18 Comments

This is so great! I actually grew up in Hastings as well, just a few years after J. I actually interviewed him last year after I read Lager Queen: https://readmorebooks.substack.com/p/a-few-bookish-questions-with-j-ryan.

Such a pleasure to see him featured here! His books are such a joy.

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If you're looking for books in which Minnesota plays a key role, try the novels of Jon Hassler. Starting with his debut, Staggerford (1977), he wrote nine excellent novels, finishing with The Dean's List (1998).

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Jan 24, 2023Liked by Gayla Gray

Love it. Nice angle for introducing readers to authors, their work, and their respective backgrounds : )

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Thanks! I’m going to look into giving one a read!

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I trust your judgment, so shall check this out!

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Thanks for this author recommendation and all the links, Gayla. Living in SoCal, I tend to hold onto unfair stereotypes about the Midwest, even though so many folk here hail from there. Look forward to opening my mind a bit by checking out J. Ryan Stradal.

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Feb 18, 2023Liked by Gayla Gray

Thank you so much for the incredibly kind and well-researched profile! I’m moved to read this — and grateful to have earned you as a reader.

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Feb 20, 2023Liked by Gayla Gray

Gayla, I’d be honored! I’d be happy to do it over email — send your questions to kitchens.midwest@gmail.com whenever you’re ready.

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