Minnesota Readers discussion

Let's learn about the members of this group! Tell me about yourself - what do you like to read, what are your other hobbies, do you drink coffee or tea while reading, etc!

Hello! I actually just got done making my schedule of books to read for the first part of the year. Haha. I read typically on my Kindle Oasis, and I've been an avid e-reader reader (say that 5 times fast) since the Kindle Keyboard, but I own plenty of regular books as well, I typically like to sit on my couch and read, but I also love to go to busy places and read, like a coffee shop, fast food restaurant or library because it's fun to be around people and read.

Hello. It is my pleasure to be connected with this group. I have taken great pride in being from Minnesota. Thank you for the privilege to be among you all.
As a accounting-major college student, my reading is mostly directed toward textbooks. When I am not reading a textbook, I enjoy reading books that stir the imagination through non-fiction writings. Currently, I am reading two books that concern software that use frequently. Biographies are also favorite reading materials.
I enjoy working in the backyard of my home. I enjoy taking long walks with a close friend. Though many wouldn't consider it a "hobby", I collect aluminum cans which I turn in to a recycler. I walk . . . pick up aluminum cans as a way of paying myself for walking.
Regarding reading refreshments, I enjoy a variety of beverages. I don't drink either coffee or tea. Accompaniments to those beverages could easily include tortilla chips.

Chris wrote: "Hello! I actually just got done making my schedule of books to read for the first part of the year. Haha. I read typically on my Kindle Oasis, and I've been an avid e-reader reader (say that 5 time..."

Hi, Chris! Any books in particular that you can't wait to get to this year? My list is long! I think it's really great that you are able to read in busy places. I tend to get distracted easily, although I suppose if the book were good enough, I wouldn't be able to take my eyes off the pages! :D

David wrote: "Hello. It is my pleasure to be connected with this group. I have taken great pride in being from Minnesota. Thank you for the privilege to be among you all.
As a accounting-major college student, m..."

Welcome, David! Hope you are staying warm this morning, being from the great state of MinneSNOWta is not easy sometimes! What are some biographies you've read that you would recommend to others? I've only read a few (I'm more of a fiction lady!).
Do you have trails nearby where you live? There is one park that I frequent but not in the winter! Ha! That's awesome that you pick up cans that you find. What a great way to help clean up your local community and get a little moolah doing it!
Oooh man tortilla chips sound fabulous. I've been munching on chex mix lately. Addicting!

Kate.
Thanks for your post in our group. As I sit at my computer this cold January evening, I am watching a video and checking emails. I recently read the biography of Domino's Pizza founder, Tom Monaghan. Recently, I read the biography of Chuck Norris ("Against All Odds). His life is much more simplistic than what is portrayed in some of his movies. I would recommend those. I have read the biography of Joseph Barbara, who teamed with William Hanna to create many "Saturday Morning cartoons" that are household names.
Like you, I do enjoy good fiction. I have read many works of fiction dealing with law enforcement, private detectives. A christian writer (Bob Larson) creates riveting drama in some of his books from which he draws on his life experience and ministry. An entire non-fiction series on the true events from the book of Revelation has been exciting reading. I have personally read about half of that series.
Living here in "the Twins", there are many trails and parks to find solitude and tranquility. If I were a "snowshoer" or "cross-country" skier, many trails beckon for evaluation.
During a recent family get together, I became acquainted with a version of chex party mix. I quite agree about their being addicting. Some of that same party mix calls me . . . even as I sit here.
Look forward to talking to you again soon.

Hello! I've been on goodreads for awhile too, but I've never gotten involved with any of the groups before. Looking forward to chatting with other book lovers! I moved up to the Twin Cities for college about five years ago, and I loved it so much I stayed after graduation.

I like to read a mix of things, but I especially love memoirs and biographies! But I also enjoy YA fantasy (Shades of Magic series anyone?) Right now I'm reading S. by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst. I'd highly recommend checking it out if you are in to unique story telling formats (I would summarize the book but my explanation would be long and rambling and no one needs that). I usually drink some sort of tea when I read (my roommates and I have a killer hot beverage shelf in our kitchen).

