Recent content from Chris Hewitt
Duluth podcaster and "America's government teacher" Sharon McMahon highlights unsung heroes in new book.
Local nonfiction: "The Small and the Mighty" shines spotlight on the folks who make history, but not history books.
Much like Dolly Parton, St. Louis Park's Abby Cooper is on a mission to give kids free books to enjoy
St. Louis Park author's goal? To make Minnesota kids love reading.
Musician Peter Himmelman takes a turn for the literary with book about faith and wonder
LOCAL NONFICTION: He'll discuss "Suspended by No String" Sept. 25.
'My roommate shot me in the head,' St. Thomas student recounts in new memoir
LOCAL NONFICTION: This excerpt from "Friendly Fire" counts down the minutes after he was shot in the head.
Welcome to 'Olive Kitteridge' writer Elizabeth Strout's fictional Maine-iverse
FICTION: Literary titans unite their powers for the first time, much like the Avengers, in her new book.
One of the world's first serial killers struck Minneapolis more than a century ago
"The Mesmerist" is a new novel about the killer who stalked Hennepin Avenue in the 1880s.
What these 5 Minnesota-set movies teach the world about Minnesotans
If you want to know what Minnesotans are really like, take what Hollywood says about us with a grain of salt.
![Marcie Rendon poses for a portrait Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022 in the Star Tribune portrait studio in Minneapolis. ]](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4JHFU7GTOCDIFZVAJSCCGFYJVM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota writer Marcie R. Rendon would like to keep readers up at night and spotlight murdered and missing Indigenous women.
LOCAL FICTION: Set up north, Marcie R. Rendon's page-turner "Where They Last Saw Her" balances sadness with the joyful camaraderie of three Ojibwe women.
Sleuth Jackson Brodie is back in Kate Atkinson's hilarious 'Death at the Sign of the Rook'
FICTION: The "Case Histories" detective is investigating art thievery when murder intrudes.
8 top writers announced to this year's Club Book events
Jayne Anne Phillips, Matt Goldman and Yangsze Choo will take part (either live or on Facebook) in the Friends of the St. Paul Library series.
Writers like Louise Erdrich and Stephen King use chapters cleverly. What do they tell us?
For starters, how long they are is a great clue to what a book wants to accomplish.
What do you do when someone in your book club has to go?
Before you boot an obnoxious member, experts (and, yes, there are book club experts) advise other options.
A Duluth writer's salute to American heroes we've never heard of and lots of spies highlight the five books we can't wait to read in September.
Two books about spies and a Minnesota writer's look at forgotten American heroes hit stores as we start thinking about autumn.
Need something to read on the popular new trains from St. Paul? A new book store will have you covered
Story Line Books plans to open at Union Depot in September.
Need to supplement your reasons not to like Aaron Rodgers? Read upcoming bio "Out of the Darkness."
NONFICTION: The former Green Bay quarterback granted an interview in which he addresses his biggest controversies. Sort of.
Two Minnesota poets picked to receive shares of $1.1 million in grants
Heid E. Erdrich and Jean Prokott, the poets laureate of Minneapolis and Rochester, are the honorees.
Meet the Minneapolis native who teased Prince, hacked into banks and pocketed $40 million
Local nonfiction: Already being fought over by Hollywood, Tanya Smith's memoir is an incredible ride.
Peter Heller's new novel, 'Burn,' is gripping, dark and surprisingly political
FICTION: Trying to return home, buddies stumble upon an apparent civil war in Maine.
Like books and booze? Have Curtis Sittenfeld, David Housewright and Shannon Gibney got an event for you
They're among 10 writers playing games, drinking cocktails and signing books at the Boozy Book Fair in St. Paul.
When her life falls apart, 'The Cheesemaker's Daughter' seeks answers in curds
LOCAL FICTION: St. Paul-reared Kristin Vukovic's romantic novel is set at a Croatian cheese factory.
Officer stalks four sex workers in true crime 'The Devil Behind the Badge'
NONFICTION: The subtitle says it: "The Horrifying Twelve Days of the Border Patrol Serial Killer."
Looking for a book to devour? Minneapolis writer's (and Obama fave) "Sharks in the Time of Saviors" is the One Book statewide book club choice.
LOCAL FICTION: Kawai Strong Washburn's "Sharks in the Time of Saviors," which you can read for free, will be this year's statewide read
Adultery leads to murder and kidnapping in two gripping true-crime books
NONFICTION: Marriages that fell apart in 2000 and in the 19th century have more in common than you might think.
