Winter read recommendations from a few local bookstore folks
Spend January with one of these 13 titles that feature survival stories, chilling mysteries and wintery expeditions.
Celebrating a beloved literary legend: David Rhodes, dead at 75
David Rhodes, author of “Driftless” and five other acclaimed novels, died on November 10. A public memorial celebration will be held in May.
Newspaper great Bill Stokes apologizes to trees, gives readers a rollicking remembrance of a bygone era
A new memoir from the storied reporter is named for all the trees that were felled to create the newsprint that provided his livelihood.
With his debut environmental legal thriller, Madison author and retired judge tells the stories he's been holding back
Q&A with Jeffrey D. Boldt, author of 'Blue Lake,' which was honored this month as a 2022 'Best of the Indie Press.'
Three decades after an alcohol-induced abyss, Madison musician Michael Massey pens a clear-eyed memoir
Michael Massey's new book 'More' is out now from Little Creek Press.
Writing working-class voices rife with rhythm, muscle and wanderlust
A Q&A with Madison writer Christopher Chambers, author of the new short story collection, 'Kind of Blue,' out this month from Cornerstone Press.
Trip to New Orleans prompts Madison memories
How a visit to the Crescent City had Doug Moe remembering Ginny O'Brien, Mike May and The Avenue Bar's Skip and Claire Zach.
Did a 1930s Wisconsin farmer not realize he helped discover one of the world's most significant medical breakthroughs?
An upcoming book on warfarin tells the prescription blood thinner's origin story, which includes a farmer allegedly visiting Dr. Karl Paul Link in search of answers.
Sunday Reads: Making a once in a lifetime comeback—twice
In case you missed it, Madison Magazine is sharing our introduction to the last month's edition of our monthly 'Sunday Reads' newsletter.
Cheesemaking, grief, family drama and nostalgia mix in potent new novel
Wisconsin author of 'The Art of the Break' Mary Wimmer has appearances in Madison on Oct. 4 and Oct. 16.
Madison cop-turned-lawyer-turned-author is back with his second thriller
New book by Nick Chiarkas, "Nunzio's Way," is a stand-alone follow-up to his 2015 debut, "Weepers." Chiarkas will appear at Mystery to Me on Oct. 5.
Eerie, barely futuristic vision of a gated community in the Driftless haunts new novel from acclaimed author
'Painting Beyond Walls' by David Rhodes is about the human experience and how we might still have time to get it right.
Sunday Reads: Turning the tables on this author
In case you missed it, Madison Magazine is sharing our introduction to the last month's edition of our monthly 'Sunday Reads' newsletter.
Catching up with Ron Shelton about his new book, 'The Church of Baseball'
"The Church of Baseball" by Ron Shelton is getting rave reviews. It is the first book for the "Bull Durham" and "Tin Cup" writer/director, who is 76.
Maggie Ginsberg on the exciting, vulnerable, terrifying road to becoming an author
Q&A with Maggie Ginsberg, author of the novel 'Still True,' out Sept. 27
Catching up with Bill and Bobbie Malone
"Traveler," Bill and Bobbie Malone's new book, will be released this fall. The couple moved to Texas after 25 years in Madison, but the adventure continues.
Sunday Reads: Don't mess with my books, the world is already chaotic enough
This is last month's edition of the Sunday Reads newsletter curated by Associate Editor Maggie Ginsberg. There is still time to sign up for this month's.
David Couper: cop, priest, provocative conversationalist
Rob Zaleski will discuss his new book about David Couper with Doug Moe at Mystery to Me on Aug. 23. "I wanted it understood I was not his friend. I was going to hold his feet to the fire," says Zaleski.
Sunday Reads: An author and her cat, plus a viral story gone wrong
This is last month's edition of the Sunday Reads newsletter curated by Associate Editor Maggie Ginsberg. There is still time to sign up for this month's.
'Death Casts a Shadow' will be last book in popular Door County mystery series
Patricia Skalka will discuss "Death Casts a Shadow" at Mystery to Me bookstore with Doug Moe on July 28 at 6 p.m.
