Holiday books: 10 that reflect Minnesota and the region

Star Tribune's holiday picks.

The Star Tribune's holiday book picks include:

Fitzgerald_Thoughtbook coverThe Thoughtbook of F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Secret Boyhood Diary

This little diary is just two dozen pages long, but it’s a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the teenage F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s no surprise that he was drawn to the young lovelies of St. Paul. (His first entry, from August 1910, is called “My Girls,” in which he recalls escapades with girls, including one named Kitty, whom he kissed so many times one afternoon “it was impossible to count.”) Augmented with essays and context by Dave Page, who has written extensively on Fitzgerald.

Stonich_Vacationland coverVacationland

There is such joy in reading this novel by Minneapolis writer Sarah Stonich. The chapters — individual stories — are linked by geography: a decrepit and mostly deserted mom-and-pop resort Up North that once was the site of tragedy and passion.

This book is funny and poignant, the characters are distinct but recognizable, and Stonich grabs you right out of the chute with her first story, which involves a severed hand. There is no way you can stop reading after that.

Read the full list.

Published in: Star Tribune
By: Laurie Hertzel