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The Thread® - Books and Literary News

The Thread® is your source for book recommendations and other literary news.

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. Sam Stroozas rounds up local events and Minnesota book news you may have missed.

Ask a Bookseller

Ask a Bookseller is a weekly series where host Emily Bright 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 and produced by Kelly Gordon every Friday at 11 a.m., featuring conversations about books and other literary ideas. Listen to Big Books and Bold Ideas here.

Talking Volumes

Talking Volumes is an annual event series featuring notable authors in conversation about their new books. Presented by MPR News and The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Kelly Weill on why conspiracy theories are spreading faster than ever

Kelly Weill on why conspiracy theories are spreading faster than ever

Despite centuries of evidence pointing otherwise, there are still people who believe the Earth is flat — and their numbers are growing, thanks to social media and a reinvigorated culture of conspiratorial thinking. Journalist Kelly Weill has studied the flat Earth movement for years. Her new book is “Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything.”
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Chester Higgins' camera brings a 360-degree view to Black life

Chester Higgins' camera brings a 360-degree view to Black life

Acclaimed African American photographer Chester Higgins has made dozens of trips to Africa since the 1970s to document the continent's history and culture. Now 75, he has no plans on slowing down.
by Jon Kalish

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Brace yourself for 'Young Mungo,' a nuanced heartbreaker of a novel

Brace yourself for 'Young Mungo,' a nuanced heartbreaker of a novel

Scottish author Douglas Stuart won the Booker Prize for his debut novel, “Shuggie Bain,” in 2020. His latest work is a suspense story wrapped around a novel of acute psychological observation.
by Maureen Corrigan

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Stone Age brain surgery? It might have been more survivable than you think

Stone Age brain surgery? It might have been more survivable than you think

Medical historian Ira Rutkow points to physical evidence that suggests Stone Age people conducted — and survived — brain surgery. His new book is “Empire of the Scalpel.”
by Dave Davies

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In 'Ancestor Trouble,' Maud Newton wrestles with her family history

In 'Ancestor Trouble,' Maud Newton wrestles with her family history

Maud Newton spent decades researching genealogical records, genetic science, and the cultural history of "ancestor hunger." Her book is also a coming-to-terms with how to face and honor family history.
by Kristen Martin

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From the archives: Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says all is not lost

From the archives: Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says all is not lost

Conspiracy theories have gone mainstream since 2020. Why are people so willing to believe almost anything and disregard science and reason? That’s Kerri Miller’s conversation coming up this Friday. In the meantime, enjoy this one from our archives. It’s a discussion with acclaimed climate scientist and evangelical Katharine Hayhoe, who knows a thing or two about dealing with folks who would rather deny than accept.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Love 'Dickinson?' Here are 3 books you should not miss

Love 'Dickinson?' Here are 3 books you should not miss

For this week's Thread’s must-reads, Kerri Miller is inspired by a sassy, stylish television series about a 19th century poet.
by Kerri Miller

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Mesha Maren on the oft-misunderstood complexity of the southern border

Mesha Maren on the oft-misunderstood complexity of the southern border

Mesha Maren’s new novel examines the misperceptions that endure about the U.S.-Mexico border, as it follows an earnest but naïve couple who moves to the El Paso region and must grapple with a mysterious disappearance.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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