Library Foundation

Club Book with Stewart O'Nan in Star Tribune

When people complain that American fiction today is stuck in a rut of cliched infidelities and whitebread middle-class despair, they're probably imagining a book like Stewart O'Nan's new novel, "The Odds." Its plot certainly fits the template: Art and Marion Fowler are a middle-aged couple who have hit the skids both financially (they're out of work and nearly bankrupt) and romantically (Art's been caught cheating). They head from Cleveland to Niagara Falls for a pre-divorce last hurrah of sorts, preparing to bet what's left of their dwindling savings at a casino on Valentine's Day.

Literary event of the week from Pioneer Press

Deborah Harkness launches the spring season of Club Book with a reading from the paperback edition of her best-selling debut novel, "A Discovery of Witches," at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at Central Park Amphitheater, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury. "A Discovery of Witches" is the first book of the "All Souls Trilogy" by Harkness, a history professor at the University of Southern California and award-wining wine blogger. The novel has sold more than 300,000 copies.

Club Book with Deborah Harkness Featured in Woodbury Bulletin

The society of the supernatural from Woodbury Bulletin: Deborah Harkness, the best-selling author of “A Discovery of Witches” visits the Central Park Amphitheater Jan. 18 as part of the R.H. Stafford Library’s Club Book program. Woodbury readers will have the opportunity to delve in the world of witches and vampires this month.

Club Book New Line-Up in Star Tribune

Club Book announces its winter/spring lineupfrom Star Tribune: "The newest list of Club Book authors coming to town includes some big national names, and some significant local writers as well. Novelist Stewart O’Nan, mystery writer Rita Mae Brown, and essayist Anne Fadiman will speak, as will local TV reporter Don Shelby, chef Lynne Rosetto Kasper and writer Julie Schumacher."

Elizabeth Gilbert Interview in Star Tribune

The journey from 'Eat Pray Love' back to marriage. From Star Tribune: "At the end of "Eat Pray Love," Elizabeth Gilbert found herself, against all odds, in love again. This time, though, she was determined not to marry. It was the difficult collapse of her first marriage, after all, that sent her on the yearlong odyssey that resulted in that book (and, later, the blockbuster movie)."

Paul Harding in Star Tribune

Author of Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Tinkers' coming to Cities. From Star Tribune: "At the end of "Paul Harding, whose gentle and poetic novel, "Tinkers," was a surprise winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2010, will be in the Twin Cities for three free public appearances next week. Harding, 43, is a graduate of the Iowa Writers Workshop, and his book, which is about a dying clockmaker in New England, was deemed far too quiet and meditative for most agents and publishers."

Elizabeth Gilbert Interview in Metro Magazine

Eat, Pray, Love, Discuss. From Star Tribune: "At the end of "Metro Magazine," Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of 'Eat, Pray, Love' and 'Committed,' will appear at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center Friday as part of the Club Book series. Elizabeth Gilbert wants to talk to you. That’s right—you. The same Elizabeth Gilbert who wrote the New York Times bestseller Eat, Pray, Love—the autobiographical story of her leaving an unhappy marriage and spending a year spent traveling around the world—wants to chat with Minnesotans this Friday at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center."

Walter Mosley Featured in Star Tribune

Mosley's latest explores a legacy of racism and aging dreams. From Star Tribune: "In this his 30th novel, Walter Mosley (creator of the "Easy Rawlins" mystery series) takes us to the violent streets of Los Angeles and into the brain of 91-year old Ptolemy Grey, who is slowly dying. As is true with so many of Mosley's African-American characters, Grey migrated to Los Angeles from the Jim Crow South."

Club Book Featured in Sun Publications

Club Book 2011 season announced. From Sun Publications: "Club Book brings best-selling and award-winning national authors to library communities throughout the metropolitan region.All events are free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first served. Doors open 45 minutes in advance of programs and books will be available for sale."

Club Book 2011 Season Featured in Pioneer Press

Books 'Eat, Pray, Love' author will launch 2011 Club Book season. From Pioneer Press: "Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the popular memoir "Eat, Pray, Love" that was the basis of a film starring Julia Roberts, will launch the 2011 Club Book season in February. Other high-profile writers who will give free readings at venues in eight metro-area library systems include Paul Harding, Mark Doty and Walter Mosley, as well as Minnesotans Cathy Wurzer, Heid Erdrich, Pete Hautman and Mary Logue and Sandra Benitez. "

Club Book 2011 Season Featured in Star Tribune

Winter-spring lineup for Club Book announced. From Star Tribune: "The next round of Club Book author appearances — that program that brings authors to libraries throughout the core cities and suburbs — includes an impressive lineup of world-famous writers, prize winners, and notable regional writers."

