Shameless Nepotism: Read My Husband's New Book
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Posted by Christina
After what seemed like an ETERNITY, my husband's new book is finally out in stores!Here is part of the official press release for the book:
New book explores the heart and soul of Minnesota's iconic Iron Range
DULUTH, Minn. -- A new book by accomplished Iron Range newspaper columnist and radio commentator Aaron Brown seeks to breathe life into the region's storied history for another generation. "Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range" will be released by the insurgent Duluth publishing house Red Step Press on Oct. 14. The book combines humor, history, personal stories, Range characters and original observations about Minnesota's most unusual region.
"I'm the fifth generation of my family to live and work on the Iron Range and I'm helping raise the sixth," said Brown. "I'm also the first in my paternal line to never work in a mine, all while making a living off of the Internet. That's where the idea for this book came from. I have come to love the stories and traditions of our past, but the present and future will require a new generation to step up."
Brown, 28, is a columnist for the Hibbing Daily Tribune, where he served as the state's youngest daily newspaper editor from 2001 until 2003. In addition to the column, Brown now teaches communication courses at Hibbing Community College. For the last three years he's been an essayist and contributing producer for the KAXE radio program "Between You and Me." He's also the founder and editor of the Iron Range's most popular news and politics blog, MinnesotaBrown.com.
"Actually, I think it might be the only Iron Range political blog, which is part of the problem," said Brown.
"Overburden" features original essays on topics such as Range culture, work ethic, politics and history, all from Brown's uniquely humorous but sincere perspective made popular in each Sunday's Hibbing Daily Tribune. Additionally, Brown weaves his story of growing up in a trailer house on his family's junkyard with the history and sentiment of the Iron Range. The book also features some of Brown's best work from the Tribune and his weekly essays on KAXE, Northern Community Radio.
Barton Sutter, former poet laureate of Duluth, MPR contributor and author of the award winning regional bestseller "Cold Comfort" offers this take on "Overburden."
"The Iron Range has found its voice in Aaron Brown. The kid with Coke-bottle glasses who was raised in a trailer next to his parents' junkyard has grown up to write a ferocious, loving anthem to his home region. Historical, political, deeply personal, "Overburden" is rich with details but sizzles with narrative drive. Oddly enough -- or maybe not -- Brown, as author, has all the qualities we look for in a great hockey player: guts and heart, vision, skills, and speed. Rangers will see themselves in this book. Outsiders will be stung by envy."
"Overburden" is being published by Red Step Press, a new publishing company out of Duluth, Minnesota.
Anyway, we're all excited about the book. It's a wonderful book (and I'm not just saying that because my hubby wrote it!). Please check it out at one of the local book store events or pick it up online at Barnes & Noble.
October 15, 2008 7:13 PM
Super! I'm excited to read anything from a MN author. We just watched the movie "North Country" last weekend and were really wondering what the Range is like now... After "Fargo" and movies of the like, it's always great to have another perspective thrown into "the pool of what Minnesota is". As a southern Minnesotan who has never been to that area of the state, I'm thrilled!
Congrats and keep up the great writing you two.
October 15, 2008 9:56 PM
I will definitely have to check out your husband's book. My mom grew up in Hibbing and my Grandpa also worked in the mines. We had a very nice trip there this summer and it has encouraged me to learn more about the area.
October 16, 2008 12:18 AM
I just bought 7 copies from Barnes & Noble. They're going to be the main Christmas presents this year. I went through ebates, used my Membership Card & got free shipping. What a deal! I saved about $15 and the books aren't that expensive to start with.
--AnnMarie
October 16, 2008 7:23 AM
It's great to hear people are interested in the Iron Range. We love living here!
@Rudstroms: Wow! I love that you saved money buying the books! That's great!
October 16, 2008 9:57 AM
Wow! Congrats to both of you! Henry makes a good cover model. It sounds like a great read and a great gift for Lance's family who are from the range. Barton Sutter was my favorite English teacher from UMD- so anything he likes, I like!
October 17, 2008 9:27 PM
Christina, you have a very cool and very smart husband! Be proud of him, although I have a feeling he will have some competition in the writing field from you!
October 19, 2008 10:08 PM
Thanks for letting us know about your husband's book. It sounds very interesting!