My non reading hobbies include music and exploring parks in the Twin Cities area (I am eagerly awaiting spring so I can go for bike rides again).

Hi everyone!!! Tim here. I love to read fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, crime, horror and mystery mostly but will give most genres a shot at least once or twice. I read mostly e-books on my phone. I am never really not reading something. I like to read while walking (lot of people have asked how I do it and not run into anything, not sure I just do), that is why I like using my phone and the fact that I always have a book with me then. I do a lot of reading while I eat my lunch too. I love to read books that have a series. My all time favorite series is the Harry Potter books (I have read the series about 20 times!), those are my go to books and are ALWAYS loaded on my phone.

Kate wrote: "Chris wrote: "Hello! I actually just got done making my schedule of books to read for the first part of the year. Haha. I read typically on my Kindle Oasis, and I've been an avid e-reader reader (s..."

Yep! Specifically, Babylon's Ashes by James S.A. Corey is one, and I plan on devouring the Fitz and the Fool trilogy by Robin Hobb once the final book is completed in May.

Tim wrote: "Hi everyone!!! Tim here. I love to read fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, crime, horror and mystery mostly but will give most genres a shot at least once or twice. I read mostly e-books on my phone. I am n..."

Nice! Got any fantasy recommendations?

Just went and read the description for the first book in the Fitz and the Fool trilogy. Definitely adding it to my reading list!

Hello fellow Minnesotans!

(I read on my kindle paper white) I currently love to read thrillers, especially psychological thrillers. That obsession began when I got my hands on Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn . I also am trying to finish series I began or tried reading as a teen. For example The Princess Diaries series, and The Merchant of Death series.

I also have a 2017 goal of reading 80 books! Another goal is to read more Stephen King books, and more non fiction books.

Besides reading, I love to practice on my uke or guitar, go shopping for new makeup, browse amazon for useless things I might want, and hang with my family and friends!

I drink both coffee in the morning, and tea in the afternoon and/or evenings while reading my books.

Hello I'm Andrea and I've only been a Minnesota resident for one year living in Central Minnesota/Brainerd area. I love to read realistic fiction, historical fiction, and memoirs; while driving I enjoy listening to thrillers, mysteries, and autobiographies/memoirs, especially when it's read by the author. My favorite beverage to sip on while reading is coffee, flavored sparking water or wine. I just started using this app to keep track of books I wanted to read and to receive book recommendations but I am excited to connect with other avid readers through this (still new to me) platform. Looking forward to 2017.

Andrea wrote: "Hello I'm Andrea and I've only been a Minnesota resident for one year living in Central Minnesota/Brainerd area. I love to read realistic fiction, historical fiction, and memoirs; while driving I e..."

Sweet, another memoir fan! Do you have any favorites? I'm always on the look out for more!

Katie wrote: "Just went and read the description for the first book in the Fitz and the Fool trilogy. Definitely adding it to my reading list!"

Aw yess! I love it.

Wow! I love seeing all the discussion here! Let's keep it going - here's a new question for everyone. What is one of your favorite books that you could read again and again? For me, that would be Harry Potter as a childhood favorite, and as a more recent favorite, The Goldfinch. It's long as heck, but the writing style takes the air out of my lungs while I'm reading. I recommend it to anyone that's up for a challenge!

Hey everyone, my name is Nikki, I live in the Twin Cities area. So far I haven't explored reading via tablet (kindle, nook, etc) although I've been looking into it! I like to read a variety of books actually. I had been slacking on making time for reading, so I decided 2017 was my year to fix that and get back into it!

Hi I'm Abby. I'm from the Cities, and I'm a sophomore in high school. I like cooking, music, books, history, and linguistics. I'm currently reading Shakespeare's Twelfth Night in English at school, and we already read The Book Thief by Markus Zusac, The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien(a Minnesota native), and Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Outside of school I'm reading Catch-22 and Oliver Twist. I play the bass in orchestra(the really tall thing), and I'm in Spanish 3. I just got my drivers license, and that's pretty much it about me.

