The Lake Wobegon Virus

The New York Times-bestselling author returns to his mythical prairie town, where a mysterious outbreak has the locals losing all their inhibitions . . . A troublesome virus has infiltrated the good people of Lake Wobegon, transmitted via unpasteurized cheese made by a Norwegian bachelor farmer. The most alarming symptom is episodic loss of social inhibition. Mayor Alice, Father Wilmer, Pastor Liz, the Bunsens and Krebsbachs, formerly taciturn elders, burst into political rants, inappropriate confessions, and rhapsodic proclamations, while their teenagers watch in amazement. Meanwhile, a wealthy outsider is buying up farmland for a Keep America Truckin’ motorway and amusement park, estimated to draw 2.2 million visitors a year. Clint Bunsen and Elena the hometown epidemiologist must come to the rescue, with help from a Fourth of July Living Flag and sweet corn feast. In his newest Lake Wobegon novel, Garrison Keillor takes us back to the small town his longtime fans love to visit—for the wry wit and the entertaining insight into our foibles, desires, and fears. Praise for the Lake Wobegon books: “Like Mark Twain, Keillor takes time to spell out details and, in so doing, convert the base metal of small-town tedium to the gold of comedy.” —The New York Times “His true subject is how daily life is shot with grace.” —San Francisco Chronicle “Some tales are wildly hilarious, others gently poignant but all are simply wonderful.” —Publishers Weekly