Cats will share the spotlight with other pets at one of two Twin Cities video festivals
Animals and their antics will be featured at CHS Field in St. Paul. MSP Film's fest in Minneapolis will be about finicky and funny felines.
Minnesota authors blaze trails with children's books that address gender
LOCAL FICTION: Both "A Family Tree" and "Telephone of the Tree" features characters whose gender is not easily defined.
Big names Kate DiCamillo, Louise Erdrich, Edwidge Danticat and Alice Hoffman are Talking Volumes guests
It's the 25th season for the Star Tribune and MPR's popular live series of chats with writers.
Read these 8 books set in Minnesota exactly where they take place
From Summit Avenue to Stillwater, you can immerse yourself in settings explored by Abby Jimenez, Louise Erdrich and other authors.
Four Minnesota writers each have 3 (or more!) books out this year. How did they do it?
Kao Kalia Yang, Kate DiCamillo, Marcie Rendon and Ty Chapman didn't sleep much.
Get your supper club on, find bike paths and nature trails in Stillwater writer's 'Exploring the St. Croix'
LOCAL NONFICTION: TikTok sensation Angie Hong will visit area libraries, and walk-and-talk at Franconia Sculpture Garden, to spread the word about her new book.
When Brian Freeman gets stuck while writing a Robert Ludlum 'Bourne' book, he kills someone
LOCAL FICTION: The longtime Minnesota resident has two thrillers on the way in the next three months.
You've heard of food trucks and flower trucks. Ever heard of a book truck? If a Chaska woman has her way, you will.
This summer, she's bringing her Little Charity Book Truck to farmers markets, coffee shops and community festivals in the Twin Cites.
5 must-read crime novels offer thrills, chills and armchair globe-trotting
FICTION: No passport or bullet-proof vest is required to enjoy the latest from Flynn Berry, Juan Gomez-Jurado and Jacqueline Winspear.
Two sisters, a 'Bear' and a sort-of love story like none you've ever read
FICTION: The best-selling author of "Disappearing Earth" returns with a contemporary novel inspired by "Snow-White and Rose-Red."
4 must-read Indigenous books for young readers
FICTION: Everything from human connections to wolves and the importance of trees is explored in new titles.
St. Paul's trail-blazing Black-owned Black Garnet Books is for sale
Owner Dionne Sims posted on Instagram that she's pursuing her next "dream."
Loft Literary Center cancels Wordplay, its annual book festival
Instead, it will hold quarterly events in honor of its 50th anniversary.
5 books to read in celebration of Twin Cities Pride
From an ABCs to wrestling, these new books show that there are LGBTQ-themed books for all ages. .
5 reasons you should buy Questlove's new book, 'Hip-Hop Is History'
NONFICTION: Whether you know a lot about music or a little, it's packed with enough info for a college course, but it's also chatty and really fun.
For Father's Day, how about a Founding Father who makes a lot of dad jokes?
NONFICTION: A writer takes to using quills and lighting his home with candles as part of "The Year of Living Constitutionally."
'Making a Murderer' inspired Mankato's Megan Cooley Peterson's new novel
LOCAL AUTHOR: Her second young adult book, "Dead Girls Talking," also was influenced by growing up in a cult.
Want to LOL? Read 'Sandwich,' a new novel about a three-generation family vacation.
FICTION: Catherine Newman's novel is funny, sweet and poignant.
Bestselling author Nicola Yoon says her new novel is a Black 'Stepford Wives'
FICTION: "The Sun Is Also a Star" author's new novel is about an eerie all-Black community whose residents stop caring about racism and injustice.
Duluth writer Leif Enger heads to Red Wing for Talking Volumes with 'I Cheerfully Refuse'
The "Peace Like a River" novelist will join award-winning MPR journalist Kerri Miller.
Why is there an FBI unit just to investigate truckers who kill? 'Long Haul' spills the beans.
NONFICTION: A former FBI exec writes about efforts to track killers. And a bunch of other stuff.
Review: 'Furiosa' not quite as good as 'Fury Road' but it's full of energy and excitement
The "Mad Max" prequel shows how the title character, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, becomes a road warrior.
John Grisham's latest, set in northern Florida, has lawyers in search of 'Camino Ghosts'
FICTION: The third in his light-hearted "Camino" series is about the fight for rights to a deserted island.
In 'Telephone of the Tree,' a mysterious phone helps neighbors send their cares into the universe
FICTION: Alison McGhee's tender novel is about a girl looking for her friend and finding community.
Review: Amy Winehouse didn't want to go to 'Rehab,' and her biopic also resists logic
The biopic is best when star Marisa Abela is performing the singer's hits.
