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. 

Brash, funny and tender: A new poetry collection for your reading list
Bookseller Danny Caine recommends a poetry collection that offers "a funny and occasionally devastating portrait of life as a first generation Mexican-American."
Liberian novelist combines fact and magic to tell her homeland's creation story
Wayetu Moore fled Liberia's civil war when she was 5. Now she is reconnecting with her homeland through her novel "She Would Be King" published by Twin Cities-based Graywolf Press.
What happens when A.I. takes the wheel?
In his new book, Larry Burns, formerly with General Motors, argues that self-driving, electric cars are inevitable.
The virtual card will give students access to a variety of resources, like e-books, movies, music and research databases. Students will also be able to check out up to five items. And, they won't have to pay late fees.
'The Most Dangerous Branch,' asks whether the Supreme Court has become too powerful
In author David Kaplan's view, the top court has taken an increasing role in policy making, having issued critical decisions on abortion, voting rights, gun control, healthcare — and the president.
Woodward book puts White House back in damage-control mode
The book describes former aides calling President Trump an "idiot" and a "liar," disparaging his judgment and claiming they plucked papers off his desk to prevent him from withdrawing from a pair of trade agreements.
From poverty to rocket scientist to CEO, a Girl Scout's inspiring story
When she was a Brownie, Sylvia Acevedo was inspired to earn her science badge. In her new memoir, the Girl Scouts CEO says this experience led directly to her career at NASA.
'Fashion Climbing' is a lesson in perseverance
Written with more enthusiasm than literary panache, fashion and society photographer Bill Cunningham's memoir, discovered after his death, is a charming ode to being true to oneself.
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.