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.

Walter Mosley's advice
Mosley's newest book features no characters, no unsolved murders, jury trials or plot of any kind. This time, the novelist says, it's your turn.
Author Louise Erdrich rejects UND honor over 'Sioux' nickname
Erdrich grew up in North Dakota and has an American Indian heritage. The offer of an honorary degree means "a great deal" to her, Erdrich said, and she would happily accept it but for the school's Fighting Sioux logo.
The world on a camel's back
The bookmobile that travels between nomadic villages in Kenya moves on four legs. The author of a new novel based on the real life Camel Bookmobile talks about her effort to bring even more books to the African bush.
Irish poet Sean Lysaght receives O'Shaughnessy Award
Poet Sean Lysaght is in St. Paul to receive the 11th O'Shaughnessy Award for poetry. The award is given each year by the Center for Irish Studies at the University of Saint Thomas. It recognizes contributions to the art by an Irish poet.
The elusive gift of grace
Essayist Anne Lamott's latest book returns to the theme that spirituality can be both difficult and rewarding, but never offers easy answers.
We all know ill-chosen words can hurt. But can well-chosen words heal? Or at least give us insight into the healing process?
Discovering a young poet
When Galway Kinnell, one of the great American poets of our age, first heard Josephine Dickinson, he was immediately drawn in by her work. MPR's Kerri Miller explains why.
Mike Farrell: Actor to activist
Actor Mike Farrell is best known for his portrayal of B.J. Hunnicutt on the long-running TV show, M*A*S*H. But for years, he's been making a name for himself as an advocate for human rights.
Author Kate DiCamillo: "It's the lie I like"
In an interview with MPR's Cathy Wurzer, DiCamillo talks about the book that made her realize she wanted to be a writer.