I’ve always liked to read books. The first real chapter books I read as a young person were the “Freddy the Pig” books by Walter R. Brooks.

These books are still in print, even though they were written between 1936 and 1958. I still highly recommend these books for kids including my favorite when I was a child: “Freddy the Detective”.

I’ve read all genres, from sci-fi and fantasy, to historical, fiction, non-fiction, horror, comedy, and philosophy. Over the past 10 years or so I’ve read the series of murder-mystery books featuring Cork O’Conner by author William Kent Krueger.

I was on a golf/fishing trip with the guys and one of them asked me if I like to read. When I said yes, he handed me the book “Blood Hollow” by William Kent Krueger. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Most of the Cork O’Conner books are set in Northern Minnesota, and the Ojibwe people are a big part of the story. In fact, Cork himself is part Ojibwe.

Blood Hollow was the fourth book in the Cork O’Conner series, and after reading that book, I went back and read the preceding books. I have since read every book in the series. Mr. Krueger has won numerous awards for the Cork O’Conner series.

In 2013, William Kent Krueger wrote a stand-alone book entitled “Ordinary Grace”.  “Ordinary Grace” has since become one of my favorite books. It is truly a wonderful story, and I can’t say enough good things about this book. I have read it several times, savoring the story and the characters every time.

I am really excited to hear that William Kent Krueger is coming to the lakes area this week! This Thursday (August 29) from 10:30 to 11:30, William Kent Krueger will be signing copies of his new book “This Tender Land” at Turtle Town Books and Gifts in Nisswa. From what I understand “This Tender Land” is another stand-alone story.  I googled “This Tender Land” and found a number of reviews that have all given the book five out of five stars. I’m not surprised.

I hope I can get away from work on Thursday to meet Mr. Krueger and let him know how much I enjoy his books. If you are looking for a good read, try the Cork O’Conner series. If you want to be moved by a truly amazing story, try “Ordinary Grace”. Either way, you can’t go wrong.