The Thread® - Books and Literary News

The Thread from MPR News

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

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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.

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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.

An illustrated guide to master the elements of cooking -- without recipes
In her new cookbook, "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," Samin Nosrat says the key to good food is learning to balance those elements when cooking -- and to trust your instincts.
Sen. Al Franken embraces 'The Funny' again in new book
The Minnesota Democrat recounts his journey from "Saturday Night Live" to the Senate -- and explains why comedy works in confirmation hearings: "Comedians kind of get to the point in an effective way."
A brilliant novel told through ten conversations
"I think it's so disarming because it's so simple, and yet I kept re-reading 'Outline.' I kept going back to it and being spellbound by how brilliant it is," said bookseller Richard DeWyngaert.
A dancer is unstrung by grief in 'Isadora'
The great American dancer Isadora Duncan led a tragic life. Her worst year -- just after the deaths of her first two children in an accident, forms the core of Amelia Gray's powerful new novel.