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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.

'Insomnia' is both a celebration and lament of sleeplessness

'Insomnia' is both a celebration and lament of sleeplessness

Marina Benjamin's book is more impressionistic and personal than scientific: Don't look here for an explanation of the chemistry or biology of nocturnal wakefulness.
by Heller McAlpin

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'Sex, Lies and Stardom': Exploitation in Howard Hughes' Hollywood

'Sex, Lies and Stardom': Exploitation in Howard Hughes' Hollywood

Karina Longworth's new book, 'Seduction,' tells the story of 10 women who had sexual relationships with Hughes. 'These things have always happened and they were never talked about publicly,' she says.
by Terry Gross

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'Born to Be Posthumous' brings Edward Gorey's name to his work

'Born to Be Posthumous' brings Edward Gorey's name to his work

Gorey, whose art formed the basis of 'Mystery!' and who was the mind behind 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies,' is undeniably one of the most influential American writers and illustrators of the last century.
by Michael Schaub

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Store sells children's book after 27 years on the shelf, readers worldwide celebrate

Store sells children's book after 27 years on the shelf, readers worldwide celebrate

Broadhursts Bookshop in Southport, England, sold the book about William the Conqueror that had sat on the shelf for decades. The store's tweet about the sale has inspired thousands of replies.

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William Goldman, screenwriter and author of 'Princess Bride,' dies at 87

William Goldman, screenwriter and author of 'Princess Bride,' dies at 87

Goldman had a successful literary career before he turned to Hollywood, where he made an indelible mark -- as the writer of beloved movies as well as a bestselling guide to screenwriting.

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'Death and Other Holidays' is a perfect literary break

'Death and Other Holidays' is a perfect literary break

Marci Vogel's new novella spans a year in the life of April, a young woman blindsided by loss. It's the perfect length for a story, and the perfect balance of humor, anger, sorrow and beauty.
by Lily Meyer

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A history of Minnesota's homegrown department stores

A history of Minnesota's homegrown department stores

In her new book, "Thank You For Shopping,: Kristal Leebrick explores the golden era of Minnesota's department stores and the retail titans who helped shape some of the state's biggest cultural institutions.
by Tim Nelson

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'Toxic' is Oxford Dictionaries' word of 2018

'Toxic' is Oxford Dictionaries' word of 2018

The publisher's research found "the sheer scope of its application" made "toxic" stand out this year.
by Barbara Campbell

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