Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

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.

Barbara Kingsolver on being a writer

Barbara Kingsolver on being a writer

Author Barbara Kingsolver talks about being a writer and her hometown library. Filmed live at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minn. November 11, 2009 with host Kerri Miller.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
A fictional exploration of the terrorist mind

A fictional exploration of the terrorist mind

A new thriller from author and journalist Masha Hamilton takes readers inside the mind of a terrorist contemplating an attack in New York, as his mother and girlfriend try to figure out how to stop him.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Mary Karr on alcoholism, sobriety, and finding religion

Mary Karr on alcoholism, sobriety, and finding religion

Mary Karr has described the writing her first memoir, "The Liar's Club" as a scalding experience. Her third and latest memoir talks about her burning need for sobriety and belief in God.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
John Irving on 'Last Night in Twisted River'

John Irving on 'Last Night in Twisted River'

The novels of John Irving have introduced readers to memorable figures like T.S. Garp and Owen Meany, characters whose lives are filled with lunacy and sorrow. His new book focuses on a novelist with a career very similar to his own.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Novel explores the legacy of Indian boarding schools

Novel explores the legacy of Indian boarding schools

Bemidji-based writer Kent Nerburn writes fictional narratives based on the real stories of people he has met on reservations in Minnesota and the Dakotas. Nerburn's latest book, "The Wolf at Twilight," explores the sad legacy of the Indian Boarding schools.
by Euan Kerr

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Concordia's annual salute to top writers

Kerri Miller talked with authors Maxine Hong Kingston and Annette Gordon-Reed, the featured speakers at the National Book Awards at Concordia College in Moorhead. Kingston is the author of "The Woman Warrior." And Gordon-Reed is the author of "The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family." The event was recorded Friday, Oct. 30.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
'The Man Who Loved Books Too Much'

'The Man Who Loved Books Too Much'

A journalist tracks the mind and motivation of a notorious book thief who regularly eludes capture, one of many thieves making rare books the art form most sought after by criminals.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
The word guru

The word guru

University of Minnesota etymology expert Anatoly Liberman joins Midmorning to talk about odd spellings, and the words we love just a little too much.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
A novel entirely of questions

A novel entirely of questions

Padgett Powell's new book "The Interrogative Mood" begins with some questions. It ends with them too. In fact every single sentence is a question.
by Euan Kerr

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!