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The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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

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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.

Sex is the most powerful force in this 'Lying Life'

Sex is the most powerful force in this 'Lying Life'

Elena Ferrante's latest is as slinky and scowling as a Neapolitan cat, and as promised, it's all about the part of life adults lie about: sex — and the chaos, infidelity and fear that accompany it.
by Annalisa Quinn

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Talking Volumes 2020 season guide

Talking Volumes 2020 season guide

Minnesota Public Radio and the Star Tribune are proud to announce the 21st season of Talking Volumes. Talking Volumes is hosted by award-winning MPR News journalist Kerri Miller.
by MPR News Staff

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Chris Murphy says he still sees hope for progress around gun laws and racial justice

Chris Murphy says he still sees hope for progress around gun laws and racial justice

In his new book, the Connecticut Democrat outlines the history of the Second Amendment and gun violence. While solutions are big and comprehensive, Murphy says the U.S. is poised to turn a corner.
by Suzanne Nuyen

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A new translation reimagines Beowulf, spotlighting female 'warrior'

A new translation reimagines Beowulf, spotlighting female 'warrior'

This week, bookseller Anthony Ascione of Brilliant Books in Traverse City, Mich., recommends Maria Dahvana Headley’s brand-new translation of the classic epic poem “Beowulf.”
by Emily Bright

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One author's argument 'In Defense of Looting'

One author's argument 'In Defense of Looting'

In her new book, writer Vicky Osterweil argues that looting is a powerful tool to bring about real, lasting change in society.
by Natalie Escobar

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'The Socrates Express' takes readers on a ride through applied philosophy

'The Socrates Express' takes readers on a ride through applied philosophy

Eric Weiner's book is an invitation to experience philosophy, as he explores his relationship to the works of well-known philosophers and shows us how their ideas can help us improve our lives.
by Gabino Iglesias

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Bro, this is not the 'Beowulf' you think you know

Bro, this is not the 'Beowulf' you think you know

This new translation of the ancient epic poem drags it kicking and screaming into the 21st century, giving us tales of blood, guts and glory told as if over beers in a loud sports bar.
by Jason Sheehan

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