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

Tickets are now available for our 26th season. Join award-winning journalist and MPR News host Kerri Miller (and special guest host Catharine Richart) as they talk with authors including Stacey Abrams, Patricia Lockwood, Misty Copeland, John Grisham, and Kate Baer. 

Kim Scott’s advice on creating a more just workplace
Kim Scott has worked at some of Silicon Valley’s best known businesses including Apple and Google. The author of “Just Work” shared her advice for addressing bias and bullying at work.
Bari Weiss speaks at St. Olaf about her book, 'How to Fight Anti-Semitism'
Former Wall Street Journal and New York Times journalist Bari Weiss speaks at the St. Olaf College Institute for Freedom and Community about the ideas in her book, “How to Fight Anti-Semitism.”
In 'Caul Baby,' a rare gift becomes a double-edged sword
In Morgan Jerkins' novel, a family of Black women has a gift; they're born with a caul, a layer over their skin that protects them from harm. They can share and sell the caul — which brings trouble.
Singer Brandi Carlile talks ambition, avoidance and finally finding her place
The six-time Grammy winner got her start as a kid, singing backup for an Elvis impersonator. Her new memoir, “Broken Horses,” is about her early life and the family she's built.