Sunday news and reviews

Posted at 9:35 AM on February 27, 2011 by Marianne Combs
Filed under: News and reviews

Books

FATHERS & SONS
A coming-of-age story that provides a hard-won accounting of how violence can provide the illusion of an escape.
- MATTHEW TIFFANY, Star Tribune

Out of Africa Latest 'Kari + Lucas' teen sleuth book comes from author Susan Runholt's love of Kenya and Tanzania
Susan Runholt has mal d'Afrique. So do her characters Kari and Lucas, 14-year-old girl sleuths who solve the theft of ancient stone drawings during a trip to Kenya in 'Adventure at Simba Hill.'
- Mary Ann Grossman, Pioneer Press

FORGOTTEN POET
Isabella Stewart Gardner was rich, lovely and talented, but her compass was stuck on tragedy.
- PAMELA MILLER, Star Tribune

Here's a taste of what Minnesota authors will be offering in March and April
Award-winning Ojibwe writer Jim Northrup brings us happenings on the Fond du Lac reservation and some Scandinavian countries he visited from 1989 to 2001 in his compilation of his syndicated newspaper columns, the Fond du Lac Follies.
- Mary Ann Grossmann, Pioneer Press

Bearing the burden of secrets
A young boy is sent away after a terrible crime is committed in his town.
- TOM ZELMAN, Star Tribune

Pioneers on the prairies of Dakota Territory
A sweeping novel set on the plains of North Dakota.
- CHUCK HAGA, Star Tribune

Collection sounds the alarm about the decline of black literacy
Thirteen black writers talk about the power of reading in their lives, and lament the decline in their community.
- JOSEPH P. WILLIAMS JR., Star Tribune

A thoughtful debut novel reminiscent of Hornby
A long-absent father returns to take his teenage daughter backpacking, with near disastrous results.
- LAURA C.J. OWEN, Star Tribune

Funding

Online patrons make art dreams come true
In less than two years, the Brooklyn-based site Kickstarter has become a game changer in the world of microfinanced art.
- Tom Horgen, Star Tribune

Movies

Oscar predictions: Movie critic Chris Hewitt sticks his neck out again
Oscar fans owe Melissa Leo a thank-you for injecting a note of suspense into an awards race that was looking as predictable as an orchestra trying to drown out a lengthy acceptance speech.
- Chris Hewitt, Pioneer Press

Want a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Former Minnesotan chairs the selection committee
When the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce International Media Center staff found out I was from the Twin Cities, it was like old home week. I was surrounded by people who excitedly wanted to tell me where in Minnesota they were from.
- Barb Teed, TC Daily Planet

Music

Biffy Clyro rock the 7th Street Entry like an arena
If you've never heard the band, imagine a potpourri of Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, and fellow British brethren Muse.
- David Jarnstrom, TC Daily Planet

Stage

Guthrie Theater screens a riveting "King Lear," direct from London
The evening of February 21, 2011, the Guthrie Theater was the only Upper Midwest venue to participate in the UK's National Theatre Live high-definition screening project, bringing the Donmar Warehouse's spectacular production to thousands of viewers.
- Caitlin McHugh, TC Daily Planet