Mike Reiss Featured in Star Tribune

The brains behind Homer and Bart. From Star Tribune: "Mike Reiss, a writer and producer for "The Simpsons," will speak this weekend at the Heights Theater. As a college student, Mike Reiss thought he would go into advertising and "write commercials for Doritos or something." Instead, he became a show-runner, writer and producer of the popular animated series "The Simpsons."

Mike Reiss Featured in Chaska Herald

Making d'oh: Simpsons' writer to appear at Club Book. From Chaska Herald: "More than two decades ago, Mike Reiss was one of three writers hired to work on a fledgling show for Fox. “It was a summer job,” he recalled. “At least three people turned it down before me, and not a soul thought it would take off.” Today, Reiss is one of the show’s head writers and producers and “The Simpsons” is not only the longest running primetime series in television history, but an undeniable force in pop culture."

Alison McGhee and Kate DiCamillo Featured in Pioneer Press

Nationally known Minnesota writers DiCamillo and McGhee find themselves in 'Bink & Gollie' collaboration. From Pioneer Press: "Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee have laughter in their voices when they talk about "Bink & Gollie," their story about a tall girl and a short girl who are best friends. Just like them. This vibrant chapter book for beginning readers is the first collaboration between these award-winning Minnesota writers. "Kate and I are pretty darn sure we met in 2001, over dinner with mutual friends," McGhee recalls. "Within 15 minutes we were laughing." (One of those friends was Alison's sister, Holly, a literary agent who represents both writers.)"

Will Weaver Featured in Star Tribune

Will Weaver's new book featured at Forest Lake library. From Star Tribune: "Acclaimed Minnesota author Will Weaver will appear at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hardwood Creek Library as part of Club Book, a program put on by the Metropolitan Library Services Agency (MELSA) that brings big-name writers to suburban libraries across the Twin Cities."

Nancy Pearl's Events Featured in Star Tribune

Famous librarian comes to town. From Star Tribune: "Nancy Pearl, probably the world's only librarian with her own action figure, regularly talks books on NPR's "Morning Edition" and is author of the "Book Lust" series. Her recommendations send readers to bookstores, and sometimes publishers back to their presses. She's in Minnesota this week as part of the Club Book series, talking about her latest book, "Book Lust to Go: Recommended Reading for Travelers, Vagabonds, and Dreamers" (Sasquatch Books, $16.95)."

Terry McMillan's Club Book Event Featured on KARE 11

"Waiting to Exhale" sequal 15 years later. From KARE 11: "The blockbuster book turned big screen flick changed African American fiction forever. In "Waiting to Exhale," four women struggling to find love lean on each other until 'mister right' comes along. 15 years later, the friends have all 'exhaled' and are now learning to breathe again and to reclaim their joy and dreams. The sequel is called "Getting to Happy." New York Times bestselling author Terry McMillan is in the Twins Cities this weekend and stopped by to talk to Belinda about her new book. You can meet Terry today, signing copies of her book at 2:00pm at the Brookdale Public Library in Minneapolis."

Terry McMillan's Club Book Event Featured in Sun Newspaper

Terry McMillan to speak at Brookdale Library, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" author joins Club Book lineup. From Sun Newspaper: "You don't have to be part of Oprah's Book Club to be in the loop on popular authors this year. Best-selling and award-winning authors are speaking at Twin Cities events as a part of Club Book, a free series from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency that is coordinated by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County."

Terry McMillan's Club Book Event Featured in Star Tribune

The mess and heartache of real life. From Star Tribune: "After her scandal-ridden divorce several years ago (just before Christmas 2004 her husband, Jonathan Plummer, announced that he was gay, and things got very public and very ugly), author Terry McMillan seems to be suffering from "crab in a barrel" syndrome. In her new book, "Getting to Happy" she kidnaps her characters and forces them to attend a pity party."

Club Book Featured on MPR'S Midday

Storyteller Kevin Kling spins some tales. From MPR's Midday: "Playwright and humorist Kevin Kling, one of Minnesota's best-known storytellers, speaks at the Maplewood Library as part of the Club Book program. Along with several plays, Kling is the author of two collections of stories, "The Dog Says How" and "Holiday Inn." Club Book is a Twin Cities-area program that brings popular authors to communities around the metro area. It is a program of the Metropolitan Library Services Agency, coordinated by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County. "

Kevin Kling's Club Book Events Featured in Star Tribune

Kevin Kling, coming to Stillwater with Club Book. From Star Tribune: "His Stillwater appearance is part of a program to bring major authors to suburban libraries. Kevin Kling is a prolific writer and storyteller whose plays have been performed at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and in such cities as Seattle, Chicago and New York. His droll, whimsical tales have delighted National Public Radio listeners and readers of his best-selling books."

