David Michaelis, Tuesday Oct. 30 at Virgina St. Swedenborgian Church

David Michaelis

Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography

Tuesday Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.

Virgina St. Swedenborgian Church


In conversation with Garrison Keillor

Schulz and Peanuts, the first full-length biography of "Peanuts" creator and St. Paul native Charles M. Schulz has been one of the most talked about books of the fall. Biographer David Michaelis was given full access to Schulz's papers in order to write the book. What he wrote did not necessarily please the family who had given him that access. Still, others, including Bill Watterson, creator of another wildly successful comic strip, "Calvin and Hobbes," have raved of the intimate portrait finally given of the artist. Watterson concludes that "Mr. Michaelis has done an extraordinary amount of digging and has written a perceptive and compelling account of Schulz's life. This book finally introduces Charles Schulz to us all."

Come hear the author talk with Garrison Keillor on Tuesday at the Virginia Street Swedenborgian Church (170 Virginia Street, St. Paul, MN 55102).

For other events go to CommonGoodBooks.com or check in at the store.

Patricia Hampl at Fitzgerald Theater Sunday, October 7

PATRICIA HAMPL

Time: Sunday, October 7, 2007 7:00 PM

Location: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange St., St. Paul, MN 55101

St. Paul's Patricia Hampl revisits her Midwestern girlhood in her new memoir, THE FLORIST'S DAUGHTER. With Musical guest Dan Chouinard.

Tickets at the Fitzgerald Box Office- 651-290-1221.


CGB Manager Sue had this to say about "The Florist's Daughter," Patricia Hampl's latest memior: "Even if this wasn't written by one of our favorite authors I would love this book. A bittersweet memoir (life recollected while she keeps watch at her mother's death bed) that is a wonderful snapshot of growing up in mid-century St. Paul. I finished this book with a feeling of having spent a lovely afternoon with a good friend."

And a recent New York Times Sunday Book Review this: "...in the end, Hampl’s honest examination of her own life makes 'The Florist’s Daughter' a wonder of a memoir. A conflicted daughter, a begrudging Midwesterner and a woman who has been besotted by illusions, Hampl proves that the material closest to home is often the richest. Her mother, who complained that her daughter never confided in her, who wanted her daughter to open her 'cold heart,' said upon learning that Hampl was writing this book: 'Good. It’s about time.' I think you will find that Mary Catherine Ann Teresa Eleanor Marum Hampl was right." Read the full New York Times interview by Danielle Trussoni here and look for more upcoming events through CGB here, including SARAH SUSANKA and CHUCK BROWN before mid-month.