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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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. 

'The Vagabonds' details the publicity-encouraged road trips of Edison and Ford
Jeff Guinn weaves in a portrait of America's burgeoning love affair with the automobile. But his book rests heavy on the men's positive attributes, while shying away from their "unfortunate flaws."
In 'Very Nice,' even the dog is unfaithful
Marcy Dermansky's new novel is a tart lemonade of a summer read, full of outspoken characters, libidinous activity -- much of it unwise -- around a swimming pool, and a beautiful standard poodle.
Dapper Dan, telling stories in leather, fur and logos
The legendary hip-hop designer is now partnering with the big fashion labels who originally shut him down for bootlegging their logos. He's got a new memoir out, called 'Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem.'
Microsoft closes the book on its e-library, erasing all user content
The move is possible as a result of Digital Rights Management, an approach that allows companies to prevent piracy. Every purchased book will disappear this month.
'Three Women' puts female desire at the forefront
For her new book, Lisa Taddeo spent nearly a decade immersed in the sex lives of three women. She says desire is one of the things we think about the most, and it's time to talk about women's desires.
Kids' author Mo Willems has a new creative challenge (and so should you)
The creator of the Pigeon series, Knuffle Bunny, and Elephant & Piggie is currently an Artist-in-Residence at the Kennedy Center. He says if you want kids to draw, you should let them see you drawing.