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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 'Notes From An Apocalypse,' the end of the world is a state of mind
In charming, anxious, tender essays, writer Mark O'Connell examines his own apocalyptic frame of mind by taking "a series of perverse pilgrimages" to subcultures preparing for the end of the world.
Indie booksellers turn virtual in response to pandemic
Many small bookstores are being nimble during the pandemic as they try to serve customers, even as they try to keep their heads above water.
Minnesota libraries offer contactless curbside pickup to serve readers
Libraries across Minnesota remain closed to the public, but some have started offering contactless curbside pickup for patrons looking for a fresh influx of reading material.
In Cesar Aira's latest, 'Artforum' has a magic beyond the page
Aira's oddball new novella chronicles his love affair with the magazine “Artforum,” to which he ascribes almost magical qualities. It's a giddy, self-indulgent but delightful read.
'Meet Me At Midnight' for a lively summer romp
None of us are likely to have a glorious summer this year — but crack open Jessica Pennington's new “Meet Me at Midnight” and follow the charming enemies-to-lovers story, and you'll get close.
Set 1,500 years from now, 'The Last Emperox' is still pretty timely
In the last installment of Scalzi's Interdependency trilogy, a ruler must fight to save a galactic empire threatened by greed, complacency and the collapse of vital resources. Sound familiar?
In 'Mad, Bad & Dangerous,' romantic sleuths uncover a Byronic secret
Samira Ahmed's new novel bounces between two timelines, following a Muslim American art student in Paris, and the mysterious harem woman she believes inspired work by Lord Byron and his circle.
5 easy art projects to enjoy during social distancing
Sarah Urist Green, creator of PBS' “The Art Assignment,” walks through five fun art projects that don't require fancy supplies or talent to create and enjoy.
In 'How Much Of These Hills Is Gold,' this land is not your land
C Pam Zhang's debut novel follows a brother and sister, children of Chinese laborers, as the search the dusty hills of Gold Rush-era California for a place to bury their father's body.