Hi All, I am Sandy, and have lived in Mn for most of my life. Besides reading, I love the North Shore, and hiking just about anywhere. Travel is my hobby and I am a former distance running amateur! That pretty well stopped when my daughter and grandchildren moved home. Excited to join this group, I read just about anything and joined a live book club where I have over the years been exposed to many different titles that I likely would not have chosen otherwise. My favorites are chronicles or series that span generations. Primarily historical fiction. Happy to join the group and further expand my reading base!

Hey guys, it's good to find a group of fellow MN residents. I've lived in the Twin Cities for most of my life, and within the last couple of years I've really broadened my horizons in terms of literature. Growing up, I loved the Harry Potter series and the Series of Unfortunate Event books. Over the years I've come to love Bret Easton Ellis, Cormac McCarthy, Ernest Hemingway, David Foster Wallace, etc. You could say that I love fiction, not so much Science Fiction or fantasy, but it's really a mixed bag after that. Sitting in a quiet room, on a comfy chair or couch is my go-to for reading, especially with a nice cup of coffee, or going to a local cafe and digging in. My most recent reads have been Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote, The Broom of the System by David Foster Wallace, and Surfacing by Margaret Atwood. I am currently reading Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson.

Hello my fellow Minnesotans! As a returning college student currently on a pre-med/science track, most of my time is spent reading textbooks, but summers are my downtime where I get to cram in as much fun and escapist fiction as I please! I own several e-readers, but still prefer the feel of paper pages and ink in my hands. I am a very eclectic reader, but some of my favorite genres are fantasy and murder mysteries. Don't that fool you though; as an avid history buff-wannabe, I also enjoy many historical writings/audio books (especially while walking and working out). When I'm not reading or studying, I love to knit, crochet, and sew. I have operated a freelance business selling my wares for extra cash for years, and have taught classes on the subject. I enjoy exercising, and try to do a little every day. Happy to have found the group!

Hi, I'm Karen. I'm happy to find the group (yay Minnesota, lol), I've been on goodreads for a couple years. I am a lifelong Minnesotan having grown up in the Duluth area. I lived in Mpls for 20 yrs and now live in a rural NW area. (East of Fargo, youbetcha!) I have two grown daughters, my oldest is in Mpls and I live with the other. I'm no longer working due to disability (MS).

I always have at least a couple books going. I like to read print books during the day (I'm grateful for the library system) and then I use my kindle fire for my evening/late night insomnia reading. Historical Fiction is my favorite genre but I read other stuff too.

My cousin recently turned me onto William Kent Krueger and I am throughly enjoying his Cork O'Connor books. Cozy mysteries are my guilty pleasure. I like reading books that are set in MN.

Friend requests are welcomed.

Hi guys,

I am very happy to find this group here on GR! Although I am not a Minnesotan, I used to live in your beautiful state and went to college in the Twin Cities. I enjoy reading fiction from all over the world and books about international politics.

I am looking forward to talking about books with you! :-)

Greetings from Germany,
Meike

Hello,
I like to read mostly fiction. Right now im reading Thanks For The Memories By Cecelia Ahern and enjoying it. I love coffee but have cut back recently. Other than books i love animals especially goats. I went to my county fair twice just to spend time with the goats. I have a wonderful boyfriend and right now we are looking to buy a house. My best friend is my mother who also loves to read and we share books alot. I was born in kansas but have lived in Minnesota sinse i was 3.

Hi Meike and Christy!

Hello! I read pretty much anything with a good cup of black tea and with this winter coming I'm going to miss being outside in the sun as I do :-(. Originally from Duluth, I'm on an obsessive reading binge as having just finished my undergrad I am feeling the freedom of no longer being stuck in a textbook. I'm reading Firewood Happens at the moment, and am also curious as to any other small Minnesotan authors you guys may know about? I'm familiar with the more popular W.K. Krueger, Hoag, etc. but am finding myself enjoying the "new" ones.

Hi Alixendra

Hi Alixandra!

