Minstrel: My Adventure in Newspapering

This is the inside story of a newspaper and how Jim Klobuchar helped tell some of the more important events which shaped Minnesota during the Cold War period. This book is a must for the shelves of persons like myself who treasure the history of our beloved Land of Sky Blue Waters. If you are a native of Minnesota's Iron Range like the author, you will find a homey treatise on the roots of your modern heritage, and some secret recipes from its Slavic kitchens. Klobuchar also explores the mystery of why us Minnesotans, unlike any others, take such pride in our State. A lot of the book is about politics, but skim that part and go to Jim's youth, his military service, his relationship with the Vikings and his passion for mountain climbing. The chapter on Jim's recovery from alcoholism is worth the price of the book alone. If you have a problem with alcohol, you will see yourself in this revealing vignette. One of the most powerful and painful narratives I have ever read, is Klobuchar's telling of his daughter Amy's testimony at his DUI hearing.