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Talking Volumes is an annual event series featuring notable authors in conversation about their new books. Presented by MPR News and The Minnesota Star Tribune.

A few 'take to the lake' crime novels
Kerri Miller is here just in time for the official start of the summer with a bunch of “take it to the lake” crime novels & thrillers that you can find in your local library.
Sinéad O'Connor has a new memoir ... and no regrets
Fiery singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor became a star in the MTV era, rewriting the rules while courting controversy. Now, she reclaims an influential legacy with a new memoir, “Rememberings.”
Benjamin Percy novel re-imagines Minnesota as meteor-strewn center of geopolitics
While prolific novelist and comic book writer Benjamin Percy moved to Minnesota almost a decade ago, it's only now he's written a book based in his adopted state. "The Ninth Metal" delves into the politics and environmental battles of northern Minnesota, but it does so as science fiction.
'The Other Black Girl' in this new thriller may not be your friend
Zakiya Dalila Harris drew on her book-world background for her new novel, about a Black woman in publishing who thinks, at first, that she has a new ally when her company hires another Black woman.
'Sixteen Scandals' rewinds a teen classic to regency England
Sophie Jordan's romp of a novel follows Primrose Ainsworth, youngest of four sisters, who escapes the family on her 16th birthday for an adventure through Regency London with a charming mystery man.
Give 'The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection' a buzz, you'll bee charmed
In Ben Brashares and Elizabeth Bergeland's charming new picture book, a discontented young boy finds a new way to carry on his family's legacy of awesomeness — and without hurting any bugs.
Adulting 101 with author Julie Lythcott-Haims
Author and former Stanford dean Julie Lythcott-Haims’ new book is a guide for young people through the joys and challenges of being a grown-up. 
Eric Carle, creator of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar,' has died
The beloved author and illustrator drew more than 70 books for kids — often about friendly bugs like that famous caterpillar. He said he got his inspiration from nature walks with his father.
A bullied kid finds unconventional freedom in 'Heaven'
Following the success of “Breasts and Eggs,” Mieko Kawakami's publishers are releasing a beautiful new translation of her 2016 novel “Heaven,” about an unnamed teen dealing with bullies at school.