Reading Summer

© harrington

Welcome. I'm sure you know that Summer is a traditional time for reading, no doubt due to vacation schedules. This morning while we were at Subtext, the bookstore downstairs from Nina's, I started a conversation with Sue, the proprietor, about "25 books every Minnesotan should read." We have such a rich and rewarding heritage (literary and social and environmental) that reaching a consensus on our "literary commons" may be a real challenge, but one I believe we can rise to meet. The listed books must capture the essence of Minnesota and should primarily be written by Minnesotans (a few outlanders can be allowed). Ten of my nominees would include (in no particular order):

Paul Gruchow:	Journal of a Prairie Year
Robert Bly:	Silence in the Snowy Fields
Howard Mohr:	How to Talk Minnesotan: A Visitor’s Guide
Craig Blacklock:	Lake Superior Images
Paul Gruchow and Jim Brandenberg:	Minnesota: Images of Home
Mary Lethert Wingerd:	North Country: The Making of Minnesota
John Tester:	Minnesota’s Natural Heritage: An Ecological Perspective
Jim Gilbert:	Minnesota’s Outdoor Wonders
Sigurd F. Olson	Wilderness Days
Bill Holm:	The Music of Failure

 It's intentional that there aren't more authors and titles listed here. This is supposed to be a conversation, not a monologue nor a dissertation to be defended. What would you add (or subtract) from this list to get to 25 books that best capture the Minnesota you most love? Thanks for listening. Feel free to add your nominees using the comments option (which may or may not work on any given day). Come again when you can. Rants, raves and reflections served here daily.