone over age 21 finds a box on their doorstep with a string inside. That string, as scientists soon determine, is the precise measure of how many days they have left to live.
Two Minneapolis writers shortlisted for National Book Awards

Minnesota talent claimed an outsized presence in the list of National Book Awards finalists, released Tuesday, including Kelly Barnhill and Damion Searls. Among the finalists are two Minneapolis writers and two Twin Cities presses. The short list from the National Book Foundation comprises five authors in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, translated literature, poetry and young people's literature. The winners will be named Nov. 16.
White House correspondent April Ryan on her new book 'Black Women Will Save The World'

April Ryan is the longest-serving Black female White House correspondent. She has a 25-year tenure spanning five presidential administrations. She is the Washington bureau chief for TheGrio network and appears regularly on CNN as a political analyst. This month, Ryan has a new book out, called "Black Women Will Save The World: An Anthem." In the book, Ryan details the many ways Black women have shaped American history, and the profound price they often pay for their leadership.
The best of Minnesota writers on stage for Talking Volumes

Writers come to the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul from all over the world for Talking Volumes. The experience is always intimate and energetic. But hometown authors might have the most fun. You can still get tickets to the 2022 season of Talking Volumes. Karen Armstrong kicked it off in September. Coming up later this month and in November:  Celeste Ng, Dani Shapiro and Ross Gay.
Celeste Ng makes the case for art as a weapon against oppression in her new novel

"Our Missing Hearts" is the story of 12-year-old Bird, a quest to find his mother and the power of small acts of rebellion. Saddled by grief, this quasi-dystopian novel is ultimately propelled by hope.
Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe today!

Preference Center ❘ Unsubscribe

This email was sent by: Minnesota Public Radio
480 Cedar Street Saint Paul, MN, 55101