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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.

Harper Lee's friend says author is hard of hearing, sound of mind
News of a second novel has raised concerns that the author is being taken advantage of in her old age. But a friend says Lee, 88, can "understand what's going on."
Poet Claudia Rankine's latest examines being black in America
Her latest book, "Citizen: An American Lyric," was a finalist for the National Book Award and has been nominated for National Book Critics Circle Awards in both the categories of poetry and criticism.
Harper Lee, Where have you been?
With news of a new book coming out after 60 years, exploring the mystery of Harper Lee.
'My Brilliant Friend' is Kerri's book pick
A mysterious Italian author breaks through in the U.S. with a new series about female friendship.
Second Harper Lee novel to be published in July
More than 50 years after the release of her classic -- and only -- novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird", Lee plans to publish a second. "Go Set a Watchman" will be released July 14.
8 picture books adults can love
Here are some recent picture books recommended by NPR.
The lives of 13 'Almost Famous Women'
Author Megan Mayhew Bergman spins stories about 13 real women who ended up as historical footnotes.
This is not your uncle's taxidermy
Taxidermy art traces its roots to Minnesota — and Robert Marbury has been part of it from the beginning. Now he's written a book about it.