Nov. 1 marks the start of National Novel Writing Month, and more than 600 writers in Minnesota are racing to write a novel by the end of the month.

In a world scarred by war and sickness, the bartering economy has returned and the unnamed narrator of "Scribe" makes a living writing letters for people. Then a man arrives who asks her to take down his confessions.

Bookseller Emma Nichols recommends a comic collection centered on a post-apocalyptic world where men have gone extinct, and only women remain.

Todd Bol launched the freestanding receptacles for books in 2010 as a tribute to his mother, who was a teacher.

"I just finished it the other night, and I have been thinking about it for three days," says bookseller Daley Farr.

"People who have something going on are really interesting," said Enger.

"Home After Dark" is the story of Russell, a youngster who becomes isolated after his parents split and he moves to a rural community in northern California.

The Minnesota musician describes why it was time to put her story in print instead of in an album.

In "Always Another Country," Sisonke Msimang retraces the steps that led her to St. Paul and beyond.

"Laurentian Divide" explores the everyday events and extraordinary turns of life in the northern woods.