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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.

As she turns 90, suspense still thrills author Mary Higgins Clark

As she turns 90, suspense still thrills author Mary Higgins Clark

Known as the "queen of suspense," Higgins Clark still publishes two books a year. She says the greatest compliment she gets is when someone tells her, "'I read your darn book till 4 in the morning.'"
by Lynn Neary

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Why teens find the end of the world so appealing

Why teens find the end of the world so appealing

Dystopian novels are all about consequences, choices and gray areas. And psychologists say that plays right into the sweet spot of the developing teenage brain.
by The Associated Press

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In 'Fortress America,' examining how fear crept into American life

In 'Fortress America,' examining how fear crept into American life

Historian Elaine Tyler May says that since the Cold War, fear has crept into American life. Her new book, "Fortress America," examines key events that shaped today's political climate.
by Ray Suarez

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Ursula K. Le Guin's voice rings out in a new nonfiction collection

Ursula K. Le Guin's voice rings out in a new nonfiction collection

Ursula K. Le Guin's mastery of fiction has remained so consistent, it's easy to overlook her accomplishments in other forms -- but her new nonfiction collection goes a long way towards fixing that.
by Jason Heller

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The best fantasy book ever published?

The best fantasy book ever published?

Bookseller Corey Mesler doesn't usually pick up fantasy novels -- but John Crowley's "Little, Big" won him over.
by Tracy Mumford

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The kids are alright: 'Youthquake' is Oxford word of 2017

Oxford Dictionaries is recognizing the power of the millennial generation with its 2017 word of the year: "youthquake." It's defined as "a significant cultural, political, or social change arising from the actions or influence of young people."
by The Associated Press

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