What books are Duluthians curling up with?

DULUTH — It’s a geographically isolated tourist destination known for its fascinating maritime activity and epic winter weather, with a distinctive community culture and a great love of reading. That could describe Duluth, but it also fits the island nation of Iceland, and it’s not surprising that a literary celebration from the latter place has caught on in the former.

Jolabokaflod is a holiday tradition dating back to World War II, when many commodities were rationed but paper remained widely available. A nationally distributed catalog highlights local publishers’ new offerings, many of which find their way under Icelandic Christmas trees and are read immediately.

Duluth institutions make Jolabokaflod their own throughout the season; for example, Zenith Bookstore offers special gift wrapping and packets of Mike & Jen’s cocoa mix. The big local event, though, happens Saturday.

“Hygge, that winter cozy feel, is what we’re going for,” said Sarah Kilgour of the Duluth Public Library, one of the organizers of the

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. celebration

at the St. Louis County Depot. Kilgour pronounces the word Yo-la-BO-ka-flowed, although she admits “I’m not Icelandic.”

Presented in cooperation with the Nordic Center and other partners, Duluth’s Jolabokaflod includes storytelling, musical performances, crafts and, of course, a flood of books. “We will have free books available at the event,” said Kilgour. “Gabriel’s Bookstore has offered some of theirs, and we have donations that we’re adding.”

The priority, said Kilgour, is to make Jolabokaflod a free and inclusive celebration highlighting folklore ranging from Icelandic (there will be

Yule cat

photo ops) to Ojibwe. “We’ll have a lot of just taking it easy,” she said, “not trying to run around mad(ly) buying gifts for everybody.”

Kilgour’s own winter read, she said, is “Emily Wild’s Map of the Otherlands” by Heather Fawcett. “I love a good fantasy,” she said.

In the Jolabokaflod tradition, the News Tribune asked other Duluth notables — people associated with Saturday’s event, leaders in the local book world, even a couple of politicians — what books they’re curling up with this winter.

I am looking forward to diving into TJ Klune’s latest book, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea.” It’s a sequel to an earlier book that I loved. Normally I don’t read fantasy, but I discovered Klune’s work a couple of years ago as I browsed the library’s Bestseller Express collection. I became a fan within the first few pages.

Klune’s books are reliably heartwarming, occasionally hilarious and filled with quirky characters who love and support one another. Reading TJ Klune feels like drinking hot chocolate in front of a warm fire with good friends.

I am an avid audiobook consumer! I average about four books per month. I’m currently curling up with “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman. It’s a novel about a woman who struggles with social skills, family trauma and loneliness, but finds a way to heal and connect with others.

I typically read historical fiction of all types. Reading helps me escape. As a city councilor and full-time corporate trainer, my world can be filled with stress and anxiety. I release it by escaping to another world through the gift of stories.

Books I recommend: “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd, “The Christie Affair” by Nina de Gramont, “Lincoln in Bardo” by George Saunders, “Weyward” by Emilia Hart, “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles.

This summer, my book club introduced me to Minnesota author Abby Jimenez through her novel “Just for Summer.” While I’m not typically drawn to romance novels, this romantic comedy was such a relaxing and joyful read that I decided to explore more of her work.

I’m starting with “Part of Your World,” the first book in the same series, and I’m intrigued by its opposites-attract storyline. It’s also a fun way to discover if romantic comedies might become one of my preferred genres.

I was thrilled to snag “Part of Your World” from the library’s Bestseller Express collection — now I need to finish it quickly so the next reader can enjoy it, too!

Lately I’ve been curling up with Joseph Campbell’s “The Power of Myth.” It’s a book, yes, but based on a series of conversations between Campbell, a renowned mythologist, and Bill Moyers, a journalist, that took place in 1988. It’s centered around the concept that we are lacking ritual and myth in our American experience.

I know this isn’t exactly “curling up” territory, but it has been very comforting to me as I grapple with uncertain times ahead, and it also amplifies the crucial nature the arts play in our daily lives. It’s really reaffirmed my faith in art, which transcend everyday existence and serve as little mythologies in and of themselves. Stories, plays, and paintings — they’re all little gestures of a power beyond our understanding but which inspires and elevates our lives.

I’m currently reading “The Intelligence Trap” by David Robson.

I’ve focused what little free time I have to read on things that will help me develop as a leader and in my role as mayor. This book was suggested to me by another very experienced mayor in Minnesota.

“The Intelligence Trap” is designed to help people avoid cognitive pitfalls in leadership. The book offers insights into critical thinking, emotional intelligence and humility — all of which are essential traits for navigating the complex challenges in public service. My goal is to apply lessons from the book to make better-informed, balanced and reflective decisions for our community.

So excited to be reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s newest book “The Serviceberry.” Its message of gratitude, reciprocity and community is much needed!

I’ll be reading “Gilgamesh: A New English Version” by Stephen Mitchell. It’s a text that I’ve read in bits and pieces before, but I’ve never actually read it cover to cover. Since reading the beautiful “There Are Rivers in the Sky” by Elif Shafak I keep feeling like I need to remedy that situation and read the epic.

I’ve been spending plenty of time editing books/manuscripts we are currently working on for publication, six and counting. One of my very favorites is by a 9-year-old from St. Paul, Delores Kiki Garcia, a member of Mashkiziibii (Bad River) Ojibwe. Her book, “Fishing by Torchlight,” will be released soon.

First, thanks to its presence on the 2024-25 Nordic Center monthly book group list, is Halldór Laxness’ “The Fish Can Sing.” This is a humble Icelandic tale of Alfgrimur, the main character, who, with the help of many village supporters, grows up to literally and figuratively discover his voice.

“The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives” by Barbara Burman and Ariane Fennetaux, is a book I’m about to begin re-reading. Why? I want to be reminded about the cultural, practical and artistic significance of this practical item in advance of beginning a project which involves making a series of contemporary pocket bags.

I just had to mention a book series by Lars Mytting too. The first of a trilogy is “The Bell in the Lake.” Set in Norway, this story captivates the reader with timeless treasures, new ideas, cultural uniqueness, romance and mystery. It was such a good read that I’m looking forward to curling up with the sequel, “The Reindeer Hunters.”

Finally, in the informative read corner, is the Nautilus Journal, a quarterly publication. I recommend this resource to anyone who is interested in the intersection of science, art and philosophy.

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