Did you go to college in Minnesota?

Meike wrote: "Hi Alixandra!

Did you go to college in Minnesota?"

yeah! Traveled around for a bit and am heading back to continue my studies.

Hi I just joined as of a few minutes ago. I’ve lived here all my life which means for me that I have survived thirty years of winter in Minnesota and hope to survive many more. I like to think I have eclectic taste in books but the main genres are fiction l, fantasy, paranormal romance, lit, teen, etc. I Don’t have a preference on what format I read or listen to them in as long as I have a good story that captures my attention . I tend to jump/juggle books sometimes but not all the time. My next TBR 1984 by George Orwell which multiple people have recommended to me. I’m exited to start that.

Hi! I have lived in MN ever since I was one year old(I previously lived in Wisconsin). I love the beautiful winters here, and I love to think that I have a unique preference in reading literature, and some of my fave literature is fantasy, sci-fi, historical nonfiction, and non fiction in general. I love a good book with a lot of different aspects to its character, especially if it has a way of sucking you inside its world and making you a part of it.

Some of my best hobbies include: cooking, baking, drawing/illustrating, talking with new people (^^), and making hot drinks for people to enjoy. (Some people in my family have suggested that I be a coffeehouse barista!) I love reading with a pair of good steaming cups of tea and/or coffee by my side, especially if the coffee has anything chocolate in it!

My next TBR is Pacific Crucible by Ian W. Toll. I am fascinated with the Second World War, and anything having to do with it, and this book has caught my interest for a while now. I hope to have read it by the end of this month. =D

I joined a few weeks ago and finally decided to say "Hello."

Hello!

I used to be a big reader many years ago but I fell off. I decided to rekindle the habit and joined a local book club at the library last year and they recommended Goodreads. I am enjoying it and I keep adding more books to my list. The local club is a little advanced for me (they have been together for YEARS) and I am looking for more first time readers of some new novels like me. Half the group say they are rereading some of the book club's selection. I love the idea of sharing ideas with local readers, hence this group.

I am willing to read (listen) to all things. I need a break from business books and manuals.

Hello! I like to read a bit of everything, but I'm really into bizarre sci-fi and fantasy novels that break the traditional mold lately! I also enjoy blogging and being outside, Pilates and cooking, and I enjoy a good beer or glass of wine while I read.

Hi Michaela, welcome to the group!

Hi fellow MN readers. I am currently finishing my last year of work in Saudi Arabia before moving back to SE MN. I am an educator so I read lots of YA but when not keeping a step ahead of my students I will turn pages of anything that catches my eye with good reviews. Pressed for a choice I would lean towards suspense and thrillers.

Living overseas my kindle is a lifesaver as getting quality books into the Kingdom can be more then a bit challenging!
Dave

Welcome David!

Hello everyone! My name is Falyn (like jimmy fallon) and I am usually more of the old school books type but I have been on a audio book kick as of late with hectic lives and being able to multitask easier. I love horror and suspense, true crime and sci fy. My favorite books are probably the stand by Stephen King and the Harry Potter series. Currently I am re-reading the game of thrones series. I joined in hopes of learning from you all more books to read that I may not have heard of yet or considered!

Hi Falyn, welcome to the group. I'm a little bit south of you - near Fargo.

Hello.

My name is John and I'm a British expat living in St. Paul. Reading is my great passion in life, outside my family. I miss the reading lists I had as a student so I often set myself themes to read on, this year it was supposed to be presidential elections but its ended up being virus/pandemic related books.

Hi everyone!

My name is Jackie and I’ve lived in MN for almost my entire life! My favorite genre of books definitely depends on the day, but recently it’s been mysteries. I also just purchased the Game of Thrones series so I’m excited to get started on those as well! I’m currently studying for my Certified Public Accounting exams so finding time to read has been hard, but I’m hoping by joining this club it will motivate me to set aside some time for myself to get back to doing what I love! :)

Hello!

