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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.

In 'No Turning Back,' the journeys of four Syrians in wartime

In 'No Turning Back,' the journeys of four Syrians in wartime

Journalist Rania Abouzeid has had a front-row view of the Syrian conflict since its beginning. Her new book tracks people through the six chaotic years following the first peaceful protests.
by Renee Montagne

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'Loaded': A look at the complex history of the Second Amendment

'Loaded': A look at the complex history of the Second Amendment

The national conversation around gun control is dominating the news. Bookseller Alyson Jones Turner recommends a title that dives into America's unique historical relationship with firearms.
by Tracy Mumford

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'Children of Blood and Bone' is a feast for hungry readers

'Children of Blood and Bone' is a feast for hungry readers

Tomi Adeyemi's debut novel is a fast-paced hero's quest through a rich, West-African-inspired fantasy world -- and a seamless mix of empowerment and rip-roaring storytelling.
by Caitlyn Paxson

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One final road trip takes a 'Census' of the hurt in the world

One final road trip takes a 'Census' of the hurt in the world

Jesse Ball's latest novel pairs a terminally ill man and his adult son, who has Down syndrome, in a mysterious hunt for information. Also, tattoos -- they give out a lot of tattoos.
by Don Gonyea

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12 must-reads during Women's History Month

12 must-reads during Women's History Month

These books have inspired some of your favorite Minnesota female authors.
by Nancy Yang

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Despite a sad setup, 'House Of Broken Angels' hums with joy

Despite a sad setup, 'House Of Broken Angels' hums with joy

Luis Alberto Urrea's latest, based loosely on his own brother's death, follows the members of a vibrant Mexican-American family as they deal with grief and impending death -- but also celebrate life.
by Lily Meyer

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Stirring, engrossing 'Woman's Hour' recounts the battle for suffrage

Stirring, engrossing 'Woman's Hour' recounts the battle for suffrage

Elaine Weiss's new book reminds us how close of a call women's suffrage was. It all rode on one yes vote in the Tennessee legislature, cast by a man who changed his mind after pressure from his mother.
by Jean Zimmerman

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'It just felt very wrong:' Sherman Alexie's accusers go on the record

'It just felt very wrong:' Sherman Alexie's accusers go on the record

Author Sherman Alexie issued a statement in his own defense last week after allegations of sexual harassment began to circulate online. Now, several of the women accusing him are speaking to NPR.
by Lynn Neary

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A sister shares 'Horrible and Wonderful' memories of her brother's life and death

A sister shares 'Horrible and Wonderful' memories of her brother's life and death

Comedy writer and TV producer Harris Wittels died of an overdose in 2015; a new book by his sister Stephanie Wittels Wachs came from her desperate need to talk to him, even yell at him after he died.

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