WHENEVER AN AUTHOR appears locally to read from and discuss his/her book, I try to attend. I love reading and learning. I enjoy listening to other writers talk about the craft of writing as I read and write nearly every day.
Among authors who will be in my area soon are Dr. Michael Osterholm and Gary Heyn. Let’s start with Osterholm, who will appear at The Grand Event Center in Northfield at 7 pm Monday, November 17, to read from his book, The Big One—How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics, co-authored by Mark Olshaker. He will also engage in conversation with Debby Walser-Kuntz, professor of biology at Carleton College in Northfield.
Osterholm, an internationally-renowned epidemiologist and director of the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, is a familiar name, especially to Minnesotans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was tapped as an expert. I, for one, found him to be an invaluable and trusted source of information during the pandemic. His knowledge and research into infectious diseases stretches well beyond COVID, though.
My history with Osterholm goes back decades to the late 1970s when I was just out of college working at a small town Minnesota weekly newspaper, The Gaylord Hub. Osterholm came to Gaylord during a hepatitis outbreak at the local school. While details of that health issue have long faded, I recall that this highly-contagious disease was connected to a band teacher and musical instruments. I remember photographing Osterholm, also starting his career, and writing a news story about what was unfolding at the school.
On November 17, Osterholm will focus on pandemics, sure to be an enlightening talk at this 7-8:30 pm first come first serve seating (doors open at 6 pm.) event at The Grand, 316 Washington Street in Northfield and hosted by local independent bookshop, Content Bookstore.
While Osterholm will present in a large venue, author Gary Heyn will appear in a much smaller, intimate setting, the Rice County Area United Way’s Books on Central. The used bookshop is housed in a former jewelry store at 227 Central Avenue North, Faribault. Heyn, a retired corporate executive turned historian, genealogist and writer upon his retirement, will read from and talk about Standing at the Grave: A Family’s Journey from the Grand Duchy of Posen to the Prairies of North Dakota. This free literary event is set for 6 pm Thursday, November 20.
I’m about a third of the way through Heyn’s book and I can attest that it is a captivating read, the kind of book I don’t want to put down. It’s relatable when considering my German immigrant ancestors and also in the context of immigration issues today. Once I’m finished with the book, my husband will also be reading it. His ancestors, the Helblings, moved from Germany to then Russia (current day Ukraine) before journeying to America and a new life in North Dakota.
Insights into immigration, tracing family history and stories are always of interest. Heyn will read from the chapters of his book about three mothers from Gembitz Hauland, an historic German-Polish village, who were reunited in Steele County 18 years after sending their children to America. To type those words is enough to break my heart. I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been for those three mothers. But it happened. Over and over and over again.
I encourage you, if you live in my area, to attend these upcoming author talks. These are opportunities to learn via the expertise and creativity of those inspired to write.
FYI: To view other upcoming author events offered by Content Bookstore, click here.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Considering the damage being done to the CDC, NIH, and public health in general, “The Big One” is just plain scary.
I fully agree.
I have one such story I have preserved. It is about a story of leaving Norway to America. It is written by a grandson about his grandmother when she left Norway. It would be the last she would see of her mother though both lived to ripe old age. The grandson quoted her a number of times but he also caught the touching parts of the story. One can not but be moved by the heartbreak of the parting. There is another story that I read about a young girl who left Norway around the same time. She arrived, got married, and was living on the prairie, and off in the distance they saw this man approaching. Who could this be? As the man approached, she recognized his gait and flew to him, That was her father! She had left him in Norway thinking she would never see him again.
Gunny, thank you for sharing these stories, especially that last one of father and daughter reunited.
After a sad tale, one needs an uplifting story to follow.
Exactly. And thank you for sharing that uplifting reunion story following the story of separation.
I’m sure that both of these will be excellent authors’ talks and how interesting that you have a history with the first author, dating back to your early days as a journalist. Both of the subjects of their books are so incredibly life impacting, they are sure to be emotional subjects. I love hearing authors speak about their books in person.
I’m with you on appreciating authors talking about their books. I always gain insights into their writing.
Great Share today! I am like you in that Osterholm was an important wealth of knowledge during the pandemic. I am putting his book on my reading list. Then you know me I love anything history/generational/ancestry. Where do we come from, how we connect and live and instill culture, et al. It amazes the journeys, especially children, made during/after WWII to arrive in the United States. Thanks so much for sharing – my reading list is growing. Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂
I’m always happy to share books with readers. I’m hoping to finish the immigration book before hearing the author speak on Thursday.
Hi Audrey, I wanted to comment on the Two Authors post but for some reason, I got a message that said the comment couldn’t be processed (or something like that).
My husband and I attended the Osterholm event. We were in the Cities and then planned to see relatives in Northfield. My sister-in-law had mentioned this and so it worked out for us to attend with her. What a privilege to hear him. He is such a voice of knowledge and reason. The Grand Center was filled to capacity and beyond, so if you were there (I looked), I probably couldn’t have found you anyway. Quite a number of students attended but came in very close to the start. Some had to stand. Osterholm acknowledged them and thanked them for coming. So glad I could hear him.
Sincerely, Colleen Hondl Gengler
I’m glad Michael Osterholm’s talk was as interesting as I expected it would be. Unfortunately, I had a conflict so could not attend. Great to hear there was a packed house. I expected that.