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Big Books and Bold Ideas is a weekly series hosted by Kerri Miller and produced by Kelly Gordon every Friday at 11 a.m., featuring conversations about books and other literary ideas. Listen to Big Books and Bold Ideas here.

Talking Volumes

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.

12 must-reads during Women's History Month
These books have inspired some of your favorite Minnesota female authors.
Despite a sad setup, 'House Of Broken Angels' hums with joy
Luis Alberto Urrea's latest, based loosely on his own brother's death, follows the members of a vibrant Mexican-American family as they deal with grief and impending death -- but also celebrate life.
Stirring, engrossing 'Woman's Hour' recounts the battle for suffrage
Elaine Weiss's new book reminds us how close of a call women's suffrage was. It all rode on one yes vote in the Tennessee legislature, cast by a man who changed his mind after pressure from his mother.
'It just felt very wrong:' Sherman Alexie's accusers go on the record
Author Sherman Alexie issued a statement in his own defense last week after allegations of sexual harassment began to circulate online. Now, several of the women accusing him are speaking to NPR.
A sister shares 'Horrible and Wonderful' memories of her brother's life and death
Comedy writer and TV producer Harris Wittels died of an overdose in 2015; a new book by his sister Stephanie Wittels Wachs came from her desperate need to talk to him, even yell at him after he died.
Chinese classic 'Condor Heroes' takes wing in English
Jin Yong's wildly popular historical series "Legends of the Condor Heroes" has been adapted many times for Chinese TV, movies and comics, and now the first volume has been translated into English.
'Based on a True Story': A creepy, twisty page-turner
Bookseller Morgan Miller recommends a novel built around a writer who finds sudden success, and a new acquaintance: "It's both very literary, and also just a really good, creepy, twisty thriller."
Deep, compassionate 'Tess of the Road' contains a whole world
Rachel Hartman follows up "Seraphina" and "Shadow Scale" with the story of Tess, a rebellious young woman who runs away to escape being sent to a nunnery, and finds pain and growth along her road.
"A Wrinkle in Time" hits theaters this month. It's one of several books being turned into a movie this year. Three film and literature junkies talk about what it takes to make a good book-to-film adaptation.