Read any good books lately? The University of Minnesota Press is a great place to look. Here’s our monthly recommendation and giveaway for the business community.
“I was 11 or 12 when I decided that journalism was my future. I loved to write, I loved to snoop, I always wanted to know everything first. Those are pretty much the only qualifications, when you get right down to it.”
So begins “News to Me: Adventures of an Accidental Journalist,” the story of Laurie Hertzel’s journey into the bustling world of print journalism in the mid-1970s.
Hertzel’s career at the Duluth News-Tribune began when journalism was a predominantly male profession. While the newspaper trade was booming, Duluth had fallen on hard times as factories closed and people moved away.
It’s the chronicle of a small-city newspaper on the cusp of transformation, an affectionate portrait of Duluth and its people, and the account of a talented, persistent journalist who was changing right along with it.
Hertzel (back) and her colleagues at the Duluth News-Tribune copy desk, circa 1982
Want to win a copy of “News to Me”?
Leave a comment below by Thursday, Aug. 9, for a chance to win. We’ll notify the winner via email.
July 9, 2012 at 12:54 pm
this sounds like a fun book!!
July 9, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Wow! Sounds like a great book.
July 9, 2012 at 3:08 pm
I’ve been reading this wonderful journalist’s blog for years and would love to read her book, as her style of writing is superb!
July 11, 2012 at 6:56 am
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
July 11, 2012 at 7:37 am
Books by people who practiced journalism as it once existed are among my favorites. I remember when my colleagues all looked like the people in the photo!
July 11, 2012 at 7:42 am
Been missing your appearance dates since this award-winning book came out. Maybe this time!
July 11, 2012 at 8:00 am
I love how you can date a photo by clothes styles. Looks great.
July 12, 2012 at 1:05 am
Look for me in the middle of the book. I rescued Laurie during a snowstorm. Great read!
July 12, 2012 at 12:40 pm
yes, you did! i’d still be on the side of the road outside of hibbing if it weren’t for you.
July 13, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Thank you for documenting your experiences. This is definitely going on my must-read list. As a young journalist today, I still feel like there aren’t enough women in the newsroom and enough women in the field to serve as role models. This book helps fill that gap.
July 16, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Seems like a fun book to read this summertime. Awesome giveaway!
July 26, 2012 at 10:04 am
Looks like a great read. My daughter is an aspiring journalist and she would love it!
August 1, 2012 at 7:22 pm
I bought this book as a Christmas gift to myself last year and loved it. I have since donated it to our local parochial school. I’m not sure any of the kids have read it, but the librarian enjoyed the heck out of it.
August 1, 2012 at 7:27 pm
I miss those Atex save-gets!
August 1, 2012 at 7:27 pm
Since I already have a signed copy, I would love to give your book as a gift!
August 1, 2012 at 7:59 pm
I really liked your book and will be happy to give it to a friend.
August 1, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Oh I feel so bad, I’ve got a copy, I know I have and I don’t know where I put it. If I find it and win this I will give one away!! Love Laurie!!!
XO
WWW
August 1, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Great reminder that I’ve been meaning to pick up Laurie’s book since last summer when I first learned of it. I’d love a copy!
August 2, 2012 at 5:42 am
Me, me, pick me.
Please.
August 2, 2012 at 5:35 pm
I’ve read this and look forward to passing this copy onto a good friend! Thanks!
August 13, 2012 at 1:42 pm
And the lucky winner is Jacqueline Lee! We’ll follow up shortly via email. Thanks to everyone for commenting and for the great discussion!