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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. 

Take a little Hitchcock and a touch of "Gone Girl"

Take a little Hitchcock and a touch of "Gone Girl"

"The Woman in the Window" is one of the rare debut novels to hit number one its first week on the market.
by Lynn Neary

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What does it really take to be a writer?

What does it really take to be a writer?

Bookseller Lacy Simons recommends a novel about a writer who decides the key to her success will be to never have children -- but her plan is challenged.
by Tracy Mumford

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What Minnesota's reading: The most popular library books

What Minnesota's reading: The most popular library books

Minnesota library patrons have a strong affinity for thrillers, but are also catching up on some of the most buzzed-about books of the last few years.
by Tracy Mumford

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A former neo-Nazi explains why hate drew him in -- and how he got out

A former neo-Nazi explains why hate drew him in -- and how he got out

Christian Picciolini spent eight years as a member of a violent, white power skinhead group. He eventually withdrew and co-founded a nonprofit to help extremists disengage.
by Dave Davies

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In 'Heartland,' writer's block can be murder

In 'Heartland,' writer's block can be murder

Ana Simo's brash and unsettling debut novel straddles the line between pulp noir and slapstick; it's the story of a struggling writer who decides that murder is the cure for her decade-long block.
by Juan Vidal

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Kaveh Akbar is poetry's biggest cheerleader

Kaveh Akbar is poetry's biggest cheerleader

Akbar, a poet himself, waves his pom poms for the form at DiveDapper, a site dedicated to in-depth interviews with his favorite poets. He says he wants to live his life "in joyful service" to poetry.
by Jeevika Verma

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When 'The Perfect Nanny' is anything but

When 'The Perfect Nanny' is anything but

Leila Slimani's breakout novel, inspired by true stories of killer caregivers, chronicles the complex relationship between a mother and her babysitter.
by Barrie Hardymon

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'This Could Hurt' is a workplace saga with heart

'This Could Hurt' is a workplace saga with heart

Jillian Medoff has spent years in the corporate world, and she puts that experience to good use in this story of a hard-charging boss whose devoted staff has to cover for her when she starts to slip.
by Heller McAlpin

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Reproductive freedom lies just outside the U.S. border in 'Red Clocks'

Reproductive freedom lies just outside the U.S. border in 'Red Clocks'

Leni Zumas' new novel follows five women in an Oregon town, living in an alternate reality where abortion and IVF are illegal -- a world that Zumas says "could happen next week."

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In a time of wishes, two books for young readers

In a time of wishes, two books for young readers

Bookseller Carla Ketner has two recommendations that explore the power, magic and consequences of wishes.
by Tracy Mumford

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