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.

July 22, 2024 7:48 AM

‘Liars’ is an autopsy of a bitterly disappointing marriage

In her fierce second novel, Sarah Manguso writes a requiem for a failed relationship from the point of view of a survivor, the wife left behind.

by Heller McAlpin

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July 19, 2024 11:38 AM

8 hot new love stories from a stellar lineup of Black authors

Some of the most fabulous romances by Black authors still fly under the radar. So we have recommendations for your summer reading enjoyment.

by Carole V. Bell

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July 19, 2024 11:00 AM

‘Get Out’ meets ‘The Stepford Wives’ in Nicola Yoon’s new thriller

New York Times bestselling author Nicola Yoon’s new novel, “One of our Kind,” is one of the most talked about books of the summer.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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July 19, 2024 9:00 AM

Talking Volumes returns in 2024 for 25th season

MPR News and the Star Tribune proudly present the 25th season of Talking Volumes, hosted by Kerri Miller. Join us at the Fitzgerald Theater for four special events with renowned authors, celebrating our anniversary with a special $25 ticket price for MPR members and Star Tribune subscribers.

by MPR News Staff

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July 18, 2024 9:09 AM

‘This Great Hemisphere’ tackles racism, classism and political power struggles

Mateo Askaripour’s sophomore novel is a sprawling speculative-fiction narrative that delivers a heartwarming story about a young woman learning to navigate the world.

by Gabino Iglesias

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July 13, 2024 8:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘Women of Good Fortune’ by Sophie Wan

Mojade Adejokun of Paper Hearts Bookstore in Little Rock, Ark., recommends the novel "Women of Good Fortune" by Sophie Wan for your next fun summer read.

by Emily Bright

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July 12, 2024 11:00 AM

Rachel Khong’s ‘Real Americans’

One of the hottest novels of the summer, Rachel Khong’s “Real Americans” is about love and expectations, mystery, privilege and dreams.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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July 12, 2024 4:00 AM

In Dakota County, public libraries rethink their role to meet needs beyond books

Minnesota libraries still hold books and host story time, but they’re also trying to meet new public demands for digital titles, remote worker space, Wi-Fi and social services. In Dakota County, officials are remaking their library system in real time.

by Elizabeth Shockman

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July 9, 2024 1:21 PM

A new novel about a ‘sandwich’ generation explores middle age and senior synchronized swimming

St. Paul author Sarah C. Johns’ debut novel features three generations of women with a unique family history, and the stars of the show are in their late 50s and and 70s. And they’re working together to ready a team for a senior synchronized swimming competition.

by Emily Bright