I’ve read most of GK’s books, and I think this is the best. It’s honest, funny, and settles in my mind once and for all who he is. And I like who he is. He’s an important writer in our time, and his brush with MeToo won’t change that. One can take down his picture at the U, cancel his wonderful “Writers Almanac,” and otherwise try to pretend he hasn’t been on this earth for nearly eight decades, but like most great yet flawed writers, his works live on and will continue to live on long after he’s gone. Thank you, GK, for this book and for your explanation. Now, go fish somewhere. ( )

THAT TIME OF YEAR was a Christmas gift to myself, because I was a Prairie Home Companion listener for over thirty years, since it was introduced to me by a Minnesotan friend (from Mankato). Alternately hilarious and deeply moving, it had me chuckling and laughing out loud as I read it in bed each night for the past week,annoying my wife to no end, as she was trying to read her own book. Besides the usual Lake Wobegone weird tales and trademark Keillor humor, songs and limericks, we also learn much about the author's childhood, filled with loving aunts, and how he stumbled into radio, his workaholic habits and close shaves with strokes, heart problems and brain seizures, which finally forced him into a reluctant retirement at 74. He also tells of his three marriages and all the dear friends and family he has outlived, and even offers an explanation about how he was "hung out to dry" via unfair accusations made during the #metoo movement, causing Public Radio to sever ties with him, ending one of my favorite daily five-minute shows, "The Writer's Almanac." He tries not to be bitter about this, but it was obviously a bitter pill. Bottom line: I LOVED THIS BOOK. It is classic Garrison Keillor, pulling no punches, 78 and at the top of his game. We're almost the same age. Let's hear it for the old guys. My very highest recommendation.

- Tim Bazzett, author of the REED CITY BOY memoir trilogy ( )