University of Minnesota professor wins $150,000 literary prize
University of Minnesota professor V. V. Ganeshananthan won the $150,000 Carol Shields prize for her novel "Brotherless Night."
'The Breeding Birds of Minnesota' is a huge, gorgeous look at our flying friends
NONFICTION: The who's who covers 250 birds from across the state.
Review: 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' is a winner, with tons of thrilling action
The revitalized series continues with a new hero and a crucial appearance by former Minnesota actor Peter Macon.
'The Endurance' author Caroline Alexander turns her attention to World War II in new book
NONFICTION: "Skies of Thunder" looks at military pilots, trying to get to China with supplies.
University of Minnesota professor's book investigates shocking medical research abuse
NONFICTION: Speaking with fellow whistleblowers, bioethicist Carl Elliott learned about the loneliness and frustration of calling attention to wrongdoing.
Minnesota Book Awards go to Mona Susan Power, Shannon Gibney and Emma Torzs
The awards were handed out Tuesday in nine categories.
Pulitzer Prize winner Hernan Diaz, Oscar-anointed Percival Everett and bestseller Rebecca Makkai coming to Hopkins for Pen Pals
Five top authors are featured in the annual lecture series, which is both in-person and virtual.
Peter Macon goes from North High School to Emmy Award to 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes'
Using motion-capture technology, the actor appears as a wise orangutan in "Kingdom."
Helen Simonson is in Jane Austen mode with 'The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club'
FICTION: Her latest is set in an English coastal town, at the end of World War I.
Review: 'The Fall Guy' gets a lift from the charisma and humor of Ryan Gosling
No Kensplaining necessary. Gosling and Emily Blunt's rom-com/adventure is a crowd-pleaser.
This funny, bold book about moms and reading might be the perfect last-minute Mother's Day gift.
NONFICTION: In "The Book of Mothers," author Carrie Mullins explores "How Literature Can Help Us Reinvent Modern Motherhood."
An unlikely friendship blooms in warm novel 'Sipsworth' (hint: it's perfect for the cabin)
FICTION: Simon Van Booy's book is a gentle charmer.
Chaska native's directorial debut 'Tarot' will be in 3,500 theaters
As an actor, Anna Halberg was frustrated by the lack of diversity in Hollywood. She shifted to directing to help change that.
Pulitzer Prize-winning Minneapolis author Louise Erdrich announces new book
"The Mighty Red," her first novel since 2021′s "The Sentence," is set in a North Dakota town on the Red River.
Review: Zendaya holds the key to tricky relationship drama 'Challengers'
Although the three main characters are all tennis players, its subject is much more elusive.
'Devil in the White City' author Erik Larson returns with 'The Demon of Unrest'
NONFICTION: He explores the years leading to the American Civil War and the shaky transfer of power from James Buchanan to Abraham Lincoln.
In book-loving Minnesota, Independent Bookstore Day lasts 5 days. Here's what indie shops recommend.
The event, which gathers thousands, celebrates local bookstores, community and, of course, books.
Meet the Oscar-winning cinematographer who has changed the way the movies look
Roger Deakins, the man most responsible for the visuals of many Coen brothers movies, will be at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.
Of course you love your pooch but 'Dogland' wonders if she loves you back
NONFICTION: Partly about the Westminster Dog Show and partly about dog happiness, Tommy Tomlinson's book is a gem.
How did this novel's heroine end up with her ex's new love's ex? It's kind of a 'Funny Story'
FICTION: Emily Henry's fizzy book is perfect for beaches this summer.
Minneapolis author says visiting set of movie starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek was 'surreal'
From Budapest, prolific nonfiction author Jack El-Hai is on "the most fun work trip I've ever been on."
Review: Depicting a divided nation, brutal 'Civil War' feels disturbingly real
Kirsten Dunst stars as a photojournalist, documenting an alarming near-future.
Oscar winners and superstars highlight Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
Frequent Coen brothers cinematographer Roger Deakins and wife/collaborator James will attend events, with several of their movies screening.
'Magpie Murders' creator Anthony Horowitz wrote 'Close to Death' and is a (dopey) character in it
FICTION: A nasty neighbor dies early on. Like the suspects, you won't miss him.
New Minneapolis romance-only bookstore is the first of its kind in the Upper Midwest
Tropes & Trifles in Minneapolis promises lots of love and lots of happily-ever-afters.
James Patterson peeks into 'The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians'
NONFICTION: They tell their best stories about why they love books.
Who wrote the 'Wicked Little Letters' that sent an English village into an uproar?
Based on a true story from the 1920s, the dark comedy stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley.
