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.

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.

March 21, 2019 12:00 AM

'High Heel' muses on beauty, power -- and stilettos

When she worked at the U.N., Summer Brennan wore high heels almost every day -- even when they made her fall. Her new book is an exploration of modern womanhood through the history of heels.

by Mary Louise Kelly

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March 20, 2019 12:00 AM

'The Lost Gutenberg' traces one bible's 500-year journey

The depth of Margaret Leslie Davis' research on the tome's history cannot be understated -- her writing is straightforward and, at times, heartbreaking, but outstanding reporting lies at the core.

by Gabino Iglesias

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March 20, 2019 12:00 AM

'The Future of Literature': Whiting Awards celebrate 10 emerging writers

The novelists, poets and playwrights won Wednesday partly for their work so far, but also for the promise they've shown. If previous winners are an indication, it's a promise they're likely to keep.

by Colin Dwyer

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March 19, 2019 12:00 AM

'Lot' paints an unforgettable portrait of Houston and its people

Bryan Washington's debut story collection brings the Texas city to life in all its struggle and imperfect glory.

by Michael Schaub

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March 19, 2019 12:00 AM

Road trip with 'Zora and Langston' in this real-life literary adventure

Squeeze into the rumble seat --- Yuval Taylor brings readers along on a 1927 summer road trip taken by Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. Their friendship turned out to be a very bumpy ride.

by Maureen Corrigan

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March 19, 2019 12:00 AM

In 'Horizon,' considering all that is connected

Barry Lopez's new book is a biography and a portrait of some of the world's most delicate places, but at heart it's a contemplation of the belief that the way forward is compassionately, and together.

by Genevieve Valentine

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March 19, 2019 12:00 AM

'The New Me' is meh about adulthood and ambition

Halle Butler's new novel explores what it's like to work in a dead-end office job. Her satirical story focuses on a 30-year-old woman named Millie who wanders from temp job to temp job.

by Ailsa Chang

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March 18, 2019 12:00 AM

A parable of international development from Dave Eggers

In a slim novel, two mismatched men are sent to a war-torn country to pave a highway in 12 days. 'But ultimately,' the author says, 'it's not really about either one of these guys.'

by Rachel Martin

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March 17, 2019 12:00 AM

Building a home of stories in 'The Bird King'

G. Willow Wilson's luminous new novel is set during the last days of Muslim Granada, and follows a royal concubine and her mapmaker friend as they flee the Inquisition for a place that may not exist.

by Amal El-Mohtar