Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

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

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July 12, 2022 11:30 AM

From the archives: Author Ashley C. Ford on her debut memoir, ‘Somebody’s Daughter’

This week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas features a conversation with author and activist Frederick Joseph about his new book, “Patriarchy Blues.” We decided to whet your appetite for that discussion by replaying this one with Ashley C. Ford. Both Ford and Joseph were shaped by daunting childhood experiences and have emerged with powerful lessons about gender, race and class in America.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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July 8, 2022 1:00 PM

Author Leila Mottley on her breakout first novel, 'Nightcrawling'

Leila Mottley was just 17 when she began writing what is already one of the breakout novels of the summer. “Nightcrawling” explores police corruption, patriarchy, poverty and what it means to young Black women who are often expected to carry it all.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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July 5, 2022 1:00 PM

From the archives: Author and activist Reginald Dwayne Betts on the power of books

This Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas will be a conversation between host Kerri Miller and Leila Mottley, who penned “Nightcrawling,” one of the hottest books this summer. As we anticipate that, enjoy this Talking Volumes from 2021 with poet, activist and author Reginald Dwayne Betts. Like Mottley, he brings the deep questions about being a Black person in America to scrutiny in the most beautiful and haunting ways.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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July 1, 2022 12:00 PM

Novelist Jakob Guanzon on the divide between scarcity and 'Abundance'

Can a life be measured in dollars and cents? That’s the question at the heart of Jakob Guanzon’s debut novel, “Abundance,” which follows a father and son living on the razor’s edge of poverty.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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June 29, 2022 9:00 AM

Activist Robin Marty on her 'Handbook for a Post-Roe America'

Activist and writer Robin Marty feared being prescient when she published “Handbook for a Post-Roe America” in 2019. Now that we are here, she talks with host Kerri Miller about what abortion care will look like after the fall of Roe.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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June 22, 2022 11:30 AM

From the archives: 'Love People, Use Things'

On this Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas, Kerri Miller talks with novelist Jakob Guanzon, whose book “Abundance” tells the story of a young man, raising a child alone, on the razor’s edge of poverty. It reminded us of the insightful conversation we had last July with The Minimalists about how freeing up space in your home also frees up space in your life.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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June 17, 2022 11:00 AM

Writer Kathryn Schulz on the cyclical nature of love and loss

In her new memoir, Kathryn Schulz contemplates the losses that accumulate in our lives and the joy and love that is found right alongside those losses.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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June 15, 2022 11:00 AM

From the archives: Author Sue Miller on her novel 'Monogamy'

This Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas show features a conversation between host Kerri Miller and journalist and writer Kathryn Schulz about her new memoir, “Lost and Found.” As we anticipate that discussion, enjoy this one with Sue Miller from 2020, which also explores complex family dynamics.

by Kelly Gordon and Kerri Miller

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June 10, 2022 11:00 AM

Take it to the Lake: Three booksellers share their must-read summer titles

How adventurous is your summer reading list this year? MPR News host Kerri Miller talks with there booksellers who give us nine must-read, fairly new titles during her “Take it to the Lake” summer reading special.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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June 7, 2022 10:30 AM

From the archives: The science — and joy — of sweat

Are you ready to sweat? This conversation from July 2021 will get you in the mood. It will also whet your appetite for this Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas show, a “Take it to the Lake” special, where three booksellers recommend the best books for summer reading.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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