Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

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

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Family lore becomes rich historical fiction in 'The Storm We Made'
Vanessa Chan is making waves with her debut novel, which was inspired by stories of her home country of Malaysia grappling with Japanese occupation during WWII.
How women of the CIA changed history
In her new book, “The Sisterhood,” journalist Liza Mundy reveals the hidden stories of women working inside America’s top spy agency — how they brought down a Russian spy, discovered where Osama bin Laden was hiding and endured a decades-long fight for equality and recognition.
Tracy K. Smith delivers a plea for the American soul
Former poet laureate Tracy K. Smith shares a deeply personal portrait of her family, America’s history and her path to sobriety in “To Free the Captives.”
Can higher education be saved from itself?
Brian Rosenberg, president emeritus of Macalester College, offers a candid assessment of American higher education in his new book: “Whatever It is, I’m Against It: Resistance to Change in Higher Education.”
Three historians and authors reflect on this American moment
As we observe the anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection, we’ve asked three historians and authors to assess this moment in American history.
How a pastor's faith survived 'Beautiful and Terrible Things'
Pastor Amy Butler was the first woman pastor to lead New York’s historic Riverside Church. But despite that — and partly because of it — her faith had to learn to survive the brutal realities of this world. Her new book, “Beautiful and Terrible Things,” is her journey of learning to live without fear in the messy middle.
Can a 5,000-mile journey help a mother and son survive their differences?
Jedidiah Jenkins and his mom diverge wildly on their ideological views. She is a Trump-supporting conservative evangelical from Tennessee. He is a gay, progressive man who lives in California. But they love each other. Can they find common ground on a cross-country road trip? That’s the story of his new memoir, “Mother, Nature.”
Poet Major Jackson on writing poetry that connects
At an event for MPR members earlier this fall, poet Major Jackson, host of APM’s daily poetry podcast The Slowdown, told host Kerri Miller that writing poetry is a physical, sometimes even violent, experience. Listen to their whole conversation.
Rethinking roads
In his new book “Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet,” environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb illustrates how roads that are helpful for humans can be disastrous for wildlife. How can we design transportation that’s good for all?