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.

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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.

The case for short stories: 'How can you not be satisfied with this one perfect, delicious thing?'
Bookseller Kathryn Harper tore through 'The Tower of the Antilles' in two days. The short story collection is 'ten different, interesting pieces that you put together,' she said.
What it's like to be an immigrant in a time of uncertainty
Author Dina Nayeri left Iran when she was ten years old. In a discussion sparked by her new book, "Refuge," listeners called in to share their own stories of immigration, belonging and fear.
An oddball family that can't connect in 'How to Behave in a Crowd'
Camille Bordas keeps things light in her smart, charming new novel, but there are serious underpinnings to this story about the youngest member of a family of quirky, emotionally closed overachievers.