As an expert in the literary world, I have had the pleasure of exploring many cities and their literary scenes. And while Minneapolis, MN may not be the first city that comes to mind, it is a vibrant Midwestern city with a rich and diverse literary scene that is often overlooked. From award-winning authors to emerging writers, Minneapolis has produced some of the most talented and influential voices in literature.
The Literary Legacy of Minneapolis
Minneapolis has a long history of producing great writers. One of the most notable names is F.Scott Fitzgerald, who was born in St. Paul, just a short drive from Minneapolis. Fitzgerald is best known for his classic novel The Great Gatsby, which is considered one of the greatest works of American literature. Another famous writer from Minneapolis is Sinclair Lewis, who was the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Lewis was born and raised in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and later moved to Minneapolis where he worked as a journalist.
His most famous novel, Main Street, is a scathing critique of small-town life in America. Other notable writers from Minneapolis include Louise Erdrich, who has won numerous awards for her novels that explore Native American culture, and Robert Bly, a poet and activist who founded the influential literary magazine The Fifties.
The Contemporary Voices of Minneapolis
While Minneapolis has a rich literary history, it also has a thriving contemporary literary scene. One of the most well-known authors from Minneapolis today is Marlon James. His novel A Brief History of Seven Killings won the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2015 and put him on the map as one of the most talented writers of his generation. Another rising star in the Minneapolis literary scene is Lesley Nneka Arimah.Her debut collection of short stories, What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and won the Kirkus Prize for Fiction. Arimah's writing explores themes of identity, family, and culture with a unique and powerful voice. Minneapolis is also home to many talented poets, including Danez Smith, whose collection Don't Call Us Dead was a finalist for the National Book Award. Smith's poetry tackles issues of race, sexuality, and identity with raw emotion and stunning imagery.
The Literary Community of Minneapolis
One of the reasons why Minneapolis has such a vibrant literary scene is because of its strong community of writers and readers. The Loft Literary Center, founded in 1974, is one of the largest and most respected literary centers in the country.The Loft offers classes, workshops, and events for writers of all levels, as well as hosting readings and book clubs for readers. Another important organization in the Minneapolis literary community is Milkweed Editions, an independent publisher that focuses on publishing literature that explores the natural world and human experience. Milkweed Editions has published works by many local authors, including Louise Erdrich and Danez Smith. In addition to these organizations, there are also many bookstores and libraries in Minneapolis that support and promote local writers.
Magers & Quinn Booksellers
, Birchbark Books, and Moon Palace Books are just a few of the independent bookstores that feature a wide selection of books by Minneapolis authors.Recommended Books and Authors from Minneapolis
With such a diverse and talented literary community, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to reading books by Minneapolis authors. Here are some recommended books and authors to get you started:- The Great Gatsby by F.
Scott Fitzgerald
- Main Street by Sinclair Lewis
- The Round House by Louise Erdrich
- The Fifties by Robert Bly
- A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
- What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah
- Don't Call Us Dead by Danez Smith
