The Thread® - Books and Literary News

The Thread from MPR News

The Thread® is your source for book recommendations and other literary news.

Ask a Bookseller

Ask a Bookseller is a weekly series where The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. Listen to Ask a Bookseller to find your next favorite book.

Big Books and Bold Ideas

Big Books and Bold Ideas is a weekly series hosted by Kerri Miller every Friday at 11 a.m., featuring conversations about books and other literary ideas. Listen to Big Books and Bold Ideas here.

Sign Up for The Thread® Newsletter

Sign up for The Thread newsletter to get reading recommendations from Kerri Miller and other bookworms around the MPR newsroom. Find reviews for new releases, as well as hidden gems you may have missed.

Talking Volumes

Talking Volumes is back for its 25th season. Join us at the Fitzgerald Theater for four special events with renowned authors, celebrating our anniversary with a special $25 ticket price for MPR members and Star Tribune subscribers. Buy tickets here.

Shigehiro Oishi says a ‘psychologically rich life’ is important to consider in his new book
There are many ways to live well. In his new book, “Life in Three Dimensions,” psychology professor Shigehiro Oishi says we should consider a psychologically rich life just as important as happiness and meaning.
Where does the ginseng in your tea come from? A new graphic memoir explains the trade
Craig Thompson, author of the award-winning graphic memoir “Blankets” returns with its spiritual successor. It’s a look at his childhood growing up on ginseng farms, and the intricate balance of the global ginseng trade.
‘Keep trying with curiosity’: New book outlines advice for parents on teens and tech
Minnesotan Erin Walsh’s new book, “It’s Their World: Teens, Screens and the Science of Adolescence” explores how tech affects the teenage mind — and how adults can help.
Talking Volumes hit the road and headed to Duluth to talk with Minnesota author Peter Geye about his new novel, “A Lesser Light,” which is set along the North Shore of Lake Superior.