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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. 

'Downton Abbey' creator brings the drama with 'Belgravia'

'Downton Abbey' creator brings the drama with 'Belgravia'

Julian Fellowes' new novel is a twist on the form Charles Dickens made famous: the serial. 'Belgravia,' the story of an ambitious family in 19th century England, will be released in chapters via an app.

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Gothic family drama at 'The Border Of Paradise'

Gothic family drama at 'The Border Of Paradise'

Esme Weijun Wang's novel -- packed with family secrets, betrayals, a decaying house and a dramatic fire -- could have seemed pulpy in lesser hands. But her restrained, beautiful prose makes it work.
by Carmen Maria Machado

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How to make an unlikeable character likeable

How to make an unlikeable character likeable

Genius and addiction clash in Ethan Canin's new novel, "A Doubter's Almanac."
by MPR News Staff

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Unpacking the experience of Korean-American adoptees

Unpacking the experience of Korean-American adoptees

Minnesota has more Korean-American adoptees per capita than any other state. Kim Park Nelson's new book, "Invisible Asians," explores the adult adoptee experience.
by MPR News Staff

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Did someone steal Shakespeare's head?

Did someone steal Shakespeare's head?

In a twist worthy of one of his plays, Shakespeare's cranium may be missing. No word yet on if it's being used as a prop in "Hamlet."
by Tracy Mumford

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Krista Tippett: You don't have to be old to be wise

Krista Tippett: You don't have to be old to be wise

What does it mean to be wise? Krista Tippett, the creator of "On Being," discusses her new book "Becoming Wise."
by MPR News Staff

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Do you have a favorite Shakespeare sonnet?

Do you have a favorite Shakespeare sonnet?

Many people can recite a line or two or twenty from William Shakespeare, but the man himself remains a mystery.
by MPR News Staff

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Make way for celebration: These ducklings are turning 75

Make way for celebration: These ducklings are turning 75

Robert McCloskey was a young artist when he brought a crate of ducks back to his studio apartment. Since then, the plucky Mallard family (Jack, Lack, Mack, et al.) has charmed its way into our hearts.
by Lynn Neary

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'The Holy Bible' makes list of most 'challenged' books

'The Holy Bible' makes list of most 'challenged' books

The challenges show religion is "on the minds of many people," says Deborah Caldwell Stone of the American Library Association. Another reason people objected to books was explicit sexual content.

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