Hello from Minnesota

[Robyn]

I realized awhile back that I simply wasn't reading books anymore. So I joined Goodreads in January 2013 and have been using it consistently ever since. And when you live in Minnesota, the winters are long. There's nothing better than curling up with a good book.

My favorite reads are nonfiction: biography/memoir, nature, adventure tales. I am an artist (currently a weaver, previously a graphic designer), so craft-related books also get my attention. I recently read "Two Boys Kissing", which was the first YA fiction I've read since the 1980s. A nice departure from the usual -- highly recommended!

What is your favorite bio/memoir? Or nature-related book? I loved "Hit by a Farm" and "Sheepish" by Catherine Friend (Minnesota connection).

My next reads will be "The Days of Anna Madrigal" by Armistead Maupin, "Monument Road" by Charlie Quimby, "The Sense of Wonder" by Rachel Carson, and "Close to Spider Man" by Ivan Coyote. Happy reading!

[Caddy]

Hi Robyn,

Good to see another Minnesotan here. This winter has been BRUTAL.

I don't read much nonfiction, but saw the Minnesota thing. I, too, am an artist. I paint. I also write fiction.

Anyway, welcome!

[Robyn]

Nice to meet you, Caddy. You're right about this winter being brutal. Today we reached yet another milestone (50 subzero days). As a result, I have been reading more... but am anxiously awaiting spring. Congrats on your new book release. I just picked up a couple (relatively) new books: The Wives of Los Alamos and A Tale for the Time Being, both fiction. Happy reading!

[Nancy]

Welcome, Robyn!

The winter in New England has been brutal too. It's March already and I see no signs of spring anywhere.

Some good bio/memoirs:

Fairyland: A Memoir of My Father
I Am Not Myself These Days: A Memoir
Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent
Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Childhood
When God Looked the Other Way: An Odyssey of War, Exile, and Redemption
Travels with Lizbeth: Three Years on the Road and on the Streets
Coming of Age in Mississippi
Down These Mean Streets
Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction
The Liars' Club

I loved Two Boys Kissing!

[Robyn]

Thanks so much for these recommendations, Nancy! Wish I were as voracious a reader as you... but then I'd never have time to indulge my other interests (weaving, film, hiking, yoga, seeing other humans, etc.) When you read at a glacial speed [like I do], having books pre-vetted by those you respect is extremely helpful. And those first two picks are right up my alley; time to add to the reading list!

[Corina]

HELLO FELLOW MINNESOTANS!!! Boy I am so glad to find some more bears in hibernation here. You are right though; this winter is HARSH! Books are the perfect getaway for those like me who have no tolerance for drama and are alone. I have been having some luck with winning so it's such a joy to read my wins!!! It's not easy being single in Minnesota...

Hailing from Cold Spring!!