Kevin Kling's Club Book Events Featured in Stillwater Gazette

Library to bring in Kevin Kling for Aug. 18 event. From Stillwater Gazette: "Minnesota author, playwright and storyteller Kevin Kling will speak at the Stillwater Public Library at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18. Kling is also regular contributor to NPR's "All Things Considered." His plays have been seen at the Guthrie Theater, Second Stage, Seattle Rep, the Goodman Theatre, the Spoleto Festival, and the HBO Comedy Arts Festival."

Club Book Featured in Star Tribune

Latest authors heading to Metro-area libraries. From Star Tribune: "Club Book fall lineup includes authors Gish Jen, Alison McGhee and Terry McMillan. Club Book, the free program that brings authors to libraries around the Metro area, announced its fall lineup."

Club Book Featured on MPR'S Midday

For Kate DiCamillo, stories matter. From MPR's Midday: "Minnesota's award-winning childrens author Kate DiCamillo talks about why she writes and how she does it --and takes questions from kids-- at a recent Club Book event in Apple Valley. DiCamillo is the author of the wildly popular "Because of Winn-Dixie" and "The Tale of Despereaux." Club Book is a Twin Cities-area program that brings popular authors to communities around the metro area. It is coordinated by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County."

Club Book Featured on MPR'S Midday

Garrison Keillor on poems, prose, and growing up in the nothern suburbs. From MPR's Midday: "Garrison Keillor -- author, storyteller, humorist, and host of the radio show "A Prairie Home Companion" -- speaks in Blaine as part of the Club Book program. Club Book is a Twin Cities-area program that brings best-selling authors to communities around the metro area. The series is a program of the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) and is coordinated by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County."

Garrison Keillor on North Metro News Television

Garrison Keillor Comes to Town From North Metro News: "This week, Blaine hosted one of Minnesota's most famous authors; Garrison Keillor spoke at the National Sports Center as a part of Club Book. Keillor spoke to a crowd of hundreds, who all listened intently to the man whose works they have loved to read. "

Jane Hamilton Interview in the Chaska Herald

Writing stories from the heartland: Jane Hamilton. From Chaska Herald: "She was only the third author ever to have her book selected as one of Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club selections. And while there are plenty of authors that would kill for that honor just once in their lifetime, Jane Hamilton is one of a handful of writers that have experienced “The Oprah Effect” not once, but twice. "

Club Book Featured on MPR'S Midday

Author Tim O'Brien. From MPR's Midday: "Tim O'Brien pursues a truth in his fiction that is only somewhat based on what he experienced as a soldier in Vietnam. But the resonance of his work, particularly "The Things They Carried" has convinced people that the characters in his stories are drawn more precisely from life."

Club Book Featured on Secrets

The Literary Line-up: All Free. From Secrets of the City: "So many words organized into so many unique books, by so many fascinating authors, in so little time. Get your calendar out and save these dates:"

Club Book Comes to Chaska

Authors coming to Chaska. From Chaska Herald: "“Club Book” brings best-selling and award-winning national and regional authors to library communities across the seven-county metropolitan region. This new free series, a program of the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), will bring three acclaimed authors to the Carver County Library community: Tim O’Brien, Jane Hamilton, and Patricia Hampl. "

Club Book Featured in the Stillwater Gazette

Minnesota author to visit library. From Stillwater Gazette: "Minnesota author Patricia Hampl will speak at the Stillwater Public Library at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19. Hampl's most recent book is "The Florist's Daughter," winner of numerous "best" and "year end" awards, including the New York Times' "100 Notable Books of the Year" and the 2008 Minnesota Book Award for Memoir and Creative Nonfiction."

Club Book Frances Mayes Answers 10 Questions

10 Questions with Frances Mayes. From Good Reads: "If a foreigner could become an ambassador for Italy, Frances Mayes would have been nominated by now. The poet, journalist, travel writer, novelist, and memoirist inspired a generation to visit the Heeled Boot with her book Under the Tuscan Sun, an autobiographical account of moving to Cortona and rebuilding her life from the ground up. (The ensuing movie with Diane Lane only increased Mayes's mystique.)"

Club Book with Neil Gaiman on WCCO News

Sci-Fi Writer Gaiman To Speak In Stillwater. From WCCO News: "Best-selling comic book and science fiction writer Neil Gaiman is the first guest of a new Twin Cities-wide program to celebrate books and reading.

Club Book will bring popular and award-winning national and regional authors to communities across the seven-county metropolitan area. Gaiman will appear this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Stillwater Junior High School."

Neil Gaiman Talks about his Love of Libraries

Why Neil Gaiman loves libraries. From Minnesota Public Radio: "This is National Library Week, and one of the people out talking about the importance of libraries is Neil Gaiman. He's the award-winning author of "Coraline", "The Graveyard Book", several film scripts, and the Sandman comic book. Gaiman, who lives just outside the Twin Cities metro, is serving as honorary chair for the event. He told Euan Kerr he knows through personal experience libraries are more vital now than ever."

