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Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller
Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

Talking Volumes: John Grisham talks justice, his new book and why he doesn't write sex

Prolific author John Grisham came to Talking Volumes for the first time earlier this month and charmed the packed Fitzgerald Theater with stories about his time as a lawyer, how writing transformed his views on justice and why he doesn’t put sex scenes in his book.

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The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul was packed with John Grisham fans on Thursday, Oct. 23, when the prolific author made his debut at Talking Volumes.

Host Kerri Miller started the night by asking the audience and then Grisham himself to confirm or deny a series of facts. Does Grisham breed champion sheepdogs at his home in Virginia? Has he been knighted? Does he write a sizzling sex scene for each of his books, just to prove that he can — only to take it out before he sends the manuscript to his editor?

Talking Volumes: John Grisham
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An author portrait and book cover art.
John Grisham, author of "The Widow."
Photo by Chris Gunn | Cover art courtesy of publisher
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John Grisham talking to crowd
John Grisham charmed the crowd that packed the Fitzgerald Theater on Oct. 23 when he made his debut appearance at Talking Volumes. He and Kerri Miller talked about his new book, "The Widow." But they also discussed his pre-author life as a small-town lawyer and how writing novels transformed the way he sees America's criminal justice system.
Tom Campbell | MPR
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John Grisham talking to crowd
John Grisham charmed the crowd that packed the Fitzgerald Theater on Oct. 23 when he made his debut appearance at Talking Volumes. He and Kerri Miller talked about his new book, "The Widow." But they also discussed his pre-author life as a small-town lawyer and how writing novels transformed the way he sees America's criminal justice system.
Tom Campbell | MPR

They discussed all that and more — including his new novel, “The Widow,” which is actually more mystery than thriller, and how his first as a small-town lawyer in Mississippi led him to become an author. They also delved into how writing about the criminal justice system in America transformed the way he thought about justice.

Music was provided by Molly Maher, who brought her blend of Americana and the blues to the Fitz, and even debuted a song inspired by “The Widow.”