New novel by UW–Madison French professor explores love and loss in the early years of the AIDS crisis
"Mourning Light" by Richard Goodkin is a semi-autobiographical novel set partially in Madison, and a meditation on grief's long-lasting impact.
Sunday Reads: How do you enjoy life during challenging times?
This is last month's edition of the Sunday Reads newsletter curated by Associate Editor Maggie Ginsberg. There is still time to sign up for this month's.
‘Infamous Mothers’ creator announces 45-city book tour
The 'Nothing's Wasted Tour' launches a new book by Sagashus T. Levingston while connecting entrepreneurs to bridge health and wealth gaps for Black mothers.
Sunday Reads: Have books, will travel
Sign up for the monthly Sunday Reads newsletter for links to current print stories, articles you might have missed, web exclusive content and literary news.
Madison-area midwife's debut collection is influenced by Sweden's and other family-friendly social systems
A Q&A with Ingrid Andersson, author of the poetry collection, 'Jordemoder: Poems of a Midwife,' which cycles through themes of birth, death and life.
Three women, two secrets, one lie — a Q&A with author Maggie Smith
Debut novel "Truth and Other Lies" by Wisconsin author Maggie Smith explores how our individual biases influence our perspectives of the world around us.
Book Review: Neil Heinen says 'Winter Stars' is 'a book for all of us'
It has 'small details and large truths,' says the former editorial director of WISC-TV and Madison Magazine.
New book toasts Madison’s historic Fauerbach Brewery
Peter Fauerbach's thoroughly researched tale of his family's historic Fauerbach Brewery is finally available to readers in a new coffee table book.
Q&A with New York Times Bestselling children's picture book author Pat Zietlow Miller
Madison author Pat Zietlow Miller has published 15 picture books, including two new releases this month, "When I'm With You" and "In Our Garden."
Former Madison journalist Dave Iverson is back with a moving memoir of caring for his mom
"Winter Stars" takes a look back at the time when Iverson tended for his centenarian mom.
Who discovered Elvis, what killed Bob Marley, and did The Beach Boys steal a song from Charles Manson?
Madison's "Rock and Roll Detective" Jim Berkenstadt provides answers to music history's pressing questions in a new book called "Mysteries in the Music."
Sunday Reads: Reading to make the world feel smaller
Sign up for the monthly Sunday Reads newsletter for links to current print stories, articles you might have missed, web exclusive content and literary news.
Rediscovering the UW Arboretum and its rich history
After miles spent walking its wooded trails every day, Doug Moe continues to dig deeper into the history of the 1,260-acre urban wonder.
Sunday Reads: Celebrating last month's big book issue
Sign up for the monthly Sunday Reads newsletter for links to current print stories, articles you might have missed, web exclusive content and literary news.
Youth coach and gang intervention specialist's new book launches days after his death
Joshua William Clauer did not live to celebrate the launch of his book, "Walking the Line: There is No Time For Hate." Clauer died on Feb. 21 at the age of 48.
Little Creek Press creates a unique, innovative book publishing model
Kristin Mitchell built her own small business over the past 25 years — a little, eponymous design shop nestled creekside in the valley at her Mineral Point home.
A love poem and the poet who wrote it
Poet Sasha Debevec-McKenney is the artist-in-residence at StartingBlock Madison.
The 2022 big book list of Wisconsin-connected reads
This year we present our largest annual look at the literary scene, featuring author profiles, a guide to independent bookshops and more local reads than ever before.
Choose your Madison-area indie bookstore adventure
Once thought endangered, the area’s indie bookshops are ringing in a new era.
Dantiel Moniz’s first book is still earning accolades as she teaches Madison’s next generation of writers
Dantiel Moniz wrote many of the stories in her powerful 2021 debut collection “Milk Blood Heat” while in Madison.
Dean Robbins transforms complex adult biographies into accessible, fun books for kids
It could easily be mistaken for overnight success, or a sudden career pivot, but it’s really just the latest chapter in a story that started 20 years ago.
