Today we’re featuring the author and photographer of The Opposite of Cold, a new book about, well, here’s what the publisher had to say: “Beginning with the origins of Finnish sauna, The Opposite of Cold is an exquisite commemoration of the history, culture, and practice of Finnish sauna in the north woods. With stunning photographs of unique and historic saunas of the region Michael Nordskog and Aaron W. Hautala unveil the importance and beauty of sauna culture in modern Midwestern life.”

The duo has a few events planned up north and will be at Magers & Quinn at the end of November. You can see all their upcoming events right here.

What book(s) are you currently reading?
Aaron Hautala (AH): Writing for Visual Media, Anthony Friedmann; The ESV Study Bible, Crossway Bibles; andOutliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell.

Michael Nordskog (MN): The Summer Book by Tove Jansson and Renovating Barns, Sheds, and Outbuildings by Nick Engler.

Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character? Who?
AH: Storm from the X-Men of course. (The animated series)
MN: Definitely not Lisbeth Salander

If your favorite author came to Minnesota, who would it be and what bar would you take him/her to?
AH: Peter Smith, The Local then Brit’s
MN: I’d take William Faulkner to Hugo’s Bar in Brimson and ask for advice about character development in my unpublished novel.

What was your first favorite book?
AH: Choose Your Own Adventure Series, R. A. Montgomery
MN: A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America by Roger Tory Peterson and Katy and the Big Snow Book by Virginia Lee Burton

Let’s say Fahrenheit 451 comes to life, which book would you become in order to save it from annihilation?
AH: Is that what happened in Fahrenheit 451?
MN: Once Before I Go by Wayne Newton

What is one book you haven’t read but want to read before you die?
AH: The one my wife is currently writing.
MN: The Red Book by C.G. Jung (probably a good death-bed read, actually).