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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.

The novel behind 'Miracle at Santa Anna'

The novel behind 'Miracle at Santa Anna'

This weekend Spike Lee's new film "Miracle at Santa Anna" opens nationwide. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by James McBride.
by Euan Kerr

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Shopping for Porcupine

Shopping for Porcupine

Alaskan nature writer and photographer Seth Kantner says on balance he is glad vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is attracting attention to his home state. His new essay collection "Shopping for Porcupine" examines the conflict between Alaskan tradition and new economic realities.
by Euan Kerr

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Kathleen Norris investigates noonday demon

Kathleen Norris investigates noonday demon

There's a spiritual relative of depression that few understand or have explored. Writer Kathleen Norris talks about how the condition, known as acedia, has intersected with her life, and why the monastic life may hold the key to understanding the condition.

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A Liberian life of extremes

A Liberian life of extremes

Growing up in Liberia, Helene Cooper had an idyllic childhood, but it all came crashing down during the bloody coup of 1980 when the family had to flee Liberia to the U.S.
by Euan Kerr

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Songs for the lovelorn

Songs for the lovelorn

For centuries, lovelorn souls have written letters addressed to "Juliet, Verona, Italy." They're writing to the heroine of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. A production at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis takes a musical and theatrical look at "The Juliet Letters."
by Marianne Combs

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Zen and now

Zen and now

Millions of people know the 1970s book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." It's the story of author Robert Pirsig's cross-country bike trip with his son Chris. Now, a 21st century biker has recreated Pirsig's journey, and written a book called "Zen and Now."
by Euan Kerr

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Author describes how a stalker changed her life

Author describes how a stalker changed her life

A new memoir chronicles what happens when an independent woman's loving partner turns into a threat. Kate Brennan uses an alias to shield her identity. Her book reveals what it takes to elude a man whom she believes is determined to destroy her life.

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Does Catcher in the Rye still resonate with teens?

Does Catcher in the Rye still resonate with teens?

A college English professor argues that the J.D. Salinger classic is getting a bit dusty, and would like to see high school students exposed to more contemporary fiction. Midmorning examines which books should be considered the new "classics" for teen readers.

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Steve Coogan does Hamlet in his own special way

Steve Coogan does Hamlet in his own special way

Steve Coogan is considered a comedic genius in his British homeland. His specialty is deadpan performances which shred the conventions of television, movies and drama. His latest film, "Hamlet 2," opens this weekend.
by Euan Kerr and Stephanie Curtis

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