The Thread® - Books and Literary News

The Thread from MPR 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. 

Tickets are now available for our 26th season. Join award-winning journalist and MPR News host Kerri Miller (and special guest host Catharine Richart) as they talk with authors including Stacey Abrams, Patricia Lockwood, Misty Copeland, John Grisham, and Kate Baer. 

A journalist delves deep inside 'Putin Country'
Veteran foreign correspondent Anne Garrels writes about life in Russia, where citizens struggle with a shaky economy and widespread corruption, but seem supportive of their controversial president.
The real lives of the Twelve Apostles
Their names are famous: Peter, Matthew, Thomas, John. But who were the men that became known as the apostles of Jesus? Tom Bissell chases that question in his new book, "Apostle."
The untold stories of black girls
Black girls are suspended from school at six times the rate of white girls. In a new book, "Pushout," author Monique Morris tells their stories.
True love and time travel in 'Patience'
Comic artist Dan Clowes takes a new direction in his latest graphic novel, which starts with a rare moment of happiness for its main characters. Does it last? Spoiler alert: No.
Music appreciation in the age of robot DJs
Mobile technology and music streaming services have given listeners more power than ever over their listening choices. "So what are we going to do with it?" asks music critic Ben Ratliff.
Keys are the key to 'What is Not Yours'
Writer Helen Oyeyemi's new collection features nine stories all linked through the idea of keys that open rooms, doors, even hearts. She says she felt haunted by keys while working on the book.