"For fun, I sift through archives of the Minnesota Historical Society."

Peg Meier's idea of a good time--rummaging around in archives--may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly yields some good results. The author of Too Hot, Went to Lake and Coffee Made Her Insane unearthed the diary of Coco Irvine, a Summit Avenue scamp of the 1920s. Coco was the daughter of a St Paul lumber baron, but she was no slouch when it came to getting into trouble.

Meier knew the diary would appeal to today's readers, and she convinced the University of Minnesota Press to publish it for today's readers. The book Through No Fault of My Own: A Girl's Diary of Life on Summit Avenue in the Jazz Age comes out March 30. You can read more details about both Coco and Peg's publishing story at the University of Minnesota Press Blog.

Peg Meier herself will visit Magers & Quinn to discuss her latest book. Join us Monday, April 18, at 7:30pm, for a lively evening of humor and history. Details are here.--David E