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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.

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. 

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. 

What would Eleanor do? 'If You Ask Me' revisits Roosevelt's advice columns

What would Eleanor do? 'If You Ask Me' revisits Roosevelt's advice columns

For 20 years, Roosevelt answered reader questions on topics monumental, mundane and everywhere in between. A new book presents a selection of her essential advice and practical wisdom.
by Maureen Corrigan

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'Heavy' brilliantly renders the struggle to become fully realized

'Heavy' brilliantly renders the struggle to become fully realized

The book is at once a paean to the Deep South, a condemnation of our fat-averse culture, and a beautiful memoir of being black, bookish, and part of a family that's as challenging as it is grounding.
by Martha Anne Toll

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'Vietnam' takes on all sides with a critical gaze

'Vietnam' takes on all sides with a critical gaze

While historian Max Hastings may break no new ground in his tome, it's how he crafts his story with color, detail and pathos that makes it great -- and likely to become the standard on the war.
by Tom Bowman

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'Brief Answers to the Big Questions' is Stephen Hawking's parting gift to humanity

'Brief Answers to the Big Questions' is Stephen Hawking's parting gift to humanity

The physicist's posthumous book highlights his belief in the rationality of nature and in our ability to uncover its secrets -- and a faith in science's ability to solve humanity's biggest problems.
by Marcelo Gleiser

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'Hey, Kiddo' aims to help kids with addicted parents feel less alone

'Hey, Kiddo' aims to help kids with addicted parents feel less alone

Jarrett J. Krosoczka was raised by his grandparents. The author and illustrator says he got a lot of practice telling stories as a kid, "making up excuses for where my biological parents were."
by Terry Gross

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Phoebe Robinson: There's no excuse for the lack of diversity in comedy

Phoebe Robinson: There's no excuse for the lack of diversity in comedy

"There are so many talented, amazing people and if you're not booking them, it's either out of laziness or the fact you really don't care," says the co-host of the 2 Dope Queens podcast.
by Terry Gross

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'Washington Black' is a soaring tale of enslavement and escape

'Washington Black' is a soaring tale of enslavement and escape

Esi Edugyan's new novel centers on a boy who escapes slavery via hot air balloon -- before crashing down to hard historical realities. Critic Maureen Corrigan calls Washington Black "a wonder."
by Maureen Corrigan

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In 'Them,' Sen. Sasse aims to find ways to move America beyond divisive politics

In 'Them,' Sen. Sasse aims to find ways to move America beyond divisive politics

'Them' doesn't read like a campaign book -- there's no humble-bragging about accomplishments. Sasse instead focuses on building relationships, but doesn't go deep enough or propose tangible solutions.
by Michael Schaub

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