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.

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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. 

Viola Davis brings a new 'Corduroy' book to bear
Inspired by her daughter, the Emmy, Tony and Oscar-winning actress has written a picture book. "Corduroy Takes a Bow" continues the adventures of a curious teddy bear and his young friend Lisa.
In 'Small Animals,' a mom grapples with parenting in an 'age of fear'
In 2011, Kim Brooks intentionally left her 4-year-old in a car as she ran into a Target. In her new book, she attempts to reckon with the consequences of her decision, and parenting in today's world.
Drag Queen Story Hour sparks protests in conservative towns
Drag Queen Story Hours have been held at libraries or book stores in big cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and the Twin Cities. In some smaller communities, however, the programs have sparked protests from conservative and religious groups.
'Rush': The other Founding Father from Philadelphia named Benjamin
Stephen Fried's biography argues that Benjamin Rush -- a pioneering physician, writer and a signatory to the Declaration of Independence -- belongs on the historical tier of Benjamin Franklin.
'Gross Anatomy' turns humor on taboos about the female body
Author Mara Altman got tired of hiding her hairy, sweaty self from the world, and set out to reframe the shame in her latest book of essays -- part memoir, part scientific exploration, part manifesto.