The Thread® - Books and Literary News

The Thread from MPR 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.

A new look at how turmoil is defining the lives and politics of Generation Z
In a new book, “Fight: How Gen Z is channeling their fear and passion to save America,” pollster John Della Volpe explores how America's youngest voters and activists are coming of age.
Minnesota novelist delves into pandemic grief
Imagine working on a novel for 10 years about a world enduring a global plague only to have it published during a real pandemic. That's what's happening to Minneapolis writer Sequoia Nagamatsu. He has mixed feelings about the timing, but he hopes it helps people struggling with the impact of COVID.
In an emotional memoir, a sports writer reflects on the loss of his son
Ivan Maisel lost his 21-year-old son to suicide in 2015. It was a shattering moment. But Maisel and his wife had no choice but to go on living without Max. In “I Keep Trying to Catch Your Eye,” Maisel chronicles his journey through grief.
Gwen E. Kirby's stunning collection of short stories takes readers on a wild ride
While Kirby has a clear predilection for the bizarre, she plays some of her stories in her new book, “Shit Cassandra Saw,” straight — and those are just as entertaining as the fantastical ones.
Penn got his start in stoner comedies, then took a hiatus from acting to work for the Obama administration. He shares stories from his life and career in the memoir You Can't Be Serious.