Club Book with Neil Gaiman Featured on Secrets

The Best Little Lit Line-up in Town. From Secrets of the City: "Club Book, a new series bringing best-selling and award-winning national and regional authors to library communities across the seven-county metropolitan region. This is the first event in the inaugural season featuring nine acclaimed authors and eighteen events. All events are free and open to the public."

Club Book Covered in the Star Tribune

Club Book lures great writers to 'burbs. From the Star Tribune:“Until now, if you wanted to hear Garrison Keillor read or get an autograph from Kate DiCamillo, you usually had to go into the city. Most of the big-name author events over the years, such as Talking Volumes or Talk of the Stacks, have been in Minneapolis or St. Paul. But a new program, paid for by the state Legacy Fund, will bring a series of free author events to the suburbs this year -- to Apple Valley and Chaska, to Blaine and Woodbury, and beyond."

Club Book Covered in the Pioneer Press

Club Book brings award-winning authors to area libraries. From the Pioneer Press: "Nine award-winning authors, seven from the Midwest, will be guest speakers at Club Book, a new series that brings writers to libraries in the seven-county metropolitan area. The programs, most of which will take place outside the Twin Cities, are free and open to the public.

The Club begins April 18 with a 2:30 p.m. appearance by Neil Gaiman, who lives in Wisconsin and Minnesota, at Stillwater Junior High School, 523 Marsh St. Gaiman, who writes for children and adults, won the Caldecott Award for children's writing and the Hugo science fiction award for "The Graveyard Book." He was the first writer to win awards in different genres for the same book. His international best-selling children's novel "Coraline" was the basis for an animated movie that was nominated for an Oscar."

Club Book Featured on the MPR's State of the Arts

Great local authors coming to a library near you. From Minnesota Public Radio: "If you live in the Twin Cities, a famous author could be coming to your neighborhood this summer. Club Book, a new series funded by money from the Legacy Amendment, will bring the likes of Garrison Keillor, Neil Gaiman, Patricia Hampl and Kate DiCamillo to libraries in Chaska, Blaine, Stillwater and Apple Valley. The initial series of readings/discussions will take place from April to August. You can see the full list of authors here."

Neil Gaiman Featured in the New Yorker

Kid Goth: Neil Gaiman’s Fantasies. From the New Yorker :“The New Mother,” a children’s story published by Lucy Clifford in 1882, two previously well-behaved little girls turn so bad—dousing the fire and breaking the clock and dancing on the butter—that their mother is forced to go away, and a new mother, a demon with two glass eyes and a horrible wooden tail, comes to take her place. At the story’s end, the girls flee to the forest to live; they miss their mother terribly and long in vain for the chance to redeem themselves. Sometimes, at night, they sneak back to their old cottage, where through the window they can see the glint of the new mother’s glass eyes."

DiCamillo Recognized at the American Booksellers Association's 2010 Indies Choice Book Awards

For Kate DiCamillo, stories are everywhere. From Minnesota Public Radio: “One of Minnesota's best-known children's authors, Kate DiCamillo, is one of six nominees for the Most Engaging Author in the American Booksellers Association's 2010 Indies Choice Book Awards. She spoke with MPR's Cathy Wurzer about her writing last fall at the Fitzgerald Theater. "

Tim O'Brien's Work Discussed in the Washington Post

Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried," released in 20th anniversary edition, renews war's ambiguity. From the Washington Post: “Tim O’Brien’s book of Vietnam war stories, “The Things They Carried,” won mighty praise when it was first published in 1990. Josiah Bunting, writing in The Washington Post, said the tales were “rendered in an authorial tone, with an evocative, quiet precision not equaled in the imaginative literature of the American war in Vietnam.” This week, a 20th anniversary edition hit book stores."

Frances Mayes Featured on CNN

'Tuscan Sun' author on Italy's pleasures. From CNN News: "Many authors can move readers with their words, but Frances Mayes has the power to actually make readers move.

As in pack up and start a new life thousands of miles away in Tuscany -- the enchanting northwest region of Italy known for its food, wine and scenic beauty -- just as she did 20 years ago.

Mayes chronicled her decision to buy and restore a villa near the town of Cortona in "Under the Tuscan Sun," which became a best-selling book and the basis for the 2003 movie of the same name starring Diane Lane. "

Patricia Hampl Reviewed in the New York Times Book Review

The Hopelessness of Escape. From the New York Times: “Watching a parent die can be a startlingly unreal experience. Call it denial, call it self-delusion; no matter how much you’ve prepared, you simply don’t believe it will happen. You assume that both of you — dying parent and attentive child — will get through this unfortunate experience as you’ve gotten through everything else: together. After all the madness of hospice nurses and morphine and final confessions, the relentless deathlike goings-on you’ve endured, life will snap back to a normal shape. Death is just a hiccup, a trick, a detour in your lives. "