Michelle Wildgen, an author from Madison, is set to make an appearance at the Wisconsin Book Festival. While many people may associate wine and wine writing with “old men talking about Bordeaux,” Wildgen’s latest novel, “Wine People,” takes a different approach. The book explores the dynamics of two women navigating the wine business, offering a fresh and relatable perspective.

In a recent interview, Wildgen discussed her background as a writer. This is her fourth book, with her first novel, “You’re Not You,” even being adapted into a movie. She co-founded the Madison Writers’ Studio and has taught at the University of Wisconsin. Currently, she is part of the writer-in-residence program at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, where she works on her own writing and serves as an editor and advisor.

Wildgen’s connection to Madison runs deep. While she came to the city for college, it has become her adopted hometown. Her love for Madison is evident in her involvement in local literary and cultural events such as the Wisconsin Book Festival.

When asked about her latest book, “Wine People,” Wildgen described it as a story about two women working in a male-dominated industry. Set in New York City, the book explores their journey as they navigate a succession drama at work. The two women must decide whether to remain rivals or become allies and business partners. While wine is a central theme, the book’s true focus is on ambition and the challenges faced by these two women. It offers a unique perspective on the workplace through the lens of their experiences.

Wildgen’s interest in food and wine shines through in her writing. She believes that food can be used to describe almost anything and finds it to be revealing. However, the trick lies in not revealing too much.

In addition to her appearance at the Wisconsin Book Festival, Wildgen also participates in the Wisconsin Science Festival. She will moderate a panel discussing the similarities between the creative processes of writers and scientists. At the festival, she will also do a reading from “Wine People” and discuss her reasons for undertaking this project.

Finally, while discussing her favorite wine this time of year, Wildgen mentioned her preference for a light red. However, she always likes to start with a glass of bubbles, if possible, and transition into a red.

As for her writing projects, Wildgen is currently working on a new novel. She hopes to gain momentum with it, as it explores the theme of science versus snake oil.

If you’re interested in attending Michelle Wildgen’s discussion at the Wisconsin Book Festival, mark your calendars for October 21st at 3 p.m. The event will take place at Madison’s Central Library, in the lower-level Program Room, and admission is free.

Once upon a time, in the final days of the Trump White House, an aide named Cassidy Hutchinson provided a unique perspective on the happenings within those walls. Unlike other tell-all books that tend to focus on scandalous affairs or political maneuvering, Hutchinson’s story revolves around something quite unexpected – banned books.

Prior to this revelation, the list of banned books in the White House was fairly predictable. Classics like “The Catcher in the Rye” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” were always at the top, joined by more modern favorites. But now, it seems that another book has joined the ranks, and it’s none other than George Takei’s “They Called Us Enemy.”

Most people know George Takei as the beloved “Star Trek” actor, but few are aware of the adversity he faced during his childhood years spent in internment camps. In Takei’s book, he sheds light on this painful chapter of American history, providing a firsthand account of the Japanese-American internment experience.

What makes this story even more intriguing is the fact that Takei has turned his own experiences into a children’s book. This decision has sparked both admiration and controversy, as some argue that such a dark chapter shouldn’t be sugarcoated for young readers, while others believe it’s essential to educate children about this part of our past.

But how does all this tie back to the Trump White House? Well, according to Cassidy Hutchinson, former aide to Donald Trump, chief of staff Mark Meadows had a curious habit of burning papers after the 2020 election. While this might seem like a simple act of disposing of sensitive documents, Hutchinson claims that among those papers were copies of “They Called Us Enemy.”

The burning of these documents raises questions about the motives behind it. Was it an attempt to silence Takei’s narrative? Or perhaps an effort to erase any evidence of advocacy for a more inclusive understanding of American history? Whatever the reason, it certainly adds a layer of intrigue to the already tumultuous end of the Trump era.

As we reflect on this peculiar turn of events, it’s essential to consider the power of literature and the ideas it represents. Banned books have always been a symbol of resistance and free expression, challenging societal norms and inviting conversations that often lead to progress. The fact that “They Called Us Enemy” found its way onto the list of banned books in the Trump White House further emphasizes the importance and impact of Takei’s message.

In the end, whether you agree with the inclusion of this book on the banned list or not, one thing is clear – the closing days of the Trump White House were filled with unexpected twists and turns. From banned books to burning documents, this chapter of American history continues to captivate and surprise us. And as we navigate the future, it’s crucial to remember the power that books hold, even in the most unlikely of places.