The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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

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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.

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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.

March 15, 2018 12:00 AM

In 'Go Home,' finding -- or building -- a home with words

This new anthology of Asian diasporic writers, edited by Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, is packed with stories, essays and poetry on the idea of home -- where it is, what it is, and how you find or lose it.

by Ilana Masad

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March 14, 2018 6:34 AM

Two books investigate the mysteries of Agatha Christie and the Golden State Killer

Maureen Corrigan recommends two books that grapple with real-life mysteries: Laura Thompson's biography of the sphinxlike Agatha Christie, and "I'll Be Gone In The Dark," by the late Michelle McNamara.

by Maureen Corrigan

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March 14, 2018 12:00 AM

'Bunk:' A new book about hoaxes and what they tell us about ourselves

American history is full of hoaxes and hucksters, but they were often at the expense of people of color or indigenous peoples.

by Marianne Combs and Manda Lillie

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March 13, 2018 6:43 AM

Evil, antic and modern, 'The Merry Spinster' puts a dark spin on fairy tales

Mallory Ortberg's hyperliterate new story collection turns familiar fairy tales inside out to comment on gender, relationships and the way people manipulate each other.

by Annalisa Quinn

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March 12, 2018 7:15 AM

In Junot Diaz's 'Islandborn,' a curious child re-creates her Dominican roots

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author's new children's book follows Lola, a young Dominican-American who is "haunted by the fact that she was born on an island that she can't remember," Diaz says.

by Steve Inskeep

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March 12, 2018 5:38 AM

Sherman Alexie postpones memoir's paperback release amid sexual harassment claims

After several women have accused Alexie of sexual harassment, his publisher says it's shelving its plans to release "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" in paperback, at the author's request.

by Lynn Neary

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March 11, 2018 12:00 AM

Partition, through child's eyes, in 'The Night Diary'

Veera Hiranandani's new book is a coming of age story, for both her half-Muslim, half-Hindu heroine, 12-year-old Nisha, and Nisha's country -- which is about to split into India and Pakistan.

by Renee Montagne

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March 11, 2018 12:00 AM

In 'No Turning Back,' the journeys of four Syrians in wartime

Journalist Rania Abouzeid has had a front-row view of the Syrian conflict since its beginning. Her new book tracks people through the six chaotic years following the first peaceful protests.

by Renee Montagne

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March 10, 2018 4:00 AM

'Loaded': A look at the complex history of the Second Amendment

The national conversation around gun control is dominating the news. Bookseller Alyson Jones Turner recommends a title that dives into America's unique historical relationship with firearms.

by Tracy Mumford

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March 10, 2018 12:00 AM

'Children of Blood and Bone' is a feast for hungry readers

Tomi Adeyemi's debut novel is a fast-paced hero's quest through a rich, West-African-inspired fantasy world -- and a seamless mix of empowerment and rip-roaring storytelling.

by Caitlyn Paxson

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