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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.

Falling in love with love in 'Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak'

Falling in love with love in 'Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak'

Adi Alsaid's new novel follows a teen romance columnist whose senior-year breakup has resulted in a raging case of writer's block. It's a beautiful illustration of the raw nerves that come with love.
by Alethea Kontis

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In Helen Hoang's novels, autism is no bar to love and happiness

In Helen Hoang's novels, autism is no bar to love and happiness

Helen Hoang's romances feature characters on the autism spectrum -- as she herself is; she says she wants to show that autistic people can get their happily-ever-afters just like anyone else.
by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

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An assassin walks into a library

An assassin walks into a library

David Enyeart recommends an assassin-filled thriller from South Korea, which offers a biting portrayal of power and corruption.
by Tracy Mumford

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From family drama to global apocalypse, these two novels keep you riveted

From family drama to global apocalypse, these two novels keep you riveted

Sarah Blake's "The Guest Book" is a multi-generational drama set against a backdrop of war and social upheaval. "The Last," by Hanna Jameson, centers on the survivors of a nuclear holocaust.
by Maureen Corrigan

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For 'Juliet the Maniac,' healing had to come from within

For 'Juliet the Maniac,' healing had to come from within

Juliet Escoria's autobiographical novel is a heartfelt, raw story about surviving mental illness and learning to cope with inner demons. It's not a comfortable read -- but it is a powerful one.
by Gabino Iglesias

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'Lie with Me' captures the wistfulness of first love, and first loss

'Lie with Me' captures the wistfulness of first love, and first loss

Philippe Besson's novel -- ably translated from the French by Molly Ringwald -- chronicles a painful teenaged heartbreak, followed by grown-up ennui. It's a well-worn but very well-told tale.
by Michael Schaub

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What don't you talk about with your mom?

What don't you talk about with your mom?

A book of essays from a diverse, accomplished array of writers reveals the ways our mothers fail us and we fail them -- and poses the question of how much a tough conversation could close those rifts.
by Danielle Kurtzleben

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