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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.

"Dating your mom" and other stories from Ian Frazier

"Dating your mom" and other stories from Ian Frazier

What if the lives of Daffy Duck and Porky Pig were subject to investigative reporting or if children's manners were written as Biblical law? Humorist Ian Frazier has an idea about how those might read. He's also been known to argue that men should consider dating their own mothers.

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Joseph Kalar's poems re-emerge from the Depression

Joseph Kalar's poems re-emerge from the Depression

It's safe to say not many of us have ever heard of writer Joseph Kalar. A native of Minnesota's Iron Range, he wrote passionately about the lives of working people. A book of his poetry has just appeared -- more than 30 years after his death.
by Stephanie Hemphill

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"Papermill"

"Papermill," a poem by Joseph Kalar

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The art of the memoir

The art of the memoir

Ever thought about writing a memoir? Accomplished memoirists Patricia Hampl and Katherine Lanpher offered some advice in a forum at the Loft Literary Center.

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The Bookshelf: State Sen. Mee Moua

The Bookshelf: State Sen. Mee Moua

Sen. Mee Moua, a Democrat from St. Paul, talks about what books have meant the most to her and why.

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Vikram Chandra writes an epic tale

Vikram Chandra writes an epic tale

Some critics describe Vikram Chandra's new novel "Sacred Games" as a thriller. But the Indian-born writer says he's a little nervous about applying that title to a book 900 pages long.
by Euan Kerr

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Male like me

Male like me

Norah Vincent wanted to know what it really feels like to be a man. So she decided to become one -- at least temporarily.
by Nikki Tundel

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Django Reinhardt: the father of Gypsy Jazz

Django Reinhardt: the father of Gypsy Jazz

Guitarist Django Reinhardt would be 97 years old this week. When he was young, a fire mangled his hands, forcing him to come up with new ways to play his favorite instrument. His innovations led to a new type of jazz music that resonated through western Europe even as war tore the continent apart.

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Graywolf is turning readers into donors

Graywolf is turning readers into donors

Graywolf Press in St. Paul has announced it's successfully completed a $1 million fundraising campaign. It's a singular feat in the world of literature and it has implications for other non-profit literary presses.
by Marianne Combs

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