May 30, 2011 - While researching her best selling book "Seabiscuit," Laura Hillenbrand stumbled across an article on Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete who endured incredible hardships during World War II. She reached out to him and forged a connection that she chronicles in her latest book. Guest: Laura Hillenbrand: Author of "Seabiscuit." Her latest book is called "Unbroken." A capin in the woods. Author Sarah Stonich spent 10 years building a cabin "smaller than Thoreau's." In her new book, Stonich examines her desire to recreate her own childhood memories and provide a sense of place for her son. Guest: Sarah Stonich: Author of "Shelter." Her previous books include "These Granite Islands" and "The Ice Chorus."
April 18, 2011 - MPR’s Tom Crann interviews playwright Dominic Taylor, actor Dennis Spears, and director Lou Bellamy about the play "Black Pearl Sings." The "I Wish You Love" production at the Penumbra Theatre examines the significance of the Nat "King" Cole Show, one of the first network TV programs hosted by an African American, and the role it's star played in the modern civil rights era.
February 3, 2011 - Pete Hautman has won a National Book Award for his young adult novels, and while he loves the genre, he says there are reasons not to write young adult fiction. He explains why, and talks about his newest novel.
December 23, 2010 - MPR’s Kate Smith interviews author Greg Breining and photographer Layne Kennedy about their book “Paddle North,” which explores the Quetico-Boundary Waters. The two discusse the method, madness and philosophy of paddling Minnesota's big lakes and small streams.
October 14, 2010 - Hear two authors and a film critic talk about vampires, zombies and werewolves in this interview from Midmorning, hosted by Kerri Miller.
September 16, 2010 - MPR’s Kerri Miller interviews Minnesota writer Louise Erdrich about The Guthrie Theater production of Erdrich's novel "The Master Butchers Singing Club." Francesca Zambello, internationally renowned opera and theater director, is also interviewed.
September 15, 2010 - Laurie Hertzel got her start as an unlikely reporter in Duluth Minnesota. She describes her evolution from shy newsroom observer to an international correspondent on an assignment in Russia and her current gig at the Star Tribune.
September 9, 2010 - The history of the Ojibwe people goes back thousands of years and is woven into the story of the state of Minnesota. One writer and college professor is determined that Ojibwe history, language and culture not be forgotten.