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The Thread® - Books and Literary 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 an annual event series featuring notable authors in conversation about their new books. Presented by MPR News and The Minnesota Star Tribune. 

The world's insect population is in decline — and that's bad news for humans

The world's insect population is in decline — and that's bad news for humans

Environmental writer Oliver Milman says habitat loss, pesticides and climate change are killing off insects worldwide, which, in turn, threatens humans. His new book is “The Insect Crisis.”
by Dave Davies

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'Born on the Water' gives Black children in America their origin story

'Born on the Water' gives Black children in America their origin story

Authors Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson discuss the importance of teaching young people about the history of slavery and racism in America with honesty and respect.
by Jason Fuller

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'The Paradox Hotel' is a mashup of sci-fi and crime fiction

'The Paradox Hotel' is a mashup of sci-fi and crime fiction

Rob Hart delivers a story in which time is broken — and some crucial events that have a huge impact on the present haven't happened yet.
by Gabino Iglesias

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Latino art's variety in Minnesota focus of an upcoming book

Latino art's variety in Minnesota focus of an upcoming book

The book from Afton Press features 12 artists whose work spans the artistic spectrum. The project’s leader included established and emerging artists.
by Vicki Adame

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From the archives: Marlon James on 'Black Leopard, Red Wolf'

From the archives: Marlon James on 'Black Leopard, Red Wolf'

Marlon James will be back talking about his latest novel, “Moon Witch, Spider King,” on Big Books and Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller at noon on Friday. In the meantime, listen to their 2019 conversation at the Fitzgerald Theater.
by Kerri Miller

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'Scoundrel' examines how and why a convicted killer went free

'Scoundrel' examines how and why a convicted killer went free

Sarah Weinman's book excels as an in-depth exploration of how outside influence and support can affect the criminal justice system — and as the narrative of a con artist who hurt a lot of people.
by Ilana Masad

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Hollywood relies on China to stay afloat. What does that mean for movies?

Hollywood relies on China to stay afloat. What does that mean for movies?

Wall Street Journal reporter Erich Schwartzel says that film studios increasingly need Chinese audiences to break even — which can result in self-censorship. His new book is “Red Carpet.”
by Terry Gross

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Ask a Bookseller: 'Unfamiliar Fishes' is delightful and informative

Ask a Bookseller: 'Unfamiliar Fishes' is delightful and informative

If you’re a history lover with a desire to escape the Minnesota winter weather, Pat Banning of Bookends in Kailua, Hawaii, has a recommendation for you.
by Emily Bright

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'Segregated Skies' tells the story of the first Black pilot for a commercial airline

'Segregated Skies' tells the story of the first Black pilot for a commercial airline

When American Airlines hired David Harris in 1964, he became the first African American pilot to fly for a commercial airline. Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cottman's “Segregated Skies” tells his story.
by Elizabeth Blair

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A high school spoken-word club changed students' lives. Now, you can read their poems

A high school spoken-word club changed students' lives. Now, you can read their poems

Poets Hanif Abdurraqib, Franny Choi, Dan "Sully" Sullivan, and club founder Peter Kahn have curated a new anthology celebrating the legacy of a Chicago-area high school's spoken word club.
by Jeevika Verma

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