Kevin Henkes has published 59 books with two more on the way this year
Henkes creates picture books and novels for children ranging from infants to middle schoolers.
Jennifer Chiaverini next book combines her fascination with history with unheralded heroes, real-life characters
Jennifer Chiaverini enjoys writing about people whose stories have only been mentioned in the margins and footnotes of history.
Doug Moe's next book adds to his already impressive writing career
Doug Moe is a veritable literary machine, having written or edited more than a dozen books and literally thousands of newspaper and magazine columns over the past 40-plus years.
Sunday Reads: A tribute to Dick Wagner and creating spaces
Sign up for the monthly Sunday Reads newsletter for links to current print stories, articles you might have missed, web exclusive content and literary news.
'Though the Earth Gives Way' — Q&A with author Mark S. Johnson
Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Mark S. Johnson's new book, Though the Earth Gives Way, is a cautionary novel about climate change.
Order the February issue of Madison Magazine: 'The Big Book List'
Madison Magazine's February cover story takes a deep look into the local literary scene.
The untold story of people of color and public land preservation
The new James Edward Mills book from National Geographic tells the untold story of the role people of color have played in the preservation of public lands.
Q&A with Roderick 'Rudy' Bankston, author of 'Snippets of Soul, Too'
Since his release from prison in 2015 on appeal, Bankston has become an educator, restorative justice practitioner, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder and author of four books. His latest was released in December 2021.
Sunday Reads: Podcast for veterans and saving stories before they're lost to time
Sign up for the monthly Sunday Reads newsletter for links to current print stories, articles you might have missed, web exclusive content and literary news.
Gritty debut gives an insider's peek from the other side of the police interview room mirror
It's hard not to notice the parallels between author Hannah Morrissey and Hazel Greenlee, the protagonist in her novel, "Hello, Transcriber," out Nov. 30.
96-year-old Madison poet recalls magical day in Beijing
Ai Weiwei’s new memoir “1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows” has drawn rapturous reviews. Lenore McComas Coberly, 96, recalls meeting the author's famous father.
Author Alex Bledsoe’s Southern roots influence every aspect of his storytelling
Alex Bledsoe is slated to soon release "Dandelion," the first book in four years from the prolific author of 13 other published novels and more than 50 short stories.
Late Madison flyer 'Bud' Truax is honored with forthcoming book
On Nov. 2, 1941 — 80 years ago last week — Truax, a lieutenant in the U. S. Army Air Force, died when the P-40 aircraft he was flying crashed.
Retired newspaperman George Hesselberg returns to meet one more deadline
66 of George Hesselberg's favorite obituaries from his 42-year career at the Wisconsin State Journal are collected in his new book "Dead Lines."
New Manna Cafe & Bakery cookbook is a cathartic mix of recipes, memoir, history and closure
When Manna Cafe closed in June 2020, the loss was hard to put into words, but that’s what Barb Pratzel has attempted to do with her new cookbook.
Madison professor's latest book provides harrowing account of Firestone's 20th century exploitation in West Africa
Gregg Mitman will appear in person to discuss 'Empire of Rubber,' a book about Firestone 20 years in the making, at the Wisconsin Book Festival on Oct. 23.
With her debut collection 'Star Things,' Madison poet explores identity through the cosmos
Madison poet Jess L Parker's debut collection "Star Things" was chosen for publication as the inaugural Dynamo Verlag Book Prize.
Madison’s Central Library allows users to choose their own adventures
Madison Central Library goes beyond books by offering community programs like The Bubbler.
Q&A with Robert Fromberg, author of 'How to Walk with Steve'
Fromberg's debut memoir chronicles how, by age 19, he'd lost both of his parents, triggering an unexpected role as guardian of his brother, who has autism.
The Wisconsin Book Festival announces fall celebration schedule
The festival, which acts as the fall kickoff to the festival's 2021-2022 programming season, will be Oct. 21-24 with more than 20 events from authors.
Stoughton bookstore launches GoFundMe in effort to go mobile
Since opening in January of this year, Itty Bitty Bookstore has only grown, and now the owner is looking for a new way to share her mission.
