Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

Conversations on books and ideas, Fridays at 11 a.m.

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October 28, 2022 12:00 PM

Talking Volumes: Celeste Ng on 'Our Missing Hearts'

Host Kerri Miller’s second Talking Volumes event for the 2022 season took place at the Fitzgerald Theater on Oct. 26 with the acclaimed writer Celeste Ng.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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October 26, 2022 11:00 AM

From the archives: Author Sarah Broom at Talking Volumes 2020

Host Kerri Miller spoke with author Sarah Broom about memoir “The Yellow House” during the 2020 Talking Volumes season. Like the coming Talking Volumes conversation with Celeste Ng, it powerfully depicts the anchoring of family and what happens when that anchor is cut adrift. Let this wet your appetite for this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas conversation.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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October 21, 2022 12:00 PM

'Should I sacrifice my life to live half American?'

Historian Matthew Delmont paints a vivid and painful picture of life for Black Americans during World War II in his new book, “Half American.” Even as Black service members fought to win the war overseas, they couldn’t win the war of equality at home.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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October 14, 2022 12:00 PM

Fresh takes on American history from three authors

This special edition of Big Books and Bold Ideas features three authors who bring to life overlooked moments of American history.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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October 7, 2022 12:00 PM

The best of Minnesota writers on stage for Talking Volumes

MPR’s fall member drive is underway. This week, for a special edition of Big Books and Bold Ideas, host Kerri Miller featured highlights of three Minnesota authors who appeared with her on stage at the Fitzgerald Theater for Talking Volumes.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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September 30, 2022 12:00 PM

Boyah J. Farah on how America made him a Black man

Boyah J. Farah fell in love with America as a refugee escaping war in Somalia. But it’s become a sometimes painful and deeply complicated relationship. Farah new memoir, “America Made Me a Black Man,” is a poetic, thoughtful and honest accounting of his journey.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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September 27, 2022 11:00 AM

From the archives: Emily Bernard and the complexity of being a black woman in America

This week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas conversation is with Boyah J. Farah. His new book, “America Made me a Black Man,” traces his path from Somalia to the United States. Emily Bernard also knows what it is like to wrestle with being Black in this country. Enjoy her 2019 interview as you anticipate the show with Farah on Friday.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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September 23, 2022 12:00 PM

How art and poetry inspired Maggie O'Farrell's new novel

Full of the beauty and drama she used to bring to life the Shakespearean story of “Hamnet,” Maggie O’Farrell turns to Renaissance Italy in her new novel, “The Marriage Portrait,” where she paints a picture of a resilient young girl trying to avoid being killed by her new husband.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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September 20, 2022 2:00 PM

From the archives: Lauren Groff discusses 'Matrix' at Talking Volumes

This Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas will feature a conversation with Maggie O’Farrell, whose new book “The Marriage Portrait,” is set in 16th century Italy. That’s not unlike Lauren Groff’s 2021 hit, “Matrix,” which plays out in medieval France. So for this week’s deep cut, enjoy Groff talking with MPR News host Kerri Miller at last year’s Talking Volumes.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon