The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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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. 

‘Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine’ talks about bars, the blues and belonging
Callie Collins’ new novel is a blues song in literary form, set in a saloon in 1970s Austin, Texas. What happens when the need to belong collides with a world that just keeps moving on?
‘Washita Love Child’ remembers Indigenous guitarist Jesse Ed Davis’ prolific music career
Indigenous guitarist Jesse Ed Davis played alongside iconic musicians in the 1970s and 1980s. His life, career and ancestors are remembered in a recent book by author Douglas Miller.
Social media is influencing how authors promote their books. Here‘s how
Social media is changing the way writers are promoting their books. Author Rebecca Makkai talks about her decision to take a break from writing the blurbs commonly seen on the backs of book jackets.
5 new books this week spotlight Joe Biden, the WNBA, rivers, migrants and autofiction
New books out this week look at everything from pressing political concerns — “Original Sin” — to perspective-altering riddles about life itself, like in “Is A River Alive?” and “The Book of Records.”