Wisconsin woman executed by the Nazis is hardly 'forgotten'
Mildred Harnack is the only U.S. woman ever executed by Nazis by direct order of Hitler — but a local journalist unearthed her story a decade ago. What does he make of the new book?
Q&A with Nickolas Butler, author of 'Godspeed'
The internationally best-selling Wisconsin author's new literary thriller explores the chasmic gap between the haves and the have-nots in a mountain town.
Q&A with Christina Clancy, author of 'Shoulder Season'
Set at the former Playboy Resort in Lake Geneva in 1981, the Madison author's second novel gives a rare glimpse into an unexamined world.
New Chicago exhibit honors late, great sci-fi author Ray Bradbury
Bradbury's career launched in southern Wisconsin thanks to another well-known writer and publisher.
'Something Wild' weaves sibling dynamics and domestic violence into a powerful debut
"Something Wild," out June 29, is a deceptively easy read of a gut-wrenching story told from the rotating perspective of two sisters and their mother.
Why 'The Queen's Gambit' rang a bell and helped launch a career
When he heard the popular Netflix series was based on a novel of the same name, Doug Moe remembered he'd reviewed it for a newspaper nearly 40 years ago.
Q&A with Andrea Debbink, author of 'The Wild World Handbook'
The former American Girl editor will discuss her illustrated middle grade nonfiction guide online at the Wisconsin Book Festival on May 26.
New book brings Nellie McKay out of the shadows
Author Shanna Greene Benjamin describes how the late UW–Madison professor’s work illuminated literature by Black women while she kept her own life private.
Author in bloom
Five challenging years since her last book was published, Garvin is celebrating the May 1 launch of her fourth novel, “I Thought You Said This Would Work.”
Q&A with Ann Garvin, author of 'I Thought You Said This Would Work'
Garvin's fourth novel is due out from Lake Union Publishing on May 1.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren to discuss her upcoming book ‘Persist’ at Wisconsin Book Festival
Warren's 12th book is a “deeply personal book and a powerful call to action.” More appearances in May include Carl Hiaasen, Alison Bechdel and Kevin Kwan.
Patrick McBride says he was 'The Luckiest Boy in the World'
Retired physician Patrick McBride's real-life teenage experiences were the stuff of sports fans' dreams, detailed in an as-of-yet unpublished manuscript.
Madison Reading Project surpasses 100,000 children served, nears 200,000 books given
Despite a pandemic year, Madison Reading Project gave away as many books to area children in the past 18 months as it did its first six years combined.
Southern Wisconsin's connection to Ernest Hemingway
40 years ago, Monroe native Larry W. Phillips had an idea that resulted in sharing a copyright with Ernest Hemingway’s widow.
Madison-based illustrator created a book of besties
Peggy Panosh built a career marketing for Oprah and others before discovering her own artistic talent.
Q&A with Andrew J. Graff, author of 'Raft of Stars'
The author will discuss his debut novel on March 23 at 7:00 p.m. as part of the Wisconsin Book Festival’s ongoing virtual events.
Q&A with author Dantiel Moniz
Debut collection "Milk Blood Heat" launched to rave critical reviews, and it's no wonder. Its rhythmic sentences are stitched together with scalding precision.
Q&A with Wisconsin native Melissa Faliveno, author of 'Tomboyland'
"It was ten years in the making," Faliveno says of her debut collection, a Best Book of 2020 pick by NPR, New York Public Library and O, the Oprah Magazine.
2021 Reading List: Local books to add to your collection
Stack your bookshelf with these Wisconsin-connected titles.
Add these local books to your 2020 reading list
23 books written by local authors or about the Madison area.
28 local books to add to your 2019 reading list
Our top book picks with Wisconsin ties that are sure to make your 2019 reading list feel a little more homey.
Madison Magazine Events
Announcing Best of Madison 2023 categories, voting timeline
Get ready to nominate and vote for Best of Madison 2023.
Best of Madison Business 2023
Join Madison Magazine and presenting sponsor Johnson Financial Group as we honor this year's Best of Madison Business Awards honorees.