My name is Michael and I just launched my debut sci-fi book Ayla. Been writing since I was 9 and started taking it seriously in my late teens. Stopped with the whole college thing and started up again in 2015 and finally have something I'm proud of.
Loved reading since I was a kid, (I was that nerdy kid with the 500 page book in 6th grade) and haven't stopped. Also enjoy stories in other forms of entertainment, mainly video games, and love hearing recommendations (mainly Sci-fi/fantasy or a good thriller).

Cheers everyone and long live the "tundra" of MN

~Michael

John wrote: "Hello.

My name is John and I'm a British expat living in St. Paul. Reading is my great passion in life, outside my family. I miss the reading lists I had as a student so I often set myself themes..."

Making lists is one of the most satisfying things one can do. Especially checking off a book in that huge "to-read" pile.
Hope this year is treating you well even with its chaotic nature.

Hi everyone! My name is Alyssa, I’m 24 years old and originally from Ohio but moved to Minnesota in November of 2015. I live with my boyfriend and our 2 cats, Tony & JJ. I currently work in finance but would love to either own my own business or work for a publishing company someday. I love thrifting, reading and spending time at home in my free time but i’m always down to play a good board game. I also spend some of my free time as a secondhand fashion reseller on multiple platforms such as Poshmark and Depop. Anything spooky, extraterrestrial or paranormal always peaks my interest and I’m always down to watch the newest horror movie. You can feel free to find me on Instagram and tiktok where I post more frequently @hint.of.rose or feel free to add me on here! :]

Greetings! I'm Barbara, and I enjoy reading, of course, and also sewing. I have a small garden, and I want to go back to more bicycling this summer.

I like history, novels, and non-fiction that has an historic bent. I try to read a few books each year outside my comfort zone, and last year that lead to me listening to Ender's Game as an audio book on a road trip.

I'm trying to read older books, it's so easy to fall into the trap of reading best sellers or the the hot new books that come out.

Hello! My name is Sonja. I am 39 years old. I live in Blaine MN with my husband and three of our four children. I am an avid reader. I am usually listening to an audio book and have a physical book I am reading and sometimes I throw in a ebook to the mix. I love romance but am open to most books but horror is not my jam at all. I am hoping to connect with fellow book lovers!! I was/am honestly looking for a book club but this will do for now!

Hi all! New to the group, but not too new to MN. Been in the East Metro for seven years, after relocating from New Hampshire. I’ve recently been introduced to the wealth of audiobooks available through the Twin Cities Metro eLibrary (MELSA), so my book consumption has significantly increased this year! Love reading fantasy, historical fiction, thrillers, and comedic memoirs.

My favorite book of all time is Patrick Rothfuss’ Name of the Wind, part of the to-be-finished Kingkiller Chronicles trilogy. I’m currently working through the Brandon Sanderson catalog.

Looking forward to connecting with you all!
Molly

Hello there, my name is Ray and I live in the SW Metro. It seems like this group has been a little bit quiet for a little while. I am currently reading "Project Hail Mary" of Andy Weir and "The Guns of the South" by Harry Turtledove.

Greetings right back at ya,', Ray

I dont get into the SW metro very often. I am told that it is a nice in town to find residence . I live in the Capitol region. My residence here on "Goodreads" is nice too, but I am not "home" very often.
Presently, I am reading "Triblulation Force" by Jerry Jenkins, and Tim Lahay. Check this book out and leave your review.

Thanks for stopping by and "touching base" with me here.

Hey my name is Ava and I lived in St. Paul for the first few years of my life before eventually moving to Manitoba, Canada when i was 9. I take immense pride in where I’m from, as do all members of my family. I’m going back 3 times this summer to visit family and rediscover my roots. When I’m not reading I am either cheering on all my favorite Minnesota sports teams or calling my Minnesotan relatives. My plan is to eventually move back down to Minnesota and become a nurse in the Cities!

ava wrote: "Hey my name is Ava and I lived in St. Paul for the first few years of my life before eventually moving to Manitoba, Canada when i was 9. I take immense pride in where I’m from, as do all members of..."
Welcome, Ava! Go Twins!!!