Rain Taxi Review

06/05/2026

Fictionalizing the real-life banning of Marjane Satrapi’s graphic memoir “Persepolis" from Chicago Public Schools in 2013, Jarrett Dapier and AJ Dungo’s “Wake Now in the Fire” (Ten Speed Press) showcases the folly of censorship and how to defend the freedom to learn and read. New review by Hank Kennedy in our Online Edition:

Fictionalizing the real-life banning of Marjane Satrapi’s graphic memoir Persepolis from Chicago Public Schools in 2013, this graphic novel by Jarrett Dapier and AJ Dungo showcases the folly of censorship and how to defend the freedom to learn and read. Reviewed by Hank Kennedy

06/04/2026

RIP the groundbreaking Iranian graphic novelist Marjane Satrapi — we were thrilled to host her for an event in Minneapolis back in 2006, where she generously regaled our audience with tales of creating Persepolis and her other works.

Photo by Maria Ortiz

06/02/2026

Through the eyes of a fascinating antihero, Aea Varfis-van Warmelo explores the lure of a fictional life over lived reality in "Attention-Seeking Behavior” (Graywolf Press). New review by Zara Karschay in our Online Edition:

Through the eyes of a fascinating antihero, Aea Varfis-van Warmelo explores the lure of a fictional life over lived reality. Reviewed by Zara Karschay

05/27/2026

In "Touched by the Presence" (Inner Traditions/Bear & Co.), former Blondie bassist Gary Lachman offers a characteristically idiosyncratic contribution to the otherwise generic annals of rock autobiography. New review by Luke Gilfedder in our Online Edition:

In his latest book, former Blondie bassist Gary Lachman offers a characteristically idiosyncratic contribution to the otherwise generic annals of rock autobiography. Reviewed by Luke Gilfedder

05/21/2026

In "Ecstasy" (Alfred A. Knopf), Alex Dimitrov, a clear and artful descendent of Frank O’Hara, richly appropriates the heady musings of a late-20th-century New York City that has all but disappeared. New review by Walter Holland in our Online Edition: https://raintaxi.com/ecstasy/

Rain Taxi champions aesthetically adventurous literature through print and online publications, events, and service to the literary community. ONLINE

05/14/2026

In a surprisingly accessible new book, Rachel White explores the occult poetics behind Elizabeth’s reign and brings to light personal connections between poets of the era. New review by Patrick James Dunagan in our Online Edition: https://raintaxi.com/elizabethan-occult-poetics/ Liverpool University Press

In a surprisingly accessible new book, Rachel White explores the occult poetics behind Elizabeth’s reign and brings to light personal connections between poets of the era. Reviewed by Patrick James Dunagan

05/12/2026

While "Sleeping in the Courtyard" (University of Nebraska Press) isn’t the first anthology to showcase the diversity and range of writing by Kurdish women, it is arguably the boldest. New review by Alan Ali Saeed in our Online Edition:

While Sleeping in the Courtyard isn’t the first anthology to showcase the diversity and range of writing by Kurdish women, it is arguably the boldest. Reviewed by Alan Ali Saeed

05/11/2026

Join us for a deep dive into 21st-century documentary poetry! Tomorrow, May 12, at 7 pm at Moon Palace Books, Mark Nowak will be reading from his new book “. . . AGAIN” (Coffee House Press) in conversation with Rain Taxi editor Eric Lorberer. Details: https://raintaxi.com/mark-nowak/

05/07/2026

Yesterday’s Post Passport Party at 56 Brewing was a blast! Thank you to everyone who came out, met fellow readers, told us about your bookstore adventures, took a spin on our prize wheel, and listened to some book-themed poetry!

Special thanks to our party sponsors Patagonia St. Paul and Wet Paint, kindred spirits in our community.

05/07/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the Minnesota Book Awards! We’re so thrilled to see many of the authors who appeared at our 2025 on the list.

Special shout out to poets Douglas Kearney, whose visionary work has appeared in our chapbook series, and Sun Yung Shin, who has appeared frequently in our pages and on our stages over the decades. Kudos to all!

The winners of the 2026 Minnesota Book Awards have been announced! Scroll down to browse.