Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. First recognized in 1982, the annual event reminds us not to take our precious democratic freedom for granted. This year’s celebration also reminds me that there’s a great new book out — they have it down at [...]

You’re Invited to the Party

I love parties (as too many of you well know) and I love books (duh). I especially love good books written by authors will local ties. So you know I won’t miss the bookish party River City Books is throwing this weekend.
RCB will host a book-release party for Laura Goering, author of the children’s book [...]

Oprah Likes Edgar

I was just reading about the fact that the world’s greatest bookseller had chosen the next pick for her book club and then — whoa! — I walked into the old neighborhood bookstore and saw copies of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski with the Oprah seal of approval already stamped on them.
“I [...]

Spreading the News about ‘Wings’

I just want to thank Northfield News staff writer Brenda Ward for her piece on this Saturday’s book release party. Bring the kiddies!

Bargain Monday

There are a lot of great bargains down at the old neighborhood bookstore today. Then, now that I think of it, there are a lot of great bargains down at the old neighborhood bookstore every day.
Here’s one that nearly blasted off the table: Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded by Simon Winchester. In this book [...]

Fine Groove Customers Welcome

I was sad to hear that Fine Groove is closing its Division Street doors after 26 years as the music authority in Northfield. I know I join a long list of people who wish owner Brian Kenknight the best on his future endeavors. The store will be missed.
If you’re Fine Groove customer who is looking [...]

September Staff Picks

Man, wasn’t it just August? I looked up and realized that we’re almost half way through the month! So I quickly set down the remote, gathered my book bag and headed down to the old neighborhood bookstore to see the latest batch of monthly staff selections. Better later than never, I always say, and this [...]

Northfield Reads! Rescheduled

Previously, I reported that the next Northfield Reads! event would be held September 26. That was wrong. I mean, it was right then, it’s wrong now. The event has been rescheduled and, as a result, it’s going to be even bigger and better.
Here’s the scoop: Acclaimed Minnesota authors Faith Sullivan, Sheila O’Connor, Heid Erdrich, Wang [...]

One Down, Many To Go

As I noted, River City Books hosted Thomas Maltman, author of the critically acclaimed The Night Birds, during the Defeat of Jesse James weekend. Many people stopped by to buy a personalized copy of this riveting book with a Northfield/James Gang tie-in. If you want a signed copy, but didn’t make it to the event, [...]

Dinner Table Discussion

At this point during the Defeat of Jesse James weekend it’s hard to imagine that there are places in the world without enough food. Are you kidding? I just ate my fifth ear of corn since breakfast! But it’s true. And, despite my joke, the problem is serious — as anyone who has read Paul [...]