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.

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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. 

Jeff VanderMeer painted a grotesque picture of climate change. Now he’s back for more
Since publishing “Annihilation” and the subsequent “Southern Reach” novels, VanderMeer has become a poster child for fiction confronting climate change. Now he’s back with a highly anticipated prequel.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Colored Television’ by Danzy Senna
Claire Benedict of Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, Vt., recommends “Colored Television” by Danzy Senna.
Talking Volumes: Kate DiCamillo
When Kate DiCamillo comes to Talking Volumes, you know delight is forthcoming. It was a rousing, thoughtful and hopeful end to the celebratory 25th season.
'Misty of Chincoteague' author life's work lives at University of Minnesota. A new book uncovers her collection
Whether you’re eight or in your eighties, you’re likely familiar with the best-selling children’s book author Marguerite Henry. Her book “Misty of Chincoteague” is one of the most popular children’s books of all time.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Scrap’ by Calla Henkel
Hunter Gillum of Beaverdale Books in Des Moines, Iowa, recommends the mystery/crime novel “Scrap” by Calla Henkel.
Unsung Americans with Minnesota‘s own Sharon McMahon
Sharon McMahon went viral in 2020 when the former government teacher took to Instagram to battle misinformation. Now the Minnesotan is out with a book that combines her passion for history with her belief that everyday people can influence democracy in “The Small and the Mighty.”