Books
'Wisconsin Idols’ commemorates the known and the lesser known state stars
“I’ve always been fascinated by people who’ve shown exceptional courage, integrity and vision,” says author Dean Robbins.
Apr 8, 2025
Tamara Dean’s essay collection ‘Shelter and Storm’ aims to spark curiosity
As Tamara Dean documents in her new collection of essays, ‘Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless,’ living on the land is both sublimely rewarding and brutally difficult.
Apr 6, 2025
Christina Clancy’s third novel ‘The Snowbirds’ hits shelves Feb. 4
The story revolves around Grant Duffy and Kim Hastings, an unmarried, middle-aged couple in a “separate but together” partnership for 30 years.
Jan 29, 2025
The year in Wisconsin books 2024
Wisconsin writers can’t seem to help themselves. They love setting their novels here and exploring the state’s rich history.
Dec 5, 2024
Picture this
“I love taking up new challenges,” says Kercheval, 68. In her 50s she learned Spanish. Then she took up visual art at 64.
Nov 12, 2024
Madison author Heather Swan’s 'Where the Grass Still Sings' embraces both art and science
This hybrid of personal essay and environmental reportage also includes reporting on the arts.
Oct 16, 2024
Noticing Mary Jo Hoffman
Mary Jo Hoffman’s 'STILL: The Art of Noticing' is what used to be called a coffee-table book, interspersed with illuminating essays that put the author/photographer in the spotlight.
Oct 14, 2024
3:00 PM
Calarco: Kelly Kendall Studios / Chowdhary: Caitlin M. Carlson / Vo: C.J. Foeckler / Smith: Anna Min
They put the Wisco in the Wisconsin Book Festival
Memoirs, essays, poems, micro-histories and more shine the spotlight on the Badger State and those who write about it.
Oct 5, 2024
8:00 AM
They messed with the wrong librarian
In her recent book, Amanda Jones shares her journey as a librarian fighting against book banning.
Sep 16, 2024
3:00 PM
Leah Elson, Nicola Yoon among headliners for 2024 Wisconsin Book Festival
‘The thing I’m most proud of is how the festival is continuing its reputation of being representative and accessible for all ages — and it’s free and open to the public,’ Wisconsin Book Festival Director Jane Rotonda tells Isthmus.
Sep 6, 2024
3:00 PM
Happy days are here again
In Moments of Happiness, Leckrone recounts his childhood in Indiana — including meeting legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong — plus his early professional years.
Sep 6, 2024
8:00 AM
Madison writer Cary Segall tells other people’s stories in his Appalachian Trail memoir
'A Talk in the Woods' is primarily about other people, though there is plenty of info about the nuts and bolts of author Segall’s hike, too.
Sep 4, 2024
7:00 PM