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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.

In 'Sorrowland,' the story gets lost in the forest
Rivers Solomon's new novel — a gothic thriller about a woman escaping a cult for a wild life in the forest — relies too much on atmospherics, neglecting the basic building blocks of story.
Author Michael Lewis on ‘The Premonition’
Michael Lewis, the author of “The Big Short” and “Moneyball,” has a new book out called “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story.” He spoke with MPR News about how it came together.
Reality TV inspired this poetic look at people and the things they hoard
In her latest book of poems, artist Kate Durbin looks at modern consumerism and the way people process trauma and loss through the objects they hoard. Durbin was inspired by the A&E show “Hoarders.”
'Son of the Storm' explores power and its transformations
Suyi Davies Okungbowa's new novel seems like a familiar epic fantasy setup — in fact, it's anything but. “Son of the Storm” explores power: Who has it, who wants it, and who's shut out from it.
'Notes on Grief' makes visceral the experience of death and grieving
"'After the burial we can begin to heal,'" Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie recounts her mother saying. Perhaps in the reading of this book, so too will the rest of us who lost so much over this past year.
Fandom can be a lot like high school — Here's how to avoid the bad stuff
Finding a supportive fandom — a group of people who love what you love — is a great experience. But some fan communities can be toxic, so here are a few tips for kids looking for fan connections.