The Thread® - Books and Literary 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.

Sign Up for The Thread® Newsletter

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. 

From Broadway to your bookshelf
Bookseller Susan Smelser recommends a novel based on the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, "Dear Evan Hansen."
A Beautiful World: Tips for artists in hard times
Austin Kleon thought he might give up writing. Then he developed a list of steps that could keep him on track.
2019 Minnesota Book Award winners announced
Minnesota's literary community gathered Saturday night in St. Paul for the 31st annual Minnesota Book Awards.
'The Old Drift' takes the long view of human (and mosquito) history
Namwali Serpell's lush, sprawling new novel is a speculative history -- and future -- of Zambia, from colonialism to an ill-fated space program and the age of mass surveillance and drone warfare.
Monsters imaginary and real haunt 'The Luminous Dead'
Caitlin Starling's tense new horror novel follows a desperate young cave diver who's lied her way into a job on a dangerous planet, and the supervisor who may not have her best interests at heart.
Court life is murder in 'The Poison Bed'
Elizabeth Fremantle's twisty, deceptive new novel is based on the real-life story of the Earl and Countess of Somerset, who were convicted in the murder of a friend-turned-enemy in 1616.
'Grace and power' on full display in this new story collection
Bookseller Abbey Paxton recommends a short story collection by a debut author whose work "will linger with you for a long time."