Minneapolis Observer Quarterly - Bookish Events

For current literary events, please visit these sites

Tue, 24 Oct 2006 11:30:59 -0500

Start: 01/01/2006 - 12:00

(Never mind the date and time above, the template insists that we put something. Skip the intro if you like, it's just a bunch of blather, and click on "read more.")

Although there's no need for an introductory paragraph here, this rather restrictive calendar template necessitates that we put something here so that the break to the jump page comes before the cluster of links that follow, rather than immediately after the first link. Do, please, click to continue.

N.M. Kelby discusses her book Whale Season at the U of M Bookstore

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 10:20:14 -0600

Start: 02/16/2006 - 19:00

Whale Season is a literary murder mystery that delivers a hilarious, off-beat comic adventure about a south Florida community and the colorful characters who live there. Find out what happens when a Jesus wannabe creates a strange effect on the town and the people who live there. Award-winning author and former journalist Kelby is author of In the Company of Angels and Theater of the Stars. U of M Bookstore,Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis. www.bookstore.umn.edu/genref/authors.html

Koren Zailckas discusses her book Smashed at the U of M Bookstore

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 10:15:13 -0600

Start: 02/09/2006 - 19:00

Part memoir, part analysis, Smashed showcases Zailckas's exceptional writing as she examines the culture of drinking that dominated her adolescence and that of many other American girls. This work identifies one of the most perilous trends among young females coming of age and offers a unique window into the entire culture of teenage indulgence. Smashed is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and mentors of teens, as well as anyone interested in how drinking has defined modern America’s coming-of-age story and experiences. U of M Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis. www.bookstore.umn.edu/genref/authors.html

Robert Alexander discusses Rasputin’s Daughter at U of M Bookstore

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 10:11:40 -0600

Start: 02/08/2006 - 14:00

Best-selling, local author Robert Alexander (a.k.a. R.D. Zimmerman) tackles one of the most notorious, mysterious, and misunderstood figures of the 20th century in this historical novel set in Rasputin’s last days, as told by his eldest daughter Maria. Although Rasputin's Daughter is a work of fiction, Alexander based the book on his extensive knowledge of Russian history, his personal observations of Russian culture, and his access to the wealth of data on Rasputin from secret government files. U of M Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis. www.bookstore.umn.edu/genref/authors.html

Charles Fishman discusses his book The Wal-Mart Effect at U of M Bookstore

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 10:08:10 -0600

Start: 02/07/2006 - 14:00

Charles Fishman, author, journalist and senior editor of Fast Company magazine, looked into the largest company in the history of the world, examined the impact Wal-Mart has on retailers, manufacturers, wages, jobs, the culture of shopping, the shape of our communities, and the environment. Through unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to Wal-Mart headquarters and ex-executives, Fishman uncovers how Wal-Mart strong-arms even the most established brands.

Vernon Ruttan discusses his book, Is War Necessary for Economic Growth, at U of M Bookstore

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 10:02:13 -0600

Start: 02/01/2006 - 14:00

Local author and University of Minnesota professor Vernon Ruttan examines what effects military and defense-related procurement have had on the development of new technology in many American industries, and what that means for the future growth of the economy in the United States. This book asserts that the development of general purpose technologies such as mass production, computers, commercial aircraft and the Internet would have occurred more slowly or not at all without military spending. U of M Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis. www.bookstore.umn.edu/genref/authors.html

Mark Roshein discusses Leonardo’s Lost Robots at UM bookstore

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 09:55:34 -0600

Start: 02/03/2006 - 14:00

In his book Leonardo's Lost Robots, local author and robotics expert Mark Rosheim reinterprets Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical design work, revealing details never recognized before by art historians or engineers. The book recovers Leonardo’s notes showing that apparently unconnected fragments scattered in his manuscripts are actually cohesive designs for functioning automata. U of M Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis. www.bookstore.umn.edu/genref/authors.html

Tyehimba Jess and Yvonne "Fly" Etaghene in an Equilibrium event in the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 11:57:48 -0600

Start: 02/11/2006 - 20:00

Part of The Big Read, which features Zora Neale Hurston's book, Their Eyes Were Watching God, with special literary events exploring the book. $5 admission, $3/loft members and students with ID. www.loft.org

Teen workshop: Essay writing for the SAT and ACT, at The Loft

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 11:51:39 -0600

Start: 02/04/2006 - 13:00

End: 02/04/2006 - 15:00

This class assumes you already understand and are able to construct a standard, five-paragraph essay. Instead, it looks to develop your skills in critical thinking -- the basis for all good writing -- and to translate those skills into clear, logical, persuasive writing. Sliding scale fee, advanced registration recommended. Call 612/215-2587 to register. Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis. www.loft.org

Valentine's Prose & Prints family event at MCBA

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 11:48:20 -0600

Start: 02/05/2006 - 13:00

End: 02/05/2006 - 16:30

Valentine's fun with the Loft and Minnesota Center for Book Arts for families with children ages 6 and up. Participants will surprise the special people in their lives with valentines they've made themselves! The first half of the workshop will focus on jokes, rhymes and heart-felt messages. After a snack, participants will design a unique pressure-print image, and use a press to create one-of-a-kind Valentine wishes. Everyone leaves with a set of lovely note cards. Preregister, $75, $65 for Loft and MCBA members. At Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis. 612/215-2587 www.loft.org, www.mnbookarts.org

Children's story hour at Amazon

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:58:52 -0600

Start: 02/18/2006 - 11:00

End: 02/18/2006 - 12:00

Shelley Nelson, a regular storyteller here, is great with kids of all ages. Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, 4755 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis. 612/821-9630, www.amazonbookstorecoop.com

Movie Night at Amazon

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:57:13 -0600

Start: 02/18/2006 - 19:00

To inaugurate their monthly video night, the bookstore will have a two-night showing of the video Fingersmith from the book by Sarah Waters. Fingersmith was originally broadcast on the BBC and features Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton. Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, 4755 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis. 612/821-9630, www.amazonbookstorecoop.com

Movie Night at Amazon

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:56:12 -0600

Start: 02/17/2006 - 19:00

Women and Money Workshop

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:53:49 -0600

Start: 02/16/2006 - 19:00

Women, on average, live 7 years longer, make 30% less than men, and take 11 years out of the work force, therefore they need different savings and investment strategies than men. This workshop, presented by Darla Kashian, will provide an educational overview for women about retirement, investing, budgeting, debt management, and insurance. To register, call Darla Kashian at 612-371-7832 or email at darla.kashian@rbcdain.com.
Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, 4755 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis. 612/821-9630, www.amazonbookstorecoop.com

Susan B. Anthony Birthday Party at Amazon

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:51:47 -0600

Start: 02/11/2006 - 10:00

End: 02/12/2006 - 17:00

Also the 36th anniversary of the bookstore. Cake, special discounts, and a good time guaranteed. During regular store hours. Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, 4755 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis. 612/821-9630, www.amazonbookstorecoop.com